Saturday, March 9, 2013

Ah, YUM!

Over the last week I have been scourging everywhere trying to find recipes that not only I will enjoy but also that my children might enjoy, or at least try! Today I came across two cookbooks, well one cookbook and one website, that might meet all my needs for some good enjoyable vegan food! The first I have actually downloaded onto my kindle, not really the most readable method but none-the-less it works.

The book is called Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook, again you can purchase it through Amazon or via my second gem of the day, Post Punk Kitchen (www.theppk.com)!

Post Punk Kitchen is just amazing! Great recipes with a ton of alternative choices and lots of wonderful pictures. Yes, that's right I admit it, I base my choices on how pleasant they look in their pictures! If I am turned off by how they are presented so will my kids!

I hope these two sources help you in your search of delicious vegan cooking!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Asking while Eating Out?!

Today, while in between class and work, I decided I wanted to get something to eat. I didn't want another salad from home. I wanted something fast and from our local food court. I want to eat my lunch in the same places as everyone else. I am not that different, I just chose not to eat animals or any of their by products.

I guess it is great that I am not someone who is timid about my differences, so instead of wondering all day about whether their "veggie" burger were vegan friendly, I spoke up and asked. I must say the first response from the women was "Yeah, I believe they do have eggs or milk in them." I quickly explained that I don't eat eggs, cheese or milk. She quickly and gladly asked her supervisor, who directed her to reading the packaging label in the back room. She was very quick to provide me with their booklet that including nutritional facts. I was thankful, but unfortunately the booklet did not provide me with the ingredients. So once again she asked her manager. I was surprised, he literally flew into the back room and after a few minutes he returned. Securely said, yes, the veggie burgers are a vegan product!

I was so thrilled to hear this! And I was even more thrilled to see how willing they both were to help. I know its never easy to have someone ask questions, but as I am learning, more people are gladly willing to assist. So the lesson that I learned today, don't be shy, ask! You might be pleasantly surprised and you might find a new favorite place to go!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

In the beginning there was woman...

In the beginning there was woman, the original sinner, the temptress of all that was evil. But really, was this the case? I believe if it was, it truly is not now, especially in this male dominate and privileged society.

Life that is constantly revolving and evolving around us has been falling into this global downward spiral over the last 20+ years. Every commercial or advertisement is about mass consumption and consumerism, so what exactly does that have to do with us? Well, we're the suckers that purchase, that upgrade at the latest advancements even if we're still marveling over the last upgrade. We're super sizing of foods, animals, and homes just to fulfill that need to fit into society, to stake claim at the world.

On Feb. 10th, 2013, I decided that I was going to change my life. I wasn't sure how this small change would affect my entire perception of the world, but for the last 30 days I've seen the world in not so friendly rose colored glasses. 30 days ago, I decided I wanted to be vegan. It was a dramatic change in my life. I loved bacon, cheeseburgers, ham, Ben and Jerry's ice cream and so much more.

So why did I change? I figured that this was the best time as any to start making a difference. Growing up I was an environmentalist, an equal rights advocate, I was a animal rights activist, all rolled up into one feisty teenager that wanted to change the world! So what happened? Life.

This year I turned 34 years old and realized that the girl I use to be is no longer in me, or at least I lead myself to believe. I thought that I had to stop fighting since no one was fighting (or fought) for me. Does this logic even make sense? Not really, but then again, it does. Most people I know over the years of early adulthood have lost that perspective that they once believed. Most people just partake in the normal 9 to 5 day, then home to take care of the kids, dinner, watch a couple of T.V. shows and then off to bed. Now this is where I wanted to change.

By all means I do not live that "normal" life I just described, quiet the opposite. I am a single mother of two fabulous boys, 12 and 7. I am a full-time student finishing my last semester at my local state University, where we also live. I also work part-time on campus, intern part-time, and am a freelance graphic designer, and this is all just during the academic school year, don't even start me on summer. I definitely wear many hats, that is completely an understatement but I do all this to better myself and so I can provide my family with a stable future. Now, this life of mine is by far not easy and is not meant for everyone. It takes someone strong, independent, resilient, and has a little moxie!

despite all my challenging aspects to I am engaging in this huge evolution in the lifestyle. I need to feel who I am again. I need to be me. This blog will document those struggles to live life to the fullest, to eat cleaner, to exercise, and bring joy the good old fashion way, through laughter! My hopes in writing this is to share with others my struggles and accomplishments and in hopes to provide inspiration to others out there that are revamping their lives too!