Today’s bowl!

Strawberry Raspberry Smoothie Bowl
(makes 1 large serving or 2 smaller portions)

For smoothie, blend together:
3 frozen organic bananas
1/2  cup fresh organic raspberries
1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder (I use Navitas brand.)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk. You can use any dairy free milk. Use less liquid for a thicker, more ice cream-like texture.)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
hemp seeds (I use Nutiva.)
organic kiwi
organic banana
pomegranate seeds
organic raspberries
hemp granola (my favorite is this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

This pretty purple smoothie is delicious and packed with antioxidants! If you have any leftover smoothie, pour it into popsicle molds and freeze!

Blackberry Mango Smoothie Bowl
(makes 1 large serving or 2 smaller portions)

For smoothie, blend together:
3 frozen organic bananas
3/4 cup frozen organic mango
1/2 – 3/4 cup frozen organic blackberries
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk. You can use any dairy free milk or coconut water! Use less liquid for a thicker, more ice cream-like texture.)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
hemp seeds (I use Nutiva.)
organic banana
organic mango
sprouted organic buckwheat groats (I LOVE Emmy’s Super Cereal!)
organic blackberries

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

This is my favorite summer smoothie.  So light, sweet and refreshing! Use just a little bit of dairy free milk or coconut water when blending to achieve an ice cream consistency or add more for a delicious drinkable smoothie.

Watermelon Pomegranate Smoothie Bowl
(makes 1 large serving or 2 smaller portions)

For smoothie, blend together:
3 frozen organic bananas
1 cup fresh organic watermelon
1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder (I use Navitas brand.)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk. You can use any dairy free milk or coconut water! Use less liquid for a thicker, more ice cream-like texture.)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
hemp seeds (I use Nutiva.)
organic banana
pomegranate seeds
watermelon stars
hemp granola (my favorite is this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

This is the most delicious smoothie bowl! It tastes just like chocolate peanut butter ice cream but so much better because it’s good for you and cruelty-free!  I’ve made variations of this amazing nice cream before but using Peanut Butter & Co.’s white chocolate peanut butter made it extra special.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl
(makes 1 large serving or 2 smaller portions)

For smoothie, blend together:
3.5 frozen organic bananas
2 tablespoons peanut butter (My favorite: Peanut Butter & Co. White Chocolate Wonderful!)
1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder (I used Vega’s chocolate protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk. You can use any dairy-free milk!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
hemp seeds (I used Nutiva’s organic shelled hemp seeds.)
sliced banana
cacao nibs (I use Navitas!)
hemp granola (my favorite is this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)
pomegranate seeds
sliced strawberries

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1 cup frozen organic cherries
1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder (I use Navitas brand.)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk. You can use any dairy-free milk!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
black chia seeds (I use Nutiva.)
organic banana
pomegranate seeds
Rainier cherries
sprouted organic buckwheat groats (I use Emmy’s Super Cereal.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

*extremely high in antioxidants (over 60 times that of spinach!)
*contains high levels of cancer-preventing catechins
*combats inflammation, oxidation & aging
*improves brain function with L-theanine
*detoxes the body with Chlorophyll
*lowers bad cholesterol
*helps with weight loss
*provides energy boost without jittery feeling!

3 Brands to Try:

DōMatcha Green Tea
The Republic Of Tea Matcha Tea Powder
Jade Organics Matcha Tea

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1 cup frozen organic mango
1/2 fresh organic kiwi
1 handful organic kale (can use spinach)
2 tsp matcha powder
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk.  You can use any dairy-free milk!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
organic hemp seeds (I used Nutiva!)
sliced organic kiwi
sliced organic banana
organic blueberries
sprouted organic buckwheat groats (I use Emmy’s Super Cereal.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
3/4 cup frozen organic peach
1/2 cup fresh organic raspberries
1/2 cup frozen organic strawberries
1 tablespoon pomegranate powder (I use Navitas brand.)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk. You can use any dairy-free milk!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
sliced organic peach
hemp seeds
sliced organic banana
black chia seeds (I use Nutiva.)
organic raspberries
hemp seed granola (my favorite is this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

It’s been so hot and humid in NYC so I’ve been making a smoothie bowl every day to cool off.  This watermelon strawberry smoothie might be my favorite smoothie flavor I’ve made yet!  So sweet and refreshing.

Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1 cup fresh organic watermelon (hydrating and loaded with vitamins & antioxidants!)
6-8 frozen organic strawberries
1/2 cup frozen organic cherries
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder (I use Navitas. 2 tablespoons = 260% vitamin C!)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk.  You can use any dairy-free milk!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
sprouted buckwheat groats (I use Emmy’s Super Cereal.)
black chia seeds (I love Nutiva.)
sliced organic banana
organic pomegranate seeds
sliced organic strawberries
organic watermelon stars

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

This smoothie bowl is so delicious, hydrating and nutritious.  The smoothie itself is amazing but the fresh watermelon and pomegranate seeds on top bursting with flavor are the best part!

Watermelon Pomegranate Smoothie Bowl

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1 cup fresh organic watermelon (hydrating and loaded with vitamins & antioxidants!)
5-6 frozen organic strawberries
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder (I use Navitas. 2 tablespoons = 260% vitamin C!)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/4 – 1/2 cup soy milk (I used Silk’s organic soy milk.  You can use any dairy-free milk!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
organic pomegranate seeds
sprouted buckwheat groats (I use Emmy’s Super Cereal.)
organic watermelon balls (I used this cookie scoop by OXO to make the melon balls.)
sliced organic strawberries
sliced organic banana
black chia seeds (I love Nutiva.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

This smoothie bowl’s base is made with one of my favorite blends: bananas, cherries and strawberries.  It gets an extra boost of antioxidants and vitamins from the yummy superfruit powders blended in and sprinkled on top!

Pretty in Pink Smoothie Bowl

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1/2 cup frozen organic cherries
10 frozen organic strawberries
1 tablespoon Goji powder (I use Navitas. Extra boost of beta-carotene & antioxidants!)
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder (I use Navitas. 2 tablespoons = 260% vitamin C!)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/2 – 3/4 cup of dairy-free milk (soy, coconut, almond, cashew, hemp, etc!)

For toppings, I used:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
hemp seeds (organic shelled hempseed by Nutiva.)
pomegranate powder (Navitas brand is delicious!)
sliced organic banana
hemp granola (I love this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)
black chia seeds (I use Nutiva)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see more smoothie bowls!

I make a smoothie bowl almost every day. It’s the most delicious way to load up on healthy fruits, protein and fiber! Here’s the recipe for my new favorite.

Frosted Berry Bowl

For smoothie, blend together:
2 frozen organic bananas
1 cup frozen organic blackberries
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
5 frozen organic strawberries
1 tablespoon Goji powder (I use Navitas. Extra boost of beta-carotene & antioxidants!)
1 scoop vegan protein powder (I use Vega’s vanilla protein smoothie powder.)
1/2 – 3/4 cup of dairy-free milk (soy, coconut, almond, cashew, hemp, etc!)

Toppings:
shredded coconut (I use Let’s Do Organic coconut.)
cacao nibs (I use Navitas.)
sliced organic banana
frozen organic blueberries
frozen organic blackberries
sprouted buckwheat groats (I use Emmy’s Super Cereal. Stays crunchy in your smoothie!)
hemp granola (I love this granola by Nature’s Path Organic.)

Follow me on Instagram (@thebirdfeednyc) to see my smoothie bowl creations!

This past weekend I attended both the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival and The Seed Experience Market.  I had such a great time, met inspiring people, tried amazing vegan food, and spent way too much money!

On Saturday, my business (TLB Music) joined The Solutionary School at the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival to lead a “Compassion Rocks” music class for the children at the festival.  It was so much fun!  We sang songs about animals, love, compassion, and world peace while the kids played on drums, shakers, and bells and we even drummed together on the Djembe:

Carly, Carina & Katia representing TLB Music at Veg Fest 2015

TLB Music Co-Founders, Carina & Katia

"Compassion Rocks" TLB Music Class at Veg Fest

"Compassion Rocks" TLB Music Class at Veg Fest

Some of my favorite vendors at the NYC Veg Fest:

Green Mustache: These fruit & veggie smoothies disguise 2 cups of kale & spinach in yummy flavors like Strawberry Banana, Mixed Berry, and Carrot Ginger.
V-Spot: I’m obsessed with their Colombian empanadas & homemade salsa!  This Brooklyn restaurant makes everything vegan: Philly Cheese Heros, Tempeh Tacos, Avocado BLTs, Chicken Parm Sandwiches and much more.
Heido-Ho: Shark Tank-approved out-of-this-world vegan cheese.  They just started selling on the East Coast!
Gusto-Organics: This NYC restaurant recently went all-vegan!  At the festival, everyone was raving about their mini seitan tacos with cashew cream and cilantro-avocado sauce.  We all snuck one in before TLB’s class! Flavorful, spicy, and totally satisfying.
NotMilk: Fresh nut milk made and sold in NYC.  They deliver “to your door on the day its made”!

Learn more about the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival here.

Me at The Seed Market!

Yesterday, I headed to The Seed Experience Market, a vegan pop-up market that just happened to be immediately next door to Veg Fest! This market is a vegan’s dream.  There are cruelty-free beauty products, food vendors, yoga classes, workshops, and lots of like-minded people.  I found myself buying so much more than necessary out of the sheer excitement of all the options.  For lunch, I had the most amazing “Rasta Roots Slider” by Monks Meats.  The sandwich:  smoked jerk seitan, organic green meat radish, roasted organic red beets, pickled organic carrots & vegan mayo on an Eli’s slider ciabata.  So good!!

Monks Meats "Rasta Roots" Slider

Some of my favorite vendors at The Seed Market:

Lagusta’s Luscious: Hands-down the BEST vegan chocolates I’ve ever tried. Their caramels, in particular, are to die for! My favs: Rosemary Sea Salt, Thyme Preserved Lemon & Maple Pecan.
Monks Meats: This company makes mouth-watering seitan that tastes incredible when grilled.  I fell in love with this “meat” at Smorgasburg and know you’ll love it too!
Cheezehound: I’ve been searching for vegan cheese that tastes like brie for years without success…until yesterday! This artisanal nut cheese is so smooth and creamy- it’s everything I missed and remembered…without the dairy.
Tamerlaine Farm: This New Jersey Animal Sanctuary raises funds by selling handmade hot sauce! I purchased “Gabby’s Smoked Red”, a delicious sweet and smokey sauce with a spicy kick.
Sweet Maresa: I’ve driven hours to New Paltz to get these macarons: just like Ladurée but even BETTER:  lavender, rose water, almond…all their flavors are divine.  These are a vegan must-try.

Learn more about The Seed Experience here.

The Seed Experience Market (March 2015)

Lagusta's Luscious Chocolate

Cheezehound Peppercorn Nut Cheese

Sweet Maresa Macarons

Treats by Gone Pie

Southern Food by Sprouting Dreams

Cruelty-Free Soaps

Yoga Class at The Seed Market

I woke up craving spicy food so I decided to dedicate today’s post to spicy, satisfying vegan recipes! These 5 recipes are filled with nutritious ingredients, metabolism-boosting spice and tons of flavor.  Don’t they look delicious??

2.  Gobi Manchurian: Fried Cauliflower in Spicy Sauce {vegan} by Sinfully Spicy
***view the recipe***

3.  Kung Pao Chickpeas {vegan, gluten-free} by She Knows
***view the recipe***

4. Best-Ever Quinoa Chili {vegan, gluten-free} by Making Thyme for Health
***view the recipe***

5.  Simple Bean & Veggie Tacos {vegan} by Craftsy
***view the recipe***

2. Lucky Seven Juice
This is one of my favorite juice blends ever! The taste is fresh, sweet, gingery, and completely addictive. The beets are high in vitamins and minerals, help improve stamina, and lower blood pressure. The carrots provide more than your daily dose of Vitamin A and the ginger- in addition to tasting amazing with this mix- helps maintain normal blood circulation, prevents cold and flu, alleviates stomach discomfort, and reduces pain and inflammation.
Ingredients: carrot, pineapple, pear, orange, ginger, beet, lemon

3. Vital Force Very Berry (probiotic non-dairy superfood ‘yogurt’)
This smoothie tastes like an amazing berry shake and is an antioxidant powerhouse with a blend of delicious almond milk, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, and bananas. The probiotics balance your digestive system and the maca provides a natural energy boost. This is a must-try!
Ingredients: almond milk (water, almonds, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt), bananas, filtered water, strawberries, soaked cashews, blueberries, raspberries, dates, lime juice, goji berries, proviotic vegan probiotic, maca powder, sea salt

4. OMG! My Favorite Juice
Alkalizing, cleansing, slightly sweet, and loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Try one of these in the morning (for best absorption) and you’ll feel the health benefits immediately.
Ingredients: celery, cucumber, pear, grapefruit, kale, and parsley juice

5. Pink Punk
A sweet, tart and gingery smoothie with all the benefits of beets and vitamin-filled pineapple and strawberries.
Ingredients: frozen pineapple, frozen strawberries, shredded ginger, cold pressed beet

6. Doctor Green Juice
This 5-ingredient juice is one of Juice Press’ all-time best sellers and once you taste it, you’ll see why! It is the perfect choice for skeptical, first time green juicers- the lemon, ginger, apple, and pineapple create a sweet and spicy base for the nutrition-packed kale. Your body will love the natural energy your body gets from juicing!
Ingredients: red apple, pineapple, kale, lemon, ginger

Juice Press has 22 locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Southhampton, Bridgehampton, and Long Island City!  Find one here.

These pumpkin recipes are perfect for the Fall.  They’re all easy to make, vegan (dairy and egg free), and full of nutritional benefits and flavor:

Pumpkin is loaded in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene):  great for your eyesight and cancer prevention.
Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, keeping you feeling satisfied.
Pumpkin is a great source of Potassium- perfect for a post-workout meal.

1.  Ginger Roasted Pumpkin + Quinoa Salad w/Mint, Chili and Lime by My Darling Thyme
view the recipe

2.  Pumpkin Alfredo Linguini by Veggie and the Beast  view the recipe

3.  Five-Ingredient Thai Pumpkin Soup by Foodie Crush   view the recipe

4.  Pumpkin Cheesecake (vegan) by Kitchen Grrls   view the recipe