Recipe: 20-minute Whole Wheat Rolls

I have a weakness for fresh bread. So when my guy found a way to make these crispy, hearty rolls in under half an hour, I was sold. They contain just five simple ingredients, and are 100% vegan. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.



Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, and salt).
3.  Add in wet ingredients and mix until doughy (slightly sticky, with no visible flour).
4. Form into rolls.
5. Bake at 350 for 18 minutes, or until a crispy crust is formed.

Tips:

• Makes about 8 small rolls, or 4 large rolls.
• The texture is more dense than dinner rolls, so I'd put them somewhere between a roll and a biscuit.
• Great with jam or other toppings.

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Recipe: Healthy Vegan Chocolate Shake

I love a good vegan milkshake as much as the next person, but they are too indulgent for me to eat every day. So what's the next best thing? A healthier version, made with bananas instead of ice cream. It's so good, your friends and family will think it's the real deal. Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.



Ingredients:

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 1/4 cups almond milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Generous dash of salt (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegan mini chocolate chips (optional; such as Enjoy Life mini chips)
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder (optional; unflavored options such as SunWarrior Natural Brown Rice Protein recommended) 

Directions:

• Blend until creamy.

Tips:

• Makes about 2 servings.
• Add more milk if too thick, in about 2 tbsp increments.
• The bananas must be frozen for this to have the proper consistency. Peel them before freezing, and ideally cut them into about 4 chunks each for easier blending. 
• Tastes better and more like a milkshake when sipped through a straw. I recommend these glass straws, which are durable and eco-friendly. Just be sure to grind up the chocolate chips well, if using, so they don't get stuck.
•  If you're looking for a blender, I had a KitchenAid model similar to this for a few years. If you're a smoothie enthusiast, I've had good results with my refurbished Vitamix.

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Review: Austin's Counter Culture

When you live in a city like Austin, it can be easy to get stuck in a routine. You go to the same stores, buy the same groceries, and eat at the same restaurants. This year, I set out to shake up my routine and explore some of Austin's vegan options - much like I do when I travel. After all, Austin has a great vegetarian restaurant scene - as long as you know where to look.

One of the first restaurants on my list was Counter Culture. The restaurant had its humble beginnings as a food truck, and got its own brick-and-mortar location with the help of a kickstarter campaign back in 2012. I'd been meaning to try it for quite some time, so when I was downtown  for an event recently, I decided to take a chance. And boy, am I glad I did.

Pros:

• Tasty yet moderately healthy vegan comfort food
• Many gluten-free and soy-free options
• Environmentally responsible
• Fun vintage decor
• Use organic, fair trade, and locally-sourced foods when possible
• Reasonable prices
  

Review: Nature's Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo and Conditioner

When you pay hundreds for your hair color, it's a shame to watch it fade in a matter of days. That's why color-safe hair products were developed. It may seem easy just to buy what your stylist recommends, but if you're looking for something vegan or just something more affordable, check out your local health food store. Nature's Gate offers one option for vegans: the Pomegranate Sunflower Shampoo and Conditioner.

Pros:

• Textures similar to conventional products
• Affordable
• Retail availability
• Nourishing for color-treated hair
• Fragrances are phthalate-free

Review: Jane Iredale Jelly Jar Eyeliner

When it comes to winged eyeliner, I love a great gel formula. Typically applied with a brush, gels are usually creamy and provide a great wash of color. I recently tried out a version from Jane Iredale, the Jelly Jar Eyeliner.

Pros:

• Smooth, creamy application
• Great for winged looks
• Available in multiple shades
• Some retail availability
• Gentle formula
  

Article: Common Eyeliner Problems and Solutions

Image: 22Lauren via Flickr and Creative Commons 2.0

Of all the cosmetics I've used, few will dramatically change your look the way eyeliner can. Which is why it's so important to get it right. There's a lot of room for play, but I've found that those who hate eyeliner typically have similar complaints. Read on to find out how you can address these problems and learn to love your liners.

Review: E.L.F. Essential Flawless Eyeshadow

Sea Escape Palette

Many drugstore brands are tested on animals, but did you know that there are a few cruelty-free budget brands? One of these is Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.), which is sold at stores such as Walgreen's and Target. While I usually stick to their mineral line, I decided to test out the E.L.F. Essential Flawless Eyeshadow to test out brighter pressed vegan shades, which can be hard to find in many natural lines.

Pros:

• Available in brighter shades
• Very affordable ($2)
• No parabens
• Colors can be worn together or alone
• Vegan and cruelty-free