There are so many health trends out there that it’s hard to keep track of what’s good and what’s just unsavory. When it comes to being a vegan, it can be hard to find recipes and products that adhere to our dietary restrictions but don’t taste like glue. We did some research and gathered our 5 favorite products that all vegans and vegan-curious foodies must try. – Grace Texter

Chia Star

The brand Chia Star uses chia seeds in their delicious beverage products to provide an excellent source of nutrients to their consumers. Chock full of antioxidants, omega 3’s, calcium, protein, and fiber, Chia Star drinks are also vegan and gluten free. Some of their flavors include Blackberry Lime Refresh, Peach Green Tea Fusion, Pineapple Honey Love, and their newest flavor Lemon Berry. We love this vegan product because it is just as nutritious for you as it is tasty. Visit Chia Star’s website for more information.

Quinoa

Quinoa is often compared to rice and may be prepared in the same way but it is not a whole grain, it is a seed. It is great as a substitute for any rice, barley, or pilaf in a recipe and can be served hot or cold. It is a great vegan food because it provides all 9 essential amino acids to help keep your unique diet balanced. It also is gluten-free and cholesterol-free. Check out this website for some quinoa recipes you won’t be disappointed with.

Tofu Scramble

You won’t believe it’s not eggs! All it takes is a bit of soft tofu and some herbs and spices, and you’ve got a totally vegan meal you might even think tastes better than the usual. Here’s a tasty recipe we love from Bon Appetit.

Chickpeas

These little gems, also known as garbanzo beans, are full of protein and fiber. They taste delicious alone, in a salad, or (and widely favored) mashed up with some tahini and garlic for a delicious hummus dip. Here is a recipe for a vegan Creamy Cashew Kale and Chickpea dish that will fill you up and leave you wanting for more vegan-licious delights!

Almond Milk

Almond Milk is a delicious alternative to regular dairy milk; it is even more delicious with a subtle almond-y flavor and a consistency that makes you feel healthier just sipping it. When it comes to baking as a vegan, things can get tricky. In this regard, almond milk is a savior. This No-Bake Espresso Vegan Cookie recipe uses almond milk instead of dairy, making sure we don’t have to compromise our vegan preferences.

Now that you’ve seen The Great Gatsby, it’s time to get together and do your own rendition of the 1920s, while practicing your Long Island accent. We have the perfect ideas for hosting a raving soiree – from Gatsby-inspired cocktails, to jazz-age music – for way less than Mr. Gatsby would have done it himself. Here’s a roundup of what you’ll need to swing like the upper social echelon of 1920s New York City in your own apartment, without having to spend half your paycheck.

1. Cocktails

The Daisy Buchanan

An obvious choice and reasonably priced. Grab a few bottles of cheap Champagne, a bottle of pear liqueur, some lemons, and if you don’t already have champagne saucers, pick up the plastic ones from the dollar store (they work great!).  Like Daisy, the recipe for this drink is a beautiful, elegant and feminine. The lemon peel, dropped into the Champagne flute, gives it a rustic contrast, like Daisy herself – a city girl misplaced in the country.

Here’s how you make it:

• 1/2 ounce pear liqueur ($6 a bottle)
• Champagne ($15 for three bottles)
• Wide strip of lemon peel, for garnish ($2 for 3 lemons)

In a Champagne flute, add pear liqueur. Fill with champagne and garnish with lemon peel.

Total cost: $23

Okay, so the pressure is on. You’re hosting a dinner party for some friends and you’re the star of the night—the chef! Sometimes plans are made way in advance and when the time comes, you may find yourself scrambling for cash. But no need to worry, we’ve got a scrumptious recipe that will leave your guests feeling full and happy… but most importantly it will keep your wallet happy too! Add a few bottles of inexpensive wine or champagne to the menu and you’ll be in for a good night.  – Natalie DeBari

This easy kabob recipe is such a versatile choice for a dinner party. Depending on your guests, everyone most likely has a different preference when it comes to food. Although the recipe calls for pork tenderloin, feel free to channel your inner chef and substitute the meat for something else if pork doesn’t appeal to your guests. If you want to take it to the next level you can even make an assortment of kabobs to make sure everyone is happy—even a vegetarian! The nice weather is finally here, so gas up those grills and get to cooking. Depending on your choice of meat, this meal can range from $30-60.

To Start

You can easily start this dinner off with a nice tossed salad. Colorful and simple, with salt and pepper.

While you take the time to finish off the kabobs on the grill, your guests can munch on their healthy appetizer. Once the kabobs are hot and ready to go, they can come right off the grill and onto a serving platter. Accompany your dinner with some summer-y cocktails or maybe some wine on the side. Healthy, delicious, and cost effective—now that’s a recipe for success!

For Dinner

Here’s your recipe:

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes*
• 1/2 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (20 ounce) can Dole pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 red or green bell peppers, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

1. Pierce meat with a fork so marinade can penetrate. Combine teriyaki sauce and oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons in separate bowl. Pour remainder of marinade over meat cubes and marinate 1 hour, turning occasionally.

2. Thread meat on skewers alternating meat with vegetables and pineapple chunks. Place on grill 4 to 5 inches from heat and cook 15 minutes. Turn skewers and brush ingredients with reserved marinade, and cook to desired doneness.

For dessert

An easy favorite. All you need is a dozen fresh peaches and some light white wine (a good Chardonnay will do).

In individual glasses, fill halfway with wine, and add 5-6 chilled peach slices. Serve on the back porch with forks.

In the mood for a party this upcoming weekend? Look no further for inspiration than the women strutting their leading lady stuff on prime time. Here’s a look at 4 of our favorite characters and what kind of gathering they inspire. Don’t forget, the party where you invite your best girls over to drink cocktails and catch up on one of these shows is also an option!

1. Cheese, Chocolate, and Wine Party

Inspired by none other than Megan Draper (Jessica Paré) who’s the only reason why Don ever has people over in the first place, (and why they leave happily and entertained). Ask guests to bring their favorite wine and gather in a comfortable sitting area on the floor (like in the Draper’s living room). Set up a low coffee table with a fondue pot or a few cheese boards of tasty cheeses, and make sure to put out a selection of pairings: soft, crusty bread, crackers, grapes, dates, and meats. Light some candles and pick some funky music for a cozy gathering and gossip. When the cheeses and breads are gone, bring out the chocolate. We recommend Jacques Torres, Godiva, or any selection of dark and milk chocolate bars, or truffles, set out on a plate.  If you really want to get into character, set a 60s-inspired dress code and have a slideshow ready to show your friends while transitioning from fondue to dessert.

2. Karaoke Party

Remember when Marnie embarrassed Charlie at his startup party by singing Kanye West’s “Company” in front of the entire company? Put a spin on your own Girls karaoke party by choosing only rap songs that guests have to sing in a different tune.

3. Bachelorette-Inspired Party

Jess threw a pretty epic Bachelorette Party for her best friend Cece on The New Girl. We wanted to think of a great party where bachelorette activities could be slightly altered to suit non-bachelorettes. Basically, instead of focusing on one friend and her last night as a free woman, ask all guests to bring food and drinks and come ready to spill the beans. Start with a male celebrity hot or not game to get everyone acquainted. Then, instead of coming up with questions to ask the groom about the bride, pass out a questionnaire for guests to fill out about their best friends or significant others. How well do you know her/him? Prepare questions ahead of time for a session where you share embarrassing stories about past relationships (with a prize for the most embarrassing). Do yoga as a group or push back the furniture for a group session of Zumba. And last? Set up a spa at home. All it takes is a few basins of warm water, towels, sugar scrub and some nail polish to do foot soaks, manis and pedis! Why would you need to wait to get married for this kind of girl time?

4. Clothes and Cosmetics Swap

Inspired by Mindy of the Mindy Project‘s fierce mix of super femininity and professional power, this party is meant to leave you and your girlfriends with new, fresh looks that build confidence. Mix up a delicious cocktail (pineapple juice and vodka, or the traditional Cosmopolitan is always a hit) and invite a solid group of fun girls over to get rid of makeup and clothes they never use, or would rather trade in for a new look. When guests arrive, serve them their drink and give them three tickets. Each “ticket” (or index card) should have the guest’s name with “cheap” “midprice” and “expensive” written next to it. Ask guests to put their items in the correct “value spots” where the cheap, midprice, and expensive items await choosing. When all guests are present, ask them to put their three tickets in a hat, shuffle them up, and choose one. The guests you choose can pick an item from the pile marked on the ticket. Have fun!

April 22nd marks Earth Day! Though Mother Nature has been a little unkind to us lately, we ought to celebrate all that our planet has done to sustain us. Want to do a little more than just host a recycling drive? Consider hosting your own Earth Day party and take a super creative twist on ordinary goods. -Meryl Lumba

1. Decor: Mellow Out

Just because this party is themed, it doesn’t mean that it’ll automatically be tacky. Instill some mellow vibes by channeling a cloud-like feeling for your guests. Take some large cotton balls, stretch them out, and hang them from your walls.

2. Dress Code: Go Green

Not everyone wants to dress as a giant globe, so a dress code of earthy tones or blues and greens can get attendees in a festive mood! Extra props to guests who arrive in recycled clothing material.

3. Food & Drink: Get Earthy

First off, use recycled paper goods or your own dishes. Don’t forget to set aside a recycling bin for your guests, just in case they bring their own drinks!

1. Appetizers

a. Mango and Roasted Cashew salad

b. Asparagus and Potato soup

Make these simple and unique soup and salad combo for your guests! It’s simple, refreshing, and delicious! And super green!

2. Entree

a. Mushroom kabobs

b. Angel hair with Asparagus

If you’ve made those appetizers, you’re definitely gearing your guests up for even earthier flavors. The mushroom kabobs are a meaty alternative for our vegetarian friends while the pasta serves a heartier dish.

3. Dessert

a. Dirt Cups

b. Earth cupcakes

Channel your inner child and make dirt cups! Have guests create their own gritty dessert or serve it up yourself. For those who don’t like chocolate, a simple and light earth cupcake is a nice choice!

4. Drinks

a. Planetary Punch

b.  Mudslide

Here again, you’ve got two choices– a fruity cocktail or a dessert-like beverage. Either way, these drinks are delicious and satisfy your sweet-tooth!

4. Party Favors: DIY Plants

For Your Workout

When we workout, we like upbeat music, but we can’t do anything without lyrics. Even though we may be so out of breath we can’t sing out loud, you can bet we’re singing along in our heads. That’s why we chose songs like “I Love It” and “I Knew You Were Trouble.” We cool down with “Intro” by The xx — it’s won’t put you to sleep, but it will help you relax into your stretches.

1. Olly Murs feat. Flo Rida – Troublemaker

2. Taylor Swift – I Knew You Were Trouble

3. Kelly Clarkson – Catch My Breath

4. Zedd feat. Foxes – Clarity

5. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – Can’t Hold Us

6. Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX – I Love It

7. will.i.am feat. Britney Spears – Scream & Shout

8. Tegan and Sara – Closer

9. Conor Maynard feat. Ne-Yo – Turn Around

10. The xx – Intro

Relaxing at Home

Well, maybe you’re more “cleaning the bathroom” than “relaxing.” We mixed chill music with some upbeat indie-sounding hits to perk up your evening, whether you decide to read a book or play with your puppy.

1. P!nk feat. Nate Russ – Just Give Me a Reason

2. Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man

3. Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko – Stay

4. Demi Lovato – Heart Attack

5. Ariana Grande feat. Mac Miller – The Way

6. Blake Shelton – Sure Be Cool If You Did

7. Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait

8. The Wanted – All Time Low

9. Imagine Dragons – It’s Time

10. Deadmau5 feat. Imogen Heap – Telemiscommunications

A Night Out (Or A Party In)

Hosting an at-home dance party or happy hour? We couldn’t resist JT’s hit from his new album (looking for an alternative party playlist? Just play his new album), but just had to follow it up with the “$20 in my pocket” Thrift Shop. We slide into some hip hop, then as the night goes on, we switch to EDM. Because after a few drinks, you’ll definitely feel more inclined to jump up and down to Steve Aoki’s beat. Right?

1. Justin Timberlake – Suit & Tie

2. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop

3. Lil Wayne feat. Drake & Future – Love Me

4. Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera – Feel This Moment

5. Ace Hood feat. Future & Rick Ross – Bugatti

6. Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child

7. Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love

8. A$AP Rocky feat. Skrillex & Birdy Nam Nam – Wild For The Night

9. Steve Aoki & Angger Dimas feat. My Name Is kay – Singularity

10. AVICII – Fade Into Darkness

Road Trip

The Ideal American Vacay (besides lazing on the beach): driving cross country on Route 66. So you’re life’s not that glam: you actually have to drive to your in-law’s house for a birthday party. Cheer up with a bouncing, happy playlist with a little bit of everything, so no one in the car complains.

1. Ke$ha – C’mon

2. Imagine Dragons – Radioactive

3. Fun. – Carry On

4. Florida Georgia Line – Get Your Shine On

5. Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks

6. Phillip Phillips – Gone, Gone, Gone

7. Maroon 5 – Daylight

8. Martin Solveig & The Cataracs feat. Kyle – Hey Now (here)

9. Taylor Swift – 22

10. Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not

For all the college basketball fans out there, March Madness is back and as bold as ever! What other way to celebrate this annual championship better than to host a March Madness Party? Not a huge basketball fan? Use this as an excuse to get your friends to invite some basketball-loving cuties to come over and chill out! We have the essential tips for throwing the most massive March Madness party ever! -Grace Texter

Send The Invitations

We got this idea from tasteofhome.com to send out backetball bracket invitations! Guests bring the invitation with them to the party and try to predict the winner of the championship! Those who end up guessing the winning team will get bragging rights and a fun party favor, exclusively given to the winners.

Avoid A Refreshment Fiasco

Watching such a high-excitement event can leave guests famished. When planning your refreshments, consider recipes that can be made ahead of time, so when it comes down to party-time, you’re not busy in the kitchen! Various kinds of chips and dips and finger foods are a must. One recipe that you can put some additional effort in and will stay over night, even over days, is this Basketball Sugar Cookie recipe from simpleorganizedliving.com. They are super cute and super delicious!

Basketball Drinking Game

A drinking game is a perfect activity to do while watching the games on television. Here’s a fun one from nowthatscollege.com:

• Take 1 drink for each free throw made

• Take 2 drinks for each 2-pointer made

• Take 3 drinks for each 3-pointer made

• Take a drink every time a foul is committed

• Any time a player ends up on the floor: take a drink and if at anytime multiple players end up on the floor, take a drink for each player on the floor

• Take 2 drinks every time someone dunks

• Finish your drink if a player hits a shot from half court or further

• Any time a substitution is make: take a drink for every new player in the game

Dress Code

Include on your invitation that each guest MUST wear a basketball jersey or they will not be permitted into the party (whether or not you intend to enforce this). You might consider wearing a referee jersey to help differentiate yourself from your guests. For an added bit of fun, wear a whistle to keep your riled-up guests in-line.

Unless you’re just meeting friends for a post-hangover brunch or parking your butt on your guy friend’s couch for an Archer marathon, it’s smart to head into any social gathering knowing how to work the room. Whether you’re in stiff pinstripes at a corporate gathering, mingling with strangers at a birthday party, or putting your best fashion (and dating) foot forward for a girls night out on the prowl for some men, we have tips for getting noticed in all the right ways. - Grace Texter

Corporate Gathering

Go with a goal. When attending a corporate gathering or a business-oriented event, it is important to keep in mind why you are there. Whether you want to network for yourself, your business, or just gain some contacts, focus on your goal. Here are a few tips for working a corporate gathering:

1. Talk to new people. Look around the room, and find the people you don’t know who are looking to talk to someone. Introduce yourself. Ask them what business they are in. Go from there.

2. Try to learn something. Talking to new people will help with this. If you hear something interesting, inquire about it! You never know where your next lead might come from!

3. If you attend with friends or colleagues, don’t stick with them the whole night. These events are all about getting to know new people and new information. Your friends will actually be a great resource for meeting even more people at the event! Have them introduce you to the new people they have just met and vice versa!

4. Body language. What you say at these events is critical, so what you say with your body is equally important. Folded arms across your front and looking at the floor or aimlessly around gives off a negative vibe. Be physically conscious by keeping your arms relaxed and at your sides. And most importantly, make eye contact. This expresses confidence and shows the person you are talking to that you are listening to them.

A Birthday Party

Be open-minded. Sometimes when going to a birthday party, it can be awkward meeting new people. But a lot of other people are probably in the same boat as you. This venue is a great place to meet new friends and make connections. Here are some tips on working the room at a birthday party:

1. Know who the host is. This is the critical rule of attending a party. It would be super awkward if you were talking to someone about the party and asked them who they were, only for them to end up being the host. You end up looking very rude. Don’t enter the party without this information.

2. Since you already know who the host is, find them and thank them. This is a most welcome gesture to the host. They are more likely to take you around and introduce you to people. It’s really a no-brainer when it comes to Party Etiquette 101, and you’re spared a lot of the awkward self-introductions.

3. Ice breakers. You will most likely have to use these when trying to talk to new people. Zone in on those who are standing around and comment on the venue or the food. It’s the easiest way to start a casual conversation. Also, ask them how they know the birthday girl/guy or the host!

4. While mingling, tune in on other conversations and pick up on familiar topics. Politely add your two-cents and see where the chatter goes.

Girls Night Out!

Possibly the only thing that is more fun than going out with your best girl friends is going out with them while trying to meet some cute guys at the same time! Your wing-women are there to help you filter out the gems from the rotten tomatoes. But we have some extra tips to help your perusing go as smoothly as possible:

1. Look at the scene. Once you arrive at your destination, take a look around. See who is there. Find a place that you and your girlfriends can sit and chat while still being able to look around at the potential “catches” on the scene.

2. Get comfortable! Order everyone a drink and take a load off! If you all look like you’re having the best time, guys will want to come over and see what they are missing out on.

3. Chat it up! Don’t shut anyone down right off the bat unless it is totally obvious they are NOT someone you would ever want to talk to! You never know, the guy that you didn’t notice right off the bat may be the guy whose number you are dying to get by the end of the night!

4. Have fun. Don’t treat this like a homework assignment you have to finish by tomorrow morning. You are there to hang with your girls and if you happen to connect with a super cute dude, that is just a bonus.

The number one tip for working a room in any situation is to have fun! If you are in a social situation and you look melancholy, no one will want to talk to you. So relax, be confident, and have a great time, because if you are, everyone else will too.

LUCKY CHARMS MARSHMALLOW TREATS

This Lucky Charms marshmallow treat recipe is a totally fun way to incorporate cereal into a holiday-appropriate snack.

What you’ll need:

7 cups Lucky Charms cereal

4 tablespoons butter

1 (10 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows

What you’ll do:

Melt butter in either a saucepan or microwave. Add marshmallows until they have melted and the mixture is smooth. Incorporate cereal and spread onto greased dish or baking sheet. Cut into squares when cool. This treat will cost you about $6.

-Karina L. Lopez of KC You There

Karina L. Lopez, the “K” in KC You There, LLC, was raised in Long Island, New York. She has had the privilege to work and assist with a number of organizations & individuals in the world of fashion, beauty, professional sports, celebrity & more. Karina has extensive experience with high-profile weddings, private events, charitable fundraisers and countless social events. Her experience has led her to understand all aspects of event coordinating from the very first meet and greet to the event recap with clients. Co-founding KC You There, LLC she is the Director of Events and Public Relations. To contact Karina, email info@kcyouthere.com.

It’s finally here! Festival season is back in 2013 and it’s time to prepare for the epic months ahead. What better way to organize than to go shopping for the perfect outfit? But, this year is different; you’re going with your boyfriend, a dynamic group of your best girlfriends, or on a thrilling mission as a groupie to meet your favorite band. So, what should you wear for each occasion? - Grace Texter

Bonnaroo With the Boyfriend

While you want to look fun and flirty for your boy-toy while seeing Mumford & Sons at Bonnaroo, it’s important to be relaxed during the hours and hours of amazing music you two are sure to experience. This Ecote Printed Maxi Dress ($79 on urbanoutfitters.com) with a maxi skirt and spaghetti straps will give you room to dance to your favorite jams. Pair it with a Jessica Simpson Glitter Gauze Scarf ($36 on nordstrom.com). You can use it as a sweatband when you’re hot and as a shawl when you’re cooling off later.

Lollapalooza With the Ladies

You’re hyped to be at Lollapalooza with your best friends; hoping to see Florence + The Machine again and ready to dance your heart out. Try these American Apparel Printed High-Waisted Jean Shorts ($60 on americanapparel.net) that allow maximum comfort while being totally cute. Add some zing to your outfit with a Black and White Rihanna Striped Bra Top ($75 at riverisland.com), it’s sexy while providing support in all the necessary areas.

Coachella as a Groupie

OMG! The Red Hot Chili Peppers are playing at Coachella and you’re determined to touch hands with Anthony Kiedis. If you’re a truly devoted fan you will wear your favorite Peppers T-shirt. As a stylish alternative, this Nasty Gal Thunderbolt Muscle Tee ($30 on nastygal.com), it’s large and low arm-holes with keep you cool as you’re trying to push your way through hundreds of your fellow screaming groupies. Couple it with some Forever 21 Ganado Print Harem Pants ($15.80 on forever21.com); they are light and airy, you’re sure to grab the band’s attention in this ensemble.