Its berry season!!
Berries, berries everywhere!
Berries floating in the air
Berries, berries everwhere!
Berries floating in your hair
Berries berries everywhere!
(I'm a little obsesses, ok?)
At the Montpelier Co-Op, organic blueberries were on sale! And they have raspberries (my favorite).
I just put some of both in cup and downed them. Now my tongue is red, and I look like a murderer with my "bloody" hands!
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*Note* I know I didnt publish very many posts during the week. I did this so that the recipe contest would remain on top. I didnt forget about you guys!!!
If you know of anyone who would be interested in entering, tell them!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Busy
I might not post here for a lil while. I'm currently creating another blog and I need some time to finish the layout and do a couple of posts and bug-checks.
Dont worry, I'll still keep this blog!
Dont worry, I'll still keep this blog!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
RAWRRR!!!
This weekend, I ran out of conditioner and so I needed more, really fast. (My hair is super dry because of chlorinated pools)
I went to Wal-mart to pick up some stuff. Well, I didnt have my cruelty-free companies list (animal testing) with me, so I just had to gun it since I didnt know any of the brands by memory.
So I ended up buying the cheapest container I could (so if the company DID test, I wouldnt be giving them very much money).
I ended up getting "Tropical Coconut" by Suave. They also had a special where they attached a free humectant (deep conditioner) to it.
Because of this, the ingredient list was completely covered! Since I couldnt see the list, I didnt even think of checking it. Most conditioners are okay for vegans (if your'e not a bio-chemist who knows what all the mystical chemical names are)
So, about 5 minutes ago, I was about to take a shower and so I ripped off the carboard that attached the free sample to it. It also happened to cover the "with silk protein" part of the bottle. So as I looked on the back, here's what I found:
Second ingredient: Cetyl Alcohol!!! (animal fat!!)
Later down the list: silk amino acids, and honey.
What sucks most is that I have to use it because I cant afford to throw it out and buy another brand, and my mum would get on me for wasting stuff. (I cant return it, the store is too far away and I opened it) Not to mention, technically its already paid for and throwing it out wont do anything to the company that made it.
SOOOO, now that I have a really guilty conscience, I'm warning you NOT to buy this product. I'm also considering personally boycotting Suave for being stupid and covering up the ingredient list, and where it said they product had silk in it. It even covered the place on the bottle where it would say if they didnt test (which they do, I think).
I just looked at the wrapper (covering the list) AGAIN, to make sure I wasnt mistaken, incase the list was on the wrapper. It had the ingredients, but the font was illegible!! It was completely smudged and impossible to read.
RAWRRRRRRR!!!!!
I went to Wal-mart to pick up some stuff. Well, I didnt have my cruelty-free companies list (animal testing) with me, so I just had to gun it since I didnt know any of the brands by memory.
So I ended up buying the cheapest container I could (so if the company DID test, I wouldnt be giving them very much money).
I ended up getting "Tropical Coconut" by Suave. They also had a special where they attached a free humectant (deep conditioner) to it.
Because of this, the ingredient list was completely covered! Since I couldnt see the list, I didnt even think of checking it. Most conditioners are okay for vegans (if your'e not a bio-chemist who knows what all the mystical chemical names are)
So, about 5 minutes ago, I was about to take a shower and so I ripped off the carboard that attached the free sample to it. It also happened to cover the "with silk protein" part of the bottle. So as I looked on the back, here's what I found:
Second ingredient: Cetyl Alcohol!!! (animal fat!!)
Later down the list: silk amino acids, and honey.
What sucks most is that I have to use it because I cant afford to throw it out and buy another brand, and my mum would get on me for wasting stuff. (I cant return it, the store is too far away and I opened it) Not to mention, technically its already paid for and throwing it out wont do anything to the company that made it.
SOOOO, now that I have a really guilty conscience, I'm warning you NOT to buy this product. I'm also considering personally boycotting Suave for being stupid and covering up the ingredient list, and where it said they product had silk in it. It even covered the place on the bottle where it would say if they didnt test (which they do, I think).
I just looked at the wrapper (covering the list) AGAIN, to make sure I wasnt mistaken, incase the list was on the wrapper. It had the ingredients, but the font was illegible!! It was completely smudged and impossible to read.
RAWRRRRRRR!!!!!
Friday, June 23, 2006
My New Tenant
As most of you know, from time to time I host another blog on mine (Its called "Rent My Blog", a feature of the blog traffic exchange program "BlogExplosion")
Well, this week I have a vegan blog!
The blog is "The Vegan Diet", and its by Jackie, who if you havent noticed comments often here. I already had linked to her a few weeks back, but she's my new tenant this week!
There are always great recipes there and the latest post is about one of my favorite ingredients, Almond Milk!
So go check it out! (You can either use the text-link in the "Blogs I Read" section, or click on that lovely green thumbnail in that section)
Well, this week I have a vegan blog!
The blog is "The Vegan Diet", and its by Jackie, who if you havent noticed comments often here. I already had linked to her a few weeks back, but she's my new tenant this week!
There are always great recipes there and the latest post is about one of my favorite ingredients, Almond Milk!
So go check it out! (You can either use the text-link in the "Blogs I Read" section, or click on that lovely green thumbnail in that section)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Kozy Shack Jammin' Gels
Woohoo!
I finally found a storebought premade vegan jello! Agar can be tricky to make, and sometimes it comes out chewy.
Its vegan (it even says no animal by-products on the back), and they taste great. I think they taste better than real jello.
So far, I know they come in Strawberry and Green Apple. The only place I've seen them is Shaw's and it they must have started carrying them within the last 3 months or so because every time I go there I look to see if there is a vegan jello (I dont give up easily when it comes to essentials...)
Rating:
4 out of 5 stars.
They are a bit high in carbs, 23grams, and a total of 90 calories in each cup.
I finally found a storebought premade vegan jello! Agar can be tricky to make, and sometimes it comes out chewy.
Its vegan (it even says no animal by-products on the back), and they taste great. I think they taste better than real jello.
So far, I know they come in Strawberry and Green Apple. The only place I've seen them is Shaw's and it they must have started carrying them within the last 3 months or so because every time I go there I look to see if there is a vegan jello (I dont give up easily when it comes to essentials...)
Rating:
4 out of 5 stars.
They are a bit high in carbs, 23grams, and a total of 90 calories in each cup.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Happiness in a Cone
A new recipe I made while totally bored. Its deliciously cold and creamy, and vegan. Oh yeah, its SOLID chocolate!!!
I made up the name since I couldnt think of anything better.
Ingredients:
Ice cream cone (not a sugar cone, one of those flat bottom soft-serve ones)
Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips
Soymilk
Water
1) Boil water in a double boiler. If you dont have one, use a saucepan 1/2 full with water and put a slightly smaller one on top.
2) Fill the cone with chips, and put in the top part of the double boiler. Then add a few more chips.
3) Begin melting chips, and add enough soymilk to make a creamy yet thick liquid. (Its the same consistency as fondue. Technically, it is fondue.)
4) Pour liquid into cone until full.
5) Take a piece of plastic wrap, and cover cone. Put into freezer until solid (4 hours or overnight)
This is one of my favorite new recipes. Its nice and cold for the summer, and it doesnt melt that quickly so you can eat it outside.
I made up the name since I couldnt think of anything better.
Ingredients:
Ice cream cone (not a sugar cone, one of those flat bottom soft-serve ones)
Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips
Soymilk
Water
1) Boil water in a double boiler. If you dont have one, use a saucepan 1/2 full with water and put a slightly smaller one on top.
2) Fill the cone with chips, and put in the top part of the double boiler. Then add a few more chips.
3) Begin melting chips, and add enough soymilk to make a creamy yet thick liquid. (Its the same consistency as fondue. Technically, it is fondue.)
4) Pour liquid into cone until full.
5) Take a piece of plastic wrap, and cover cone. Put into freezer until solid (4 hours or overnight)
This is one of my favorite new recipes. Its nice and cold for the summer, and it doesnt melt that quickly so you can eat it outside.
Bean Burritos
Still inspired by Taco Bell, I made some burritos tonight. Makes 8
Ingredients:
2 15-oz cans refried pinto beans (LARD-free!!!)
1 can (small, 3-7 oz) of either chilis or jalepenos
1 small onion, diced
8 medium flour tortillas
Oil
1) Lightly oil large skillet and heat.
2) Add beans, onion, and chilis/jalepenos
3) Heat until hot. STIR, dont let it blow up!!! :)
4) Put mixture into tortillas and roll
5) In another pan, heat a small amount of oil until hot.
6) Place burrito seam-side down and cook until seam is fused (or as fused as it will get)
7) OPTIONAL: fry the remainder of burrito to get that yummy crispy texture and taste!
Serve with salsa, Toffutti BETTER THAN SOUR CREAM, guacamole, etc.
DONT overstuff the burritos or else they will fall apart.
A good way to fold burritos is to add the filling in the bottom 1/3 of the tortilla, leaving a 1-1/2 inch margin on either side, rolling over the filling, tucking side in (until parallel to each other) and to continue rolling until you have a cylinder.
Ingredients:
2 15-oz cans refried pinto beans (LARD-free!!!)
1 can (small, 3-7 oz) of either chilis or jalepenos
1 small onion, diced
8 medium flour tortillas
Oil
1) Lightly oil large skillet and heat.
2) Add beans, onion, and chilis/jalepenos
3) Heat until hot. STIR, dont let it blow up!!! :)
4) Put mixture into tortillas and roll
5) In another pan, heat a small amount of oil until hot.
6) Place burrito seam-side down and cook until seam is fused (or as fused as it will get)
7) OPTIONAL: fry the remainder of burrito to get that yummy crispy texture and taste!
Serve with salsa, Toffutti BETTER THAN SOUR CREAM, guacamole, etc.
DONT overstuff the burritos or else they will fall apart.
A good way to fold burritos is to add the filling in the bottom 1/3 of the tortilla, leaving a 1-1/2 inch margin on either side, rolling over the filling, tucking side in (until parallel to each other) and to continue rolling until you have a cylinder.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Taco Bell Is Paradise!!
Not all fast food is a no-no for vegans! Taco Bell has TONS of vegan items.
Most of the food can be made vegan, and unlike McD's or BK, they make it when you order so you can almost always customize it.
Unlike McDonalds, when you order a salad TB doesnt put in the meat. I've seen a McD's person take the chicken out of the preboxed salad. Ew.
Anyway, here's just a small list of veganized TB items. Note that not all are on the Fast Food List because these are customizations, not actual items.
Oh yeah, you wouldnt believe this! After I ordered two vegan chalupas, the guy asked me if I was a vegan and turns out so is he!
He was the only person working there who had a healthy body weight.
Most of the food can be made vegan, and unlike McD's or BK, they make it when you order so you can almost always customize it.
Unlike McDonalds, when you order a salad TB doesnt put in the meat. I've seen a McD's person take the chicken out of the preboxed salad. Ew.
Anyway, here's just a small list of veganized TB items. Note that not all are on the Fast Food List because these are customizations, not actual items.
- Bean Burrito (minus cheese)
- Chalupa (minus cheese, ask for beans instead of meat)
- Taco Salad (minus meat and cheese)
- Taco (replace meat with beans and no cheese)
- Crunchwrap (minus all dairy products and meat)
Oh yeah, you wouldnt believe this! After I ordered two vegan chalupas, the guy asked me if I was a vegan and turns out so is he!
He was the only person working there who had a healthy body weight.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Shopping & Other News
Woohoo, I get to go clothes shopping today. Its to celebrate me surviving junior high! (Quite a task). Theres a ton of vegan clothes at the mall in Burlington.
In other news, I probably wont be posting much between July 17 and August 11 or so. I'll be in PEI and Nova Scotia, and then a day later I'll be hopping to skateboarding camp in New Hampshire.
I should be able post once in while, I can post on blogger while using my cell phone. They'll be short and unformatted, but I should get some news in and maybe some pics of my looking like a total ass!
If you dont hear from me after that, you'll know I killed myself while falling off a vert ramp or cracking my head while falling off a grind rail! (I havent skateboarded that much!)
I'm desperately trying to find some vegan skate shoes. I've found tons online, but I hope I can find some synthetic nubuck ones in stores.
*~*~*~*~ Allie
In other news, I probably wont be posting much between July 17 and August 11 or so. I'll be in PEI and Nova Scotia, and then a day later I'll be hopping to skateboarding camp in New Hampshire.
I should be able post once in while, I can post on blogger while using my cell phone. They'll be short and unformatted, but I should get some news in and maybe some pics of my looking like a total ass!
If you dont hear from me after that, you'll know I killed myself while falling off a vert ramp or cracking my head while falling off a grind rail! (I havent skateboarded that much!)
I'm desperately trying to find some vegan skate shoes. I've found tons online, but I hope I can find some synthetic nubuck ones in stores.
*~*~*~*~ Allie
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Pancakes
I was so happy to find a really good vegan pancake recipe!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1 cup of soy or nut milk
2 TBS of maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener. Agave is too sticky, dont use it!)
1 tsp of Baking Powder OR Ener-G Egg Replacer (dry)
2 TBS of Canola Oil
1/4 tsp salt
Oil, for frying
1) In a large bowl, mix the flours, baking powder/ener-g, and salt. Then add the nut milk, syrup, and oil.
2) Mix only until everything is moist. A few lumps are okay. If you overmix, they will be tough.
3) Add any mix-ins you would like. I normally do chocolate chips or blueberries.
4) Heat some oil in a skillet until hot.
5) Put about a 1/5 cup of batter onto the skillet. When bottom is solid, flip. Repeat for all pancakes. (Makes about 8 medium ones)
Make sure the centers are cooked. Sometimes the outsides appear golden but the inside is still uncooked batter. If that happens, put back on the skillet until you can press on the pancake with the spatula and have nothing ooze out.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1 cup of soy or nut milk
2 TBS of maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener. Agave is too sticky, dont use it!)
1 tsp of Baking Powder OR Ener-G Egg Replacer (dry)
2 TBS of Canola Oil
1/4 tsp salt
Oil, for frying
1) In a large bowl, mix the flours, baking powder/ener-g, and salt. Then add the nut milk, syrup, and oil.
2) Mix only until everything is moist. A few lumps are okay. If you overmix, they will be tough.
3) Add any mix-ins you would like. I normally do chocolate chips or blueberries.
4) Heat some oil in a skillet until hot.
5) Put about a 1/5 cup of batter onto the skillet. When bottom is solid, flip. Repeat for all pancakes. (Makes about 8 medium ones)
Make sure the centers are cooked. Sometimes the outsides appear golden but the inside is still uncooked batter. If that happens, put back on the skillet until you can press on the pancake with the spatula and have nothing ooze out.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Onion Rings
These are really good, I love 'em. Just be careful when deep frying not to get splattered. I was wearing a cropped spaghetti strap shirt and I have little oil burns on my stomach. NOT PRETTY!
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, sliced into rings
1 cup flour
1 cup vegan breadcrumbs or corn meal
1/3 apple juice or water
2 TBS white wine vinegar
Black Pepper
Enough oil to deep fry with.
1) Heat oil in saucepan. You can also use a deep fryer if you have one.
2) Mix flour, juice, and vinegar. Add enough water till you get a sticky, gooey batter. Add as much pepper as you desire.
3) Coat rings, and throw into oil. Fry until golden brown.
5) With slotted spoon, remove from oil onto papertowel covered plate.
Voila! These are super-good, enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, sliced into rings
1 cup flour
1 cup vegan breadcrumbs or corn meal
1/3 apple juice or water
2 TBS white wine vinegar
Black Pepper
Enough oil to deep fry with.
1) Heat oil in saucepan. You can also use a deep fryer if you have one.
2) Mix flour, juice, and vinegar. Add enough water till you get a sticky, gooey batter. Add as much pepper as you desire.
3) Coat rings, and throw into oil. Fry until golden brown.
5) With slotted spoon, remove from oil onto papertowel covered plate.
Voila! These are super-good, enjoy!
Summer Goals!
Since the BOTB doesnt seem to be too popular (fine by me, it was COMPLETELY random, and a dare from a friend), I've decided to put up some summer goals for myself.
* Make this blog a little more personal
(I need to pay attention to the word "my" in the title, I've been a little off track!)
* Get 6,000 hits
This shouldnt be too hard in 2 1/2 months. I'm going by visitors, not pageviews FYI. More accurate.
* Get some sort of layout
Even if its a simple something, I'd like to have it look pretty.
* Get more graphics
I should be going down to Conneticut alot, so I can send my pix from my phone to my email and download them!
* Hold at least 1 contest, preferably 2.
I dont know what the prizes would be. Besides a little badge, something material. Maybe BlogExplosion credits or I could write a quest article for your blog.
I dont want to put too much, I want to meet them :)
* Make this blog a little more personal
(I need to pay attention to the word "my" in the title, I've been a little off track!)
* Get 6,000 hits
This shouldnt be too hard in 2 1/2 months. I'm going by visitors, not pageviews FYI. More accurate.
* Get some sort of layout
Even if its a simple something, I'd like to have it look pretty.
* Get more graphics
I should be going down to Conneticut alot, so I can send my pix from my phone to my email and download them!
* Hold at least 1 contest, preferably 2.
I dont know what the prizes would be. Besides a little badge, something material. Maybe BlogExplosion credits or I could write a quest article for your blog.
I dont want to put too much, I want to meet them :)
Allie tried cooking... And did not succeed / Other News
The burgers sucked. That's putting it nicely! They wouldnt even cook right and stay together.
So I made a GardenVegan and some onion rings (recipe after school today)
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In other news, today is the last day of school! Woohoo! FRESHMEN!
I might go out for a vegan pizza with by boyfriend today...
This means I'll have a lot more time to work on the blog. I might even get around to doing a layout with graphics (dont count on it though).
I'll see what I can do.
Any layout suggestions would be appreciated :)
So I made a GardenVegan and some onion rings (recipe after school today)
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In other news, today is the last day of school! Woohoo! FRESHMEN!
I might go out for a vegan pizza with by boyfriend today...
This means I'll have a lot more time to work on the blog. I might even get around to doing a layout with graphics (dont count on it though).
I'll see what I can do.
Any layout suggestions would be appreciated :)
Monday, June 12, 2006
Allie tries to cook...
I'm going to try to cook something!!!
Its more like freezer/fridge cleanout recipes.
I have a tube of polenta thats been there for about 3 months, and some portabellos that are going to go bad if I dont use them!
So, I'm gunna make an herb-y veggie burger. If its any good, I'll add it to the contest!
Its more like freezer/fridge cleanout recipes.
I have a tube of polenta thats been there for about 3 months, and some portabellos that are going to go bad if I dont use them!
So, I'm gunna make an herb-y veggie burger. If its any good, I'll add it to the contest!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Links!
I added a ton of links to vegan blogs, you should go check them out!
Also, if you have a vegan blog, I would be happy to exchange links.
If you know of a good vegan blog (that isnt your own), I'd also like to know and maybe put the link up as well.
Furthermore, if you have a blog and use the traffic exchange site BlogExplosion, I have my blog for rent at 50 credits so far. If any vegan blog is interested, I'd be happy to lower the credits to around 35 or so. You need to let me know quickly though, before it gets taken (if you're reading this and its already rented out, ask me about next week and I can put the offer up and email you about it).
Thats about it! Happy trails!
Also, if you have a vegan blog, I would be happy to exchange links.
If you know of a good vegan blog (that isnt your own), I'd also like to know and maybe put the link up as well.
Furthermore, if you have a blog and use the traffic exchange site BlogExplosion, I have my blog for rent at 50 credits so far. If any vegan blog is interested, I'd be happy to lower the credits to around 35 or so. You need to let me know quickly though, before it gets taken (if you're reading this and its already rented out, ask me about next week and I can put the offer up and email you about it).
Thats about it! Happy trails!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Gone
I'll be gone for the rest of tonight and tomorrow, I'm staying at my friend's house. Be back on Sunday, if not Saturday!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Scallion Mashed Potatoes
Here's one of my absolute favorite side dishes. I make this all the time, its soooo good!
Ingredients:
5 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into pieces
1 bunch scallions, chopped
5 TBS Vegan butter (EarthBalance, etc)
1) Rinse peeled potatoes and cover with just enough water. Boil.
2) Keep at gentle boil until potatoes are cooked (25-35 mins approx.)
3) Drain potatoes, put into boil and mash.
4) Add vegan butter. Mix in, and add scallions.
Very simple! For a lower fat version, you can use 2 or 3 TBS of butter but I like it rich.
Ingredients:
5 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into pieces
1 bunch scallions, chopped
5 TBS Vegan butter (EarthBalance, etc)
1) Rinse peeled potatoes and cover with just enough water. Boil.
2) Keep at gentle boil until potatoes are cooked (25-35 mins approx.)
3) Drain potatoes, put into boil and mash.
4) Add vegan butter. Mix in, and add scallions.
Very simple! For a lower fat version, you can use 2 or 3 TBS of butter but I like it rich.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Its Vegan... Its Porn... Its VeganPorn!!!
Y'all should check out the site VeganPorn.com. ITS WICKED!!
Unfortunately, its not porn.
Fortunately, because I'm using the word "porn" on my blog, I'l get tons of hits! (I'm not lying either...)
Nah, its just a vegan interactive blog. Its awesome!
Their signature line is "For vegans who get it".
SO GET IT!!
(and watch how many extra hits I get for typing porn!!!)
Unfortunately, its not porn.
Fortunately, because I'm using the word "porn" on my blog, I'l get tons of hits! (I'm not lying either...)
Nah, its just a vegan interactive blog. Its awesome!
Their signature line is "For vegans who get it".
SO GET IT!!
(and watch how many extra hits I get for typing porn!!!)
Changes... To Me!
I'm totally psyched. I finally got my hair cut! I cut 6 inches off! I havent had short hair since I was 5 or so...
It now only goes to about halfway down my neck, and its wavy and the ends sorta stick out.
I just bought a ton of gel and it probably wont even last a month...
Its super edgy... I LOVE IT.
I'm only helping the vegan/punk stereotype, right? :D
It now only goes to about halfway down my neck, and its wavy and the ends sorta stick out.
I just bought a ton of gel and it probably wont even last a month...
Its super edgy... I LOVE IT.
I'm only helping the vegan/punk stereotype, right? :D
Monday, June 05, 2006
Justifications
Justifications for not being vegan... Coincides with my last post...
1) Humans need to drink cows milk, just like dogs need to drink deer's milk.
2) People shouldnt eat beans, only because they make you fart if you dont chew them.
3) Cows like being milked, just like human mothers never complain about breastfeeding.
4) Cows dont mind being impregnated over and over again, just like women love to be raped again and again.
5) Humans need to eat meat laden diets to live a long life, just like Mr. Atkins did!
6) Not drinking milk makes you weak, just like puny Jack Lalane (who doesnt drink milk!)
7) Animals were put on earth for us to eat them, and thats why we value cannabalism in our society!
Hope you like those!
1) Humans need to drink cows milk, just like dogs need to drink deer's milk.
2) People shouldnt eat beans, only because they make you fart if you dont chew them.
3) Cows like being milked, just like human mothers never complain about breastfeeding.
4) Cows dont mind being impregnated over and over again, just like women love to be raped again and again.
5) Humans need to eat meat laden diets to live a long life, just like Mr. Atkins did!
6) Not drinking milk makes you weak, just like puny Jack Lalane (who doesnt drink milk!)
7) Animals were put on earth for us to eat them, and thats why we value cannabalism in our society!
Hope you like those!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
6 Vegan Myths
Once again, Sexy Vegan Chick is here (cape and all!) to debunk some popular myths about veganism! (Traa-la-la-laaaa!!)
1) Cows explode if you dont milk them.
Have you ever seen a cow explode on TV before? Chances are, you havent.
2) Beefsteak tomatoes contain meat.
Why dont we all eat TomatoBurgers then??
3) Soymilk is milk from soybeans.
Have you ever seen a soybean with tits?
4) Lettuce has feelings too!
Have you ever heard a salad cry? Did it talk to you? What did it say? Did it say that you suffer from dementia? Wow, lettuce is smart!
5) Animals were put on this earth for us to eat.
Why dont you just eat your dog then?
6) Vegans suck. ...
This one is partially true :) Just ask Pam and she might "demonstrate"!
7) Vegans are boring.
Vodka is vegan. So I prove thee wrong!
1) Cows explode if you dont milk them.
Have you ever seen a cow explode on TV before? Chances are, you havent.
2) Beefsteak tomatoes contain meat.
Why dont we all eat TomatoBurgers then??
3) Soymilk is milk from soybeans.
Have you ever seen a soybean with tits?
4) Lettuce has feelings too!
Have you ever heard a salad cry? Did it talk to you? What did it say? Did it say that you suffer from dementia? Wow, lettuce is smart!
5) Animals were put on this earth for us to eat.
Why dont you just eat your dog then?
6) Vegans suck. ...
This one is partially true :) Just ask Pam and she might "demonstrate"!
7) Vegans are boring.
Vodka is vegan. So I prove thee wrong!
Shameless Promotion
I've seemed to hit a plateau with my hits...
I'd like to drive them up a bit more, but I'm asking for a little help :) (You know how much I love you guys!)
If you happen to have some free time, could you ping a post or two?
What this means is, if you find a post you think is cool, funny, useful etc, you can click the "Email this Post" button (little envelope) and email it to someone.
So, say you wanted to send the tips about going vegan to a friend you know is trying to go vegan;
You would click that button and email them to say they should check it out.
I already do some pinging, but a larger audience is my goal, since I think I can help a lot of people.
It's just a thought, but I think it could really help me.
LOTS of love,
Allie <3
I'd like to drive them up a bit more, but I'm asking for a little help :) (You know how much I love you guys!)
If you happen to have some free time, could you ping a post or two?
What this means is, if you find a post you think is cool, funny, useful etc, you can click the "Email this Post" button (little envelope) and email it to someone.
So, say you wanted to send the tips about going vegan to a friend you know is trying to go vegan;
You would click that button and email them to say they should check it out.
I already do some pinging, but a larger audience is my goal, since I think I can help a lot of people.
It's just a thought, but I think it could really help me.
LOTS of love,
Allie <3
Changes
I changed the layout a bit! Same style, but I added more CSS tags and made it greeny!
I would've made the background green, I found an awesome hexadecimal color. (I was using a .gif chart). It looked good as an image but sometimes there are color discremancies between browsers (I use Mozilla, it would have looked fine in IE I think). Opera I know screws up colors a lot, and MSN hates CSS. (I hope some of you know what I'm talking about!!!) :D
Anyway, the background is white, but it tints with all the green links and stuff. Hope you like it!
Also, I added more links to the "Important Posts" sections.
AND (my fingers are getting tired!!), I will be adding a recipe for Scallion Mashed Potatoes soon.
Bye!
I would've made the background green, I found an awesome hexadecimal color. (I was using a .gif chart). It looked good as an image but sometimes there are color discremancies between browsers (I use Mozilla, it would have looked fine in IE I think). Opera I know screws up colors a lot, and MSN hates CSS. (I hope some of you know what I'm talking about!!!) :D
Anyway, the background is white, but it tints with all the green links and stuff. Hope you like it!
Also, I added more links to the "Important Posts" sections.
AND (my fingers are getting tired!!), I will be adding a recipe for Scallion Mashed Potatoes soon.
Bye!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Tips for Going Vegan
I just posted my story on how I went vegan, but here are some hints and tips that you may find helpful!
1) Overnight it best
1) Overnight it best
Its much easier to go vegan overnight. If you try to eliminate items one by one, it can tease your taste buds and only make you crave what you want to give up. Make a date, like the first of the month, or your birthday, New Year's, etc, that will be your official date. If you just pick a day without planning first (see tip 2), you will probably be hungry, or not know what to do.2) Go slow
No, I'm not contradicting my 1st tip! About 2 weeks before you go vegan officially (see tip 1), stop buying non-vegan foods and finish the ones you already have. By keeping them in the house AFTER your cut-off date, you will only tease yourself and not know what to do with them.3) Be able to cook veganly
This is pretty common; You go vegan, buy vegan foods, but dont know what to do with them!4) Learn how to make desserts, or at least be able to find them
Before you go vegan, learn to cook some simple dishes, and have some recipes (Either a cookbook or from online). You cant survive off frozen and canned goods. They are too high in sodium, and are mighty expensive. Check out the Recipe Archives on the Sidebar!
Unless you are going vegan for health reasons, you should be able to do some desserts. You will go crazy otherwise. When you go vegan, you will want to eat animal foods (not just desserts), and if you can indulge in some dessert, it helps you feel better (trust me!). Locate the Soy Delicious and Tofutti Cuties in your co-op or supermarket. Also, check out some recipes online (Again, check out my Recipe Archives. The Tofu Chocolate Pie is awesome!)5) Stick with it
This may seem harsh, but dont let yourself break down! If you make a mistake, thats okay. But dont give in! In the movie Supersize Me!, Morgan Spurlock compares eating fast food to qutting smoking. He says that once you get over the "3-day hump", you are fine. I am NOT suggesting you eat at McD's :)Here's the unofficial tip number 6. It happens to deal with number 2, and I'm not talking about the second tip!
What I'm saying is that if you stick with it for a week or so, you will get used to it. Your body will eventually lose its cravings for animal products, and you can satisfy your tastes with vegan goodness!
Books always tell you to not make a big deal of breaking down. You shouldn't break down! I'm not being a bitch, I'm telling you the truth. If you're quitting smoking, you dont go and have a ciggarette because giving them up is so hard!
Eating animal products is the same thing. If you stick with it, you can conquer it. Mistakes happen. Unintentional mistakes WILL happen to everybody. Those are a-okay. I've ordered soups that the waiter swore were vegan, only to find a chicken bone in it. Just keep rolling.
You might want to wear Depends when you first go vegan. Vegan diets are extremely high in fiber... And we all know what that does to you. Even if you are a vegetarian going vegan, you might get a little surprise (I know this from first-hand experience)I hope all of these tips help you on your way to becoming vegan! Good luck!
Most americans dont even get 1 bowel movement a day. Unless you are elderly or have some other ailment, you should be getting at least 2. I'm not the healthiest vegan (but I'm not unhealthy either), and I get about 3 a day (You all wanted to know this, didnt you?)
After 2 or 3 weeks your body will get used to it. But runny poo and emergencies are not uncommon!
(I'm only telling you this for your own wellbeing!)
How did you become vegetarian/vegan?
I get asked this question a lot. And frankly, its kinda interesting when I think about it.
If you'd like to post your story (it doesnt have to be as long as mine, I made it very descriptive because others have asked to know how I did it without ever backfiring), or tips or etc, feel free to comment!
In the summer of 2003 (I was 11 at that time), I was surfing the net, downloading music, etc. I came to the site of one of my favorite artists, P!nk (At that time Missundaztood was the "it" thing).
While I was browsing the site, I noticed a link about animals. Being an omnivore, yet loving animals, I was interested. It happened to be about when P!nk wrote a letter to PETCO asking them to stop their cruel procedures (which they eventually did).
I read the letter, and of course I agreed with it. (It had nothing to do about eating animals). I thought the site was really cool, so I decided to click the link to the Home page. (Just so you know, I had no idea what PETA was!!!)
I found myself looking at the front page, with all the little bubbles (Animals arent ours to ... ...)
I went down the list (there are 4). I didnt wear fur or leather anyways, I thought it was gross. I thougth zoos were kinda cruel, and never was a huge fan anyway. I thought animal testing sucked.
Then I came to the last one, "Animals are not ours to eat". Damn was I surprised!
At that time, I was a BIG meat eater. Eating meat was always considered manly, and I always wanted to be big and strong like my step-dad (he thoroughly supported me when I went vegetarian :D ) I was never overweight, but I prided myself on being able to eat double whoppers and such (I was going through my puberty fired growth spurt!)
I clicked on the link about abstaining from animal foods. I never had really thought about how the animals were treated. In fact, I'd never thought of meat as being the corpse of an innocent animal. I watched some videos, including "Meet your Meat". I could hardly watch, I was crying so much. My whole life, I had loved animals. And to realize what I was doing to them made me feel horrible.
I researched going vegetarian. I wasnt too thrilled, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I liked meat, but I loved animals. No way could I go vegan. It was just too much change. I couldnt even think of the idea. To me it was impossible.
At first, my parents didnt like the idea. They were just average americans. They didnt know that it was healthier than an omnivorous diet. The knew that red meat was unhealthy (most red meat is worse than poultry). This was a good thing. I was just about to leave for vacation, so I didnt give the subject any more thought.
When I was coming back from vacation in Ireland, on the flight, they served a pack of sandwiches, one ham and one cheese. I ate the cheese one, and decided right then and there that I didnt have the heart to eat the ham. I'd eaten tons in Ireland, but somehow this just clicked.
When I came home, I announced that I was giving up red meat. It was pretty hard. No more burgers, beef stew, etc. I ate tons of poultry though. I'd always thought cows were cuter than chickens (even though I didnt like eating them). My parents werent totally happy with it, but they didnt put up a fight.
I did more research on vegetarianism. I knew I had to go the full way. It took a lot of convincing, but on Christmas, my aunt gave me the 5 Ingredient or Less Gourmet cookbook by Nava Atlas. Since I already could cook, my parents thought they would let me try it. (They thought it was a fad and that I'd give up in a week or two).
I officially went vegetarian on January 1st, 2004. I liked doing as a New Years Resolution. Keeping track of dates was easy :)
By the summer/fall of 2005, I hadnt done too much stuff on PETA. I wanted to get back in touch with my reasons for choosing this way of life. Veganism didnt seem so hard to me anymore. For the first year and a half of vegetarianism, I ate waaaaaay to much dairy. By then, I was mostly off dairy and had found other protein sources. I tried more and more vegan foods. I actually noticed that I was lactose intolerant somewhat. If I went 2 weeks without dairy and then ate some, I got sick.
I thought about veganism, and gave it a try for a week. It wasnt that hard. I still was addicted to ice cream and cheese, but I thought I could give them up. (This was around late September or so, I believe)
In October, I had to stay with my friend Erin for 2 weeks and with my grandparents for another week, because my mum was away for 3 weeks. To make life simple, I had to eat non-vegan foods.
By November, I knew I was going vegan. I stopped buying anything with non-vegan ingredients. I still ate stuff other people bought, but very little.
I finally went vegan on January 1st, 2006.
Near the end of January, I started this blog.
If you'd like to post your story (it doesnt have to be as long as mine, I made it very descriptive because others have asked to know how I did it without ever backfiring), or tips or etc, feel free to comment!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Order Your Free Pro-Vegetarian Poster!
MFA (Mercy for Animals) is once again giving out free campaign materials!
Now they are sending free posters!
http://www.mercyforanimals.org/choose_veg_poster.asp
Some good places are:
Now they are sending free posters!
The "Choose Compassion, Choose Vegetarian" poster features three gentle bovines and the chilling text:
"In the United States alone, nearly ten billion animals are slaughtered for human consumption each year. From birth, the animals are immediately transformed into commodities, where they are pumped with hormones, packed into cramped cages, and eventually painfully slaughtered. Please, choose vegetarian at your next meal."
By clicking the link below, you can order as many as you would like (please dont order more than you need though!)http://www.mercyforanimals.org/choose_veg_poster.asp
Some good places are:
- Bathrooms
- Bulletin Boards
- Public buildings
- Co-ops
- Other food markets
- Public parks and benches
- Anywhere else where they will be seen!
Animal Testing ... FOR JUICE!!!!
For those of you who hadn't known, Welch's used to test on animals.
Why? To test the "health powers" of its juice. Pretty retarded, right?
Well, PETA has had another victory! Before starting an all-out campaign, PETA usually tries to convince companies to forgo the cruelty. If they dont listen, then PETA2 unleashes the Street Teamers.
Welch's has promised to ABOLISH animal cruelty within their company! Woohoo! This is great news, and should be celebrated.
However, PETA is now working on Ocean Spray, a competitor of Welchs (though its different kinds of juice)
PETA is now campaigning against Ocean Spray and hoping to convince them to stop animal testing. After all, its JUICE!
If you write a letter to the CEO of Ocean Spray (using the handy little form), you can earn 750 street team points (you still need to submit a RFP)
Visit the link here to learn about this cruelty and to email the CEO of Ocean Spray:
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/p2juice_experiments?c=p2m14
The page provides you with a letter, but you can also make your own. Here is a copy of mine:
I am horrified to learn that Ocean Spray tests on animals.
This is JUICE! Do you really need to harm animals to promote JUICE?
Sir, I am a big drinker of cranberry juice, and I know that it makes me feel good. I know that it makes me healthy.
Instead of harming innocent animals, why dont you do clinical studies on humans to see how the juice will help humans?
If you have so much kindness in your heart to care of consumers and want to make them healthier with their juice, than it shouldnt be hard to show a little kindness towards some helpless animals.
Please follow the lead of Welch's and abolish animal testing for Ocean Spray. Please follow your heart and your conscience and stop harming animals.
My friends, my family, and myself refuse to buy Ocean Spray products until you stop this unnecessary and downright CRUEL testing on animals.
I am looking forward to the day I will enjoy your products again.
Yours truly,
Allie Byrne
Why? To test the "health powers" of its juice. Pretty retarded, right?
Well, PETA has had another victory! Before starting an all-out campaign, PETA usually tries to convince companies to forgo the cruelty. If they dont listen, then PETA2 unleashes the Street Teamers.
Welch's has promised to ABOLISH animal cruelty within their company! Woohoo! This is great news, and should be celebrated.
However, PETA is now working on Ocean Spray, a competitor of Welchs (though its different kinds of juice)
PETA is now campaigning against Ocean Spray and hoping to convince them to stop animal testing. After all, its JUICE!
If you write a letter to the CEO of Ocean Spray (using the handy little form), you can earn 750 street team points (you still need to submit a RFP)
Visit the link here to learn about this cruelty and to email the CEO of Ocean Spray:
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/p2juice_experiments?c=p2m14
The page provides you with a letter, but you can also make your own. Here is a copy of mine:
I am horrified to learn that Ocean Spray tests on animals.
This is JUICE! Do you really need to harm animals to promote JUICE?
Sir, I am a big drinker of cranberry juice, and I know that it makes me feel good. I know that it makes me healthy.
Instead of harming innocent animals, why dont you do clinical studies on humans to see how the juice will help humans?
If you have so much kindness in your heart to care of consumers and want to make them healthier with their juice, than it shouldnt be hard to show a little kindness towards some helpless animals.
Please follow the lead of Welch's and abolish animal testing for Ocean Spray. Please follow your heart and your conscience and stop harming animals.
My friends, my family, and myself refuse to buy Ocean Spray products until you stop this unnecessary and downright CRUEL testing on animals.
I am looking forward to the day I will enjoy your products again.
Yours truly,
Allie Byrne
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