Vegetarian slow cooker recipes are the easiest way to add more plant-based dishes into your routine. When you load it up with veggies and spices and let those flavors get to know each other throughout the day, you’ll be left with a final product that’s just as healthy as it is satisfying. And these cozy meals are a great place to start.

Vegetarian slow cooker recipes that are just as easy as they are healthy

1. Slow cooker black bean tortilla soup

Vegetarian tortilla soup? Count me in. This version contains a wide variety of healthy veggies, including onion, bell peppers, black beans, tomatoes, and corn.

2. Crockpot cauliflower bolognese with zucchini noodles

Pro tip: You can make a hearty bolognese sauce using cauliflower. And when you pour it over zucchini noodles, game over.

3. Lemony lentil soup

Loaded with flavor, this lentil soup gets an energizing zest from the addition of lemon for a unique—and a mouth-watering!—twist on the classic.

4. Slow cooker tofu butter chicken

You won’t miss takeout at all thanks to this slow cooker recipe that swaps chicken for tofu. The Indian dish is spiced to perfection with garam masala.

5. Quinoa black bean crockpot stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers are super easy when you have a slow cooker on hand. This meatless version is loaded with quinoa, black beans, and plenty of flavorful spices.

6. Vegan slow cooker lasagna soup

This is the healthy lasagna dish you’ve been waiting for—just in soup form and completely dairy-free.

7. Slow cooker coconut quinoa curry

It doesn’t take much to put together this curry. After adding in your ingredients—including sweet potato, broccoli, chickpeas, and coconut milk—and letting it cook for just over four hours, it’ll be ready to devour.

Article Courtesy of Good Food by Therene Firman

Located near City Hall, at Fresno and O Streets in downtown Fresno you’ll find the castle-shaped Old Fresno Water Tower, standing at 109 feet high. It’s the most iconic structure in Fresno because of its unique architectural design and history. The tower is constructed with red brick, each layer smaller than the one below it, creating a beehive effect.

In 1891, George Washington Maher, a Chicago architect, was commissioned to design Fresno’s water tower. His design was influenced by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which sadly destroyed the Chicago Public Library. The structure is an example of American Romanesque architecture, which emphasizes the Classical Roman arch as its dominant feature. Maher’s original design intended for a library and a third floor to be built within the tower, but neither was accomplished. Maher did finish the project in 1894, and the tower remained in use until 1963 when its pumping equipment had become inadequate. The water tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 1971.

Since 2001, the water tower has served as a visitors’ center. It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing for the tower, though, in 2017, it was at risk of closing. When a PG&E rate hike left the tower $8,000 short, the Fresno Arts Council came through and took over the city landmark. Even though volunteers and a part-time manager staff the tower, the Fresno Arts Council reported that it costs just under $20,000 to run the water tower every year.

As a visitors’ center, the tower was remodeled and remains Fresno’s most distinctive and enduring architectural symbol today. About 3,000 people visit the tower every year and water tower enthusiasts (yes, it’s a real thing) come from all over the world to see it. Outside the tower is a dedication plaque, to George M. Bowman, who died in 1984. This water tower is dedicated to Bowman for his thirty-six years of dedicated service to the city of Fresno and for his accomplishments as a naval officer. He also was the city’s first chief engineer, became the general manager of the Water Department, designed innovative electrical systems for street lighting, several well known public buildings, and Chandler Air Field.

Earlier this year, the tower made news when Red-Tailed Hawk hatchlings were born atop the water tower.

Whether you’re visiting Fresno for the first time or you are a longtime resident who has never stopped at the tower, you’re in for a treat! It’s a historical gem that is a feast for the eyes and even boasts an art gallery with local artist’s work and a gift shop with souvenirs.

While overall beer sales are down nationally, local craft beer sales are bubbling! According to the Brewers Association, a trade group representing thousands of small, independent brewers, between 2008 and 2016 the number of brewery establishments multiplied by a factor of six, and the number of brewery workers grew by 120 percent! The Brewers Association reports that craft production grew the most for microbreweries. In less than one decade, the 200-year-old industry has sextupled its establishments and more than doubled its workforce. Now that’s something to raise a glass to!

So what exactly is craft beer and how does it differ from traditional beer? The Brewer’s Association in Boulder, Colorado defines ‘craft beer’ as beer made by a brewer that is small, independent, and traditional. There are other differences between craft beer and beer, including its appearance and taste. Craft beer comes in a variety of colors based on the brew, while mass-produced beers are typically a pale, watery yellow. In terms of taste, craft beers focus on a specific flavor palate that varies with the batch, while mass-produced beers are typically monotone in flavor.

If you’re wondering who to thank for the craft beer explosion, it would be the consumer. Totta Research reported that more people are drinking craft beer and the greatest increase in consumption is among those aged 18-30. Craft drinkers value locally brewed beer and care about how the product is produced. What’s interesting about the trend is that Americans are drinking less beer than they did a decade ago, but they’re willing to pay more for a superior product.

You may not think of Clovis and its cowboy culture as a destination for craft beer, but that’s changing. As this city continues to attract a younger demographic, you’ll notice more and more craft breweries develop. Craft brewers are drawn to Clovis because of its tight-knit community and a growing fan base of craft beer drinkers. Shawn Miller, business development manager for the City of Clovis, said the city is helping when it can, but the breweries are doing the heavy lifting.

ZONE 9 started out as “Two Dudes Brewing,” an American craft beer nano brewery started by two friends in a garage in Clovis California in 2009. ZONE 9 is dedicated to making quality hand-crafted beer and enjoying it with great friends, Clovis locals, and visitors. ZONE 9 is located at 1450 Tollhouse Rd #105 in Clovis.

Tactical Ops, incorporated in 2014, was created to further their desire to bring quality craft beer to Central California. Tactical Ops is unique because they combined their passion for high-quality craft beer with the appreciation for our family members that served our country. In fact, each of the brewers has close ties to the military. For example, Brandon’s father served 22 years in the US Navy Seabees and Justin’s younger brother currently flies F-15’s in California. The military-themed brewhouse offers beers with names like Blonde Bomber, Bunker Brown, Bayonet, Valor, Shrapnel, and Double Nickel Nine. Whether you have a loved one in the military, or just want quality craft beer, visit Tactical Ops at 1131 Railroad Ave.

Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. started as a little brewpub that was created as a place to meet and enjoy friends or make new friends; they now have 3 locations in the valley! Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. gets a 4.7 rating on Facebook for its “awesome food and fantastic beer.” Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. is located at Campus Pointe shopping center (near Maya Cinema), the corner of Herndon and Willow, and their new location is on Herndon and Marks (near the new Ampersand Ice Cream.)

The House of Pendragon Brewing is the highest rated brewery in Clovis, boasting 4.5 stars on Yelp. Yelpers praise the Lancelot IPA and the ‘yappy hour,’ which is where you get a discount for bringing a dog to the patio! The House of Pendragon Brewing is located at 1345 N. Willow Ave, Suite 192 in Clovis. They also have the highly rated and universally loved HoP PK Gastropub in Downtown Fresno on Van Ness, across from the spiral garage (near Chuckchansi Stadium.) HoP PK is a collaboration between House of Pendragon (HoP) and Pita Kabob (PK). They feature their specialty microbrews, beer from other local breweries and the AMAZING food of Pita Kabob. Try the chicken schwarma bowl and the fried cauliflower, trust me, you’ll love it!

559 Beer was the first microbrewery in Clovis to feature eight beers on tap and was the first beer tasting room in Old Town Clovis. Tasting rooms allow for breweries to introduce the public to their beers and test out new and seasonal ones. The brewery recently launched a 168 hoppy pilsner, named after Highway 168, and a hazy IPA. 559 Beer is located at 356 Pollasky Ave in Clovis.

Since 2015, every March Clovis hosts a Beer Crawl to showcase all of the breweries in the city. The event draws approximately 1,200 beer tasters to Old Town Clovis who are able to vote for their favorite beer.

Whether you’re new to the craft beer craze or are a craft beer enthusiast, Clovis is sure to have a brewery that you’ll love.

Antiques are having a moment. Everything from bright and bold textiles, garments, and weavings are sought after items at antique stores. Other trends in the antique market include statement-making lamps and chandeliers. Not only are they functional in adding light to a room, but they add glamour and create a WOW moment. Fresno is proud to have a huge selection of antique and collectible stores.

Just because an item is old does not make it an antique. Items identified as antiques are purchased and acquired for personal use, gifts, and in the case of dealers and brokers, for profit. It is characteristic to define an antique as being at least 100 years old. However, in reality, an object does not need to reach an age of 100 years to be labeled as an antique. One example is an automobile because cars that are 50 years of age (or less) are typically identified as antique automobiles.

Antiquing has grown in popularity over the years, and today it’s especially popular among millennials. This can be attributed to awareness and a commitment to sustainability today. Young people are choosing to buy pre-owned items to decorate their apartment and homes, over brand new items. The antique market was once dominated by older men, but that’s shifted to young women who can’t buy enough vintage clothing and want to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to the sustainability reasons, the younger generation finds antiques to be a thrifty option and appreciates their level of quality. There’s truth to the saying, “they don’t make them like they used to.”

Part of the appeal of shopping in an antique store is that you never know what treasure you’re going to find. You might discover mid-century modern tables, art deco lamps, vintage dresses, a typewriter, artwork, or jewelry.

There are some items that are consistently top sellers in an antique store, including vintage toys and kitchen items. Recently there has been a greater interest in boho decor, metal items, and farm signs.

One of Fresno’s popular antique shops is Chesterfield’s Antiques and Consignments, boasting 12,000 square feet of showroom space. High-end brands such as Lalique and Tiffany can be found at Chesterfield’s and furniture of every finish can be found, including Mahogany, cherry wood, American pine, and walnut.



Owners of Palm & Olive Vintage & Antiques, Eric Ram and George Huddleston, have been in the antique business for decades. Located at 302 E Olive Ave. on the southeast corner of Palm and Olive Avenues, Palm & Olive sells all kinds of antiques, ranging from 1762-1980s. Their buyers come from near and far to shop Palm & Olive Antiques.

Modern design is less about following the “rules” and more about showing off items that you connect with. Mixing and matching are in! Disparate pieces can be combined to make an individual, unique look. So visit the antique stores in Fresno and purchase the items that you’re drawn to, rather than the pieces that you think will make you money in the future, or the experts tell you to buy. You’re the one living in your home with the purchase, so it’s important to find an antique you love.

Try and name a better feeling than escaping the scorching heat than jumping into a cold pool. You can’t, right? That’s because swimming is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day; you can just float around and relax or you can get your exercise in and play games with your friends. 

Not everyone has a pool in their backyard, but we’re lucky to live in the Central Valley where we have two major waterparks: Wild Water and Island Waterpark. 

With school starting in a few weeks now is the perfect time for a last-minute vacay and to spend your last few days of fun in the sun with friends and family. A waterpark is the perfect one-day getaway because it’s only a couple minutes away and you don’t have to deal with the added stress of packing for an overnight trip. All you have to decide is which water park will you go to. 

Wild Water Adventure Park is out in Clovis on Shaw Ave and is definitely more of a park for a family day at the pool. You can rent a cabana and innertubes for the day, so you have something to float on in the pool and when lunch rolls around, you don’t have to worry about finding a table in the crowded lunch areas. They have a huge kid’s area with slides, a shallow pool, and even a small playground all built just for the little ones. For the older kids, there is a wave pool and kids can choose how deep they want to swim, depending on how confident of a swimmer they are. In addition to the pools, they also have numerous rides that vary in size and caliber. But the newest and craziest attraction is bringing in all the thrill-seekers and is not a ride for just anyone. The Drop Zone just opened last year, but hundreds of people have already braved it. To start the ride, you step in an enclosed glass capsule and once you are ready, the worker pulls and lever that opens the floor under you, and launches you down a tube at unbelievable speeds. This ride is a perfect way to show your friends and family how brave you are! 

On the other side of Fresno, Island Water park is just off of the 99 and is a perfect day of fun for you and your friends. Similar to Wild Water, you have the option to rent a seating area as well as inner-tubes for the pool. While both rentals are optional, you need to rent a floaty to fully appreciate the lazy river, which is a great way to relax and cool off from the heat. Just hop on an inner tube and float around the river for as long as you want. But once you’re ready for some action, you can make your way over to the rides and get some fun on! They have just your basic water slide, but they also have racing slides. Up to four people get foam mat and test who’s truly the fastest on the slide. 

Now that we’ve told you all about the two water parks, it’s your decision of which one you want to spend the day at before school starts up again in mid-August. 

Written by FresYes Guest Writer Gianna Triplett

The Riverstone – Madera County real estate development bursting with opportunities at the ground level.

This new subdivision outside of Fresno offers a unique award-winning open space community.  

Riverstone – Madera County Real Estate Development Near Fresno Overview

Back in 2016, the Fresno Bee newspaper reported an emerging real estate boom coming to Madera County. The upcoming Riverstone development area as the largest approved subdivision in the last 25 years. 

Around 18,000 homes received county approval. Over the next 30 years, more than 30,000 homes expected. 

This puts Riverstone in competition with northwest Fresno, southeast Fresno, southeast Clovis, and a new development near Clovis North High School for home buyers.

Expectations that Riverstone can dwarf the city of Madera and exceed the current population of 159,000 in Madera County.

The subdivision with eight districts each having a community center with pools, kitchen areas, and exercise rooms. Also, small parks with trails. A working farm on the property’s southern edge maintains the community’s farming heritage.

Riverstone contains a 1 million gallon drinkable water tank. Also, it will retrieve more water through its recharge and water treatment system for landscaping.

Initially, 6,578 homes proposed for Riverstone on 2,100 acres. 

Riverstone – Madera County Real Estate Location

The Riverstone subdivision located north and west of the San Joaquin River on the Rio Mesa. 

Specifically, north and south of Avenue 12 on the west side of Highway 41.

Riverstone Wins Awards

During the 2018 Nationals in Orlando, Florida Riverstone was named America’s Best Master-Planned Community.

Also, in February 2019 the Fresno Bee reported: “Riverstone named the CVLUX 2019 Luxury Award Winner for Community of the Year”. Source  

Inside the Madera County Riverstone Real Estate Development

Its first district, the Lodge District, contains new stylish homes with parks and trails. Upon completion, the Lodge District will contain 860 single-family units. 

Another three districts will support new homes and commercial retail locals. 

The Civic District with 771 homes will provide a metropolitan feel with day-to-night businesses. Includes several parks and a community clubhouse. The 43-acre Market District will provide office spaces, retail businesses, and a grocery store. 

The Town Center with 575 homes expects charm and style to connect commercial space with parks. All these connected with a Main Street for shops and restaurants with a mixed-use central plaza. 

The Urban District provides a 45-acres zone for commercial usage. This includes dining, shopping, and live concerts in its central plaza. 

Riverstone Debut

The Business Journal in January 2017 declared the debut of the first neighborhood in the Riverstone development. 

Beginning with low $300,000 prices, the Santerra Collection featured one and two-story floor plans and sizes ranging from 1,600 to 2,880 square feet. Up to 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and large covered patios called “outside rooms” combines indoor with outdoor entertainment.

Just the first of new homes in the Riverstone 2,000 acre community eventually maintaining 6,500 homes. Featuring 200-acres of open space and parks in walkable neighborhoods. Several community clubhouses and biking and hiking trails, including a dog park landscaped with citrus and olive groves and a community farm.

Lots of mixed-use and commercial space including retail, office, and service uses.

Madera County Sees Big Changes

The Riverstone development along Highway 41 changes Madera County forever claims Valley Public Radio. They expect Riverstone to become a city the size of nearby Clovis. 

Madera County never experienced a real estate development the size of Riverstone. In essence, a rural county getting a typical north Fresno subdivision.

Yet, the Madera County Planning Commission sees increased tax revenues from road impact fees benefitting the entire county. 

When completed, Riverstone residents won’t have to drive to Fresno to get gas and groceries as this will become a self-sufficiency community.

What the Riverstone Development Includes

The official website for the Riverstone Development provides maps, charts, diagrams, and lists its amenities as:

8 Districts totaling 6,578 residences;

Walkable neighborhoods;

Multiple community clubhouses;

Future Riverwalk with retail and walkable space;

Future schools;

115-acres of parks and open space;

Community Farm;

Biking and hiking trails with scenic views;

Dog Park;

Nearby San Joaquin River and adjacent lake; and

Sustainable water supply.

Other Riverstone Development Benefits

Besides the amenities inside this development, two others include:

Just 5 miles from River Park, an outdoor shopping center in Fresno filled with retail stores (like Target and Macy’s), restaurants, and Edwards Theatres cinema.

Only a short drive to Yosemite National Park, a 1,200 square mile park filled with beautiful waterfalls, giant sequoias, wilderness, meadows, and deep valleys.

Contact Us at FresYes Realty to learn more about the wonderful opportunities to buy a home in the Riverstone development.

Steven Rich, MBA – Guest Blogger

Menopause the Musical Sun, Aug 18, 4 PM – Tower Theatre

A musical about… menopause? Yep. “Menopause the Musical” is a highly acclaimed show that’s now been seen by nearly 15 million people across 16 countries and 500 cities. Internationally, the show has performed in Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovenia, and South Korea, and continues to expand into new cities. In fact, the show was voted 2015’s Best Live Show by Vegas Seven and won the Entertainers of the Year award in 2016! The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Today Show and Joy Behar of The View have all given the musical glowing reviews.

So what exactly is menopause? Menopause is the time in a woman’s life that marks the end of her menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after she’s gone 12 months without a menstrual period and it can happen in her 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States. It’s estimated that approximately 40 million women are currently going through menopause. Although Menopause is a natural biological process, it’s not something spoken about openly in conversation, let alone sung about in a musical performance. However, the physical symptoms, including hot flashes, and emotional symptoms are no laughing, jovial matter. It can disrupt a woman’s ability to sleep, lower her energy or affect her emotional health. On a positive note, there are many treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.

Although it’s simply a life stage, many women going through menopause avoid talking to their doctors about their symptoms because of the social stigma surrounding this transitional period. When people think of menopause, they associate it with growing old or sickness. In recent years, celebrities have started to use their platform to bring awareness to menopause. Viola Davis told Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night show that “menopause is hell” and a “dark hole.” It’s important for young women too, to understand their bodies and what to expect. The more we discuss the process openly, the more compassion and understanding there will be.

What makes “Menopause the Musical” unique is that although it’s geared towards something that every woman experiences in her life at some point or another, the topic is still somewhat taboo. This 90-minute production is looking to change that through music, dancing, and comedy.

The show centers around four women at a lingerie sale who have nothing in common but a black lace bra and all of the classic symptoms of menopause. The production’s main characters, “Earth Mother,” “Soap Star,” “Iowa Housewife,” and “Professional Woman,” quickly create a sisterhood as they laugh at their hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, memory loss, night sweats, and endless chocolate binges. This hilarious musical parody is set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s that will have the audience dancing in your seat all night long. 

A few of the 25 parodies that you can expect to sing along to include: “Stayin’ Alive” that’s been changed to “Stayin’ Awake,” Motown favorite “My Girl” that’s been transformed into “My Thighs,” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” which switches to “In the Guest Room on the Sofa, My Husband Sleeps at Night.”

In March 2001, the first show took the stage in a small 76-seat theatre in Orlando. Becoming such a phenomenon around the world, “Menopause The Musical” has been translated into nine languages and holds the record for the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history.

The musical isn’t just a nice night out, either. The producers of “Menopause The Musical,” have raised more than $1 million to benefit charities and causes aimed at improving women’s lives. In addition, men are encouraged to attend and those that do, learn about the process and how they can better support their partner.

The attendees of “Menopause the Musical” may walk in as strangers, but they’ll leave as friends, bonding over shared struggles experienced during menopause.  See what millions worldwide have been laughing about for over 18 years when “Menopause the Musical” comes to town on August 18, just before Menopause Awareness Month in September. Menopause Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate women (and men) about menopause. Get your tickets for this hilarious musical at Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts today.

The Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts opened in 1939 as a 20th Century Fox Movie House but was restored as a center for the performing arts. It boasts an authentic art deco theme throughout and is considered one of the finest facilities of its kind in California. In fact, the theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.