Vlogmas Day 13 🎄 Sunday Vibes

Soon Due and a New Car! 🌻 Weekly Vlog Wednesday

Books mentioned in this video:

The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub

Disloyal by Michael Cohen

Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

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Vlogmas Day 7 🎄 Vegan Grinch Pancakes for Life!

Excellent Vegan Food in London

Okay, I have to admit that a lot of other European countries need to look towards London when it comes to vegan food. They have really stepped up the dining out vegan game! Holy moly! Everywhere I went there were good vegan options, and at a good price point as well!
I was thoroughly impressed!

So today I’m sharing three restaurants that I fell in love with while on my latest trip to London.

The Diner

397 Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R 0LX, UK

My good friend David introduced me to this place, and I will be forever grateful, and never worried about having to go hungry while in London ever again.

It’s a 50s style diner, and they have their very own vegetarian/vegan menu, packed with delicious meals that will make it hard for you to choose.
I ate there twice and tried both the Triple Tacos, and the Mac and Cheese. Both were equally as delicious! It’s the perfect place for hungover/comfort food, no matter if you’re craving something sweet or something savoury.

Highly recommend!!

Find out more on The Diner’s website here!

Pizza Express

You can find Pizza Express all over London, but I went to the one right next to London Bridge. So, what made me go there? I had seen them advertise a vegan pizza, and that made me curious! I do love a good pizza!

So I took myself out on a date to Pizza Express. They had two or three different vegan pizzas to choose from.

I ordered the Vegan Giardiniera:

Artichoke, closed cup mushroom, red onion, and black olives, with tomato, vegan mozzarella alternative and garlic oil, finished with fresh parsley on a Romana base.

It’s the best vegan pizza I’ve had so far! So much flavor, crunchy base, and that vegan mozzarella it was absolutely delicious!

I paired it with a glass of rosé wine and had a wonderful me-date right next to the London Bridge.

If you’re a pizza lover, then definitely give the Pizza Express’ vegan options a try! You can thank me later😉

Find out more on the Pizza Express website here!

Ethos

Image from the Ethos website.

48 Eastcastle St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8DX, UK

Ethos is one of those restaurants that I just stumbled upon while strolling through the streets of London. I actually almost walked right past it, but I’m so grateful that I didn’t.

It’s a beautiful restaurant with a very open, but warm atmosphere. They make vegetarian/vegan food and desserts, and a lot of the dishes are glutenfree as well. The concept here is that you take a plate and fill it with whatever you like (buffet style) and then they weigh it to find out how much you should pay.

I tried a little bit of everything, but my favorite was probably the lasagne, broccoli & cauliflower fritters, and their hummus. But there’s so much to choose from, both cold, hot, sweet and savoury. There’s something for everyone!

I made the mistake of having too much dinner so that I didn’t have room for any of the tasty looking desserts! You may learn from my mistake and try to contain yourself a little so there’s a little bit of extra space for the sweets and cakes afterward. I sure will next time😜

Find out more on the Ethos website here!

As if I didn’t miss London enough before I started writing this, now I miss it even more and I’m hungry as well!

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these restaurants, or if you have any recommendations for other restaurants with good vegan food in London❤️

Holy Doughnut!

Those who know me (or have been following me for a while) knows that I have a love for doughnuts. But finding vegan doughnuts isn’t always that easy, and sometimes not that tasty.

April last year I found a vegan doughnut at Vegabond in Amsterdam that was truly amazing, but today I think I found the one that outranks that one.

I was walking down the south bank from London Bridge to London Eye, and when I came to Blackfriar’s Bridge, there was a big sign with a picture of a doughnut, and underneath it the beautiful word “vegan” was written as well.

I had slept in, and hadn’t had breakfast yet, but I knew I wouldn’t be able let this opportunity pass. I headed in to the station and found a little Doughnut Time shop in the wall. They had doughnuts on display and two of them were vegan. I’ll be honest, I stood there for way too long trying to choose between the two, but finally ended up with the one called Ice Ice Bae Bae (vanilla buttercream, vegan cookie pieces, chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate chips)! They gave it to me in a cute little turquoise box, and I walked away smiling like a little kid.

I had planned on saving it for after I had found my breakfast, but it turns out that I have zero self control, so I ended up sitting down on a bench by the River Thames, sun on my back, and with a box of my biggest craving on my lap.

Unfortunately, there’s no picture of me actually eating this thing, because trying to eat this beautiful big piece is messy and needs two hands, but if you want a mental image, just picture an enthusiastic ginger Cookie Monster that it’s hard to tell by facial expression if she’s actually eating or having an orgasm!

You’re welcome! 😂

This was a delicious treat that turned into a party in my mouth! Should I have had breakfast first? Probably! Do I regret it? Absolutely not!

So, if you find yourself in London and craving a vegan doughnut, then find your closest Doughnut Time and go at it!!

You can thank me later 😜❤️

My Favorite Tomato Salad 🌱 RECIPE (VEGAN)

I love food that’s affordable and easy to prep, and recently I’ve been all about tomato salad. I tried a few different combinations of greens, but I keep coming back to this one.

The ratios on the vegetables I use in my salad differs depending on what I’ve got in my fridge. But for this batch, I used about 15 cherry tomatoes, 4 regular sized carrots, half a cucumber, 1 small cup of couscous, one box of chickpeas, one box of lentils, and about a tablespoon of each of the spices.

A batch like this will usually last me for 2-3 days. It’s perfect as a meal on its own, or you can have it as a side dish.

If you want to add some extra moisture to your salad, add some balsamico, French or other dressing of your choice.

Quick and Easy!

• Rinse veggies and cut them into as big or small pieces as you like.
• Boil water for your couscous. I use 1 cup of boiled water for 1 cup of couscous. Add the spices to the couscous before you add the water. Let it sit under a lid for about 5 minutes.
• Add lentils and chickpeas to the bowl.
• Mix it all together in a bowl.
• Add basil on top for that little something extra.
• Now enjoy!

So tasty, and it’s good for you!

Cherry tomatoes:

• Cherry tomatoes are high in potassium which may help lowering blood pressure.

Carrots:

• Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. They are also a good source of several B-vitamins, vitamin K, and potassium. It’s also loaded with fiber and antioxidants.
• Carrot consumption has been linked with reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, and improved eye health.
• Carrots can also be good for your dental health because chewing on crunchy veggies is like using a natural toothbrush (But remember to also brush your teeth lovelies😜)

Cucumber:

• Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Chickpeas:

• Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber.
• Chickpeas have many characteristics that may help prevent some chronic illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Red lentils:

• Lentils are high in iron, folate and protein.

Turmeric:

• Turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer.
• It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Vegan in Amsterdam

Being a vegan when traveling can from time to time be a bit challenging, so it’s always interesting to travel to a new city and explore their vegan options.

When I was planning my Amsterdam trip, I had already done quite a lot of research around vegan places I would like to try out. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to all of them, but the ones that I tried was absolutely amazing!

Juice by Nature

Warmoesstraat 108, 1012 JJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

On my very first day in Amsterdam, while wandering around in the city, I stumbled across this place. I almost walked right past it actually, but I’m glad that the sign on the other side of the road grabbed my attention.

It’s not a big café, but it has a really calm and nice vibe to it. The staff that worked there made me feel very welcomed and at home.

I ordered a hummus wrap, black coffee, and a carrot cake, then I found myself a table and enjoyed the hell out of it! Up until that point, I had eaten the vegan options from Starbucks and local stores, which were surprisingly good (kudos to Dutch Starbucks for serving vegan food options), so it was to sit down somewhere quiet and have a proper meal.

The hummus wrap was good, but it could’ve been a bit more spiced up. But the carrot cake was divine! A vegan, no bake, no sugar cake that just melted in my mouth! Holy moly was that a wonderful experience!

I left the place feeling very satisfied and happy, and I went back several times for juice/smoothies (which were amazing!) and salads.

A really good spot for a lunch or a snack. They did have soups and other hot dishes too, but I did not have time to try them out. Next time!

If you want to know more about Juice by Nature, you can visit their website here: 

www.juicebynature.com

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VEGABOND

Leliegracht 16, 1015 Amsterdam, Netherlands

When I came across Vegabond while doing my research, I knew that I had to visit the place! First off, it looks super cozy! Second, VEGAN DONUTS!

I had been craving donuts for weeks but did not have the time to go in search of them here in Oslo, so Amsterdam was donut time!

Vegabond is located in a quiet area, with a view of one of the many canals. It’s quite small though, so don’t go there and expect to get a very private table. But I loved that part too. It was a great way to meet new people and easily interact with fellow vegans.

 

Photo: http://www.vegabond.nl

 

Vegabond is not just a café, it’s a shop too. You can buy lots and lots of vegan products like snacks, food prep ingredients, sodas and more.

I was met by a kind, smiling and welcoming staff that had plenty of recommendations for food and cake options.

So let’s talk about the donuts! It was well worth the wait! I think it’s actually the best donut I’ve ever had, and that’s not even an exaggeration. When vegan donuts taste that good, and they’re sprinkled with good conscience, why would one ever opt for having any other kind??

The first day I was there I had a wrap, the second day I went there we tried a “mozzarella” sandwich, “brie” sandwich, spinach pastries and several cakes, plus snacks, coffees, and sodas.

Their vegan mozzarella and brie tasted so like the real thing that if I didn’t know that everything they serve is vegan, I would’ve thought that it wasn’t! Amazing!

It’s fair to say that we stuffed our faces and had absolutely NO regrets!

I got to enjoy the view from the table at the window both times, and I got to meet and talk to some really amazing people while I was there. It’s a great place to go as a solo traveler, or to enjoy food/desserts that will make your taste buds have a proper party! And don’t leave the place without having tried the donuts! You can thank me later!

Vegabond is definitely my favorite vegan spot in Amsterdam, and I can’t wait to go back there for my next visit!

If you want to know more about Vegabond, you can visit their website here:

www.vegabond.nl

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I found Amsterdam to be a city where it was easy to be a satisfied and happy vegan traveler! As long as you do a little bit of research, then there are quite a few places that are completely vegan, or at least has vegan options on the menu.

I also found that being a vegan on the go was quite easy too. Most of their food markets/retail stores had a good variety of vegan options and every single one that I tried was tasty.

I already miss all of the wonderful food and the vibe, and I can’t wait for my next trip there❤️

Starting Grateful

Lately I’ve been slowly working my way back into the good daily routines I used to have a few months back. It’s taking some time, but I’m definitely on the right track now. Getting up earlier, getting back into yoga, writing daily, dancing every morning and I have to say that this Saturday morning was almost a perfect one!

I got to bed before midnight yesterday (shocking, I know!), and because I didn’t have to set an alarm for today, I slept until 9 am and got myself a solid night of sleep before starting the day.

Got up and danced my way around in the living room to get the blood running. This is the song I morning danced to today:

Then I sat down in my tiny office and answered some YouTube comments, worked on a writing assignment and made som plans for next weeks posts.

After that I made some vegan pancakes, and coffee. Spoiled myself a little bit! It’s Saturday after all 😉 I posted the recipe for the vegan pancakes a while back. You can find it here 😊

And then I got back to a routine that I’ve really been missing lately; Gratitude journaling.

I used to do it every morning, but haven’t for what seems like forever. It’s such a wonderful way to start the day! It can change the whole outlook on a day, just starting it with gratitude! If you haven’t tried it before, then I highly recommend that you do so!

Now it’s time for some yoga! What are you up to this Saturday?

Wish you all a wonderful weekend!

 

Best Vegan Enchiladas in Oslo?

As a vegan I often get asked where I like to go out to eat in Oslo, and if I had to choose just one place to recommend it would be nordvegan!

Wonderful atmosphere, desserts to die for, interesting sodas and maybe Oslo’s best enchiladas!

And best of all; IT’S ALL VEGAN!

Their food options change everyday, so there’s always something a bit different or new to try. The kitchen was trained by the award-winning chef Reuben Waller (who used to work at Michelin-starred restaurants), and is now run by Fabio Baudo (also has a background from Michelin-starred restaurants).

Nordvegan has become a favorite spot for lunch with the girls or just to take myself out on a date ❤️

I can highly recommend the Buddha bowl, lasagne and (of course) the ENCHILADAS! Yummy!!!

If you want to know more, then you can visit www.nordvegan.com

 

EAT IT, LOVE IT AND ENJOY IT WITH A GOOD CONSCIENCE❤️

Vegan Pancakes – RECIPE

Sunday is pancake day at our place! And on the weekends when Leander is home, we have my favorite vegan pancakes for breakfast! They are super easy to make and so tasty!

And today I thought I’d share that recipe with you guys☺️

Ingredients:

• 6 dl (2 ½ cups) flour
• 1 dl (½ cup) coarse ground rye flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
• 6 dl (2 ½ cups) water
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (or any neutral tasting oil)

Directions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Mix the water and oil in with your dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth.
3. Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes.
4. Heat your skillet over medium heat Pour batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

 

And that’s it! Super fluffy and tasty American style, vegan pancakes!

I usually serve mine with sliced bananas or blueberries, maple syrup and walnuts. Sometimes I even like to treat myself to a PB&J pancake! If you’ve never tried, I recommend that you do😋

♥♥♥

Do you have any interesting toppings that you usually have on your pancakes? Let me know in the comments! And of course, I would love to hear what you thought of these if you try them out as well!

Hope you guys are all having a wonderful Sunday!