Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl (Gluten-free)

Vegan Broccoli and Chickpea Rice Bowl

I’m back! I’ve missed you. How are you? I hope your new year is off to a good start. If you resolved to start eating healthier this year, then you’re in the right place. Today, I have an especially healthy, nutritious recipe for you. It’s vegan of course, and also gluten-free. The flavor is light and refreshing, but it’s also a hearty, filling dish.

Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl Gluten-free

Often I’ll make a big batch of brown rice at the beginning of the week. It makes recipes like this one so quick and easy. Reheat the rice, steam the broccoli, whip up the dressing and toss it all in a bowl. Done. See, this is what drives me nuts. This is such a cheap, quick, easy meal—why can’t I find something like this on the menu at most restaurants? Maybe it’s just where I live—rural midwest America. But that’s about to change.

Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl Gluten-free

Soon, we will be moving from Michigan to North Carolina! We are so excited! The Michigan winters are brutal where we live (very close to Lake Michigan). Sometimes it starts snowing in October and doesn’t let up until March, or even April. I’m not a fan of the cold. I hate putting on snow boots and a bulky winter coat every time I leave the house. The gray days are a bummer and the rare sunny ones are deceiving. It might look all bright and cheery, but just step outside and the single digit temps tell a different story. NO THANK YOU!

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DIY Gold Leaf Wreath

I was in a crafty mood recently and decided to whip up a wreath. I’m so into GOLD. For the longest time, gold was not in fashion. Well, it’s back and I love it. I love gold jewelry, gold dishes, gold decor, gold shoes, you name it. So, why not a gold wreath? One that can be used for both fall and winter. Just swap the ribbon for a festive red one or add a few sprigs of holly…and bam! it’s a Christmas wreath. Kind of like that other wreath I made.

DIY Gold Leaf Wreath - super easy and fast #diyDIY Gold Leaf Wreath - super easy and fast #diyThis isn’t complicated, folks. Pretty simple stuff.

You’ll need:

  • 14″ straw wreath
  • 2.5″ wide gold ribbon
  • scissors
  • glue gun and glue sticks
  • small plate or piece of cardboard (for the hot glue gun)
  • gold leaf floral stems (I got mine at Hobby Lobby in the floral department and used 3 of them.)
  • (optional) wide ribbon for hanging

I waited for a floral sale at Hobby Lobby and got them for 50% off (originally about $10 each). Used my 40% off coupon for the ribbon. The straw wreath was only about $4. And I already had scissors, glue gun, glue sticks. So I spent about $25 on materials.

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