We took our first family vacation to California and I've been playing catch up since I got home. Does anyone else feel like taking a vacation is the most exhausting thing you can do? I mean it takes so much time to plan before you leave and then to catch up once you've returned. Truth...I am a freak about planning and cleaning so maybe it’s just a "Krysta" problem. I try to own my problems and my parties...like when I just need a break and decide to have too much wine by myself and dance/sing alone, that’s a "Krysta" party. I really only have parties and problems...not much in between ;)

Anywho, I bought 3 self help books this week because I have been having trouble sleeping and getting out of my head at night. I am like sooo tired, so I lay down early only to get a weird burst of energy and about 900 new things on my mind. It's awesome...NOT!

I did, however, decide that I wanted to share some awesome new vegan recipes with my readers, so here you go.

The greatest thing about these recipes...they work together beautifully for meal prep. They are inexpensive and made out of items that most of us have on hand..no grocery trip required.

I eat the vegan chorizo in tortillas, buddha bowls, with a spoon, on a chip, in my car,...etc. Now you can make this vegan chorizo and use it in the chili mac recipe or you can just make the chili mac recipe with the soy chorizo from Trader Joe’s...It's amazing, either way.

VEGAN CHORIZO

VEGAN CHILI MAC

VEGAN BURRITOS

Ever had chia seed pudding?? It’s so easy and delicious, it’s unreal. Who doesn't have a bag of chia seeds they bought with great intensions and never used...nobody.

A LITTLE ABOUT CHIA SEEDS

· Chia seeds have been around a long time and are finally making it into the mainstream. They are no longer just seen in health food stores and are easily accessible. I see them at Target and all my local grocery stores. They are mostly found dark colored, but you can find white chia seeds online.

· In the world of vegan food, chia seeds act as a binder to replace eggs and also as a thickener, like for this pudding. When not making chia pudding, you can sprinkle them on smoothies, oatmeal, & salads.

· Chia seeds are small, but nutritious, and should be included in your heart healthy habits! For each 1 ounce serving of chia seeds, you’ll get 138 calories, 9 grams of fat, 10 grams of fiber (amazing!), 4.7 grams of protein (not too shabby). All that fiber will help aid in digestion and elimination.

This vanilla chia pudding is about the easiest thing on the planet to make and tastes fantastic with mixed seasonal fruits! Perfect for breakfast, snack, dessert or a light lunch!

I just ate a big bowl of roasted vegetables covered in ranch dressing and Frank’s Red Hot. Now I’m sleepy...hoping I sleep like a baby tonight! Happy cooking:)