Last year, in what can only be described as a fit of naive motivation, I decided to participate in a #veganuary challenge with a friend.
What is #veganuary, you ask?
Well, Pretties, #veganuary is a social media-driven challenge for January where participants pledge to consume ZERO animal products for the entire month of January. Yes, I’ll repeat that for those who blanked out in shock for a second. For the entire month of January 2021, I consumed ZERO ANIMAL PRODUCTS at all.
Now, to be fair, during this period both faithful followers and my own family questioned my sanity and doubted my ability to make it through to the 31st. I’m not going to argue and say that this isn’t a fair concern. ‘Cause, it wasn’t easy and there were times when I was doubting myself. But the thing is, at least when it comes to the vegan journey, I had committed to a friend that we would do it together and accountability is really everything, isn’t it? So for one entire month, nary an animal product crossed my lips. And this, dear reader, is how it went – AWESOME!
OK, wait. I know you’re confused by this. But bear with me.
Hard at First But Worth it
It was hard at first and required a little upfront investment in things like Vegan Butter, cashews, meatless products, and LOTS and LOTS of veggies. It also required a tremendous amount of planning for those evenings when your family is running like crazy from activity to activity. Then your husband walks through the door with a giant bag of steaming Chick Fil A at the end of it all, you’d better have a plan or you are caving FAST. And it definitely involved a few days of feeling deprived, annoyed, and more than a little bit hungry to get in the groove.
But once I did, I began to notice a few things. I noticed that my head was clearer in the afternoon after a lunch filled with veggies and lean plant protein. I noticed that my skin cleared up and started to look just a smidge like it did when I was in my 30s, which I attribute to the complete halt of all dairy products. My belly, which definitely had moments of “hey, I’m not pregnant but I sure look like I am” decided to debloat itself, and I lost a few pounds. These were all things I definitely could live with and enough to persuade me to bring about a repeat performance of #veganuary in 2022.
I understand how difficult it is for many of us to conceptualize dropping all animal products for even a week, much less a month. But I do think it’s beneficial for everyone at least once in their lives to eliminate or limit animal products in their diets just to see how their bodies respond. And the best way I know to encourage people to try it is to create easy and delicious plant-based recipes that are designed to make them forget about missing meat and dairy for a meal or two.
This completely vegan Potato Soup is just one of those recipes. An adaptation of one of my earliest slow cooker recipes, this is a plant-based version of the creamiest, most comforting potato soup you’ll ever have. It is so stick-to-your-ribs delicious and so convincing that you won’t even notice you’re missing the dairy. In fact, I simply omitted this little fact when I served my vegan potato soup to my own family and they never knew the difference. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s easy to throw together in the crockpot and go about your day.
Do I think we all need to be vegans for life? No. I don’t. But I think incorporating plant-based meals into our diets can have multiple benefits. I truly hope that amazing recipes like this one make it a little easier to give it a try.
Thinly sliced scallions, chives, bacon, and cheese (if not vegan) for toppings.
Method
Add potatoes, onions, and broth to the slow cooker. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper and stir. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
About 30 minutes before soup will be done, pour boiling water over cashews JUST until they are covered and let rest for 10 minutes to soften.
In a high speed blender, puree cashews AND water until completely blended. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
Add in flour, whisking continuously until bubbly.
Add in pureed cashews and sour cream, whisking until smooth.
Add to soup and stir to mix.
Cook for 10 more minutes
Remove half of the soup to a bowl and, using an immersion blender, puree the remaining soup until smooth (alternatively, add half of soup to blender, cover lid with a towel and blend until smooth)
Combine blended and unblended soup, stirring to combine.
Taste, season with salt and pepper if desired.
Serve with sliced chives and scallions (or bacon and cheddar if not vegan).
Add broth to loosen during reheating.
Meaghan is a wife, mom of three, dog lover, coffee freak, and book nerd. When she’s not wrangling her family and driving them around town in her Mom Taxi, she is a writer, blogger, and recipe creator over at BeautyfromBurntToast. Her biggest passion is helping people feel confident in the kitchen by making cooking accessible with quick and easy recipes that the whole family will love. In a roundabout way, this makes her a wanna be GYPO for the kitchen and explains why she loves the outfit formulas so much. They’re easy and accessible and make life better for everyone.
We say this every year, but it’s always crazy when we enter a new year and look back on the last. It may have felt like it was going slow but it’s always over before you know it. We can’t thank you all enough for spending the last year growing, learning, and having fun with us! Nothing brings the team at GYPO more happiness than knowing that the content we are bringing can make even a small difference in someone’s life.
As we looked back on 2021 we were curious to see what blogs seemed to resonate the most with the Pretties. Below are the top five blogs of 2021. None of this would be possible without you! Thank you for all your love and support in 2021! We can’t tell you how much we’re looking forward to the coming year with all of you!
This blog ranked as the most read blog of 2021 and confirmed just how ready for spring the Pretties were! It helped kick off the Outfit Formulas® Spring 2021 Capsule Wardrobe providing some great outfit inspiration.
Even though this blog is from two years ago, it continues to rank high. We are constantly evolving and changing things. We do it with our clothes and our style and it’s no surprise we do it with our makeup too. This shows how sometimes one little change can make a big difference.
Color is the easiest and most low threat way to stay on trend which is why this blog on fall color trends ranked so high last year. Adding a cardigan in your favorite fall color is the most effortless way to freshen up your outfit and your closet.
The big change in seasons renews our excitement for getting dressed making the kick-off of the Outfit Formulas® Fall 2021 Capsule Wardrobe so popular. As the summer heat gets to be too much, we welcome fall and happily trade in our tank tops and sandals for sweaters and boots.
Rounding out the top five of 2021 we’re going back to the spring and learning about accessory trends. Easy, breezy trends seem to be popular amongst the Pretties. In this blog, we are trading in our hats, scarves, and gloves for light and airy accessories, shoes, and handbags.
Everyone experiences a different version of winter. For some, it’s freezing temperatures, sleet, and knee-deep snow. While for others it’s mearly a chilly break from the heat. Then there are those days where you have freezing morning and temperate afternoons. No matter what your winter is like, the key for dressing in this kind of weather is layers and we’ve got you covered. Below are four different ways you can layer for winter no matter what your weather holds.
Option #1
Knit Beanie + Wool Coat + Puffer Vest + Turtle Neck + Black Leggings + Knee High Boots
For this look, we’re starting with some simple black leggings and layering on a turtle neck with a puffer vest to keep the chill away. For even more warmth, top with a wool coat and some knee-high boots will keep your feet cozy and dry. Top with a knit beanie and gloves and you’re ready to go. The best part is that this look can be adjusted for when the temperatures start to rise. Skip the turtle neck and opt for a solid V-neck or crew neck and leave the winter coat at home.
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Option #2
Long Winter Coat + Solid Neutral Sweater + Printed Skirt + Knee High Boots
This look takes a dressier approach to winter layering. A warm, neutral knit sweater is paired up with a long flowing skirt. The long wool winter coat will help keep legs warm in the skirt with the addition of some knit tights and knee-high boots. Finish off with some fleece-lined gloves. For those days when it’s not so cold, you can skip the tights and gloves and for those days when it’s really warm, you can leave the jacket at home too!
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Option #3
Long Puffer Vest + Jersey Dress + Chelsea Boots + Scarf
For this look, we’re styling a dress but we’re keeping the legs warm with knit tights and socks under the ankle boots for added warmth to your feet. The long puffer vest gives this look a sporty vibe. Finish off with a cozy scarf! On warmer days, skip the tights and vest for a still polished look!
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Option #4
Puffer Vest + Neutral Sweater + Solid Button-Down + Dark Wash Jeans + Black Boots
This classic look features a puffer vest layered over a neutral sweater and a blue oxford button-down. Dark wash jeans, which are a classic closet staple, are then added. Finish off with some black ankle boots and cozy gloves. For warmer weather, you have many top option combinations. Puffer vest with the sweater or button-down with the sweater or puffer vest with the button-down. You can’t go wrong with any of these!
Shop The Look
Your turn! What winter layering look is your favorite!
Pantone dropped its 2022 color of the year so get ready to see it everywhere! It’s called Very Peri. This periwinkle color has blue qualities with violet-red undertones. While this is a gorgeous color that will integrate well into the coming seasons, it may not be everyone’s first choice. Whatever side of the fence you’re sitting on, there are some easy ways you can incorporate Very Peri into your outfits from shirts and sweaters to fun accessories and winter wear. Below are some items inspired by this year’s Pantone color of the year. What’s your favorite way to add color to your look?
Love it or hate it, the shacket is a huge trend this winter so if you haven’t found one you love, there’s still time! It’s a great layering piece and easily adds extra interest and detail to your outfit. That’s why I’m featuring it in this month’s Style Your Budget. The below look not only showcases the shacket, but it’s also a look from the Outfit Formulas® Winter 2021 Capsule Wardrobe. Round two of styling this and 33 other casual looks starts January 16th. It’s not too late to join the fun so sign up now!
If you’re new to GYPO, Style Your Budget is where I showcase one total look and then feature it at different price points. Not only can you use this as outfit inspiration, I always recommend shopping your closet first, but if you have any gaps, you can fill them at any store and at any price point you want. I want to show you to that looking stylish and feeling great is for everyone – every body, every age, and every budget!
Now let’s take at look at the outfit formula used for this look. I realize some items may feel outside your comfort zone and that’s okay. Take the outfit formula and make it your own. If you don’t like the hat, change it out for a beanie or skip it all together. If the shacket truly isn’t for you, any plaid shirt will layer beautifully too. Have fun and make it yours!
Your turn! What look is your favorite? Will you be trying the shacket this winter?
The Outfit Formulas® Winter 2021 Capsule Wardrobe guide includes 30+ days of casual outfit ideas with “dress it up” and “dress it down” tips so that these looks work for every lifestyle! You also get an easy-to-follow shopping list of budget-friendly classic essentials and on-trend items, including accessories!
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
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