a veg life

(posted by Emily)  **Disclaimer: I am in no way an expert wine and spirits writer. The information we are sharing today is solely based on our new-found appreciation for a good drink, following a month spent in Europe last summer!** If you want to check out my favorite expert on the subject, visit Kelly's gorgeous website --an amazing woman, and so incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about all things wine, spirits, and gourmet! So, there are many things to love about a European vacation. The sights, the smells, the food. Our particular favorite? The embrace of a good cocktail as a part of the daily routine.  To share our love of the cocktail with you, we're rounding up ten of our favorites with this latest top ten list. Salud!  Top Ten: Cocktails we love! 1) Pimms - Most of you know our time in London has firmly cemented Pimms into our regular repertoire of most-enjoyed drinks. However, if you are new around here, you should definitely try some yours...

(posted by Emily) Traveling to a new part of the world is always a fascinating experience. Rick and I typically come home with new foods we love to eat (and crave), new experiences to share, and new items of clothing to wear. For some reason, visiting SE Asia was particularly impactful for both of us. There are some many things we learned or came away with, and I thought they would be worth sharing with you. Top Ten: Lessons we learned in Asia 1) Share the road. Driving in Thailand can be heart pounding, but driving in Cambodia is even more enlightening. On the 10+ miles of road we explored while there (to and from the airport, to and from downtown), I can only remember 1 stoplight. While most roads are paved, there are no lane markings. Drivers truly share the road, taking turns at intersections, using as much of the roadway as they need to, and showing courtesy to one another at all times. Neither of us remember hearing a horn honk. It has been fascinating to come back to a ...

(posted by Emily)  It's that time of year again! The official kick off to the holiday season is right around the corner, and it's time to bring back all of those special recipes we only see during the next month or so. Rick and I are both looking forward to a trip to Chicago for Thanksgiving, and I've been mentally planning what we are going to eat for the holiday. Here are ten great veg recipes for Thanksgiving, some of which have inspired our menu this year! Top Ten: Recipes for Thanksgiving 1) Stuffed Acorn Squash . This recipe has been a staple for me ever since my first vegetarian Thanksgiving. I do the stuffing a little differently, with wild rice, celery, cranberries, and onion, but either way it is delicious! via 2) Horseradish Mashed Potatoes . I haven't made these, but I've absolutely been looking for a good excuse to do so! Not sure if we'll end up with these on the table or my truffle smashed potatoes, but either way we'll be happy!  ...

(posted by Emily) With a lack of travel plans lately and in the near future, we have had some time to get back to our regular routine at home. Here are a few tidbits from real life these days :) Top Ten: Tidbits from life right now 1) Our basil plant is thriving, so we cut it back and made some pesto! This is the recipe I followed, from Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen (which I do not yet own, but am hoping someone will buy me for Christmas :) ) 2 c packed fresh basil 1/4 c cashews 2 garlic cloves 1 tbs lemon juice 3/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 c olive oil Pulse all ingredients except olive oil in a blender or food processor until finely chopped. Drizzle in olive oil and process until smooth. Season to taste. I froze our batch (which is actually not that much) so we can use it when we need it! 2) Oktoberfest with friends 3) You all need to try this recipe . We made it for dinner on Monday and it is great! Lots of leftovers, too! via 4) I'm obs...

(posted by Emily) Top Ten: Thing I am Pinning 1) This idea for a stenciled wall  2) Ideas for puppy parents 3) How to make a potato barrel planter 4) Ideas for sea glass jewelry , to make with the glass I foraged for this summer  5) Twine letter wreath ideas for fall 6) New ways to update my terrarium 7) Bar cart ideas --not to use to store alcohol, but to use as a moveable side board table in the dining room 8) A how-to guide for fabric photo mats 9) This super simple watermelon mint soda recipe , which we actually have in the True Brews book at home and made this weekend! 10) This snack I can't wait to try! Happy pinning! --E&R