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16 Sustainable Swaps

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A collection of my favorite sustainable swaps to inspire small intentional changes that are better for you and the planet. Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day feels a little like Valentine’s Day– like, shouldn’t *every* day be Earth Day?

Still, I wanted to share something for the occasion. 

I’m the first to admit that I’ve made many decisions out of convenience and habit rather than a conscious commitment to the betterment of the planet.

Having M around has made me even more conscious of my choices. 

He’s always the first to grab a silicone bag instead of plastic, eat the sad-looking vegetables in the fridge, or open a window instead of turning on the AC. 

Earth Day can feel a bit overwhelming to me; anyone else? 

It’s annual check in where I’m reminded of the size of my personal carbon footprint. 

But instead of shaming ourselves for everything we *aren’t* doing, let’s focus on the little changes we *are* doing and the positive impact they promote. 

In this post I’m sharing the small sustainable swaps that I’m currently loving. 

Check them out and see if they might fit into your lifestyle and bring you joy, too. 

Happy Earth Day!

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50+ Vegan & Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes

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50+ vegan and gluten-free recipes that will bring some cheer this holiday season!  Mix and match to create the perfect festive spread.

Butternut Squash Pie with Almond Flour Crust by Flora & Vino

Hello, friends! 

I honestly can’t believe that Thanksgiving is in less than one week. 

But my wallet can, because I just placed a giant Whole Foods order for pick up tomorrow.

For the past few weeks I’ve been sharing holiday recipe inspiration on Instagram. 

Thanksgiving sides, cozy plant-based mains, and festive desserts. 

It might make you laugh that when it comes to planning my holiday menu, I use my own website as inspiration.

I fat finer key words like “holiday” and “thanksgiving” into the search box on Flora & Vino to see what I made in years past. 

Then I eagerly point at the lead image to M, saying, “Ooooh, but we have to have this.”

During my search hassle, it occurred to me that it would be nice and convenient to have all of my holiday recipes in one place. 

For you, dear friend, of course, but also, selfishly, for myself! 

In this 50+ Vegan and Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes you’ll find plenty of plant-based inspiration for your holiday!

This is a concise list of holiday recipes, covering entrees, appetizers, snacks, sides, drinks, and desserts.

Let’s have a holiday. 

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SunButter Sugar Cookies

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3-ingredient “sugar” cookies made gluten and grain-free with SunButter! Finish them with red and green sprinkles for a festive treat. 

SunButter Sugar Cookies by Flora & Vino

Have you started decorating for the holidays yet? 

I usually have a hard and fast rule of taking things one holiday at a time. 

Which means I’m still hard at work on my Thanksgiving menu, thank you very much. 

But many of my friends have told me they’ve already got their Christmas trees out and ready to rock around. 

Which I support 100% , especially this year. 

With much of the world spending more time at home than ever before, why not making it as cozy and Christmas-y for as long as possible? 

Even though I haven’t started decorating or gift-giving yet, I did get my annual snowman Christmas cards in the mail. 

If you’ve been following me a while you might know that Christmas cards are my thing. 

I tried to explain my tradition to M, recently, who laughed and shook his head. 

Yes, I’ve been writing snowman Christmas cards since I was 16 and yes I will continue to do so forever and ever. 

Because there’s something about the joy of gifting and receiving snail mail that nothing else can come close to trumping. 

Except, maybe, baking Christmas cookies. 

I have a really simple, healthy, and deliciously festive cookie to share with you today that’s totally grain-free, refined-sugar-free, and oil-free. 

You can make these SunButter Sugar Cookies with just 3-ingredients for a festive holiday treat! 

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Root Vegetable Mash

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Mix up your mashed potatoes with this oil-free root vegetable mash with root veggies, tahini, and a garlic herb seasoning. Perfect for a holiday side!       

Root Vegetable Mash by Flora & Vino

Soooo have you played Among Us yet?

I first played this murder mystery game + aliens a few weeks back with friends from high school. 

I traced my finger around the space map, frantically tap tap tapping on doors and tasks without any idea how to kill or sabotage. 

Well, I’m not much better now, either. 

Last night I played virtually with a big group- friends, family, and friends of friends. 

I made my first kill as the imposter quickly and easily…and then proceeded to self report the death without realizing I self reported. 

So I got caught pretty fast as I stumbled to fabricate a story on the spot. 

Doh. 

I probably should have said that my alibi was smashing root veggies for this post, eh? 

In other news, Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, and I have a delicious and beautiful holiday plant-based sides for you. 

This unique Root Vegetable Mash is entirely oil-free and packed with my favorite colorful root vegetables.

You’re going to love the mix of root veggies smashed and seasoned with an easy garlic herb tahini twist. 

It’s absolutely smashing! 

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75+ Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry-Friendly Recipes

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75+ vegan and gluten-free recipes made with plant-based ingredients from your pantry and freezer. Check below for substitution exchanges for fresh foods.

Hi guys, how are you doing?

How are you *really* doing?

Like I know most of us are, I’m literally taking it day by day, slowly navigating this new normal that we didn’t choose.

I’m trying to see blips of beauty amongst all of the hard stuff going on in the world right now.

For example, it’s been amazing to watch my online and local communities tackle the isolation with words of encouragement, free online services, and a little humor.

I’ve got to say that in some ways I feel more connected than ever despite social distancing.

Anyway, I asked on Instagram what kind of content you’d like to see as we get cozy and stay home.

Many of you requested pantry and freezer- friendly recipes and I’m right there with you.

I’m planning on keeping my pantry and freezer well-stocked during this time to minimize shopping trips and maximize my menu!

You’ll find a large selection of 75+ Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry-Friendly Recipes that are easily made with pantry-staples and frozen foods.

I’m working to add to this collection with brand NEW content in the coming weeks.

If you’re looking for for a concise list of my favorite essentials, check out My Top Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry Staples to get started.

More time at home allows us more opportunities to get creative in the kitchen and flex our minimalism muscles.

Let’s take on those dusty cans and frozen peas together, OK?

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My Top Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Pantry Staples

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Here are my go-to plant-based staples I always have in my pantry, fridge, and freezer with my favorite brand recommendations! Happy grocery shopping!

Lauren Flora & Vino

Hi, friends!

This is a post I’ve been meaning to share for a while now, so what better time than the present, when we’re all taking stock of our pantry and freezer storage?

Below, you can find my top plant-based & gluten-free pantry staples.

I sorted them into some makeshift categories to make them a little easier and more approachable.

You won’t find fresh fruits and vegetables in this listing, because I find what I buy depends on seasonality and availability as well as what recipes I’m creating!

However, this is a concise list of all of the items I try to always keep in stock that serve as the building blocks to great vegan and gluten-free plant-based meals.

I’ve also listed below many of my favorite brands to give you some guidelines, but feel free to explore what’s out there and pick your own favorites!

If you have any questions about the products, the brands, where to find them, or how to use them, please let me know!

If this post is helpful to you, please share it with a friend or anyone who is looking for inspiration for vegan and gluten-free options.

Stay healthy and well!

XOXO, Lauren

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Bob’s Red Mill Granola: At Walmart!

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Next time you’re cereal shopping, grab three flavors of Bob’s Red Mill Pan-Baked Granola now available in stores or online at Walmart! 

Serious question.

Are you a one store one stop shop kind of a shopper or a multiple stores for all of your favorites kind of a shopper?

For me, I’m definitely the latter.

For example, this past weekend I went to three different grocery stores to stock up on produce, non-perishables, and my favorite bath and body products.

So you bet I’ll be hitting up my local Walmart to stock up on three flavors of Bob’s Red Mill Granola!

You might not have a Whole Foods or a Mom’s Organic Market or a Sprouts (all of the stores you can usually find me loitering on the granola aisle), but I bet you have a Walmart near you.

Check out the cereal aisle at Walmart to find Bob’s Red Mill Maple Sea Salt, Lemon Blueberry, and Coconut Spice granola that is vegan, gluten-free free, and refined sugar free!

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Vegan & Gluten-Free Yogurt Granola Cups

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Easy vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free baked granola cups served with plant-based yogurt and fresh berries! Perfect for an easy meal-prep breakfast. 

Vegan Yogurt Granola Cups by Flora & Vino

Who were you when you were young?

Growing up, I was always the cute one, the nice one, the girl next door.

I was the girl that you could count on showing up to your house with homemade cookies and three different movie options to match your mood.

Coincidentally, it wasn’t until my mid-20’s that I realized that much of my grown-up woman identity was precariously built on this idea of being that sweet little girl.

It’s funny– I didn’t like it then–I always wanted to be a little more unpredictable with sharper edges.

When you read this post it’ll probably be my birthday–and guys; I’m not 17 anymore.

But you know what is still super cute, little, and sweet?

These Vegan Yogurt Granola Cups.

You only need 6-ingredients to make the granola cups and 2-ingredients to fill them!

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Lemon Poppyseed Muffins with Coconut Butter Glaze

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Easy 1-bowl lemon poppy seed muffins with a 2-ingredient coconut butter glaze. Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and naturally sweet.

It’s March!

Let’s make all things bright, citrus, and sweet.

That means lovin’ on lemons.

Lemon.

One of the regulars that carries over from grocery list to grocery list in my sprawling cursive, a staple in my kitchen.

I love them bowled on the granite counter, bright smiley face yellow, as if ready to be captured in a still life painting.

I love muddling a wedge into water when water is the last thing you want to drink.

I love to big squeeze 1/2 of one all over my vegetables with runny tahini for the quickest (and best) DIY dressing.

I also really love them in these Lemon Poppyseed Muffins with Coconut Butter Glaze.

These 1-bowl muffins are perfect to ring in spring with refreshing citrus and creamy coconut butter.

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Everyday Carrot Lentil Soup

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Easy carrot lentil soup teeming with vegetables and garnished with fresh green onion. Perfect for an every day fall, winter, or spring one-pot soup.

Everyday Carrot Lentil Soup by Flora & Vino

Recently on Instagram, I asked what one food you could eat for a week and not get sick of.

The most common answer…was soup!

Soup people, you’re my people.

I’ve always been a soup lover, way back to childhood when my parents gave us big bowls of lentil soup on busy weekend days packed with activities.

I imagined my spoon to be a tiny raft, corralling tender lentils and the occasional carrot and celery chunk to their delicious demise.

Recently, I recreated my favorite with lots of leftover vegetables in my fridge.

This Everyday Carrot Lentil Soup is flavorful and filling, with an easy recipe you can make in 30 minutes in one pot.

Grab a bowl and a spoon and let’s get to herding legumes and veg.

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