In September, I embarked on the thirty-day vegan challenge. I honestly wasn't sure where I was going with this and how long it was going to last for. You may be asking why would you go on a vegan challenge. My response is why not! If you know me, I am on the whim type of person. I became a pescatarian a couple of years ago. It first started off with me stop drinking soda, which then led to me stop eating red meat and then I stopped eating poultry.  Oh, what a journey it has been.
I noticed over the last couple of years my body has been rejecting dairy. And I one of those people who felt that they could not go vegan for because of their obsession with dairy products.  Give up ice cream and pizza? Ummm, No!

It doesn't help that I feel that I don't live in a very vegan-friendly state...
I started my journey in mid-September and boy it hasn't been easy.  I really never noticed how many products that I was eating were non-dairy. Even cereals! My thirty days was pushed back my first full week due to not eating a non-vegan item.
I noticed that so many places just don't cater to vegans. Even veggie burgers are sometimes made with egg in it. Which at times during this journey and taught me patience. It taught me to be creative as well.

It also taught me to continue to look at challenges as opportunities. I had no idea how creative I would become when it came to creating meals for myself. I was already making vegan recipes. However, I defiantly took it up a notch!
The question I get asked most is will I continue to live a vegan lifestyle? I honestly can't say yes or no. I'm honestly just enjoying the journey. Below I'm sharing a couple of tips on what has helped me along this journey.

What has helped me...

• Read restaurant menus prior to visiting
• Confirm with server that the meal is actually vegan
• Read labels
• Always carry your own snacks with you
• Create a meal plan

Menu Plan 

Recipes Mentioned 

Growing up my great-grandmother would make this super moist and yummy coconut bake. It was a basic yellow cake layered with vanilla frosting and with coconut shavings all over it. It was amazing! It was a recipe she was known for making along with her peach cobbler and I always looked forward to every time she would make it. As I've gotten older I would make the recipe at home. However, nothing comes close to grandmas.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner. I'm already thinking about the meals that I will create and what my menu will be. This year my sister is hosting Thanksgiving at her home. However, the Mister and I are doing a lot of the cooking.
I love recipes that I can have on hand and make on a whim. There's something about looking like a hero in the kitchen when you spent very little time making the dish. I love my family, however, I don't want to spend all day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving. Every year I incorporate a new dessert to our dessert menu. For the last couple of years I've made Millionaire pie, and of course, we can't forget about old fateful. Sweet potato pie, Red Velvet cake, and Upside Down Pineapple Cake.
My family loved this cake. The Mister had two slices and he's not even a dessert type of guy. I love that didn't have to clean twenty dishes behind making this recipe.

Recipe

Ingredients 

1 cup All Purpose Flour
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tbsp baking powder

Frosting

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup coconut milk
Unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Grease and flour bundt pan
3. add all ingredients except for the flour and baking powder and blend for two minutes
4. add the flour and blend for 30 seconds
5. Add baking powder and pulse until combined
6. Bake for 30 minutes
7. While in the oven mix the coconut milk and the condensed milk in a bowl and set aside
8. Pour milk mixture over the hot cake and sprinkle the coconut flakes over it
9. Serve room temp and Enjoy!

I recently flew United Airlines Basic Economy and wanted to share my experience. I honestly searched high and low for blog posts and I found very few that share their experience flying United airlines basic economy. A couple of forums. However, no blog post.

Getting There

My flight was a red eye which I prefer. However, that meant that instead of waiting for TSA to open or just getting to the airport and going straight through security I had to wait for United Check-in counters to open and once they were open. A clerk to approve my personal item. This was my first time experiencing this. I would always check-in online and never had to worry about checking in. I was super early for my flight so I didn't have to worry about being late getting to my gate. I will say that if you have one of the first flights and you plan on running late or just getting there in enough time. Don't! I also noticed that United Airlines had a separate area check-in for Basic Economy. Which I didn't notice prior to my arrival. 

Also, when boarding the flight you are in the last boarding group which I didn't mind. You will be reminded at that time again that you have to have a small personal item.

Small Personal Item

I felt this was really vague on the website. United provides dimensions of the bag. However, I don't believe any store sells an under seat bag at that dimension. I ended up calling United Airlines to confirm and they stated that the total inches are 36. The flight that I was on returning. I noticed that if you're in an aisle seat that the under the seat storage area is a little smaller.

Seating

I was pleasantly surprised with my seating. I knew prior to boarding what my seating was. Going I had a window seat and flying back I had an aisle seat. I know this is not going to be the case with all flights and I booked my flight a couple of weeks prior. Maybe two

Overall

I honestly would fly United Basic Economy again. I am trying to get out of the habit of traveling with so much luggage. I didn't feel that I was treated differently than any of the other passengers and I was actually surprised that a lot of people fly Basic Economy.

Have you ever flown Basic Economy?

I recently visited the Observation Deck in New York. You see when I was elementary school my schools would always go on trips like I this for 5th & 6th graders or 7th & 8th graders. I wasn't able to go on those trips and honestly all the times I visited New York as an adult it never crossed my mind to visit until this one day. The weather was perfect in New York. I was able to walk to the observation deck from my hotel and the Journey was so nice. I did feel bad that Michael wasn't along for me on this journey. Since I was in New York solo. However, looking at the city at night was a wonderful experience. The location was super crowded. Which is to be expected seeing how we're talking about New York. Below are a couple of pictures from my amazing adventure.

Tips

• Be patient the lines will belong to purchase your tickets. 
• Take the stairs there's always room
• Be patient with actually seeing a view.
• Wear comfortable shoes ( I know this might be a given for some) 

Pictures 

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend! My weekend was pretty awesome. This past weekend was Parents Day at our daughter school and she also had a rugby game which this is her first year playing and she's pretty awesome at it. The scenery near her school is so relaxing. Lots of trees and lots of fresh air. We spent the entire afternoon with her which was really nice because we miss her so much.
Today wanted to share with you guys what I wore to the Moms Meet WOW Summit. I know when I'm attending blogger events it's like“"OMG, what should I wear” I try to always be as comfortable as possible and I also try to not bring any clothing that's too heavy especially if I'm taking a flight.

Anywho, how was your weekend? 

What I Wore

First Day

Cocktail Party 

Second Day 

As you guys know by now. I'm a bread enthusiast. I love all types of bread. I love making bread and naturally, I would love recipes that require bread. While heading back home from the WOWSummit. I thought of the idea of actually making vegan french toast. I knew that it couldn't be so hard.  I know that I use ground hemp seed as an egg replacement when baking and that I could use coconut milk as my liquid base. and Tada! I would have homemade vegan french toast. Well, I'm happy to report to you that's exactly how the recipe turned out and was created. It didn't happen when I exactly wanted it. Let's just face it. Coming home the airport at 4:00 am and making breakfast sounded like a great idea but I was exhausted.
I knew when I woke. The first thing that I was going to make was the french toast. I had all of the ingredients on hand and ended up making the french toast for dinner that night. Because I'm an adult and adults can do that, ha! Plus, I'm one of those people that like to have ice cream for breakfast or dessert before dinner. Yes, I know. Such a rule breaker, LOL. I loved how this recipe turned out. I even sprinkled cinnamon over the french toast prior to adding my warm maple syrup on it... oh, you don't warm your maple syrup? You're not LIVING!
Anywho, this recipe is yummy! I had it three days in a row for breakfast and I'm thinking about having it for dinner tonight. Yes, it's that good!!. Also, I sliced my bread in half because I'm cool like that! Well, it actually gives the illusion that you're eating more when it's stacked. Thank me later!

French Toast Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 heaping Tbsp ground hempseed
• 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup 
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk 
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions 

1. 4-5 slices bread (I used frozen sliced Panera Wholegrain bread sold at Bj's)
2. Mix all ingredients except the bread in a large bowl. (large enough to flip the bread in) Place in the fridge to activate for 20 minutes.
3. Preheat nonstick griddle to medium heat and grease with 1 Tbsp of coconut oil.
4. Dip each slice of bread in the batter for about 20 seconds on each side. 
5. Place on griddle and cook until golden brown on the underside. Carefully flip and cook until the other side is golden brown as well - 3-4 minutes.
6. Top with maple syrup or desired toppings

If you follow me on social media. I attended the 5th Annual WOW Summit in Chicago for the first time ever. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this event. To be honest with you. All blogger events are completely different. I never go into an event thinking that it's going to be like any other event that I've attended.

Attention to Detail

I was really surprised with the attention to detail with this Summit. From the quality of the event programs to the little details of the event like having umbrellas ready for attendees and even having a luggage area for attendees as well. This might be something that's simple or small to others. However, to me, it means that the organizers care and listen to feedback from attendees. I think this the first blogger event that I've attended that has had a luggage area. This was perfect for me because I had to be checked out of my hotel room by 11 am and the event wasn't over until 5 or 6 pm.

Workshops

I loved all of the workshops in which I attended. I learned so much and felt that I was given so much valuable information. I love that I was actually able to learn something new and attend a workshop. I've been to events in the past where the room was beyond packed. Which is cool. However, it's was nice to be in a small setting. It feels as if my voice was heard.

Speakers

I really enjoyed all of the speakers at this summit. I felt as if they were engaged and I really carried about what they were saying. So many times during the day I went from laughing to wanting to cry. That's good the speakers were. They had my attention and I loved every moment of them being on stage. Becuase let's be honest. There are times when we attend events and were looking at the time. Not the case with the WOW Summit.

Location

The WOWSummit was held at the Eaglewood resort. I gave my review on the resort here. It really felt as if I was on a retreat, to be honest with you. The hotel had amazing views, a spa, pool fire pit golf course. You name it, they had it! The location was perfect! It was so relaxing and the hotel wasn't super busy. The Moms Meet team really did an amazing job with this venue.

Overall

I would attend any event hosted by the MomsMeet team. This is not an event that I heard about through word of mouth or one of those must-attend events. I so happy that I made the choice to attend the WOWSummit. It was such an amazing experience. I met so many wonderful people from all walks of life. I met so many other bloggers and moms from the east coast and all over. I met women who attend every year. I get it! I see why they really put on an amazing event.

I recently stayed at the Eaglewood resort and as always like to share my experience. I'm always looking for new places to check out and I've learned that it's just a lot easier when you can get the perspective of real people. That's why I love sharing my review with my readers.

Lobby

The lobby of the hotel defiantly has that cabin feel which I truly loved. The ceilings are really high which really gives that luxurious feeling. I love that the lobby of the hotel is really large and his beautiful scenery.

Location

This hotel is about 20 miles from the O'Hare airport. This hotel is not located on the main road or when waking distance to shops. It defiantly has the Resort/Spa feel to it.

Amenities 

I love that this hotel sits on a golf course. This hotel also has an onsite gym, outside swimming pool and hot tub. I also love that this resort has an onsite spa. This hotel has several restaurants, stores and bars onsite as well.

Staff

The staff was really nice. Everyone went out of there way to make sure I had everything that I needed. The staff was also really friendly everyone would say hello which was super sweet.

Room

I must say this-this hotels room was a really great size. I was really pleased that my room also included a balcony that was the length of my window, how cool is that? The room was updated and was a great size. The decor was modern with a touch a country. The beds were also really comfortable as well.I also love that I didn't hear anyone in the rooms next to me which really made my stay relaxing.

Scenery 

This resort had the most amazing views. Picture perfect for a wedding. From decks overlooking the amazing golf course to the beautiful fire pit that's perfect to enjoy any time of the day. Especially at night.

Overall

I would stay at this resort again. The grounds are well kept. The staff was really nice and the rooms are clean. This hotel is perfect for a family vacation or even if you need some "me time".

Happy Monday Menu Plan Monday!

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend. My weekend was pretty busy. This past weekend I attended my first MomsMeet WOW Summit in Chicago. Looking forward to doing a post on my experience. This past week was also a bye week for football with Michael which was a nice little break since I was heading out of state. This week I plan to keep our menu plan pretty simple. Below I'll be sharing the recipes I plan on recreating. 

Menu Plan 

Monday: Baked Chicken w/ yellow rice and veggies
Tuesday: Salisbury Steak w/ potatoes and veggies
Wednesday: Fried Fish w/ rice and veggies
Thursday: The Best Chicken Legs Ever w/ Velveeta shells  & cheese and veggies
Friday: Buffalo wings  & Pizza
Saturday: Every Man for Themselves
Sunday: The Mister

Hello, everyone, if you're new to this series I recently went on a healthy eating and weight loss journey in March of this year. You can learn all about my journey here. I've lost over 40 lbs so far. Which was not my original goal and I'm more in the maintaining and muscle gaining stages now.
Lately, I've learned that I've had to learn how to deal with the opinions of others. It's funny because my immediate family never say anything. However, everyone else has something to say which is honestly doing more harm than good.
I guess people fail to realize that I don't owe them any explanation and I'm not open to their opinions. Which people give a lot.
Now that it officially fall. I plan on switching up my routine a little. Prior to my metabolism slowing down. I never had any issues losing weight during the summer months. The last couple of years I've owned a workout machine which like most people I barely used it. Well, this summer we had to get rid of it which I'm a little nervous about now.
I don't own a gym membership because I'm just not the gym membership type of girl. I've had one for years in the past and would never go. Since to starting to get super cold in October and I don't look like the cold. I have to do better about going for my daily walks and figuring out a routine for the fall and winter months.
Since the official start of winter isn't into mid-December if plan on finding an In-home workout routine that will give me enough steps ( I try to do 10k a day).

I still plan on tracking my steps and food which has been really helpful for me.
In the past, I've really struggled in the winter time with maintaining my weight. I would gain at least ten pounds each winter due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise and during the warmer months, I would pretty much loose whatever weight I gained that past winter.

Fall Goals

• Maintain weight ( not lose any more weight) 
• Build muscle 
• Create a workout routine
• 10k daily steps 
• Create weekly meal plan for myself

Do you have any fall fitness or weight loss goals? 

Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup oats flour (homemade)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 
2. Sift together flour, sugar, cinnamon baking powder and salt in mixing bowl. Add almond milk and applesauce Stir just until the dough comes together.
3. Using small cookie scoop, drop the batter into the muffin pan
4. Bake for 12-15 or until toothpick comes up clean
5. Best served warm.

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Today I’m sharing a few travel tips. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a travel newbie. I hope you can learn something from this post. If you have any travel tips that are not mentioned. Please feel free to share them in the comment section.

Pens

I know that this might sound simple enough. However, carry a pen with you especially when traveling out of the country by plane because you need them to fill out your customs form. Also, don’t just carry one pen. Carry a couple of pens just in case your pen stops working. Yes, most people are pretty nice about allowing you to use their pen. However, I would prefer to be the person allowing someone to borrow my pen.

Water Bottle

Okay, so we all know that you can’t bring water in the airport and typically most people fill their water bottles after passing security. Now, it's also smart to carry a water bottle to fill up during your stary. A lot of times it cheaper to purchase a gallon of water versus a bottled water.Carry your water bottle just in case for those basic needs. The last time I traveled. I purchased something for my son to drink the night before and I was able to fill his water bottle the next day instead of wasting what I purchased. This allowed him to have something to drink throughout the day.

Power Bank

I love my power bank and I actually own two. This is one of the power banks that I own. The other one I received free at Blogger from Media.net. My larger battery pack was a total lifesaver during my travels to Europe. I would charge it every night prior to going to bed and out of the four bars, it would only use one throughout the day. My phone battery typically goes died within a couple of hours if you’re wondering how long my battery typically last for. I’m also able to help someone if their battery is dead. Especially having teens. Three of our phones can charge at the same time. Invest in a good battery pack and thank me later.

Microwaveable containers 

During my last travels, we stayed at an Airbnb. I honestly don’t like using others peoples dish wear. If you're wondering “well, it’s the same as eating out” I don’t like eating out either. I noticed that most places/ hotels come with a fridge and/or a microwave and sometimes if you have leftovers from a restaurant it’s not microwave safe which really sucks if you have no way of warming it up. These containers also come in handy if you want to make yourself a salad or meal to eat on the go. You don’t have to worry about using what your Airbnb has. I also noticed that some of the shops in tourist areas run out of throwaway dinner wear very fast (paper, cups, plates etc). During my last travels, I was at a store that ran out which can really suck when you have to visit several stores looking for some. I would also suggest storing your spices, teas, and coffees in these containers for optimal space in your luggage.

Power Cord/Strip

If you're staying at an Airbnb, hotel or even taking a cruise. A power strip and small power cord really do come in handy if you're staying somewhere that has very little outlets. I know cruises are notorious for only having one outlet. Which may not be all that bad until you need to charge your phone, battery pack, camera, and computer. You can find lightweight travel power strips and at pretty much anywhere. Plus, the power cord comes in handy when your power outlets are nowhere near you and you need your phone charged as an alarm in the morning. Trust me, having to choose from a charged phone and or an alarm isn’t fun especially when you have to catch a flight the next morning.

I know some of you may be reading this post and can totally relate to not having some of these items on hand. It’s not fun! I’ve been in your position and trust me my travel must-haves often changed based on where I’m traveling to and what will be accessible to me. I what love to hear from you.

Do you have any travel must-haves that most people forget to bring?