Behold, Vegan Mac and Cheese in a Box!

After some initial trouble getting Earth Balance boxed vegan mac and cheese in stock, I was informed the other day that my local Co-op had it in stock! I couldn't believe my eyes, they had both beautiful options, yellow cheddar, and white cheddar. And as I've mentioned before, often times when a product is brand new to the Co-op, it's on a new to the store type of sale/promotion, so that's when I can sometimes afford little treats that are not usually in my budget. As a side note, this was the same day when I couldn't afford the unfortunate cost of organic Brussels sprouts, it's kind of weird and sad when processed, boxed food is cheaper than a fresh veg. Anyway, to soothe my feelings over the sprouts, I grabbed a box while on sale.
Well, yesterday was just one of those days where I just couldn't be bothered to cook. I was emotionally drained from a lot of toxicity at work the previous night, and I needed comfort. Boxed mac and cheese to the rescue! It was super easy to make (duh) and while it wasn't quite the neon unnatural orange of the you know who brand, it still had the familiar, nostalgic hue. It was creamy, the powder packet mixed in beautifully with plant milk, and in my case coconut oil, as I don't have Earth balance buttery spread. When I still lived with my non-vegan boyfriend, I made lots of boxed mac and cheese for him as that was seriously something he liked to eat, almost exclusively. (his palate was something I have never witnessed. I've known children who are less picky.) Anyway, I remember quite a few brands, including Kraft, having issues with the powder mixing together without a few small clumps that just wouldn't mix. Not with this lovely vegan mac. It took almost no stirring effort to have a creamy bowl of childhood noodles. The sauce was a perfect consistency, and taste wise, it was delicious and cheesy. I don't know how they have mastered the art of the cheddar powder, but they have. Like the cheddar chips, and cheddar crackers, and cheddar popcorn this mac and cheese fills a void in the vegan community, and could easily satisfy any omnivore. And it is such great news for vegan kids. It's nice to sometimes be able to just "be one of the kids." And, it can show judgy non-vegan parents that vegans eat other things besides oatmeal, spirulina, and kale. All in all I can't say enough good things about this mac and cheese. It looks like the regular, not on sale cost will be $2.99 a box, which I've seen worse, but it is more expensive than it's non-vegan versions, so for me it will be a sometimes treat, but it will be in my splurge rotation for sure!

Organic Shaming

Since making the switch to veganism, I have discovered many blogs and YouTube channels that I love, and really have given me great information, recipes, and often a friend in my head. Especially at this point in my life, when I feel more isolated than I ever have in my life. Sometimes when I come home from a night filled with serving crap after crap food, it's a nice reminder that there are other vegans, and other people who care about more in life than drinking, smoking, gossiping, and hunting, followed by church on Sunday, followed by a Wal-Mart spree. That is what inspired me to start , and then restart my own blog, as a way to reach out to that community, and also I feel like just like certain blogs and people have helped me, maybe my words will help someone. Sometime a connection, however small is all someone needs to be pulled out of a funk. And right now this blog is sometimes my safe place to Hulk out and vent.
I have recently had to cut a couple of blogs out of my reading ritual due to the pressure and judgment surrounding organic food. I want to learn from blogs, and I certainly want to be encouraged to do what is best,  but I draw the line at being judged, because unfortunately I am in the minimum wage,(and as a server, way under minimum wage) sector of the pay scale, and in addition to that, I am the human mom to multiple felines who needed a home and food themselves. And I am not alone in my income bracket. And there are many people who are trying to raise a family on minimum wage, or not much above. So, all of a sudden these blogs I'm talking about have become that one friend you have who makes you feel bad about yourself in little passive aggressive ways, but you hold onto the friendship because "overall they're a good person". Well, I'm over it. I am for the first time in my life really treating myself well, and being my own friend, and I am over people attempting to make me feel bad, even if they don't mean it. I think anyone who is taking time out of their day to read vegan blogs, or even just healthy living blogs in general are trying to do what's best for the animals, earth and their bodies, so we don't need to be shamed if we can't afford 13.99 a pound for organic Brussels sprouts. Seriously I was at my local Co-op yesterday, and I really had a mad craving for roasted Brussels sprouts, but what's the point when you can only afford two sprouts?  Oh yeah, it's ridiculous. Two months ago I saw organic watermelons at the same Co-op for 15.99 a melon. I'm sorry but what the hell? Who can afford that? I feel like even if I could afford that, I would never pay 16.00 for a watermelon. I believe in supporting organic farming, but I also support healthy, toxic pesticide free food for everyone. So I won't mention the names of these blogs, because these are only my opinions, but I will say this, read things that make you feel good, and make you feel supported.
This was another unexpected organic rant, brought on by the price of those Brussels, and feeling bad that I couldn't afford them. It feels good to not have to also read how bad and cancerous it is to buy conventional if I want a damn Brussels sprout!

A Small Step for Animalkind

Since I do so much ranting/venting on this blog, I do like to balance it out with little spurts of optimism. I guess that's how I manage my sanity, by seeking out the good in life, however small it might be. So this past weekend I was perusing my fave celeb gossip sights, and I read at least three different articles with different celebrity females going on and on about how great coconut oil is for the skin! One said she started using it during her pregnancy to avoid stretch marks, and it made her skin feel so amazing that she has continued to use it! I can't remember all the celebrities, but I know one was Kelly Roland from Destiny's Child! We live in a Celeb obsessed culture, and the fact of the matter is people look to celebs for advice, especially when it comes to fashion, and beauty. And the way I see it, we need to stop putting nasty chemicals on ourselves, and into the earth, and for me the number one reason is WE NEED TO STOP ANIMAL TESTING! But there is an obstacle blocking the way, the very high price of non-toxic lotions and potions is at the very least a turn off to people who, while maybe they can afford it, they aren't going to pay it when lotion A is what they grew up on, and much cheaper. And the very high cost is for many people just not even close to a possibility. So maybe, when someone reads something from a multi millionaire who can afford all of the most luxurious lotions and potions who says, "hey guys, I've tried all the best, and nothing beats pure old fashioned coconut oil", well people might listen more than say, coming from a vegan who has been accused of being a hippie once or twice in her day. I love it when I see signs like that that maybe we can change things for the better. Trends get started with one person's discovery, and the rest is trend magic. If we can steer the direction towards more natural products, everyone wins, and no one loses except for the evil, money hungry corporate thugs. I don't think anyone really wants animals to be used for testing, especially for cosmetics and lotions. But people are also selfish, and want to look and smell pretty, and also we live in a time when people are able to aggressively ignore the wrong doings of the world, so getting people onboard with these common, natural ingredients is a huge step in the right direction.
I see every mention of a natural product, any celeb talking of the joy of a vegan diet, even if only temporary, as animals being helped. While most of the time I feel pissed because it isn't enough, sometimes I have to remind myself that everything starts somewhere.
Power to the animals!

Rice and Tofu Remix

Usually when I bake tofu, I marinate it in some type of soy sauce/sesame oil/ sriracha sauce type of marinade. Depending on what I'm using the tofu for, I might add a drop or two of liquid smoke. The point I'm trying to make is that I always flavor it in some way. The other day my stomach was feeling off, and I wanted to bake some tofu, but none of my usual flavors sounded good. So, I pre-heated the oven, put about a teaspoon of coconut oil on a baking sheet, put it in the oven to melt the oil, (about 30-45 seconds.) and then I sliced the tofu, sprinkled salt and pepper, and baked it for about 30-40 minutes at about 350 degrees, turning once, halfway through. I have to say it's a new fave. It would be great in sandwiches, especially breakfast sandwiches, if you stop baking after about 25 minutes or so, it really is a good substitute for an egg, texture wise. And the small amount of coconut oil adds a fatty richness that tofu lacks on its own. I think it's nice sometimes to have a less flavored baked tofu that you can flavor up however your recipe or imagination calls for.
Another awesome coconut oil tip I learned from The Vegan Zombie, which is one of my original finds on YouTube, and has remained one of my favorite channels. Anyway, I watched one of their more recent videos on how to make an awesome burrito, and I believe his name is Jon, (one of the vegan zombies) suggested stirring in a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil after you have cooked your rice. I was intrigued, and I happened to be having Bibimbap for dinner, which The Vegan Zombie is where I got my first recipe for Bibimbap,(it's so about the sauce!). So I stirred about a tablespoon of the oil, and it just makes the rice so luxurious I really can't explain, you have to try it. Unless you're oil free of course! I don't know if I can ever eat rice any other way now. I think brown rice especially sometimes needs a little help, a little boost, especially if it doesn't have some type of sauce. That's my opinion anyway. So thanks to those awesome Zombies for so many great recipes, and for giving plain old rice new life!
I am starting to look into various blogger tutorials offered online, so hopefully sometime in my lifetime this blog will improve, and I will be able to experiment with pretty pictures, and links, and all those other things other blogs have that mine doesn't. Lofty goals I tell you!

To Be, or Not to Be Organic

I have been wanting to talk about the expense of organic food for awhile, and I always wimp out because I want to be part of the organic movement, and I try to buy as much organic as I can afford, but I certainly am not a member of the organic team. I was doing some research on this issue, you know since I can't post pics yet, I like to at least have accurate facts ha ha! What I first discovered were some of the reasons organic is more expensive, such as no chemicals=more labor, organic food grows more slowly, organic certification costs a lot of moolah, higher cost of fertilizer for organic crops, better living conditions for livestock, and that is just the top five, there are many more reasons. And of course I understand, but it doesn't stop me from feeling pissed off because I want all of my food to be organic, but it is just not in my budget.
I was really surprised that when I was reading up on this subject, there is a ton of judgment on both the pro organic, and why bother with organic sides of the fence. I didn't realize this, but there are people who believe organic is no better, gives no more nutrition, so you are throwing you're throwing your money away if you buy organic. I never thought organic food had more nutrients, I always thought the main issue was pesticides and other weird gmo type shenanigans. And the pro organic side feels that everything should be organic, and there is a sense of if you aren't willing to sell everything you own to buy organic, well, you just don't care about your health, anyone you love's health, and you certainly don't care about the health of the earth. I was shocked as I was reading these articles at the judgment. I can only imagine the judgment parents go through, I was a nanny and wow, the judgment some moms make on each other is pretty intense.
All the judgment got me thinking about an article I read way back in the day, I'm talking years and years ago, when  organic first started to become a "thing", and this article was encouraging consumers to keep buying organics, as that would help bring down the cost. Well, that hasn't happened yet. And as someone who used to have the luxury of farmer's markets as a way to save money, well those don't exist everywhere. And another kick ass, vegan , organic money saving heaven, Trader Joe's, well ditto. I wonder if instead of judging, we tried demanding a change in the cost if that would help, because the judgment is really just mean on both sides of the argument.
I don't know about where anyone else lives, but where I live there was not one time that a measly pint of organic blueberries was less than six dollars this past summer.  I did not have fresh blueberries this summer, I found a sale on organic frozen. I'm sure I would be judged on not buying local. Ha. Like a lot of people, I do the best that I can do. I try to stick to the dirty dozen/clean fifteen, buy from bulk bins, and go without certain fruit or veg that is not in my budget for that week. I am a firm believer in all natural all the time. I don't like chemicals or toxins anymore than the next person. But I also don't like feeling judged for my financial limitations. And I am very surprised to have found a lot of judgment in the vegan community about organics. Of course we want to promote organics, but we have to remember that we want to save animals. I would hate for someone who is interested in veganism be turned off because of the fear of an out of control food budget.
I do think organic is the best way, but until the cost becomes realistic, I have to be okay with doing my best to be as natural as possible. Hopefully people who are vegan, organic curious will do their own research, and not get scared off.

Updates

I am feeling very blue about the weather change. It's October, I can't live in denial anymore. Whether I like it or not, it's getting cold. I feel so bad for the stray kitties that I feed outside. I just see nothing but misery in the future, so I have been sitting in front of this screen for an hour, and nothing but whining is coming to my head.
So instead of whining, I'm going to give two little updates, one being a jojoba update, and one being a Robin update. Yesterday as I mentioned, I took a detox bath, and as I was out of ginger, I used miracle bath salts, baking soda, and about seven or eight drops of jojoba oil. I soaked and sweated for thirty minutes, and wow did I feel better afterwards. And I noticed right away, while I was in the bath how nice my skin felt. I don't always add baking soda to my detox bath, but I always notice my skin is softer when I do. And the jojoba oil didn't stay separated in the water, it seemed to mix right in. Needless to say I totally recommend dropping some jojoba oil in your next bath, especially if the temperature is starting to drop where you live.
Now onto Robin. He has adjusted beautifully to living indoors, and all of my kitties have adjusted to him. Only one has a real problem with him, and she is all hiss and no scratch. For the most part he pays no attention to me, other than the occasional look of disdain as I walk by. He does allow me the privilege of a few pets when it is mealtime. I assume he feels that he has to earn his keep, and pay the troll guarding the bridge, or in this case the wet food. He's going to really hate me as I have to make an appointment to get neutered, so we will have a whole new set of trust issues. Ha! I am so grateful that I am able to give Robin shelter, and I definitely made the right choice.
Now I hope maybe a chia seed elixir will help pull me out of this funk a little bit.

I'm into the Good, Pure Stuff Man

About three or so weeks ago I noticed a clearance bin at my local Co-op. I spotted a bottle of jojoba oil, and decided to give it a try. I didn't know much at the time, other than it's a common ingredient in lots of different lotions and potions, so it truly was an "impulse buy".  I did my nerdy duty and researched all the benefits of jojoba oil, and let me tell you, there are a lot of wonderful benefits.
Firstly, jojoba is an oil extracted from the seeds of an evergreen shrub. It is completely odorless, and they say tasteless, although  I didn't test that one out personally. It is amazing for skin care, as it is apparently it is very similar to skin oil, or sebum. It's thought that because it is so similar to our own skin, that when applied, it can trick the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, which helps balance the skin. This is very beneficial to anyone suffering from acne, or very oily skin. Jojoba oil is also rich in natural fats which mimic the fats in the outer layer of our skin, so again, when applied it can help retain moisture. It can help soothe sunburnt skin, and also be used on lips to help with dryness! I even read that it can help with hair growth, as it helps unclog hair follicles, which promote hair growth. It can help condition dry hair also. And one of the coolest facts I learned is that it has a crazy long shelf life, like I'm talking years!
I first started using it on my very dry from dog washing hands, and I noticed a difference right away. Then, I put a few drops on my fingers and rubbed it into my scalp before washing with my no poo, and I had the shiniest hair ever! Seriously those hair shine serums, gels, and sprays have nothing on jojoba oil! For about a week now, I've been mixing a few drops of jojoba with a little coconut oil for my facial moisturizer, and I couldn't be happier with the results.
The temperature has dropped in the past two days, and usually my skin reacts in a very dry way to the temperature change, but I noticed this morning that my face showed no usual dryness. I'm only dry and shriveled on the inside now. Ha. I'm taking my detox bath today, and I plan on dropping a few drops in my bath, so all of my skin can benefit.
The brand that I bought was Desert Essence. I bought a four ounce bottle, and I can't recall the price, but like I said it was in a clearance bin. When I was researching the common price seemed to be around 5.99 to 6.99 for four ounces. From what I read, just make sure whatever brand you buy is pure jojoba oil, not mixed with anything else.
If you find coconut oil a little to heavy on your skin, you will probably love jojoba oil. It is extremely lightweight, and it absorbs so quickly and easily into your skin, and doesn't leave a residue. From everything I read, it is completely safe for sensitive skin, and allergies, but if you have any of those issues definitely proceed with caution, and check things out yourself, which of course everyone should do.
Another small comment about the price, this stuff will last you for a long time. A few drops goes far, so it is a beauty bargain.

Coconut Oil Can Save us All

As I've mentioned, I use coconut oil as my skin moisturizer. I have really noticed a huge improvement in the condition of my skin, especially compared to when I was using store bought, man made lotions.
When I bust out the coconut oil for cooking, or moisturizing, Dylan, the Daiya lover himself, is always going crazy begging for some coconut oil. He likes to lick it off my hand, or if I am ignoring him, he is not above licking my legs like a true addict!! At the grooming shop one of the owner's dogs also like to lick my legs. I never thought coconut oil would harm Dylan, or Eli, but I wasn't sure if it was beneficial either. I just figured it tastes good to them, cause coconut oil!
Well, apparently humans aren't the only people who benefit from all the wonderful fats we keep reading about. It makes so much sense now, because funnily enough, Dylan has always loved avocado too. Coconut oil can disinfect cuts on skin, and improve the cat or dog's skin and coat condition. It can also help deodorize your dogs coat!! From what I've read, most people mix it in with the pet's food, I'm hesitant to try that with Dylan, if he were a human child, his food would never be allowed to touch, but I put some in a little dish, and let him lap it up! He is getting older like all of us, so I have definitely noticed some differences in his skin getting a little drier, and he has developed a few sensitivities, so I am so happy to have discovered coconut oil. I even read that coconut oil can help your feline friends doggy or kitty breath! The fats in the oil are also good for our furry friend's brains just like us!
I am by no means a vet, or any kind of expert, I can only speak of what I have personally witnessed myself, and Dylan's skin and coat have improved greatly, and he loves it so I'm happy. And if you Google coconut oil for your furry friend, you will be amazed at some of the true stories out there.

You Don't Look A Day Over 99!

Today is my 100th post! It really does seem like yesterday, I think it has aged pretty well, must be all that coconut oil! ha ha. When I originally started this blog, I wanted to be like other blogs that I'm a fan of, and have awesome recipes, and beautiful pictures. Obviously that is not the direction things have gone. And for right now I'm okay with that. For right now, this blog has become a safe way for me to vent some of my pent up feelings, and as someone who has a long history of handling my emotions through self destructive behavior, this seems like a healthier outlet. And I always feel better after I blog, especially after some of the more ranting posts. It also feels good to work my brain in this way, looking up the spelling/meaning of certain words, and looking up info so I can sometimes give actual facts, reading my words, then erasing and starting over, it's all been way more invigorating to my brain than getting drunk and smoking cigarettes.
For me the most important thing is that I have stuck with it even though I feel so dorky that I can't even put a picture on my blog, and I just have so much to learn. I feel like I'm gaining more confidence through doing this, and it feels nice. It also feels nice the few times that someone has expressed interest in something I've said or suggested, because I get a lot of eye rolls and disinterested gazes most of the time when I talk.
I have been studying up on things I need to learn, but I have to be honest, it's going to take awhile, because I guess I'm on the slower end of picking computer speak up. I have been trying to spend some time each day learning and tinkering around.
For anyone who reads, or has read this blog, I really appreciate it, and I appreciate the fact that people are willing to read a very imperfect blog, with no beautiful pictures or recipes. I feel way to cashew cheesy for saying this, but here goes nothing, there has been many a day when I have tried so hard to have conversations with people, and all day I just feel like everything I say is either boring, or insane, and it feels lonely and weird, and when I see anyone has read my blog that day, it makes me feel a little less lonely.
I plan on writing at least 100 more, and improving each time.

I Stand by my Beliefs

Before making the best decision of my life and becoming a vegan, I was a vegetarian. I definitely got some flack over the years for being vegetarian, "more meat for me" and other such jokes straight from the Mensa society. A few times people got a little more aggressive than what I like, but for the most part I felt like I could co-exist and not disrupt the peace too much. At restaurants also, it's much easier to piece together a meal, and even the meatiest restaurants tend to have at least one measly vegetarian option, and I don't recall getting too many eye rolls from servers.
Once I became vegan, all bets were off, and I have had to defend my choices so many times I've lost count. And I had a customer at a bar I used to work at say he was surprised that I was a vegan since I wasn't thinner, I've had to explain to people that I'm not an expert on health, as I am an ethical vegan, I've had people drill me about whether I wear leather, and it goes on and on, as I'm sure almost any vegan has tons of stories. It's like somehow if you don't eat meat, but you still ingest some animal products, then you're still part of the crowd, you're just a little different from the rest. You are still a "safe" person to be around, and you can still let loose and party with the rest of the gang.
When you take the final step and phase out all animal products, well now you've done it. You have become an extreme radical, something to be feared by most, and challenged by the brave.
It does seem since veganism has become somewhat of a hot ticket health item, there is a little bit of a grey area, where if you're doctor, or even Dr. Oz tells you to cut out animal products, you get a little pass, because you still want those things, and might even occasionally sneak some in you're life. However if you make the choice because you truly feel animals have a right to live, well you are too radical for me. And it has always cracked me up because the number one stereotype that I hear about vegans is that we are self righteous, judgemental, confrontational, and we go on an on about tofu and animal rights. I don't know about other vegans, but in my experience, I have had more carnivores than I can remember challenge me on everything from the ethics of meat eating, to the lack of nutrients I'm obviously getting(even though I am in perfect health), I've had people practically demand that I prove I don't own leather, and I have had to hear every "meat is delicious" joke that one can hear before going crazy.
Becoming a vegan is one of the best choices I have made in a life filled with bad choices, and although I do go through phases where I am more of a silent vegan, because I can't handle it, I try to keep those phases short, because I am proud to be a vegan, and while I don't believe in forcing my views down anyone's throat, I don't believe in hiding from my beliefs either.