Favorite Things

Hey friends! Spring has finally sprung, and I swear I feel a burst of energy along with those budding flowers. Maybe it’s the warmer weather, maybe it’s that extra daylight…whatever it is, I’m channeling that into taking better care of myself, finding inspiration in everyday life, and making yummy food. Let’s jump into this month’s favorites!

Looking into the center of a fluffy dandelion covered in dew droplets.

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Self-Care

  • Skin Deep: Feeling a little self-conscious about those fine lines? I hear you. I have that and hooded lids. That’s why I treated myself to a laser treatment around my eyes. Still recovering, but I’m excited to see the results.
  • Porch Swing Canopy: Our deck swing canopy didn’t handle the elements so I made a new one. My way of “making” it involves ordering an outdoor tablecloth and adding the proper attachments to hang it. So there is a little sewing involved, but not much. It provides shade while also giving a very unique, colorful look to our deck!
  • Mindful Moments: Shawn likes to play Sam Harris’s short meditations for us after our morning yoga. These meditations are from his Waking Up Podcast app. Today’s topic was particularly poignant. It was about letting go of those million worries in our heads and just focusing on this moment. So simple, but life-changing advice.

Home

  • Office Refresh: I gave my home office a minor revamp by changing the furniture around. Wow, it made a surprising difference! A change of layout, new plants, and saying goodbye to clutter bring a fresh perspective to work and play. (Definitely feels like the perfect excuse to buy new desk supplies…)
  • Inspiration Corner: Anyone else obsessed with those home improvement shows on HGTV? Taking inspiration from them, I created a little “inspiration corner” in my office. It has a mood board for projects, fabric swatches, and magazine cutouts – it’s so fun to have it all in one spot. You can do this virtually on Pinterest or Instagram, too.

Reading (Or Should I Say…Listening)

I enjoy reading a lot, especially audio books. I get those from Libby, Apple Books, and Amazon.

History Buff Mode: After binging ‘Masters of the Air’ (so good!) on Apple TV, now I’m tackling the book. It’s really loong, but the stories are incredible! Especially heartwarming since I found out my Uncle George served in the Mighty 8th Air Force of the U.S. Army Air Force. I’m so proud of all my uncles that served in the military. It makes these stories even more personal and inspiring.

Watching

We made time for TV this month, and here are some favorites:

  • Larry David Forever: Curb Your Enthusiasm’s final season has been pure ridiculous (and hilarious) gold.
  • Amy Schumer = Genius: ‘Life and Beth’ – if you haven’t watched this, you’re missing out. Funny, poignant, and a reminder of what truly matters.

Kitchen

  • Cut It Out! Sharp kitchen scissors are the unsung heroes! I use them for everything – herbs, opening tricky packages, even cutting pizza like a pro.
  • Spice It Up: Good seasonings are key. A sprinkle of vegan ranch seasoning (see below) does wonders for roasted veggies, salads, avocado toast… heck, we even sprinkle it over popcorn.

Reader Spotlight

Here’s a review of my easy Dairy-Free Ranch Seasoning recipe. I love having this seasoning in my kitchen to add flavor to so many dishes…or to make a quick vegan salad dressing. It’s perfect!

Reader Reviews

★★★★★
Oh boy, this is sooo amazing. Just finished my second batch. This time I got smart and doubled it. Nothing that I’ve seen on the store shelves even comes close!.

John
A wooden spoon rests in a jar of dairy-free ranch seasoning.

Recently On Namely Marly

Here are my recently published recipes I think you’ll love.

Whipped Ganache Frosting

Velvety, dreamy, and oh-so-chocolatey! This dairy-free whipped ganache frosting is light, fluffy, and full of rich chocolate flavor.
Whipped Ganache Frosting Recipe
Chocolate ganache frosting is filling up a stand mixer's whipping attachment.

Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Muffins

Ridiculously easy, fluffy and indulgent, enjoy these gluten-free vegan banana muffins with a cinnamon-spiced crumble topping.
Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Muffins Recipe
Two muffins are stacked on top of each other with more muffins and bananas behind them.

Vegan Cold Foam

Indulge in the magic of our Vegan Cold Foam to take your iced coffee experience to new heights. This fluffy, rich, and indulgent dairy-free cold foam is the easiest way to level up your summer drinks.
Vegan Cold Foam Recipe
Vegan cold foam is being poured into an iced coffee drink.

Vegan Tuna Melt

This vegan tuna melt recipe combines creamy chickpea salad with melty vegan cheese between crispy bread slices for a satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Vegan Tuna Melt Recipe
A vegan tuna melt sandwich is cut and half and the two halves are stacked, revealing melted vegan cheese and chickpea tuna salad.

Most Popular Posts This Week

  1. Vegan Pineapple Cake Recipe — This tasty cake is made with crushed pineapple and a simple whipped cream topping. It’s delicious flavor and texture in every bite!
  2. Biscoff Protein Balls — These little treats are so flavorful, it’s no wonder they’re leading the charge in site clicks!
  3. Applesauce Baking Substitutes — Have you ever found yourself baking a cake that calls for applesauce and you’re out? This guide gives some great alternatives you can use in place of applesauce.

Meal Plan

Here’s a 7-day meal plan starting on Monday with savory meals during the week and sweet treats on the weekend:

Monday: Lunch: Chickpea Salad Hummus & Veggie Wrap; Dinner: Easy Veggie and Tofu Stir-Fry

Tuesday: Lunch: Leftover Stir-Fry; Dinner: Easy Pinto Bean Soup

Wednesday: Lunch: Vegan Chopped Cheese Sandwich; Dinner: Garlic Confit Pasta

Thursday: Lunch: Tofu Miso Soup; Dinner: Black Bean Vegan Enchiladas

Friday: Lunch: Air Fryer Impossible Burgers with Air Fryer Fries; Dinner: Pizza Night! Make this Vegan Pepperoni Pizza.

Saturday: Breakfast: Fluffy Vegan Whole Wheat Pancakes; Lunch: Vegan Taco Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing; Dinner: Lemony Tofu Bake.

Sunday: Breakfast: Lemon Overnight Oats; Dinner: Baked Vegan Hotdog Casserole; Dessert: Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (treat yo’self)

Meal Plan Tips

  • Adjust portions: These meal ideas are provided as a guideline.
  • Get creative: Swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
  • Batch cooking saves time: Make these dishes on the weekend to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
  • Snacks: Include fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds throughout the week to keep you energized.

Closing Thoughts

Remember, small changes lead to big happiness. Whether it’s taking those extra five minutes for a quick meditation, rearranging your space for a fresh vibe, or making something yummy for dinner – it all adds up to a life you genuinely love. Cheers to another great month!

With love and plant-powered vibes,

Marly

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