Happy New Year!

Have you set your intentions for the new year? Each year I compile a life list; on one side I list out goals or intentions for the coming year , on the other side future long term goals and intentions.



I typically have these thought out way in advance, this year is a bit different. 2014 came and went so quickly I feel as though I'm just beginning to breathe again.



Intentions for 2015 // more whole plant based foods- less "vegan" junk food + processed foods // regain confidence + consistency in my yoga practice // redefine + rediscover the purpose of this blog + what it means to me + direction // design our dream home



This soup is perfect to kick off the New Year - whole plant food goodness + loads of flavor, easy to make a batch for a week's worth of healthy lunches.

Do you remember my DIY canning at home post? Days like today remind me why I can, opening up a jar of vibrant red august tomatoes in the dead of winter puts huge smile on my face. Frozen pesto from Septembers basil harvest adds incredible flavor to the soup base.

Little pasta shapes are fun right! Any little pasta works well - abc's , orzo or even broken spaghetti.





Vegan bacon bits+ nooch; need I say more?





Long term goals + intentions are fun to look back on year after year - I've had the chance to achieve many of those goals throughout the years. Some of those goals were // become debt free before 30 (exception of mortgage) // buy a home // start a blog // generate revenue through photography // see my work in print.





I like to set a variety of goals; financial // creative // personal growth // career. I am a list maker at heart, so the act of writing down these goals and referring to them throughout the year helps to keep me accountable and provides me with a clearer vision- writing is therapeutic + motivating!





Are you in the practice of setting goals and intentions at the start of the New Year?

I'd love to hear what you have planned!







Sweet Potato Minestrone // Chickpeas + Pesto

serves 6-8 people





you will need:



Drizzle of olive oil

2 tbsp vegan

1 small onion - diced Drizzle of olive oil2 tbsp vegan basil pesto 1 small onion - diced

1 large carrot

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

2 cups canned tomatoes

4-6 cups water

salt to taste

1 tbsp nutritional yeast

1/3 cup Stelline pasta