5 Vegan Recipes to Try ASAP

Ever since going vegan, I have felt so much better. For example, even with less hours of sleep I have been so energised and my skin is so much more glowing and clear! Let alone the cruelty involved in animal products.

I have been loving learning and experimenting with many new dishes and wanted to share some with you guys! It was hard rounding it to only 5 but here you go! Even if you aren’t vegan you are bound to enjoy these mouthwatering meals!

 

1. Golden red lentil dhal- By OhSheGlows

‘This easy, flavourful curry is a great one to whip up during the workweek, and leftovers only get better the next day. Light coconut milk makes this curry so luxuriously rich and decadent tasting, while still feeling quite light and energizing. It definitely won’t weigh you down, but I can promise it’ll warm and comfort you on a chilly day. While it’s lovely all on its own (enjoyed like a rich, thick stew), I love it even more spooned over top my cilantro-speckled basmati rice with toasted pepita seeds, sliced green onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.’

2. Creamy vegan mac and cheese 

‘Who knew that potatoes, carrots, onion, cashews, coconut milk, and seasonings could make such a fabulous creamy combination? And that, when mixed with macaroni, that crazy combination will make your taste buds leap for joy?’

3. Creamy corn chowder

Oh yeah, coconut milk. In addition to giving this soup body and suavidad (smoothness), it adds a subtle hint of the tropics. Add the lime to the coconut creamy corn chowder, and you just might end up licking the bowl. This stuff is really really guuud 

4. One Pot red lentil chili

This isn’t one of those soup-like chilis that’s mostly tomatoes. This is chock full of lentils, beans, and corn, and is thick and stew-like in texture – my favorite. Make this dish for a crowd, as it’s especially great for hosting. Or, make a batch over the weekend and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week.

5. The ultimate chewy choc chip cookies 

These cookies are perfect while still warm with a cold glass of almond milk or as an ice cream cookie sandwich.  It’s super easy and in less than half an hour your home can be filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies!

I hope you enjoyed the post, and sure to try out some of these recipes!

-M Xx

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Skincare Routine Winter 2016

Hello again!

I just wanted to share my skin routine for the winter season with you today. I would like you to know that I do not have perfect skin, my skin type is combination/dry so I constantly have to switch up the products I use in order to keep my skin hydrated. The products listed are in no particular order of favourites or in order of when I use them.

The last couple of items on this list will be body products that I would not recommend for you face but are amazing none the less.

Hope you enjoy!
-L x

1. Rose Hip Oil

 

Rose hip oil is filled with essential fatty acids that relive dry skin, sunburn, damaged skin and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars, wrinkles and burns. Mix two to three drops of rose hip oil into any moisturiser you use at night, apply all over face and neck and you will wake up with soft skin.

2. Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream

I’m not sure about you, but winter strips my skin over any moisture it has left (which usually is not a lot). This mouthful of a cream is one of the best moisturisers I have ever purchased. It is very think and rich and soothes the skin if you are blessed wth sensitive skin like me. It does leave you with a sticky residue which is why I only recommend using this at night.

3. Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile

I use this toner both in the mornings and at night to just cleanse my skin of any dirt my cleansers may not have washed off. Definitely recommend for dry or normal skin.

4. Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser

I use this cleanser only when my skin is feeling dry. This is very moisturising and anyone with oily skin I would recommend for you to stay clear of this and only use it if necessary. Again, I only use this at night as I don’t want to risk having my face looking shiny during the day.

5. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I use this cleanser everyday, morning and night. This cleanser is for everyone and the results are pretty good. It doesn’t clog pores, my skin is pretty clear and you can buy this anywhere which is always a bonus.

6. Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+

This another product I swear by and use everyday, no matter the season. I love the matte effect and the tint the suncream provides. It doesn’t give your skin that white appearance you get when you apply normal suncream which I think is amazing. Unfortunately, I don’t think this is sold with in Australia so if you know anyone who is leaving the country or if you are be sure to stock up!

7. Lush Angels On Bare skin Cleanser

I use this cleanser as more of an exfoliate. It’s amazing for my acne and really cleanses my pores. Again, this is a product I use all year around. I really recommend this (I recommend anything from lush really) product to anyone.

8. The Body Shop – Body Butters

I have an addiction to The Body Shop’s Body Butters. Each of them have an amazing smell and they are super moisturising. I usually put this on at night and in the morning it has fully absorbed into my skin and I am left this soft and amazing smelling skin. Bonus- these make great gifts.

9. The Body Shop African Ximenia Scrub

This scrub is life, I am telling you. Anything from the Spa Of The World line from The Body Shop is amazing. This scrub gentle exfoliates dry skin off so you are left with baby smooth and hydrated skin. The scrub itself is gentle on the skin (I despise scrubs that are super chunky and sharp and just scratch you skin) and ugh! I just love it.

I hope you enjoyed my list and maybe it helped you with any issues you may have. If you have any enquires please email or DM on Instagram.

Love you all xx

 

 

Monday Mood

An vision board to inspire your Monday. Hope you are having a great day x

Photos via: Pinterest (Follow Goalslounge Here)

One Seed Perfumes

“We don’t want to be just another perfume company. We want to be a seed for change. By loving our perfumes, you are also helping disempowered people throughout the world. One Seed donates 10% of profits to organisations close to our heart.”

Now, we are hearing all about the harmful chemicals in our everyday scents. One Seed Perfumery is all about bringing you your dream scent without any nasties and are made from 100% natural ingredients. The perfumes are all Australian handmade in small batches, cruelty free and vegan.

They are definitely something i would recommend checking out- each with a unique and natural scent. One seed perfumes are all natural, and 80% organic and of the highest quality. These are Australian made, and handmade, and at least 10% of their profits are given to charity organisations such as collective shout and australia hope international. These perfumes you can feel good in and know you are not harming the earth. These deserve a definite thumbs up from @goalslounge.  www.oneseedperfumes.com

Note– my personal favourite is bohemia.

@oneseedperfume

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5 Best Asos Finds to Obsess Over Now

1. Oversize Cocoon Coat

This coat is perfect for a minimalistic blogger style, and would look effortlessly chic when paired with a pair of boyfriend jeans, a striped shirt and a pair of black boots.

2. Leather Structured Saddle Bag

How much does this look like the Chloe ‘Drew Bag’? Super Chic and expensive looking at an unexpectedly affordable price, this definitely gets a thumbs up from me!

3. Crystal Multi-Row Necklace

Jewelry, and lots of it. Everyone has that one item of jewellery they can’t part with, maybe it has strong sentimental value or is a piece, too pretty to not wear. Here I am to add something new to your probably ever-growing collection. This piece would be perfect to wear for a beachy look over a bikini or summer dress, or could be worn to dress up a plain black dress and add some interest to your outfit.

4. Pointed toe heels

I mean, there is no such thing as too many shoes!? These shoes would be the perfect girly touch to add to your outfit.

5. Pleated Midi Skirt

This skirt is super cute and girly and would be perfect to wear with a cute pair of heels or boots, and could easily be dressed up or down, and this fabric is so flouncy and elegant.

That was my roundup of some great, yet affordable finds I discovered on ASOS. Hope you enjoyed x

Check out the last blog post – 6 Shoes trending now I’ve been loving.

6 Favourite Affordable Shoes, Trending now

This month I have been seeing so many amazing shoes it’s a challenge to round it to just six. ‘Shoefies’ being a current trend means everywhere I look I see a pair of shoes I need in my wardrobe! But, after careful consideration, I managed to round it down to six, most desirable pairs that won’t break the bank.

1. Lace up Flats

I’ve been searching all around for a pair like these, but most places I can find them are very pricey…Here I found an affordable alternative from Betts, available in three different shades. Woo!

2. Cut-Out Heeled Boot

The perfect pair of black heeled boots, with a statement buckle for a stylish touch.

3. Pom Pom Heeled Sandals

These shoes are the ultimate girly dream, pale pink material, straps and thin heel adorned with a super cute pom pom.

 4. Embellished Flats

This pair of simple black ballet flats embellished with a gorgeous crystal design are perfect to dress up or down for any occasion.

5. Silver Metallic Sandals

Although the priciest item on the list, these shoes are a definite wardrobe staple and would look great paired with a pair of boyfriend jeans or a midi skirt look.

6. Knee high boot

Listed on The Zoe Report as ‘The it shoes of New York Fashion Week, I would definitely check these out.

Thank you for reading, be sure to tell me about any ‘great shoe finds’ you have discovered lately and I will be sure to have a look! Check out my Instagram and the last blog post.

My Top Street Style Inspirations This Month

When scrolling through the blog I realised – I have no fashion posts so far. This is no good! So here I put together some of my favourite street style looks I have seen this month. Hopefully this will inspire you and your style!

And a quick thank you to all of the goals lounge readers and subscribers you are very much appreciated!

1. Simple Chic

One of my personal favourite styles, very simple but well put together and is easy to create with a simple white dress, some classic sunglasses and a leather bag.

2. Classic and Girly

This vintage look is feminine, cute and perfect for a day out or a lunch. Style with a cute pink two-piece, a hat and a matching bag.

3. Sports Luxe

Yes, I am guilty of loving the sneakers trend, and of course I am into the sports luxe look. Comfy and casual but still stylish, its a perfect balance! Wear an over-sized shirt dress, a casual, sporty backpack, some cute heels, or some sneakers?!

4. Casual Chic

This is styled so we’ll that it can be loose fitting, comfy and still look elegant. This look works for any body type. Wear a sneaky lace bra, a pair of cute heels, ripped jeans and a gorgeous, coloured bag.

4. Print on white

I love the way the printed coat looks on the clean white dress, a great way to recreate this would be to wear a white dress, printed coat and some nude flats.

I found most of these looks through lookbook.com, If you have some street style favourites this month too be sure to share them with me! Have you followed goals_lounge on instagram? Be sure to check it out xx

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7 Ways to De-Stress

We all go through it. Stressful, I know. But stress can affect some more than others and can really get in the way. So here are some of my tips for helping destress your life.

1.Breathe

This sounds simple but is really the most important thing. Just relax. I would recommend meditation for some people as it is a really good thing to get into for your mental health, at the end of the day just to sit down and forget about life, but can be hard for some people, like myself, So to breathe’ I personally just like to step outside. This can really help clear your mind and is very underrated.

2. Treat Yourself

Whether its a long, deep, hot bath with your favourite products or a trip to the local spa, treating yourself is a great way to unwind and feel special.

3. Talk

It may sound simple, you may be a specialist of this, or you don’t like to, but talking about your problems with other positive people is the best way to release anger or stress. Maybe this is with a professional, or maybe with just friends and family, either will be sure to really help you settle.

4. Get Active!

Go for a run, walk, swim, however you are feeling. Exercise is known to release chemicals in your brain that make you happy! (And is healthy to have in your lifestyle.. win win?) So embrace your sporty chic and get out there for some fitness!

5. De-Clutter

De-stressing your mind doesn’t have to be done from inside. Another very calming method of de-stressing is clearing out your home. If this is too much to think about, start small- clear your work space or your nightstand and move on from there. Change is good!

6. Go Out

For dinner, for drinks, or even something free! Like going on a picnic, or a walk on the park. Adventuring and exploring your city is a great way to distract and intrigue you.

7. Create

Do not underestimate yourself! You could be capable of something great! Try painting, drawing and creating to let your mind escape. If your not feeling so creative- start simple, maybe reading a cute book- I would try How to be a Parisian.

I hope you enjoy these tips and hopefully they can help you in the future. What are your best tips for de-stress?

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin! xx