Stay Healthy ~ Organically ~ This Winter

Hello!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah/anything else you've been celebrating recently. Depending on where you are of course, it's winter now! Here in the north of the UK it can get pretty cold for the next few months. This means the season of flu and colds are among us. So here are some tips, drinks and remedies to prevent you and help you get better during the winter. Even better, they're all vegan!

Drinks:

Fresh Orange Juice:
This is the best thing if you start to realise signs of a cold. Whenever I feel a cold coming on I either pop down to the store and get some fresh orange juice, or if I have enough Oranges I'll squeeze my own. Pretty self explanatory, you get a few oranges, squeeze/juice them then drink it.

Hot Lemon & Ginger Tea:
The vitamin C and the ginger are sure to get your stuffy nose right back on track.

- 6 tbsp of freshly grated ginger root (You can always add more)
- The juice of 1 lemon
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 4 cups of hot boiled water
- A glass jar (1 quart is recommended)

Put all ingredients in the jar then pour in the boiling water. Trap the stem by putting on the lid so that all essential, oils stay within the tea. Leave for about half an our to brew. This jar will last for 24 hours. Drink a 3rd of it 3 times a day, reheating before drinking.

Spice Tea:
Spice is the best way to clear your system. As long as you can bare with a lot of nose blowing for a few minutes. After that, you'll be right as rain. However this recipe has some complicated ingredients.
- quarter cup of coriander seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp of fennel seeds
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
- cup of boiling water
- 1/2 tsp rock candy (misri)
- 2 tbsp milk

roast and grind up the corriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and fenugreek seeds.
Now, boil a cup of water.
Add one and a half teaspoon of this spice powder and the rock candy misri.
Let it simmer for three to four minutes.
Add milk.
Bring the solution to a boil and then strain it.
Sip it slowly while it is hot.
Drink this spice tea daily.

Essential Oils:

Eucalyptus:
Whether you've got a stuffy nose or want to prevent one. Dabbing a few drops under your nostrils is something I do every morning that has worked efficiently this past month.
Some essentials oils need diluting before use so always read the label. I use 3 drops per 5ml of water and that's all I need per use.

Tea Tree (steaming):
 For this you'll need to put about 6 drops of tea tree oil in the bottom of a bowl the pour several cups of boiling water in. Place your face over the bowl, however make sure you don't burn your face. You can add more oil if you feel like it. It's also advised to put a towel over your head and the bowl so that the steam is trapped and it's more effective. Repeat this twice a day. This one will really clear up headaches and bunged up noses.

Essential Oil Bath:
Whilst a nice hot bath is running. Drop in 5 drops of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil and put the drops into the running water. This way the oils get spread out and mixed in with the water. Then get in, breath deeply and relax!


Hopefully this is enough to make sure you stay healthy this winter.
Stay well/Get well soon! X

~ Happy Lil Plant Life

My Indie Chrimbo Playlist

Ho Ho Ho!

So at the start of December I made a playlist of 50 Christmas songs... these weren't any ordinary Christmas songs... these are by bands that are my favourite! I can't even explain my love for music but this playlist is all I've listened to for the past week or so! Gotta love those indie tunes!

This playlist is public on Spotify if you'd like to listen to it. It's called My Indie Chrimbo Playist (And by dizzles24 (me)) I'll leave a link at the end of the post :)


Blue Christmas - The Lumineers
Yule Shoot Your Eye Out - Fall Out Boy
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - She & Him
All I Want For Christmas Is You - My Chemical Romance
30 Days - NeverShoutNever   (This is my favourite)
My December - Linkin Park
Snow - New Found Glory
Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande
Jingle Bell Rock - The Vamps
Father Christmas - Bowling For Soup
Nothing For Christmas - New Found Glory
There Will Be No Christmas - Crown The Empire
Hoping For Snow - The Vamps
When I Get Home For Christmas - Snow Patrol
Blue Christmas - She & Him
Silver Bells - She & Him
Christmas Lights - Coldplay
Boots - The Killers
Christmastime - The Smashing Pumpkins
Let Me Sleep (It's Christmas Time!) - Pearl Jam
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
The Christmas Waltz - She & Him
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Jack Johnson
Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass - All Time Low
Fool's Holiday - All Time Low
This Christmas - The Summer Set
Christmas Lights - Yellowcard
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - Issues
This Christmas (I'll Burn It To The Ground!) - Set It Off
Sleigh Ride - This Wild Life
Somebody At Christmas - Jack Johnson
Winter Winds - Mumford & Sons
Jingle Bells - August Burns Red
Sleigh Ride - She & Him
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - She & Him
Baby It's Cold Outside - She & Him
Santa Baby - Ariana Grande
Last Christmas - Ariana Grande
Last Christmas - Jimmy Eats World
Happy Christmas (War Is Over) - Maroon 5
Christmas With You - Artist vs Poet
Happy Holidays, You Bastard - Blink 182
In The Morning - Jack Johnson
Angel (Holiday) - Jack Johnson
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - Mariah Carey
I Wish It Coud Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) - Mariah Carey

How to stay vegan/vegetarian during the holidays

Hello!

Being Vegetarian and Vegan can be a challenging time around the holidays, especially if you're just starting out. As a vegetarian for almost 3 years I don't get cravings anymore. However my first Christmas as a veggie didn't go very well. I ended up with a slice of Turkey on my plate.

The most important thing to remember is slipping up is natural and completely okay. A tiny bit of meat doesn't mean you have to give up this lifestyle, that's something a lot of new veggies seem to misunderstand.

In this post I'm going to give you some tips for staying veggie during the holidays.

Substitution:
Instead of turkey my grandma makes me a lovely nut roast that is always gorgeous and a perfect main. You can also spice up your nut roast with curry powder which is something my gran did one year and it was amazing!

If there's chicken on the table then have some halloumi instead! Halloumi is a life saver for me when it comes to chicken cravings as its salty and juicy and a similar texture also best served hot; a lot like chicken (and other birds) And it's a cheese. However I'm sure there are vegan versions as well.

Mince pies are the torture for me every Christmas. This festive little treat contains suet, the fat of beef or mutton. An easy slip up I did several times my first year however have managed to stay away. Alternative Christmas treats are regularly served along side mice pies such as shortbread, cookies & sometimes vegan treats too. Don't fall into the festive trap!

Cheese boards may be your craving if you're a vegan. You could try ask the host to supply vegan cheese. Often you'll find grapes or even pickles, tomatoes or nuts by a cheese plate. Try stick to what yo know is good for you.

Gravy is a simple one. Simple ask the host for a vegetarian gravy. My family always save the (vegetable) oil, the veggie juices, the water they're cooked in and make the gravy out of that, and it tastes amazing.
This leads us on to our next section.

Ask the host:
An important thing is to tell the host/cook (if it's not you) to make sure there are plenty of vegetarian/vegan options for you to eat or else you'll be starving for the whole day. If they're uneducated in the matter why not give them some ideas or preferences in the types of foods you would like to see there.

Stay away:
By this I don't mean insist you isolate yourself from family and friends whilst they're eating. I mean is the food is laid out on the table you're eating at, then sit at the end of the table where the meat isn't instead where the vegetables and your substitutions are.
If you're not in reach of it then it's unlikely you'll slip some onto your plate.

Leftovers:
Peckish the next day? You go to the fridge and there sat right in front of you is half a turkey left...
If you begin to crave it then just follow these two steps...
1) Remember why you're a veggie. You're doing this for yourself and the planet. Think about that Turkey before before it was slaughtered. However DON'T put these thoughts into actions and go have an argument with your family and friends because they ate the turkey. You have to accept their views as well.
2) Search the fridge for other leftovers like vegetables, desserts, fruit, your substitutions. You don't have to have a cold turkey sandwich on boxing day. There's nothing wrong with a lovely soup made from the left over veggies!


That's all I have for today. Good luck and have a very merry holiday!

~ Happy Lil' Plant Life

Spirituality Tag

Hello there!

I thought I'd do a tag as I've never done one since restarting my blog. I wasn't tagged by anyone and I don't tag anyone specific. I tag everyone who reads this and wants to do it.
I found this tag when binge watching Simply_Kenna's videos on Youtube and I found it really inspiring so therefore wanted to give it a try. When talking about spirituality it can mean different things in what you interpret it as; I like to think of it as an alternative mind set from religion. More about inner peace and finding happiness and enlightenment in ones self, as well as almost in a way letting your spirit decide what to believe. I personally practise Buddhism and I see that as more of Spirituality than a Religion. This tag isn't all spiritual, its more of a deep thought provoking questions tag.

Anyway, there are 50 questions so I'll get right to it! I apologise if I go quite into detail on some questions. This is going to be a long post so grab a hot beverage and a snack and why not a notepad and pen so you can answer the questions from your point of view too! I apologise for how long this post is.


Q1) How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?
A1) I'm 15 but I think if I didn't know how old I was I'd say I was about 30. Despite me being young and having my whole life ahead of me, I'm quite mature, I can have moments of being wild and full of adrenaline however I'm the kind of person that is quite a romantic and would love to be in a relationship and if I could move out of my parents house and live with a partner. Get into an organised routine of a career and live a real chill, happy life. That's like 30 right?

Q2) Which is worse, failing or never trying?
A2) Definitely never trying! You can't learn from mistakes from failing if you never tried.

Q3) If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don't like and like so many things we don't do?
A3) I personally don't think life is so short if you feel each day with things you enjoy and get done things that need getting done. Any who, we do things we don't like because that's part of life, sometimes we have to do things we don't life because despite our opinions on it, it needs doing and in the end we probably benefit from it, for example. I don't enjoy cleaning my room however I still do it because I know in the near future I will thank myself for it. Or I don't particularly want to skydive from a plane but in future I will look back at that experience and be thankful that I did it. We like things we don't do for 2 main reasons: society, it puts us in a uncomfortable position where certain things we may want to do go against societies made up list of things it doesn't want us to do. Some do them anyway, some don't out of fear, personally I jump between the two. And the other reason being expectations. We may like something but that doesn't mean we're going to do it because it might not meet our expectations and ruin it for us so we carry on liking an not doing.

Q4) When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?
A4) This is quite a strange question that I don't think I have a lot to say on. On the other hand I'd like to presume you'd have said as much as you've done. Find a balance between the two.

Q5) What is the one thing you'd most like to change about the world?
A5) Definitely human damage. Global warming, endangered/extinct species, oil spills, and many more. We all contribute to it. But if we limited the damage we did and balanced it out by helping the planet and giving back. Maybe we'd live a much happier life and in harmony with nature and the Earth. Re-planting the trees we destroyed, clearing up then stopping/avoiding oil spills, same with trash, recycle absolutly anything and everything we can, invent a car that doesn't give off any CO2, all become vegetarian or vegan (because that plays a massive part in global warming as well as hurting animals for our own pleasure), stop hunting and farming and open up sanctuaries for endangered species. And so much more we could do.

Q6) If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

A6) I'd have to say art. Being artistic and creative in every way possible makes me so happy, thing is I'm not that good at it so probably won't be able to make it as an actual career. Art can range from sculpuring, painting, sketching, poetry, imaginative writing, blogging, music making, video making, photography, designing, and so much more.

Q7) Are you doing what you believe in, or you settling for what you are doing?

A7) I'd like to say currently balancing the two. I'm settling with what I have to do and in a way simply getting on with it. i.e. School, chores around the house, work. Those things I don't have a choice for so I'm settling with them. However other then that, I don't settle; I do things I enjoy and what I believe is right for my soul, body and wellbeing. I believe Buddhism is good for me, I do it. I believe Vegetarianism is good for me, I do it. I believe staying active like yoga and going to the gym is good for me, I do it. I believe staying positive with my art work despite what my art teacher is good for me, I do it.

Q8) If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

A8) I would stop spending all my time watching Netflix and scrolling through social media! That would be the main thing. Would definitely try new things and set myself more challenges and over all try make the most out of life.

Q9) To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
A9) Not 100% sure what this questions means to be honest however no I don't think I have controlled the course my life has taken. I'm still a young teen living with my parents, pre-occupied with school and part time work so haven't had the opputunity or experience to have any life changing courses.

Q10) Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
A10) I'd have to say doing the right things. It doesn't matter if you do things right because everybody makes mistakes but choosing what is right and what is wrong is much more important in life.

Q11) You're having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticising a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?

Q12) If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
A12) Well I don't think it would really matter what I told a newborn child as it won't understand what I'm saying anyway. But metaphorically speaking I'd say "There's a start and an end to everything." Something my mum always told me growing up. And it is so true.

Q13) Would you break the law to save a loved one?
A13) That would depend on how bad the law was and how much I loved that person.

Q14) Have you seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
A14) Not yet I don't think

Q15) What's something you know you do differently than other people?
A15)

Q16) How come things that make you happy don't make everyone happy?
A16) Because we all have different opinions and views and everybody has a different favourite, we're not all the same.

Q17) What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What's holding you back?
A17) Travel the world! But that's expensive and I'm too young.

Q18) Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Q18) Unfortunately I am.. The feelings for my ex despite us breaking up about a year and a half ago..

Q19) If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
A19) Either Canada as it's so beautiful and full of kind people or Thailand for the gorgeous landscape and food.

Q20) Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
A20) Of course not, that'd just break it.

Q21) Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
A21) Personally I think mental health is most important so I'd rather be a joyful simpleton. Although being a genius would get you very far in life.. however if you're worried that will hold you back. So yes, I'm sticking with joyful simpleton.

Q22) Why are you, you?
A22) Mostly because I was born this way but I guess friends, family, surroundings and experiences have contributed too.

Q23) Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
A23) To be honest, yes, I think I have.

Q24) Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
A24) Loosing touch with a good friend who lives right near you is worst because when a good friend moves away you can go seem them now and then and still keep in contact but when you loose touch with a good friend who lives right near you is just sad.

Q25) What are you most grateful for?
A25) Wow good question. Love and company. I'd hate to not have anyone in my life and I'm incredibly grateful for my friends and family.

Q26) Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
A26) I'd have to say lose all my old ones as that's the past and living in the present/future is what's important.

Q27) Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
A27) I guess it is unless you want to make sure it is the truth.

Q28) Has your greatest fear ever came true?
A28) I don't really know how to answer that as fears don't exactly come true? Has it happened? No.

Q29) Decisions are being made right now.  The question is:  Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
A29) Well alot of the decisions being made right now have no effect on me so I'm obviously letting other people make them.

Q30) Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter  now?
A30) 5 years ago I was only 10 but I was getting bullied constantly by a group of girls who one of them use to be my best friend. I guess it doesn't matter now, no. But it certainly effected me since. To this day I can't even pass her in the street without having a panic attack even though it stopped years ago. But I wouldn't necessarily say it mattered.

Q31) What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
A31) Bonfire night in 2004 (i think it was 2004, maybe 2003 or 2005). It's the only memory I have of my grandad. That doesn't sound like a very happy memory but every bonfire night I get this warm happy memory of my grandad.

Q32) At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
A32) Every time I go to a concert or gig! (last one was October 28th)

Q33) If not now, then when?
A33) As soon as you can.

Q34) If you haven't achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
A34) Everything else you have left. However that shouldn't stop you.

Q35) Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
A35) Nope, because I talk way too much!

Q36) Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
A36) I don't know but it's very sad.

Q37) Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

A37) Nope. But that's were trust comes in.

Q38) If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

A38) Nope. Unless I was doing a job I really hated. Because a) your job should be something you love doing. b) it's good to be putting work back into the world. c) and a million dollars won't last forever.

Q39) Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

A39) That's a tricky one because if I had less work, I'd have more time to do things I enjoy. But then again a lot of work that I enjoy would be good.

Q40) Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

Q40) Nope. because today I put the Christmas tree up.... I haven't done that hundred times before XD

Q41) When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

A41) I'm sorry. Honestly not sure what that means.

Q42) If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

A42) Could I get everyone I knew into one room and say goodbye to them all?

Q43) Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

A43) Nope. I don't want to be famous and I'm use to not being attractive now. So I wouldn't take of valuable time from my life for that.

Q44) What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

A44) Truly living is full-filling your life with the things you enjoy and that get you someone, trying new things, meeting new people. Being alive is just living and breathing, being stuck in a daily routine.

Q45) When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

A45) Right now.

Q46) If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? 

A46) Because mistakes are also associated with failure and that's seen as negative and unwanted.

Q47) What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? 

A47) I'd be more of an activist. D|o assemblies and protests for all things right. Unfortunately people like to judge you for that..

Q48) When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? 

A48) Right this second XD

Q49) What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love? 

A49) I love music. Yes, I'm singing right now.

Q50) In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that? 

A50) No I probably won't.

Wow this took me days! I'm not even kidding!

Anyway hope you enjoyed this.

~ Happy Lil' Plant Life

Vegan & Cruelty Free Cosmetics

Hello!

Cosmetics. Something a lot of the population uses in one way or another. But so much better when they aren't tested on animals.

The majority of these are Drugstore Cosmetics rather than High-End.

I'm going to put them into genres so you can skip to make up, shower stuff, face stuff, body stuff, hair stuff, etc :)

Make Up Products:
Going by brands:
- Collection (CF & partly vegan)
- Barry M (CF & vegan)
- Sleek (CF & partly vegan)
- Lush (CF & vegan)
- e.l.f ( CF & vegan)
- Superdrug Cosmetics (CF)
- NYX (CF & partly vegan)

These are a few of the main brands.


Hair Products:
Going by products I use:
Dry shampoo - Batiste Blush
Hairspray -
Hair wax - Fudge Urban Matte Wax (CF)


Shower/Shampoo Products:
Going by products I use:
Shampoo - Vosene Original (CF)
Body Scrub - TreacleMoon My Coconut Island (CF & Vegan)
Shower Gel - Original Source Lemon (CF & Vegan)
Shower Cream - Body Shop (CF)


Face Wash/Scrubs/Cleanse/Moisturising Products:
Going by products I use:
Body Lotion - JustCoco Coconut water (CF & Vegan)
Face Scrub - SuperDrug Deep Action Blackhead Clearing
Face Scrub - Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine
Face Moisturizer - Coconut Oil
Body Spray - Impulse Very Pink (CF)


Oils:
Tea Tree Oil - Body Shop
Coconut Oil - Coco Loco


Hope this helps :)

~ Happy Lil' Plant Life

Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake!

Hello and welcome!

Today I want to share with you a recipe I recently found on how to make a Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake!
Now that its October and the weather is getting colder, wouldn't love to cozy up on a dark and chilly night with a lovely warm mug of chocolate cake. I know I would! And you vegans can too.

What you'll need:
4 tbsp s.f. flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
3 tsp oil
4 tbsp almond milk (or soya, cocount, or whatever other substitute)
optional: lightly crushed nuts or (dairy free) chocolate chips

Put all ingredients into your favourite mug and stir it up
Bake in the microwave for about a minute. You can make it for a minutes longer if you want it really "cakey"

And there you go! A super easy vegan mug cake :D

See you next time <3
~ Happy Lil' Plant Life

6 Snacks for Students - Healthy, Quick & Easy

Hello!

So being a busy student can make you hungry, especially if you're under a lot of stress and exams. It's very easy to start stress eating and binging on unhealthy food that doesn't give you the energy that you need. I'm going to give you 6 different ideas on things that are going to keep you satisfied whilst you study hard!

1. Apples with Cinnamon

    This is a very simple one yet I only found out about it not so long ago.
Chop the apple up into 8ths or thinner/thicker slices if you like and sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on them. To spice it up a bit more, why not sprinkle a little brown sugar on top as well.
Apple's are great for keeping the mind focused and memory and the cinnamon simply gives it a slight alternative taste to normal apples.

2. Frozen Grapes

    This one is for all you sweetie fans out there.
I like to think this is the healthier alternative for boiled candy. So if you've got a bit of sweet tooth when it comes to your stress eating. Keeping a bunch a grapes in the freeze is the best way to go.

3. Roasted Chickpeas

   This again is very simple but does take longer than the others... But completely worth it of course!
Start of with rinsing, draining and drying your chickpeas. Toss them with some salt and olive oil and roast them at 200 degrees C or 400 degrees F. Tossing them every 10 minutes, leave them to crisp for 20 to 30 minutes. Don't forget the spices! Why not try combinations of cumin and chilli, salt and vinegar, lemon zest and rosemary, paprika. It's completely up to you. These are just like popcorn, crispy and flavoursome. A great snack for when you've got the munchies.

4. Banana Toast

   This one is actually what I have as a breakfast regularly.
It's very quick however looks and tastes amazing. Simply slice a banana up, say 1cm to 3cm thick depending on how you like it. Pop some bread in the toaster and once its ready just create a layer of banana on the toast. You can then spice it up with some toppings I like to use cinnamon/nutmeg or honey/maple syrup but you could add oats, nuts, sugar, hummus even.

5. Veggie Boats

   These are something I like to call veggie boats. The combinations are completely up to you.
So celery would work best because of their curved/spoon like shape but carrots and cucumbers would work just as great if you scoop a little of the middle out. And there you have your boats. For the filling in the boats you could have peanut/almond butter, salsa, avocado, hummus, vegan dip, or something similar. Next why not top them off with something. I'd recommend dates, nuts, diced pepper/tomatoes, chopped olives. Of course making sure the flavour fits with the boat and the boat filling.

6. Fruit Popsicles

    Do you like smoothies? Well have you ever tried them frozen?
My mum and I made these all the time throughout summer. My favourite was frozen strawberries, frozen banana and melon with a splash of almond milk. Blend, then pour into ice lolly moulders and leave to freeze. Then take them out when you're ready for a refreshing fruity ice lolly. Perfect for cooling down those overheating student brains.

Again sorry for the lack of pictures. I do aim to start adding images as soon as I get the time!
I hope this has inspired you to stay energised whilst being a student. Let me know in the comments if you've tried any of these because I'd love to hear your opinion! Again sorry about the lack pictures. I do aim to start uploading my own images just haven the got anytime at the moment :)

~ Happy Lil' Plant Life