Jacket Round Up

This morning was the first morning that it was Fall like in So Cal, it was perfect! Walking my pups in 55 degree weather felt heavenly!  I couldn't help but be excited for jacket weather.  I enjoy adding a few items to my wardrobe here and there (sparingly...we have very little closet space), and I feel like a change of season is always the perfect time to do so.  Here are a few jackets that would be a great Fall addition to your wardrobe...all vegan of course ;)

So In love with the sweater front on this one!

Sweater Front Jacket


The patch detail on this Free People jacket is great!

Military Shirt Jacket

I love the mixed material!

Canvas Sleeve Jacket


I ended up purchasing this one! It is a great weight and I love that it is timeless!

Olive Roll Sleeve Parka


I love the color! Rare to see white jackets!

 Faux Suede Drape Jacket


Great layering piece!

Drape Vest


Collar is on point!

Beige Vegan Leather


I saved my favorite for last!  I can not get over how great this statement jacket is!

Embroidered Jacket


Hopefully it will be jacket weather in your area soon! Which one is your favorite?

Since my closet space is so limited I've learned to purchase wisely and also donate what I no longer wear or need.  If you are purchasing a new jacket this Fall, I'm sure you have one in your closet that might need a new home.  There are great places to donate used clothing, it is also fun to sell what you no longer wear and donate the money to a good cause!

Happy Hump Day!

Spaghetti Squash Casserole -- Vegan / Gluten Free

This was honestly a throw together dinner, but it is definitely a dish I will make again! Delicious Mouthwatering Flavorful I can't seem find a word to describe this casserole, it is on another level!

What you need

Spaghetti Squash 

Marinara Sauce (I used store bought)

Cremini mushrooms - 8oz

Fresh Spinach - about 16oz

Beyond Meat Beefy Crumbles

Daiya Mozzarella Shreds (Or other vegan cheese)

Follow Your Heart Parmesan Style Shreds

Directions

Cook Spaghetti Squash--I used a slow cooker.  Poke about 10-15 holes in the spaghetti squash with a knife, place it whole in the slow cooker and allow to cook until out flesh is soft.  Once it's cooked, allow to cool, slice open, scoop out the seeds, then using a fork rake through the squash to create "spaghetti".



 If you don't have a slow cooker here are a few other cooking options

Bake Spaghetti Squash

Microwave

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

In a large saucepan / skillet combine sliced mushrooms, spinach and Beyond Meat crumbles.  Let them simmer together until spinach is beginning to wilt, then add cooked spaghetti squash and marinara sauce, continue to simmer until spinach has cooked down.



Add everything to a baking dish and top with desired amount of Daiya Mozzarella shreds and Follow Your Heart Parmesan shreds.  Bake until cheese is melted.

Devour! 

What are your favorite spaghetti squash recipes?

Stepping into Fall

Let me preface this by saying...I am not a fashionista or a style guru, nor am I trying to be.  But I do love finding cute cruelty-free options.

The mornings and evenings have been feeling a little chilly in Southern California, and while Fall is definitely a ways away...I can feel it's arrival in the air!  Last Fall/Winter I searched and searched for vegan over the knee boots to no avail, so I was beyond excited when I stumbled upon the pair below. If you'd like to add some new boots to your wardrobe this Fall you should check these options out.

ALL UNDER $100!!

These are by far my favorite...I love everything about them (including the price)

Soriah Over The Knee Boot

Layton Bootie

Loren Bootie

Chelsea Boot

Wedge Bootie

Taupe Booties

And here's a little Fall Style Inspiration...to go with your new boots ;)

(I could not find the owner of this pic, if it's yours I'd love to give you credit!)

Brighton Keller

Lulus

A Spoonful of Style

 Wachabuy

But where do you get your protein?!

As someone who does not eat animal products (vegan, plant based, herbivore...whatever you prefer) the most common question I get when it comes to nutrition is "But where do you get your protein?"  This post is for omnivores and herbivores alike...I'm hoping to help those interested in cutting animal products out of their diet find plant based protein sources and also help my plant powered friends have eye-opening conversations when they get asked,"WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR PROTEIN?"

When I am asked about protein (and I feel like I get asked A LOT...by friends / family / acquaintances / clerks at the market / waiters ) I avoid the urge to respond with sarcastic comments such as, "Where do you get your cholesterol" or "From eating the people who ask me that" because if they are sincerely interested not only have I not answered their question, but I've now turned them away from veganism by being a jerk! Instead I respond compassionately, my part of the conversation usually goes something like this "I used to think that protein only came from animal products, but did you know that foods like broccoli, beans, quinoa, nuts and nut butters have a similar amount of protein as meat? Not only are they great sources of protein but they are also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber, and they cost significantly less." By responding kindly I usually have powerful conversations with people regarding the disgraceful treatment of farmed animals, the environmental effects of meat eating, and the health benefits of following a plant based diet.

If you are interested in high protein, plant based meal ideas feast your eyes on these mouth watering recipes!

Teriyaki Cauliflower Rice Bowl - Yup Its Vegan

Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas - Minimalist Baker




Below is an amazing chart created by Vega One (the most detailed I've seen) that identifies a large array of plant based proteins.  I love Vega One's All in One Nutritional powder in Natural Flavor!

You can view the chart HERE if you're having difficulty reading the small print

 

 Hopefully this post helped you discover some plant based protein options and will help you confidently answer the "protein question" the next time you get asked.  

Happy Saturday! Have a great weekend!

Cruelty Is A Fashion Statement We Can Live Without

Before I knew better I used to buy and proudly wear designer leather handbags,  now when I look at the bags that I used to love to carry I see exactly what they are-- animal skin.  The fact that it is animal skin is now more than enough for me to not buy leather.  If for some reason that weren't enough though the fact that the animal was used for its milk or meat, denied its chance of living a peaceful life, and more than likely tortured in the process definitely makes it enough for me to not buy leather.  In fact some designers, Chanel, Prada, Saint Laurent, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Christian Louboutin (and I'm sure many others), boast about using calfskin (yes, skin from a baby cow) because the leather is much softer and smoother...WTF?!?!  It's even more disturbing that consumers are well aware that they are purchasing baby cow skin...it is pompously displayed for purchasers to see.

Will someone please help me understand how this is any different than puppy skin, I'm sure it's equally soft and smooth. Yet, if a designer started making bags from puppy skin, he / she would be ostracized, why is this? Many people have publicly expressed disgust concerning the Yulin dog meat festival (don't get me wrong, I am outraged also), but our mistreatment of farmed animals is just as outrageous...where is the disconnect?

For me, making these connections was incredibly eye opening, and I found myself wondering why it took me so many years to understand what I was actually purchasing and contributing to.  If you decide to ditch leather I have found (and linked) some great cruelty free "leather like" alternative.

Free People Mezi Saddle Bag

 Free People Alexa Vegan Satchel

Free People has a growing selection of vegan bags shop their collection HERE

Crossbody Saddle bag

Street Level Tassel Flap Crossbody

 Matt & Nat Minka Shoulder Bag

Matt & Nat is one of my favorites! You can shop their whole line HERE

Sole Society Faux Leather Backpack 

 

Reversible Tote
 

Beaded Clutch

 Embroidered Clutch

  Beaded Clutch

Sunset Cream Fringe Clutch

With change comes loss, I've lost all desire to carry a handbag that an animal paid its life for.  I'd much rather carry a compassionate bag because cruelty is a fashion statement we can all live without.


What are your thoughts on leather vs cruelty free handbags?  Did I miss any of your favorites?

Be the change, 

Who am I?

Welcome to All Things Melissa Ann!  I am a wife, a dog mom and an earth conscience animal lover, I currently live in Los Angeles but am originally from Texas.

You might have discovered my little space on the Internet through a search for vegan recipes, cruelty free products or its possible I've made you feel obligated to read (Hi Mom)!  Regardless of why you are here, thank you for reading. I want you to know that you inspire me, your interest in a more compassionate way of living gives me faith, and keeps my hope alive that one day animals won't be the largest group of forgotten victims in our society.

I took a break from blogging because I was lost and uninspired, it took me a while, but I'm back! I hope you find inspiration here!

I'd love to hear from you - Allthingsmelissaann@yahoo.com

Espadrille Love!

If you are anything like me you've probably been drooling over these amazing Chanel espadrilles. These little numbers would be the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.  BUT these adorable shoes come with a hefty price tag (even on Ebay)...we're talking upwards of $500! Since I knew that I would never pay such an astronomical amount for shoes I began my search for more affordable alternatives.

The REAL deal!

Sincerely Jules
The all black ones are my Fav!

 Bitter Sweet Colours 

 Andy Adler via Instagram Typical Domestic Babe

Below are some amazing options, most with a price tag significantly below $100

Tory Burch Lace Espadrilles      $150

Aldo Shoes OLEAWIEL      $70

Kendall & Kylie Madden Girl Espadrilles       $49.95

Soludos 'Classic' Espadrilles      $42.95

Steve Madden Destiny Espadrilles ON SALE at Nordstrom for $39.90

These three are by far my favorite!

River Island Espadrilles      $16

Will you be wearing espadrilles this spring / summer?  Have you found other cute styles?  Leave a comment below or send me an email at allthingsmelissaann@yahoo.com