Lockdown Meals for Mates or Dates in Sydney

Lockdown Meals

For Mates or Dates in Sydney

Don’t let Delta ruin all the FUN! Have yourself a very merry MATE or DATE night from the comfort of your couch by ordering takeaway from some of our favourite small businesses. Here are our top 10 suggestions:

Green Sprouts
Craving for dumplings? Tired of lockdown cooking?⁠ Let Green Sprouts come to your rescue. Order your favourite Chinese dishes for pick-up, takeaway, or free home delivery. We’re talking vegan duck pancakes, char siu, spicy wontons, and more. Each week they’re offering delivery to a different area in Sydney so stay tuned for their weekly announcement. PS: This week it’s the Northern Beaches (01/09)

Mother Chu’s
Mother Chu is a MUST for those looking for some Taiwanese night market nostalgia or just wanting to try some authentic Taiwanese cuisine! Everything is made in-house every day, from the rice rolls, dumplings, congee, and baos to their signature youtiao (fried breadsticks). Support this Chinatown staple by ordering for pick up or delivery via Easi.

Lonely Mouth
Keep your mouth lonely no more with Lonely Mouth’s vegan ramen bowls. Their noodles are churned fresh every day and paired with the most delicious broths and toppings. They are currently open for takeaway and delivery to keep your mouths company and bellies warm! Be sure to support them if you live nearby.

Bad Hombres
WEEKEND SORTED! Bad Hombres have created BH DINNER PACKS for the ultimate Mexican fiesta at home. Guac, corn, tortillas, salsa, dessert, and booze if you fancy. Order for pick up or delivery via the link in their bio, and settle in for a GUACin’ good night.

Nutie
ISO PACKS FOR EVERYONE! Preorder the parcel of your dreams from our friends at Nutie. They’re packed with all your faves from twix to brownies and s’mores. Order through their website and get these goodies delivered to your porch or send a gift to someone you love!

Green Gourmet
Make your week a little bit more bearable by ordering a plant-based yum cha feast from Green Gourmet. Stock up on their Frozen Love Buns and dumplings and enjoy any of their hot menu items. Why not even add a Golden Playtime Semifreddo Cake or Passionfruit Cheezecake for dessert.  Click “Order Here” on their website for pickup or delivery.

Comeco
Sushi and donuts are the combo you didn’t know you needed (but really do).  Get the best vegan and gluten-free sushi, Japanese curries, and sourdoughnuts from Comeco. Each weekend, they deliver to a new set of suburbs so follow their page to know when they’ll be coming for you! Pick up is also available, simply order through the link in their bio.

Kings Vegetarian
A feast fit for a king or queen.  Kings Vegetarian has got so many tasty vegan dishes for you to try including spicy wontons, satay skewers, and spring rolls. They’re currently open for pick up and delivery (which is free from Thur-Sun if you live close by). Warning: Order lots because we can guarantee you’ll be left WONTON more.

Lasagna For Breakfast
Friday night movie date anyone?! Lasagne for Breakfast has just launched an epic date night box filled with gourmet homemade vegan junk food! Keep your eyes on their page to find out what’s on the weekly menu and also check out their midweek HEAT and EAT menu while you’re there. Message them if you have any questions or to find out if your area is served by their contactless delivery service.

Brainwave Cafe
Treat the boredom and treat yourself in lockdown with a comforting dinner from Brainwave Cafe. They’ve got over 15 fresh or frozen meals to choose from such as their saucy vegan Mayo Tofu or Kindness Vegan Kitchen’s delicious Pad Thai. Check their website for weekend delivery dates and locations, and click the link in their bio to place an order.

SECONDARY TITLE

Living Your Best Life in Melbourne Lockdown

Living Your Best Life in Lockdown

Melbourne

Strap in Melbourne, we’ve got some epic suggestions to help you get through this snap lockdown! From workouts to date nights, here are 12 ways to live your best lockdown life.

Eat Like Royalty with the Best Takeaway Vegan Food
Supporting small businesses has never been more important! Eat like a king or queen this lockdown by ordering delivery from your favourite local cafe or restaurant. Token Toasties are doing wild lockdown deals over the next 5 days (check their IG to find out the daily deal), Conscious Cravings Co is open from 9am‑2pm with a special takeaway menu, and Master Jack Cafe is open 8:30‑2pm to pick up a quick bowl or wrap. We can’t wait to see what you order!

Send Your Friends A Surprise From Crumbs
Lockdown can be a pretty challenging and isolating time for some. Show those you love that you care and are thinking about them by sending them a care package or some delicious vegan treats. We recommend ordering some baked sourdough goods from Crumbs Bakehouse. They’ve got donuts, muffins, croissants, and all things bread. Everything is organic and vegan and can be delivered to your door (or picked up). PS: Don’t forget to send yourself some too!

Make Cocktails at Home with Hazel Jacksons
Who said cocktails couldn’t be a hobby? Experience the products of Melbourne bars at home by ordering a beautifully crafted cocktail kit from Hazel Jacksons. Get mocktails, gin & tonics, watermelon margaritas, cosmopolitans, the list goes on… Delivery is free during lockdown and the kit will be delivered to your door along with instructions on how to create your masterpiece. All you need to do is find yourself a glass and let the cocktail kit do the rest!

Exercise with Our Momager Emily’s IG Workouts
Put your stretchy pants on because it’s time to work up a sweat. Our World Vegan Guides’ momager and qualified PT Emily Wolter is running two live IG workouts on Saturday at 9am and Tuesday at 7am. No equipment needed ‑ just bring yourself, some big energy, and a towel (because you’ll be working up a sweat). We love EM and we know you will too!

Clay At Home with Its Claytime
It’s o’CLAY, lockdown won’t be forever. Whilst you’re stuck at home, why not make use of your time and get creative. Order one of Clay Time’s Clay At Home Kits and make your own mug, bowl, or vase from the comfort of your couch. They’ve got lots of tutorials and ideas to help you get inspired. Go seize the clay!

Support a Small Business and Get Food Delivered
If you’re anything like us, then lunch and dinner time are the best times of the day. Make your next meal magical by ordering one of The Green Chef’s ready-made meals. Choose from options such as crumbed za’atar cauliflower and BBQ jackfruit, all made with seasonal ingredients and packed in sustainable boxes.

Send Some Snail Mail
There’s nothing quite like receiving a handwritten note in the mail. Surprise your friends with some snail mail by writing them a beautiful heartfelt note. Let them know you’re thinking about them and looking forward to the days when you can be reunited. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even sign up to The Letterbox Project where you can volunteer to write notes for those in need of connection. The littlest things really do make a world of difference.

Listen to our Founder Renee’s Podcast
Comfort can sometimes be found in just listening to another person’s voice. That’s why listening to a podcast is the perfect lockdown cure. Tune in to our founder Renee Buckinham’s new podcast Do You Even Influence and binge on the latest 10 episodes where she chats to some of the biggest and best talent in the influencer industry. New episodes drop every Tuesday so mark your calendars!

Have a Date from Home
Just because we’re in lockdown, doesn’t mean you can’t have a special meal with those you love. Spice up your weekend by organising a virtual or backyard date with your loved one. Pick up some food and drinks from the legends Good Love to enjoy, such as buckwheat berry pancakes or sticky bao buns. They’re open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am‑3pm and would love your support!

Attend a Virtual Cooking Class with Drool
Stop scrolling, start drooling… The legends Drool are all about connecting people through food experiences. Meet, learn from, and be inspired by the community as you take part in an interactive virtual cooking class. There are vegan pizza masterclasses, carbonara nights, and even Sri Lankan street food classes. All you need is the ingredients, and they’ll take care of the rest… Bon appétit

Bake for Friends and Family
These COVID times are definitely history in the baking. Make use of those extra hours at home by getting your hands a lil’ dirty. Why not bake yourself a batch of Rainbow Nourishments jam donut cinnamon scrolls? The ultimate combo of two all-time favourite desserts. You can even drop a few of these lockdown treats to your neighbours and friends (if you don’t eat them all yourself).

Join a Virtual Cross Stitching Class
Become a master of the stitch with Craft Club’s Craft At Home kits. Via Class Bento, you can sign up for a virtual Cross Club workshop that will empower anyone from craft newbies to frequent embroiderers to hand stitch a masterpiece they can be proud of! You’ll be sent all the materials so all that’s left for you to do is unleash your

SECONDARY TITLE

Living Your Best Life in Sydney Lockdown

Living your best Life In Lockdown

Sydney

Strap in Sydney, we’ve got some epic suggestions to help you get through lockdown! From old-school workouts to online escape rooms, here are 12 ways to live your best lockdown life.

Drool Cooking Class
Stop scrolling, start drooling… The legends Drool are all about connecting people through food experiences. Meet, learn from, and be inspired by the community as you take part in an interactive virtual cooking class. There are vegan pizza masterclasses, carbonara nights & even Sri Lankan street food classes. All you need is the ingredients, and they’ll take care of the rest… Bon appétit

Escape Room
It’s time to #EscapeTheHouse. Sydney Opera House has transported the thrills and spills of your classic fear-inducing escape rooms to the digital space. Now you can experience those panic-inducing vibes at home with their Trials of Wisdom virtual escape room. This online game is free and requires you to solve riddles and puzzles to make it out! We challenge you to #EscapeTheHouse.

Baking
These COVID times are definitely history in the baking. Make use of those extra hours at home by getting your hands a lil’ dirty. Why not bake yourself a batch of Rainbow Nourishments jam donut cinnamon scrolls? The ultimate combo of two all-time favourite desserts. You can even drop a few of these lockdown treats to your neighbours and friends (if you don’t eat them all yourself).

Retrosweat
Put your party pants on because it’s time to work up a sweat. Retrosweat is here for you in and out of lockdown. To keep you all entertained, they’re running an epic range of live retro dance classes, such as 80s Mixtape, 90s Diva Yoga, and a Janet Jackson Workout. They’ve also got a huge library of on-demand workouts for you to do whenever you’re feeling a bit groovy. Go on, sign up and let your lycra loose.

Dinner at home with Two Chaps
If you’re anything like us, then lunch and dinner time are the best times of the day. Make your next meal magical by ordering one of Two Chaps Cafe bake at home packs. For $35pp, you’ll get a three-course meal featuring the likes of lentil minestrone, shepherd’s pie, and a scorched cream spiced rice pudding. It’s all vegan, comes with simple instructions, and is so yummy that you’ll probably end up being a repeat customer.

Order your Friends a Surprise Delivery
Lockdown can be a pretty challenging and isolating time for some. Show those you love that you care and are thinking about them by sending them a care package or some delicious vegan treats. We recommend ordering a 6 or 12 pack of these EPIC plant-based, organic cookies from The C Word They come in flavours like classic choc chip, cookie butter, double choc and sticky date, and can be delivered Sydney wide. PS: Don’t forget to send yourself some too!

Bondi Clay
It’s o’CLAY, lockdown won’t be forever. Whilst you’re stuck at home, why not make use of your time and get creative. Order one of Bondi Clay’s ClayKits and make your own mug, bowl, or vase from the comfort of your couch. They’ve got lots of tutorials and ideas to help you get inspired. Go seize the clay!

Letterbox Project
There’s nothing quite like receiving a handwritten note in the mail. Surprise your friends with some snail mail by writing them a beautiful heartfelt note. Let them know you’re thinking about them and looking forward to the days when you can be reunited. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even sign up to The Letterbox Project where you can volunteer to write notes for those in need of connection. The littlest things really do make a world of difference.

Cross Stitching
Become a master of the stitch with Craft Club’s Craft At Home kits. Via Class Bento, you can sign up for a virtual Cross Club workshop that will empower anyone from craft newbies to frequent embroiderers to hand stitch a masterpiece they can be proud of! You’ll be sent all the materials so all that’s left for you to do is unleash your creativity.

Gin Kit
Get your GIN ON with The Gin Collective’s beautifully crafted gin kits. These kits are filled with hand-selected and aromatic juniper berries, mixed spices, and custom-made copper hardware, along with instructions on how to infuse your very own gin. All you need to do is find yourself a bottle of vodka and let the GINKIT do the rest!

Listen to a New Podcast
Comfort can sometimes be found in just listening to another person’s voice. That’s why listening to a podcast is the perfect lockdown cure. Tune in to our founder Renee Buckinham’s new podcast Do You Even Influence and binge on the latest 10 episodes where she chats to some of the biggest and best talent in the influencer industry. New episodes drop every Tuesday so mark your calendars!

Have a Date from Home
Just because we’re in lockdown, doesn’t mean date night can’t exist. Spice up your weeknight routine by booking a virtual date night experience. Amazing Co. has designed a mix of awesome experiences to help you connect with your loved ones in a meaningful way. From game nights to trivia, cocktail making courses, and movie nights…there’s so much fun to be had (and honestly enough experiences to make date night every night of the week). Make sure to check them out!

SECONDARY TITLE

10 Animal Sanctuaries in Oz

10 Animal Sanctuaries in OZ

Be Kind to Animals Week

Be Kind to Animals Week (1-7 Oct) is a time to reflect on the importance of being kind to animals. Organised by Edgar’s Mission, this week aims to demonstrate how simple changes and acts of kindness can create a better world for animals of all species.

Australia is lucky to have so many incredible sanctuaries and farms that are rescuing abused, abandoned, and neglected animals and providing them a safe, loving home. Many allow you to help out by donating, adopting, or volunteering your time and skills. Check out this list of 10 incredible animal sanctuaries around OZ.

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary, Wollombi, NSW
Where Pigs Fly is a sanctuary dedicated to the shelter and care of farmed animals in need. They have saved over 180 rescue animals from cases of severe abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Each animal is named based on its distinctive personalities such as Bubbles the Pig or Shirley the Sheep. Visit their site to find out about attending a sanctuary tour (currently on hold), volunteering, or sponsoring a furry friend.

The Owl & The PussyCat Farm, Byron Bay, NSW
This family-run sanctuary by the sea provides a loving haven for all sorts of rescued farm animals to live out their days in peace and kindness. In addition to permanent residents, their ongoing rescue efforts include providing emergency accommodation, foster care, and rehabilitation/rehoming of neglected and unwanted beings. Click the link in their bio to see how you can help them out or plan a visit.

Little Oak Sanctuary, Canberra, ACT
Creating a compassionate world for animals is the mission at Little Oak Sanctuary. Not only do they provide refuge for animals but actively work to educate the public about issues faced by animals in Australia. Little Oak hosts regular open days, volunteering sessions, kid’s programs, and private tours. Their animal sponsorship also makes the perfect gift for any animal lover.

Plumfield Farm, Rural Victoria, VIC
Plumfield Farm was started in 2017 by the owners of the Mornington Peninsula’s first 100% vegan café and store, Wombat Cafe. Their farm is now home to over 100 rescued farm animals, including pigs, horses, chickens, and cows. When customers dine at Wombat Café & Store, their money is helping save these animals from death row. Follow their journey on their Instagram page.

Edgar’s Mission Animal Sanctuary, Lancefield, VIC
Nestled in the tranquillity of the Macedon Ranges, Edgar’s Mission is a not-for-profit sanctuary that seeks to create a humane and just world for all. Many of their animals have endured lives of misery in factory farms where they live without sunshine, freedom, or hope. There are lots of ways to help through volunteering, donating, adopting, sponsoring, or running a fundraiser. Visit their website to find out more.

Brightside Farm Sanctuary, Cygnet, TAS
Brightside Farm is a voice for the voiceless. They rescue and re-home hundreds of animals each year including about 300 rescued dogs. Brightside also educates, advocates, and campaigns for farm and companion animals, and offers both virtual and physical adoptions. Go online to meet their animals and explore other ways to support them.

Furever Farm, Rockleigh, SA
The vision at Furever Farm is simple – love and care for the rescued, and a commitment to do it against all odds. This sanctuary is home to 80 animals, sheep, goats, full-grown ‘bobby calves’, ex-racing horses, ducks, chickens, and pigs. There are lots of ways to support them such as visiting for an overnight stay, making a donation, volunteering, or purchasing animal portraits from their online store.

Greener Pastures Sanctuary, Waroona, WA
Set on 100 acres of blissful countryside, Greener Pastures is a family-run Sanctuary for animals who have been neglected, abandoned, mistreated, abused, and rescued from slaughter. It’s a place where animals get to really live and are loved just as much as any pet. Visit their page to meet the residents and find out about how you can get involved.

Mini Tails Sanctuary, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Run by the team behind Cafe Vie, Mini Tails is a sanctuary that believes every animal has a story and deserves a happy ending. They provide proper medical treatment and love to all the precious souls that come to their farm and most importantly help them find a place to call home. They have over 65 animals in residence including alpacas, donkeys, ponies, and various feathered friends. Support them by donating online or via their donation box at Cafe Vie.

Farm Animal Rescue, Dayboro, QLD
Farm Animal Rescue is creating a world of compassion through its rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming program. They show injured and unwell farm animals peace and kindness, nursing each back to health and then helping them find a forever home. They also advocate for the animals and aim to educate the community on how they can help create change. Read the stories of their animals or find out how to help on their website.

SECONDARY TITLE

5 Avo Dishes To Try in Melbourne

5 Avo Dishes To Try in Melbourne

Get it in ya

Avocado on toast has long been a staple vegan breakfast. However, there are now so many fun and exciting ways to enjoy this magical ingredient. Here are five avocado dishes you have to go try in Melbourne:

Health Self Co – signature avo smash
It’s time to get smashed! Hit up Healthy Self Co for a serve of their signature edamame, pea, and lemon zest AVO smash. It’s got all your favourites made vegan including marinated feta, a fried egg and lemon cashew drizzle. You’ll be licking the plate, it’s just that good.

Conscious Cravings Co. – NOM-lette with guacamole
This next dish is about to GUAC your world. Introducing Conscious Cravings Co famous NOM-elette! This cruelty-free classic is stuffed with mushies, spinach, broccolini, tomatoes, and cheese and served with a generous side of fresh guacamole. Just AVO look at that.

Wombat Cafe – breaky bowl
You know you’re gonna AVO good weekend after a trip to Wombat Cafe. Their breaky bowl is packed with goodies including tofu scramble, crispy potatoes, fermented veg, vegan sausages, crispy kale, mushrooms, and of course, a hunky chunk of avo. This is one smashing good feed!

Admiral Cheng Ho – smashed avo
Say HASS queen because we’ve found another epic avo dish to add to your list. This smashed avo dish from Admiral Cheng Ho is out of this world. It’s got some much green goodness and the avocado is stacked nice and high. Holy guacamole, we need this now!

Token Toasties – cheese and avo toastie
All you need is LOAF…and a serving of Token Toasties’ 3 cheese and avo toastie with a side of crispy onion rings. Picture two pieces of bread packed with truffle oil, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and avocado. Trust us, it really is as good as it sounds. This week’s lunch plans are now sorted.

SECONDARY TITLE

5 Avo Dishes To Try in Sydney

5 Avo Dishes To Try in Sydney

get it in ya

Avocado on toast has long been a staple vegan breakfast. However, there are now so many fun and exciting ways to enjoy this magical ingredient. Here are five avocado dishes you have to go try in Sydney:

Mejico, CBD – table-smashed guac with plantain chips
This next dish is about to GUAC your world. Mejico is making guacamole GOURMET with their table-smashed guac served with plantain chips. That’s right – this avocado masterpiece will be made right in front of your eyes. In goes the red onion, chilli & lime, and out comes the freshest guacamole you could dream of. Enjoy with a cheeky margarita (or three) and let the night live on…

Smalls Deli – AL GREEN sandwich
All you need is LOAF…and a serving of Smalls Deli’s AL GREEN sando. Picture a panini packed with kale puree, avocado, iceberg, granny smith apple, alfalfa, pepita, and vegan green goodness. Trust us, it really is as good as it sounds. Consider this week’s lunch plans sorted.

Buddha Bowl Cafe – nacho burrito
What do you get when you combine two of the world’s greatest foods? Introducing the new NACHO BURRITO from Buddha Bowl Cafe This epic breakfast snack tastes like a Mexican fiesta in your mouth. Every bite will leave you wanting more and wishing you’d ordered an extra side of AVO. PS: yes, it has corn chips inside!

Cuckoo Callay – potato croquet in an avocado bun
Say HASS queen because Cuckoo Callay has a dedicated AVOCADO MENU! This avo-fuelled menu has some super tasty vego options such as the spiced potato croquet in an avocado burger bun. It’s innovative, exciting, and 100% DELISH. Save us a bite.

7th Heaven – smashed avo with vegan egg
You know you’re gonna AVO good weekend after a trip to 7th Heaven Cafe. Their VEGAN smashed avo will literally take you to heaven with its mouth-watering miso dressing, chimichurri, homemade dukkah, and tofu feta. Be sure to also add on a vegan poached egg that looks and tastes just like the real thing. This is one smashing good feed.

SECONDARY TITLE

5 Best Vegan Fast Food Options

5 Best Vegan Fast Food Options

Get Your Fix

Sometimes we’re all in need of a comforting and fast meal. Lucky for us, many of the big fast-food chains are now offering pretty mouthwatering vegan eats. Check out our top five vegan fast food options:

Zeus Street Greek – plant-based pitas and bowls
Zeus Street Greek has stolen a PITA our heart with their new plant-based protein menu. Their “lamb” and “chicken” pitas and bowls are food fit for the gods. They’re bursting with those flavours you know and love, and will have you ordering rounds 2, 3, and 4. Fast food that nourishes the heart, soul AND stomach!

MadMex – plant based nachos and burritos
There’s no need to be mad about missing out on your junk food faves because Mad Mex has a plant-based range that’s made just for you. Burritos, tacos, nachos, you name it…whatever you want, they’ve got it in plant-based form. We’re mad about their spicy vegan chicken burrito, baja BBQ naked bowl, and veggie rancheros with tofu filling. So many good fillings to try. Plus, order on #MeatFreeMonday and you’ll get $2 off your meal. YES PLEASE!

Crust – BBQ pulled jackfruit pizza
Here’s one fast-food favourite that you KNEAD-TO-KNOW about. The vegan BBQ pulled jackfruit pizza from Crust is out of this world. We’re talking a tomato base loaded with Spanish onions, roasted capsicum, vegan aioli, parsley, chilli and smothered with vegan cheese. It’s smoky, creamy, and oh so YUM! Plus, you’d never even know it’s vegan. Please save us a slice.

Grill’d – plant-based burger range
You’re bound to have a WHOPPING good feed after a visit to Grill’d. They’re making #MeatFreeMonday so easy with their plant-based burger range that really packs a punch. Go beyond with their plant-based burger that tastes like meat or opt for their veggie-packed patties, which really do hold their own. These are not only good for your body but good for Mother Earth too. PS: treat yourself to 2-for-1 burgers on #MeatFreeMondays.

Lord of the Fries – burgers, dogs and fries
Lord of the Fries is the champions of the vegan junk food world. They’ve been serving up the best fries and award-winning burgers and dogs since 2004. There’s something to suit every taste bud, plus everything’s 100% vegan. We recommend the Phish and Parma burgers, along with a side of mac and cheese balls and some loaded fries. Don’t forget that deluxe Mexican sauce to squeeze on top. Oh, and did we mention they also do vegan milkshakes? This place is an absolute crowd pleaser!

SECONDARY TITLE

5 Best Vegan Chocolates

5 Best Vegan Chocolates

Treat Yo'self!

Chocolate is no joke. We’d have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if we could. Here are our top five vegan chocolate brands to support:

Treat Dreams
Treat dreams are made of this … Satisfy your sweet tooth with some of Treat Dreams’ cruelty-free chocolates. They make all your favourites but with a vegan twist, and using fair and direct trade chocolate. If you can only pick one thing, make sure to try the cream egg, but there are tons of chocolate bars, bears, boxes, and boozy chocs for you to check out too. You’ll be left wanting a chocoLOT more.

Pana Organic
Do not PANAic! We’ve got another planet-friendly chocolate recommendation for you to try. Pana Organic is one of the OG players in the vegan chocolate world. They now sell a delicious range of chocolate, frozen desserts, spreads, baking products, and drink blends. With flavours like peanut caramel, strawberry and pistachio, and golden comb, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. We love them and we know you will too!

Loco Love
We’ve got a whole LOCO love for Loco Love Chocolate. Their chocolates combine decadent indulgence with high-vibe health consciousness to create chocolate with benefits. Everything is organic, refined sugar-free, vegan, and made with good vibrations. Go for their hazelnut praline and butter caramel pecan, or spice things up with their chocolate chilli hearts. No matter what you choose, you’ll feel a burst of love and joy in every bite.

Pico
Our next PICkO for top quality vegan chocolate is from the legends at Pico Chocolate. Pico lives and breathe the art of chocolate and has made a range of premium choccies like you’ve never tasted before. Their classic sea salt and salted caramel are hard to go past but the super dark with 85% cocoa is definitely worth a try. The ultimate treat yourself (because you definitely deserve it)!

Loving Earth
We can’t say no to a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate block from Loving Earth These masterminds are determined to deliver healthy indulgence in a way that is good for the planet. Their choccie blocks are organic and plant-based, plus they go the extra mile by making them in a solar-powered factory and wrapping them in compostable packaging. They’ve got lemon cheesecake chocolate bars, cashew mylk eggs, chocolate cluster buckinis, hazelnut chocolate butter, drinking chocolate…you name it. There’s something for every day of the week!

SECONDARY TITLE

5 Top Vegan Cookbooks

5 Top Vegan Cookbooks

level-up your kitchen

A plant-based diet doesn’t have to be boring.Here ares five of our favourite cookbooks that demonstrate how simple, easy, and affordable a vegan diet can be. All the recipes are so delicious and you’ll be left feeling so inspired. Bring on the dinner parties!

Deliciously Ella: Quick & Easy
Deliciously Ella is the queen of the vegan cooking world. Her newest cookbook Quick & Easy proves that plant-based cooking doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. The recipes are split into seven sections, including delicious breakfasts, lunches, 10-minute meals, 20-minute meals, big batches, and weekend cooking. There’s everything from easy toast-toppers to portable bars and family noodle bowls. Each recipe really is as good as the next and will have you cooking them on repeat!

Bosh: Simple Recipes, Amazing Food, All Plants
Hands up if you love ridiculously good plant-based food combined with a little light-hearted fun! Simple Recipes, Amazing Food, All Plants is about to become your new best friend. The Bosh duo’s latest cookbook has over 150 incredibly easy and outrageously tasty plant meals for you to test. From clean-eating crowd-pleasers like the guacamole potato salad to the most indulgent vegan junk food like vegan kebabs, this cookbook is perfect for vegan newbies and veterans alike. This is one purchase you won’t regret!

Ellie Bullen: The Global Vegan
Beat those travel blues by getting your hands on Ellie Bullen’s Global Vegan cookbook. Each recipe is inspired by Elsa’s travels around the world and is exploding with colour and flavour. From Indian aloo jeera to Japanese spicy ramen and Portuguese custard tarts, the recipes are just SO GOOD. This cookbook is guaranteed to become your newest kitchen essential.

Shannon Martinez: Vegan With Bite
Vegans will need no introduction to Shannon Martinez, Australia’s #1 vegan chef. She’s championed change in the Australian plant-based dining scene and her book is helping home cooks do the same. Vegan With Bite is everything you would expect and more! There are over 80 thoughtful but easy meals that prove meat-free, dairy-free doesn’t have to be boring and predictable. French toast, laksa, and apple pie are some of our favourite recipes but tbh we are obsessed with them all.

Tammy Fry: Made with Love & Plants
This next cookbook is perfect for anyone looking to transition to a plant-based diet. Made with Love & Plants is not only a recipe book, but it’s also a holistic guide to living your best life. The cookbook is jam-packed with over 75 wholesome recipes, lifestyle tips, plant-based pantry lists, meal plans, and budgeting tips. Who needs a life coach when you’ve got Tammy Fry?

SECONDARY TITLE

Indigenous Businesses to Support

Indigenous Businesses to Support

NAIDOC week

NAIDOC Week runs from 4-11th of July and celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. From coffee to skincare, here are eight Indigenous businesses to support this NAIDOC Week.

Kara Meta (Mabu Mabu)
Nornie Bero is a talented and inspirational Komet woman who is head chef and owner of Mabu Mabu. Under the label Kara Meta, she sells a range of handmade teas, spices, and sauces that celebrate Indigenous and tropical flavours. Everything is GF and vegan, such as their wattle seed hot chocolate or strawberry gum spice mix. Order these online or drop into the Yarraville cafe where you can also enjoy some delicious Indigenous-inspired food.

Native Elements
Native Elements are another Indigenous-owned, natural skincare company. Their products are hand-made in Australia in small batches to ensure the freshest and fullest shelf life. The ingredients are sustainably sourced from across Australia and hand bottled in the Clarence Valley. They’ve got native moisturises, cleansers, serums, and clay masks. Everything you could want for glowing skin, that doesn’t cost the earth.

Lillipad Cafe, Sydney
Lillipad Cafe is a cosy Glebe cafe with a mission to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Owners Nyoka and Laszio Hrabinsky have created a flexible menu to match that celebrate First Nation flavours, such as their waffles with riberries and desert island muesli with wattle seed, cinnamon myrtle, and macadamia. All eggs and meats can be substituted with vegan options, such as their eggs benedict. Get around these legends.

Lowana Skincare
Lowana is a natural skincare brand made with the planet in mind. This incredible Indigenous-owned business heroes native Australian plant-based ingredients in their products, and everything is vegan and packaged in recycled bottles. They’ve got moisturisers, face masks, eye creams, you name it! We love them and we know you will too. Shop online via their website or on Nourished Life.

Gulbarn Tea
Gulbarn Tea is a wild-harvested, herbal tea brand, co-founded by Alawa people and hand-picked on Alawa Country in the Northern Territory. It has been used as ancient bush medicine for thousands of years by Alawa people to heal coughs, colds, and stomach aches. Their tea is high in antioxidants, caffeine-free, and possesses a mild flavour of sweet citrus, tea tree, and eucalyptus. Order it online via their website.

My Dilly Bag
My Dilly Bag was started 20 years ago by Aunty Dale Chapman. She’s on a mission to bring awareness to the oldest living culture in the world – the Australian Aboriginal culture and is doing so through sharing delicious Australian native foods. My Dilly Bag stocks a range of bush foods, which are grown and harvested by Aboriginal artisan creators. Vegan offerings include their wattle seed and onion marmalade, Davidson plum jam, saffron, and lemon myrtle tagliatelle, and earth spice dukkah. Shop online via their website.

Willow & Co
Willow Organics is an Indigenous-owned and vegan-friendly skin and hair care brand. They have repackaged old Aboriginal remedies into modern beauty, with a range of charcoal, clay, and ochre products. Favourites include their eucalyptus bath bombs, bush balms, and Kakadu Plum soups. Shop online via their website.

DHUWA Coffee
Dhuwa Coffee is an Indigenous-owned coffee brand that aims to use coffee as a way to share stories, build bonds, and nourish relationships. DHUWA means ‘to feel alive’ in Bidjara language and they have branded their coffee as ‘reconciliation in a cup’. You can purchase their coffee in Woolworths, with 5c per product being donated to Dreaming Futures.

SECONDARY TITLE