Happy Bellies

Two of My Love Bugs

2009-12-28T23:20:00.001-06:00

Furry Love Bug

2009-11-17T19:19:00.002-06:00

Well, SHE makes me feel a little better even when everything else in the World is overwhelming.

Vegan MoFo Day 22

2009-10-22T20:33:00.002-05:00

This Summer E and I met up with D-Pants and T at the Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park.

It was fun to walk around, to look at some booths, see some dancing, and try some foods!

I had a really great mint lemonade from some booth I don't remember and I need to make that on my own at home. It was so refreshing and tasty.

For food I found a Senegalese booth that offered a Veggie Curry dish over rice. This was really wonderful. Not quite a good amount for what I paid, but very flavorful. Some similar flavor to many Indian foods. I'd love to eat it at their restaurant and try out some other vegan friendly items.

E had his first ever falafel if you can believe that! I tend to go on my falafel dates with D-Pants or grab it on the go. He picked it from the Israeli booth. I asked him how he liked it and he was really satisfied. We'll have to get this boys butt to Al Tarboush for some even BETTER falafel soon.

I'm trying to keep that positivity going, but there's been a medical emergency tonight that has slowed me down and I'm waiting to hear more. MoFo is a thankful distraction while I wait for further word.

Please keep me and my family in your thoughts if you wouldn't mind.

Vegan MoFo Day 21

2009-10-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Mamba Jamba!
Today was my mamas birthday and I made her a big batch of these guys:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip with Cream Cheese Frosting (from VCTOTW)

These have been a big favorite lately.

Otherwise a crazy day full of love and randomness. Job prospect thinger, thai food, leading Mom around Trader Joes and helping her make picks, dog walking and one dog rescue (yay Kandy - hope she's glad to be home, looks like she has it good, really good), back and neck cracking and popping after looking over my x-rays and a further treatment plan starting tomorrow. I have high hopes for this life thing.

It took a bit of craziness to make myself see that I deserve to be happy. That I'm worth more than I was giving myself credit for. That life is doable and not so overwhelming and lovely lovely lovely. Gonna take awhile to get things in order, but they're already starting to fall into place. I'll just help 'em along a bit more.

Go Life! Go Veganism! Go Happiness!

Vegan MoFo Day 20

2009-10-20T00:20:00.002-05:00

Today's going to be really incredibly busy, so here's a super early morning post before I even go to sleep.

Today I received my package from Food Fight! Vegan Grocery.
This is the first time I'd ordered from them, so I went ahead and got myself some goodies. Plus, some things for other people.

Three different kinds of Go Max Go vegan candy bars, Whizzers chocolate beans, almond butter patties, vegan condoms, stickers, O-Mega Zen vitamins, Soy Curls!

I'm really excited about this new fun stuff to try out. I'd been wanting to start taking those vitamins awhile now, so I'll see if they help. Those Soy Curls have been raved about and I'd yet to try them. Really excited to do so (any favorite ways to prepare them?). I'll be saying more about some of these things in the future as I try them out.

Today I tried a Jokerz bar. It's high in calories (it's a candy bar, duh!), but was good. I haven't had a good ol' regular candy bar in a long long time, so it was a nice treat. Very ooey gooey and with a wonderful rice milk chocolate coating. Mmmhmm! Not an every day...or even week, kinda thing, but I'll take one now and again.

Off to bed for me, busy day ahead!

Vegan MoFo Day 19

2009-10-19T22:30:00.002-05:00

This weekend E and I made up a big ol' pot pie!
We used the Flaky Crust recipe from Vegan Vittles and also the Golden Gravy recipe (both doubled). We couldn't seem to find the pie pan, so made a big square pot pie!

We filled it with a mixed bag of frozen organic vegetables and a couple chopped up organic russets. Plus, all the gravy.

It was a perfect cool weather meal, well...MEALS! Very filling.

Vegan MoFo Day 18

2009-10-18T20:51:00.002-05:00

One day I happened to have some cashews soaking and was looking for a snack. This was when I had been eating raw foods for a couple weeks. This wasn't all that recent.

ANYWAY I decided I wanted something to go with my container of organic strawberries. I threw the soaked cashews in the food processor with a small squirt of agave nectar and a couple chopped strawberries.

I then proceeded to gobble it all up.

A very satisfying snack was enjoyed!

Vegan MoFo Day 17

2009-10-17T23:13:00.003-05:00

One lovely Saturday I hit the streets for some good ol' garage sales.
I quickly stumbled upon this old rickety spice rack and brought it home with me for just two dollars.

We soaked all the bottles and salvaged the best ones. I reinforced the nails, sanded it down, and gave it a new yellow layer. Then we added a few more shaker style spice jars and labels.

I'm pretty happy with the results!

Vegan MoFo Day 16

2009-10-16T22:27:00.003-05:00

D's Birthday was yesterday, so last night we all gathered for a Pumpkin Carving Party to celebrate.
I brought along a dozen chocolate and a dozen pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting on both (all recipes from VCTOTW).
We also all enjoyed a bunch of roasted pumpkin seeds made from the guts of all our pumpkins. With a good sprinkle of salt of course.

Here's one of each of the cupcakes atop E's cute cute creation. A silly pumpkin guy with a talk bubble to his side saying, "who's there". Supposed to be said in a scared voice says E.

I wanted to carve a cat face. I did just that, but with creepier results than anticipated.

One pumpkin was so large it just had to make it's rounds and get to know everybody a little better.
Here's Pumpkin Head E for example.

A very good night indeed!

Vegan MoFo Day 15

2009-10-15T17:55:00.002-05:00

Oh oh, we're halfway theeeere!

Vegan MoFo is about half over already! My goodness. I haven't been doing so many awesome food things during the month as expected, but am still chuggin along.

Just baked two dozen cupcakes (pumpkin and chocolate) with a cream cheese frosting for another birthday (woo Danielle!).

Last night I made a really great recipe from this book:

I was given a copy of this book after finishing my FS Internship and hadn't used it much. I decided to crack it open and give the Chuckwagon Stew a try.
So glad I did.
That stew was so easy and also DELICIOUS!

No pictures because we've gobbled it all up, but definitely try it out. Doesn't take much work. Just chopping some veggies and tempeh and the rest is mostly simmering time.
Will be adding this to the winter meal rotation, no doubt.

Vegan MoFo Day 14

2009-10-14T22:11:00.002-05:00

I'm full of a Jumbo Margarita, so felt it was a fitting time to mention Barnivore.
That website has a huge list of alcohol that is vegan friendly. Very handy indeed.
I'm not a huge drinker these days, but it's nice to have a database to look to if needed. No fishy yucks, honey, or dairy for me. Nope nope nope.

Tonight I went ahead and enjoyed this big guy while celebrating Miss Chrissy-Pants' Birthday!

One huge margarita and a few chips to balance things out. Yum yum.

Happy Birthday to Chrissy!

Vegan MoFo Day 13

2009-10-13T14:43:00.003-05:00

After volunteering at the FS Hoe Down this year we spent some time in Ithaca, NY camping, kayaking, exploring, spending time with my friends, and eating.

One place I insisted on going back to was Pizza Aroma.
They have a wide variety of pizzas and calzones and offer vegan cheese (follow your heart brand) for an additional couple of dollars.

They were going to be closed soon so E and I ordered one to go. I was having trouble figuring out which were vegan and we were having all sorts of trouble trying to make our order, but we finally ordered something and it looked like this:

Pretty good, but not what we expected (no tomato sauce). I blame this on my not knowing how to order. I have friends who love this place and go there all the time. I can say I absolutely adore their crusts and wish I could have it on every pizza all the time.

We met up with friends the next night and ordered calzones and garlic knots (can get them vegan by request) and that went a little better. Those garlic knots are a little too wonderful. I could eat them always, along with that crust I'm lovin. Calzone wasn't exactly my thing though.

Overall we weren't over impressed with our meals there, but I really believe it's because of my ordering skills, or lack there of. I'm determined though. Next time I'm there I'm going to listen to what D and J order and just get that but with my toppings of choice. I think I'll have better luck that way.

Not giving up on this place anytime soon. Just a shame I'll have to wait until the next time I'm in Ithaca to try again.

Vegan MoFo Day 12

2009-10-12T21:17:00.004-05:00

Before beginning to eat Vegan I hardly ate any vegetables. I ate some things like canned corn and green beans, some corn on the cob...um...maybe that's it?
Even the 4 or 5 years I ate vegetarian before eating vegan I mostly relied on cheesy stuff. It seemed like taking the step to veganism made all the difference.

The past few years I've grown to LOVE vegetables. I love a big salad (used to absolutely hate them), peas, steamed green beans and carrots, avocados, spinach... all sorts of things.
Especially broccoli!

Who would have ever thought? I didn't grow up eating fresh foods and love that as I've gotten older I've started making myself try them in different ways. Through this and my change in diet I've really learned to love my veggies and even crave them sometimes. Not all of them (brussel sprouts I'm lookin at you!) but I'm getting there, and this is a far cry from my childhood eats.

Go Veggies!

(B-awesome picture from yahoo images search)

Vegan MoFo Day 11

2009-10-11T21:25:00.004-05:00

Someone recently asked E and I if we'd been to Pi Pizza yet.

We had NOT and decided we needed to change this.

Pi Pizza is a cute place on Delmar down near The Pageant.
The location has a lot of character, which is always important in my book.
We visited on a sunny day and sat near an open door. Wonderful way to experience this place for the first time.

The thin crust is vegan and they also offer plenty of vegan toppings.
They offer Match Meat which is made here in St. Louis and also the raved about Daiya Cheese.
We added both those items, plus fresh tomato slices.

I was really happy with my first time trying Pi and my first time trying Daiya. We had a nice crispy crust with perfectly melted and flavored toppings.

We shared one pizza and ate every last crumb.

So so very delicious.

The price is a bit high for a pizza, but I think it's worth it for now and then. It isn't more than we'd spend each getting a meal out somewhere else and I really REALLY love pizza.

Keep it up St. Louis!

Vegan MoFo Day 10

2009-10-10T19:47:00.003-05:00

A Vegan Staple: Chickpea Cutlets

Well, maybe not a staple for all, but we love the Chickpea Cutlets from Veganomicon around here. I don't stick to the recipe exactly (just with some spices and such) and usually mix up what a throw in a little bit, but they always turn out wonderfully.

I also almost always serve them with some roasted russets chopped and seasoned. Also, a quick chicken style gravy on occasion (E likes them with gravy especially).

I've tried them both cooked on the stove top and in the oven and like them both ways. Usually do the stove method for time saving, but the oven's probably a bit healthier.

Lilly May likes these nights too because I give her some of the extra smooshed up chickpeas. So really it's a family favorite all-around.

Vegan MoFo Day 9

2009-10-09T19:55:00.004-05:00

MoFo survey time!

This survey has been making it's rounds, so I thought I'd give my answers for today's post.

1. 1. Favorite non-dairy milk?
Mmm. That chocolate hemp milk for a treat, but daily I consume Trader Joes brand original soy milk. Affordable and delicious.

2. What are the top 3 dishes/recipes you are planning to cook?
Vegan Ribs, Gooey Butter Cake, Hot Wing style seitan of some sort

3. Topping of choice for popcorn?
Good old sea salt. Lately I’ve been spritzing with some Braggs and sprinkling on nutritional yeast for an especially savory popcorn snack.

4. Most disastrous recipe/meal failure?
All I can think of are those horrible cookies that spread all across the pan and had to be chipped off with an ice axe. Well…a fork/butter knife/spoon, but an ice axe would have been really helpful. It was that bad.

5. Favorite pickled item?
Bread and Butter pickles.

6. How do you organize your recipes?
ahhaha. Not very well. I have a large shelf of cookbooks. A pile of random scraps with recipes up in a cabinet, and more random ones in my art/craft room waiting to be dealt with. Plus a whole bunch in internet bookmark tabs or in word files. Organization and me are trying to work on our relationship.

7. Compost, trash, or garbage disposal?
Compost! I love our deep rich pile of wonderfulness.

8. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 foods...what would they be (don't worry about how you’ll cook them)?

Thai Red curry medium spicy with jasmine rice. Smoothies. Chocolate chip cookies.

9. Fondest food memory from your childhood?

Grandma peeling and slicing apples for us and then sitting around with a bowl full and gobbling them up.

10. Favorite vegan ice cream?
Oh my. I like a simple vanilla with chocolate sauce, but that Dulce De Leche one is pretty great. I want to try all those new coconut ones.

11. Most loved kitchen appliance?
My tea kettle! Does that count? It fills me with warm tea so I can function to use all the others. The food processor is a near and dear friend as well.

12. Spice/herb you would die without?
Well that’s pretty extreme, but:

“basil in my belly, basil in my body, la la la tee da”

I love me some basil. We grew so much this year E considered going into basil business.

13. Cookbook you have owned for the longest time?

All on my own? Garden of Vegan

It’s definitely not my most used, but holds fond memories of those early days.

14. Favorite flavor of jam/jelly?
mmm. They all have their place in different things. I use raspberry most often, but let’s not play favorites for this one.

15. Favorite vegan recipe to serve to an omni friend?
Baked goods of all sorts. Specially cookies and cupcakes…oh, and those lemon bars.

16. Seitan, tofu, or tempeh?
Use tofu most, love seitan, learning to love tempeh at last.

17. Favorite meal to cook (or time of day to cook)?
Love dirtying my kitchen late at night. Love doing most things late at night. I’ll cook anything. As far as meal though…maybe brunch, or dinner. Cook dinner more than any other meal.

18. What is sitting on top of your refrigerator?

Some dust probably. It’s all set back into the wall so there isn’t much wiggle room. Probably a good thing. Our flat surfaces are like magnets for clutter. We’re working on it…

19. Name 3 items in your freezer without looking.

Edamame- Always!

Butternut Squash Raviolis

Lots of Broccoli

20. What's on your grocery list?
Didn’t make one yet. Probably some more vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast (running low on both). Hmm, sweet potatoes for sure. Some veggie dumplings.

21. Favorite grocery store?
Greenstar Coop in Ithaca, NY. Favorite plain old store even. Love that place. Too bad I live in St. Louis, MO and all.

22. Name a recipe you'd love to veganize, but haven't yet.
Gooey Butter Cake. Old St. Louis favorite. I have plans!

23. Food blog you read the most (besides Isa's because I know you check it everyday). Or maybe the top 3?

Anotheronebitesthecrust

Eatavegan

Wherestherevolution

24. Favorite vegan candy/chocolate?

A good fair trade organic dark chocolate bar. I’ll take other candy as well though. Give it to me!

25. Most extravagant food item purchased lately?
Nothing extravagant. Just some basics the past couple weeks. I guess that huge twenty dollar bottle of organic vanilla was kind of recent, but it’ll last for a good long while

26. Ingredients you are scared to work with?
I know no fear in the kitchen. I’ll try anything. It’s mostly getting my lazy butt up and going that’s the problem. Once I’m in there I’m up for anything.

Vegan MoFo Day 8

2009-10-08T20:31:00.002-05:00

All Hail Sweet Potato!

(image from yahoo search)

Not only my favorite root type thing, but one of my all time favorite foods!

Baked Whole Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Cumin Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato Stew/Soup
Sweet Potato Tempura
Sweet Potato Pot Pie
Sweet Potato Fries
...and more!

This days been emotionally trying, but I have a big batch of Sweet Potato Fries in the oven. Not the most balanced dinner, but there's nothin' quite like a big plate of Sweet Potatoes on a rainy cold night like tonight.

Any Sweet Potato creations I just have to try? Let me know!

Vegan MoFo Day 7

2009-10-07T22:13:00.002-05:00

To wrap up the first week of MoFo I want to mention my love of a good homemade Veggie Pot Pie.

Last Fall and Winter E and I made quite a few of them with a different combo of fillings each time.

We use a random pot pie crust I found some time ago on VegWeb and which resides on a crumbled stained scrap of paper in the cupboard.

We always make a quick gravy of broth with a little flour or corn starch to thicken it up a bit.
Other fillings differ, but often include any of the following:

Green Beans
Potatoes
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Noodles
Peas
Other Random Goodies

I would love to try some chunks of seitan in one this year, now that it's pot-pie weather again.

We also always have a good time decorating the tops with our dough scraps.
Eric did the one below and I think it says it all!

What are your favorite pot-pie fillings?

Vegan MoFo Day 6

2009-10-06T20:29:00.004-05:00

I just spent some time looking at photos from past camping, hiking, and snowshoeing trips.
These photos made me think of my favorite little go-to for a hike:

LARABAR!

I love these bars. They're so tasty and made of raw natural ingredients and are vegan of course. My all-time favorite consists of simply dates and cashews:
The Cashew Cookie Bar

The Lemon Bar comes in a close second.

I make a lot of date balls at home out of any variety of dates and nuts, but still turn to these quite often. I like to have them on hand, keep one in my purse, or in the glove compartment of the car. They're a perfect snack to grab to hold me over without the belly ache I get from some other bars and are also perfect for taking on all my hikes and such. Plus, they taste just the same whether in their pretty bar shape or if they've been smooshed in the bottom of my pack for a couple of days.

YUM!

This week is still going quite busily, but I hope to have some yummy home-made treats to share soon!

(larabar photos from the larabar sight linked in this post)

Vegan MoFo Day 5

2009-10-05T21:09:00.004-05:00

I should be studying for my Anthropology midterm.
Instead I'm just gonna tell you really quickly about an ice cream that I adore.

(picture from Turtle Mountain website)

This stuff is GREAT! Vegan Caramel swirls in a delicious vanilla base. Great eaten out of a mug (like I'm about to do), a bowl, or a nice vegan cone (like we once had a START meeting).
This flavor comes in the larger size, so I can afford it more easily than the pricey little guys. When on a budget...or just really craving that caramel flavor..I go for this carton.

Turtle Mountian makes a ton of great vegan products. If you haven't already you should really check 'em out!

Vegan MoFo Day 4

2009-10-04T21:51:00.004-05:00

Of all the cooking there is to do, my favorite is baking.

More than just baking I especially love baking for other people.

The night before my nephews second birthday party I heard they were just going to get a cake mix and throw a cake together for the party.

I stepped in and took things into my own hands.

I made a small cake with one layer of Chocolate and one of Vanilla (for candle blowing out purposes). I also made one dozen of each flavor cupcakes. I then whipped up a double batch of Fluffy Buttercream for all my icing needs. All recipes from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World.

For the dino decorations on the cake I tinted marzipan and cut it with my cute new dino cookie cutter. The little dinos in the cupcakes I printed out, colored in, and then put a toothpick and glue between two pieces.

It was all delicious and much appreciated. I'd of liked to do more, but I think it turned out well for a last minute birthday surprise.

Vegan MoFo Day 3

2009-10-03T16:03:00.004-05:00

I'd like to take this day in MoFo to appreciate the only all-vegan eatery in St. Louis.
This place is Vegadeli!

I don't get there as often as I'd like, but when I do I'm always happy to have gone.
Their food is fresh, all vegan, healthy, and DELICIOUS.

Last time we went I couldn't resist getting the Mango Burger. This sandwich has so much flavor and leaves me completely satisfied. I ordered a side of sweet potatoes to go with it to give me a nicely rounded out meal.

E had the sweet potatoes too, but with the stuffed veggie cornbread. We'd both had this in the past and E can NEVER say no to cornbread, so that's what he had, and enjoyed greatly.

The last trip left me gazing at the bark and limbs decorating the diner, enjoying the sun spilling in through the large front window, and wishing I could sample everything on the menu.

Okay, so who wants to buy me dinner?

Vegan MoFo Day 2

2009-10-02T18:24:00.003-05:00

Today we should probably talk about Taco Salad.

There's something wonderful about throwing a bunch of goodies together in one big bowl and calling it a meal.

For this time around I used the recipe for the TVP (in the taco salad recipe) and Tangy Sour Cream recipe from the cookbook:
Yellow Rose Recipes
by Joanna Vaught

This is another cookbook I'd highly recommend you lay hands..and lips upon. Scoot your little vegan (or non-vegan) butt over to Herbivore and get yourself a copy. You'll be super duper glad you did. Promise!

For this bowl of goodness I threw some ripped up lettuce in the bottom, tossed in some cooked black beans, a little tvp creation, a nice big glob of spontaneous guacamole, a few chunks of heirloom tomato, and topped it all off with tangy sour cream. Then, some organic tortilla chips were stuck in from all angles for my scooping pleasure.

I highly recommend you have yourself a Taco Salad night PRONTO!

Vegan MoFo Day 1

2009-10-01T20:49:00.005-05:00

As we all know the first day of Autumn wasn't long ago. Plus, today is the first day of the lovely month of October. What does that mean?

PUMPKIN!

In order to kick of this MoFo I made a selection from VCTOTW.
I'm sure just about every Vegan out there has dirtied their aprons with some of these recipes, but if you haven't...DO IT!

I'm a big fan of the basics in this book, but tonight decided to tip my hat to October by trying a recipe I'd yet to make.

I went with the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with the Cinnamon Frosting (wonderful glazey delightfulness).
I had a vision in my head of 12 cupcake sized little pumpkin flavored bundts, but settled for a set of six bigger bundts instead (you know...after searching 3 or so stores for a pan I'm not sure really exists..). Anyway, who can complain about a personal sized bundt of pumpkiny goodness? Not I!

Mamba and I each enjoyed one of these beauties. Perfectly moist with little chocolate surprises.

Welcome October 2009! I plan on living it up while you're with us!

VeganMoFo begins tomorrow!

2009-09-30T14:02:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow VeganMoFo 3 begins and I'll be participating for the first time!

VeganMoFo(month of food) is a one month event of blogging on every weekday (or more if you choose) on topics surrounding vegan foods!

Kittee is hosting the lists of bloggers and you can sign up and look for more information on her blog.

Look for my first post tomorrow!

put another dime in the juke box baby!

2009-09-17T21:40:00.005-05:00

I have a batch of Vegan With a Vengeance C.C. Cookies in the oven and a stack of library books beside me. I'm one happy girl!

This weeks cookbook challenge is Yellow Rose Recipes by Joanna Vaught

I've made three things so far:

Sloppy Joannas

I have to try all sloppy joe recipes I find and I'm not disappointed with these. They were filling and delicious with a good amount of flavor.

Better-Than-Basic Veggie Chili

I threw everything in the crockpot so I added a little water. That wasn't a good idea, but the chili WAS good. It's not my new favorite or anything, but I'd make it again on the stove-top which I think I'd like better. I think the water just thinned it out too much, my mistake. I did use a bunch of our fresh garden tomatoes and some jalepeno from Mamba's garden, and was glad to be able to do that. E gobbled all of his up, so I think he approves.

Jalepeno Corn Cakes

I served these with the chili. Nice combo of flavors. I'm not a big pancake type of food fan, but E liked 'em. I mostly just wasn't in the mood to be eating, so think I'll have to give them more of a fair chance. We have some leftover that I'll try reheating in the toaster oven and see what I think. There's plenty of chili leftover too, so I'll give everything a fresh try.

When we were camping up in New York E went to find us some fallen wood. He came back to me saying, "babe, you gotta come see this" and so of course I did. In the middle of the woods was this giant bale of compressed plastic. It seemed it was being used to block a trail so people would know which way to go, but how random.

I need to go eat cookies and read. See ya later!

flowers on the table

2009-09-15T21:04:00.005-05:00

Before we get to the food I'd like to tell you about an event I'm participating in this coming Saturday.
With E and a group of 60+ others from across St. Louis I'll be participating in Walk For Farm Animals. This walk is to raise awareness for farm animals and to benefit the animals who have found refuge at Farm Sanctuary.

(Eric and Kirsty this August at Farm Sanctuary NY)

If you'd like to sponsor us on our walk you can visit our site at:
http://www.firstgiving.com/ericandsara

We're getting close to our goal!

Thank you so much to those of you who have already made a donation. It's going to a very worthy cause.

The Vegan Cookbook Challenge is still going strong and here are my latest creations.

This dish consists of two recipes from Vegan with a Vengeance for Week 2.

Fettuccine Alfreda
&
Seitan

Soo so good and with lip lickin' approval from Mamba and Eric too. Sliced up the seitan once it was done and cooked it in some olive oil and Italian seasoning blend to top off the pasta. I added a little soy milk to the sauce to thin it out a bit. Very tasty.

The next four are all from Week 3's cookbook which was the newly released Vegan Brunch.

Beer-Battered Tofu

Good fatty yummy stuff. Not for every day eating, but good for now and then. Very tasty. This reheated really well in the toaster oven too. Eric really liked this and I thought it was pretty yummy too.

Roasted Root Vegetables
With the ginger maple variation. Pretty good. I make roasted veggies a lot, but had never had golden beets or turnips, so this was new for me. I liked 'em okay, but will continue to stick to my good old organic russets and sweet potatoes for the most part.

Chorizo Sausages

Pretty good. I'm so picky about these sorts of things and do like these, but Eric liked them more than I did at first. I served with herb roasted corn. The next day I had one chopped up and pan fried with a russet potato and enjoyed them much more. I think I'll make them again paired with something or served on buns with toppings, but will make others if I want to eat them with just mustard.

East Coast Coffee Cake

This recipe has gotten a lot of attention and it deserves it. It's simple and tasty. One of my favorite combos. I added about 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the cake portion and it was a good choice. Next time I'll try some additional cinnamon in the topping. There will be many next times.

This weeks book choice is Yellow Rose Recipes. I'm glad to be breaking my new copy in. Look for those choices coming this week.

More Yums

2009-09-03T20:58:00.006-05:00

This weeks cookbook is Vegan With a Vengeance by Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

Here's what I've made so far:

"Fronch" Toast
Super yummy and makes me want to have people sleep on my couches so I can make them this for breakfast. Perfectly chewy, yet soft, without being mushy. Love it.

Corn Chowder
Definitely delicious and going to be made again and again this winter. I plan on enjoying many a bowlful while reading a book that makes me feel just how I need and letting a fire warm my butt while this soup warms my belly. Yep, I'll take it!

Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins
Usually love LP muffs but mine turned out tasting funky to me, or maybe I'm just not feelin 'em? E didn't have any complaints, so who knows. They look perfectly yummy, but I don't know if I want to fall for their charm again.

Oh, and in other news..I was browsing through images which were drawn up when searching "Happy Belly" and I found this gem:

I've otherwise been having a pretty lousy week, but have been left with a bit of clarity. At least I think so. Don't I always?

E did surprise me with a bag of red grapes and a quart of soy ice cream on one particularly bad day. We'll keep HIM at least.

oh yeah!

2009-08-30T23:19:00.004-05:00

Tonight I wrapped up this weeks cookbook challenge with one last recipe from Veganomicon.

Pineapple Cashew Quinoa Stir-Fry (pg. 176)While not the most photogenic dish, this meal was incredible. I loved all the flavors combining together to do a jig on my taste buds. I only changed using 3 tbsp of water in place of vegetable stock and am glad I did. My only wish? That we had more leftovers.

I've had a busy and fun weekend and can't wait to post about it this week.

Until then...here's a photo from the fire tower where we camped in Watkins Glen, NY. Upstate New York always makes me feel just right. All the natural beauty is incredible.

And now I'll enjoy a small dish of ice cream with Dandies and mini chocolate chips. Ohhh yeah!

Mexican Style

2009-08-27T19:10:00.003-05:00

Tonight I made some more selections from Veganomicon.

First you'll see the Baja-Style Grilled Tempeh Tacos (pg. 96):

All I can say is, I'm a big fan. I wasn't sure how I'd feel because I'm not as experienced with tempeh as I would like to be, but these were fantastic. I used flour tortillas instead of white corn tortillas and added in some fresh guacamole. Deeelicious. E gave these another thumbs up as well. We'll have these again in the future for sure. I'm glad to know after making them this first time that I could do a little prep work the night before and then throw these together pretty quickly the next day.

To go with the tacos I made the Mexican Millet (pg. 118):

This dish I wasn't as big a fan of. It is my first time cooking millet and I think it turned out well, but just too much tomato flavor for me. I do plan on gobbling up some more of it in a burrito or mixed with some other items, but I think the next time I'll make a lighter tasting version.

As a little bonus I wanted to show our garden bounty which was picked upon returning from New York:

LOTS of tomatoes then and always, a butternut squash, little acorn guy that didn't survive, green beans, peppers, and a couple eggplants which we put in a lasagna.
It's really nice to have our garden. I can't wait to do more with it next year and to continue to learn. One day I plan on having more land for growing and for rescuing larger animals. At that point I hope to know enough to be able to can and preserve plenty of foods to help supplement meals in the winter time. Small steps, but I'll get there one day.

Cookbook Challenge Foods

2009-08-25T22:27:00.004-05:00

Today I did my first cooking for the Vegan Cookbook Challenge on the PPK. These items were cooked from the book Veganomicon.

The first recipe I made were a pick by E. They're the Snobby Joes. These were definitely a winner. In fact I packed some up for E to enjoy for dinner at work and received some very enthusiastic text messages soon after. He even had some more when he came home! We'll for sure be making these again in the future.

After finishing up my homework and busting my butt at the gym I returned home and decided to whip together the Chewy Chocolate Raspberry Cookies. We'd had these before and I was excited to make them again. I just enjoyed a few with a small glass of soy milk and they're were mmm mm good!

I'm feeling good about having one week of the semester under my belt and taking steps to leading a healthier more productive life. Here's to that!

Muffin Love

2009-08-24T21:49:00.004-05:00

I'll get back to recapping New York later, but I'd like to focus on now..for now.

I'd mostly like to note how important I feel exercise to be. I have a history of anxiety and depression and I can truly say that therapy aside exercise has been the most helpful in generally improving my life. I've known this before, but not always had the motivation. Last week I decided to join a gym. I had struggled back and forth with whether to go this route. Outdoors is where I prefer to be, but in the way of being on water, or hiking. Since I don't have access to much of that around here I decided to give it a go. I'm so glad I did. I'd been going to the community center gym around here because it was cheaper, but I hadn't really been going. The atmosphere rubbed me the wrong way with the dark room, mustiness, and general drab feeling. My new gym is full of light and is actually somewhere I want to spend my time. It's exactly what I need right now. There isn't much I like to do around here and I don't like exercising outside by myself when it's getting dark. It's so nice to now have somewhere I can go to get out of the house and take some time for myself. Plus, I feel awesome when I leave.

This weekend I DID get some time on the water on a float trip E and I went on with Matty Matt, Dee, and a couple other folks. I was able to be in a kayak again and had a great time. We stayed at Dee's family farm house two nights and had a lot of fun. For breakfast I baked some muffins and brought them along.

I used the recipe for Mixed Berry Bakery Style Muffins from Vegan Brunch but substituted fresh blueberries for the frozen mixed berries. They were really good and a nice change from our usual granola or oatmeal.

In other news, I'm taking part in a vegan cookbook challenge. We are choosing a different cookbook each week and preparing three recipes of our choice. This week the cookbook is Veganomicon. I have my recipes (I actually chose five this time around) picked out and will start my cooking tomorrow, so look forward to many new food posts in the coming weeks. Plus, October I'll be participating in Vegan MOFO (month of food) and hope to post every day of that month. Plenty of new activities to get the blog hoppin. It's a nice break between school work.

Bit by Bit

2009-08-20T13:17:00.006-05:00

I'm finally ready to recap on my trip to New York and back. Not to NYC, but to upstate Watkins Glen and Ithaca areas. NYC will be a trip of its own one day.

Before we left I had to drop Lilly May off at Mamba's where she was staying while nobody was home at my house.
I think I had this salad then. Even if not, yum! Nothing special really. I just wanted to note that if you like Annies Goddess dressing and have a Trader Joe's near by then be sure to check out the TJ's label Goddess dressing. Same exact thing, but cheaper.

We started our journey early on a Wednesday morning. On our way we saw this GIGANTIC cross on the side of the highway. I'm not sure what that's all about, but there's apparently a website: crossusa.org or some such. I haven't taken the time to look.

Being one who cares about the environment I was amused by this gas station sign. While many of us are waiting for more sustainable/compostable/environmentally friendly packaging, they are VERY excited that their cups are now foam!

I always miss L-May when I'm away. I don't know how we survived nearly 3 1/2 months apart in the past. I brought a picture along to make me feel better, but actually sometimes worse because it reminded me how much I missed her.

I looked ahead before leaving and decided Columbus, OH would be a great spot to stop for some lunch. I had consulted some wise internet using vegans and decided upon Mad Mex on High St. This place was pretty wonderful. I absolutely loved the decor. Lots of metal sculpturey type stuff, amazingly colorful walls covered in illustrations. Not to mention the food was awesome. The menu was very vegan friendly and they had vegan cheese and sour cream available for any dish.

I decided on the tofu tacos and was not at all disappointed. In fact, I would like some right now! Very tasty. My only criticism about either of our meals was the sour cream. I've had good vegan sour cream and have since even made some of my own and it's so easy to make a tasty one. This one didn't quite make the mark. Very dry and flavorless. No worries though, the rest of the meal more than made up for it.

E decided on some veganized enchiladas. His were so gooey and delicious. Unfortunately the mexican places around here have a long way to go before getting close to this. Next time I'm eating veggie fajitas for the five millionth time or a plain bean burrito I'll be dreaming of this meal.

I'd been lucky in my research to find that Columbus has an all vegan bakery. A very cute one called Pattycake in fact.

That sign itself makes ME want to go in.

We were pretty full from our meals, but picked up some sweats for the road. This is the Peanut Butter Cup Cake. Very tasty icing and the cake was just a basic chocolate flavor. I liked it just fine, but wished I'd of grabbed another cookie because....

...it was delicious! Much bigger than this picture gives it justice, this Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookie blew me away. Perfectly chewy and wonderful. We shared the cake and cookie both and I had to restrain myself from making a pit stop for more on the way home.

We then continued on toward our destination. The first night left us about an hour away from Watkins Glen in a hotel we randomly found. Dinner consisted of Mad Mex leftovers and homemade Vegan sausages I'd packed along.
Then we slept. For a long long time.

Yay New York!

2009-07-28T22:55:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I drug E to The Natural Way to stock myself up with Stonewall's Jerquee. It is by far my favorite Vegan Jerky of all time. I would always eat jerky pre-veg days and am glad to have a cruelty free version which is so tasty. Teriyaki is my favorite of the flavors. You know, in case you were wondering. E likes one of the "chicken" ones better.

While we were there I spotted Tasty Bite sauce packs and had to get a couple because I've heard good things about them.

This one below is the Thai variety. It's pretty mild, kind of sweet, and delicious. I chose to cook it with cubed tofu, broccoli, and carrots. Served over brown rice. Very very tasty, and a great amount for two people.
The other one I picked up was the Indian variety. Very good, a nice blend of spices. I did add salt as it says to in the directions and I really like the way it turned out. I chose to cook it with garbanzo beans, potato chunks, and carrot slices. Also served over brown rice. This made for a very filling meal. We each ate our fill and had some leftover.
These Tasty Bite meals make for an easy, quick, and cheap meal.

In other news...I haven't won anything in ages. Like, since elementary school. Suddenly for a week I had a great streak of luck. I learned I was a winner of a raffle at the Forest Park Earth Day event and was sent a t-shirt and a pack of metro-link passes. Cool!
THEN I find out I won Vegan Soul Kitchen from Bazu's blog!
How cool! I'm pretty thrilled to be able to try out some awesome recipes upon our return home.
You'll be seeing many photographed creations I promise.
Lilly May and the book look good together, right?

Lastly I'll show off my other new baby. I finally have myself a big girl backpack!
Let the backpacking adventures begin.
I've packed up for my trip in it this time and it's so nice to have everything in one place.

We plan on heading out tomorrow at 7am. Stopping in Columbus, OH for lunch, and then seeing how far we get after that.
I'm finally going back to the first place that really felt like home in the way I've heard it described, but never quite understood until my months there.

I'm beyond excited.

we were born, born to be wild

2009-07-23T17:45:00.003-05:00

Last night I decided on some breaded baked tofu, roasted sweet potatoes, and steamed green beans. It was a good decision. I used panko bread crumbs for the tofu and am pleased with the results. I'm excited to experiment with them some more.

Our garden is doing pretty well. We have all kinds of things finally popping up and thriving.
Like this eggplant!

Butternut Squash!..and more egglplants!

And a mini watermelon of course!
There are tons of tomatoes on the brink of redness, baby acorn squash, corn, peppers, peas, and such growing as well. I can't wait to gobble on it all.

Today has been totally grand and full of love.

I spent half an hour or so playing with rocks and talking to my friend Jeanne. She's an amazing person and I always love catching up with amazing people.

I've had a busy busy day, but it's been wonderful.
It's kind of unfortunate that I can't be in this high of spirits all the time. I know why I am, but I can't always be anticipating a trip to my favorite place. I should just move there already. Really.

Tonight calls for looking for my first Big Girl backpack and seeking out some Stonewalls Jerquee. I've called around and found the source, now I just have to get me some. I want to order a 5lb bag from veganessentials but it's always on backorder when I look and I need some immediate gratification. I'll have to stock up at the little veggie store in W.G. while we're there.

Life is beautiful and in about a week I'll be rubbing JD's belly and that'll make it even more beautiful.

gurgle gurgle

2009-07-21T22:09:00.004-05:00

It's been a pretty exhausting couple of weeks, but I'm still kickin'!
One of the guys who held up E and I this time last summer was finally tried and plead guilty and was sentenced or what not, and the two other guys are going to be tried soon. That whole thing has been pretty emotionally trying, but I'm glad to be getting a little closure from it, yet still feeling a bit uneasy.

Went back to the guy who took out my tonsils because the throat's still been irritated. A long snakey camera thing was put through my sinuses and into my throat and we talked and he examined. Turns out I have a kind of "silent reflux", so now I'm starting to tend to that. Next on the list is finding a new family doctor so I can figure out what all this other stuff going on with me is all about.

Still been cooking up some yummies, but not as enthusiastically. I finally was able to meet up with some friends and see one's little boy baby. While at her house I looked through a recipe book and took a liking to one for squash enchiladas. I then took it home and veganized it.

Here are those pretty enchiladas, complete with Teese cheddar vegan cheese, guacamole, veggie flax chips, and some mexican seasoned rice. I give them a thumbs up, but also can't wait to try it while subbing in sweet potatoes for the squash.

Tonight I got a worm up my butt and felt like cooking up treats. I'm steering clear of processed sugar for now, so decided on making some raw date and nut treats for myself. While I was at it I made some peanut butter oat snacks for Lilly May. These are her very favorite and now her jar is full again.
Little stars and peanut butter people!
Oh, here's the cute girl herself! We have a lead out front so she can join us when we're re-potting plants, playing yard games, or whatever. She's just happy to be where we are.

This last Friday through yesterday morning E and I had the pleasure of caring for my wonderful nephew. We had lots of fun. Here are just a few of the pictures of our adventures.
E let Ty sit with him and play with the steering wheel in the Belair and Ty loved it. He didn't like the rumbles when it was turned on though, so they had some silent pretend driving time.
We also went out to Illinois to pick peaches and blackberries. We had so much fun.
Our little pal especially loved running around, playing in the grass, looking at all the farm trucks and tractors, and doing some picking.

He's so very cute and sweet and I just love him. I already can't wait to see him again. It was really nice having him here.Tomorrow is a whole new day and I plan on making the most of it. I've been feeling pretty run down lately, but keep on trying each day. Hopefully I'll figure some more of it out soon.

Oh, and E and I leave for my favorite place in the world on the 29th (the farm). I've been waiting for that since the moment I left, so expect many pictures and smiles coming your way via this blog.

why so serious?

2009-07-10T02:53:00.004-05:00

It's three in the morning and I can't sleep. Lots on my mind and too much stevia cola in my veins? We'll talk about the happies first.

I made these little cuties to bring to a happy fun time at the Hanaway home. Games were played, yummies were eaten, and fun was had by all. These are golden vanilla with buttercream and strawberries and chocolate with buttercream and mini chocolate chips. Both cake and icing recipes from VCTOTW. Chocolate was good, of course, but I ate a good share of the vanilla strawberry ones. E and I finished up the last few on fourth of July while we laid on an air mattress in the living room and watched a silly movie with Lilly May.

Amy is a game master and I always have fun when she sets things up. My favorite part of the events was the scavenger hunt. Our team of six won the games overall and received fancy little metals. E made our name tags and at the end of the night I put mine on his shirt. He had put a little + so when we stood together we were a nice little pair. I love him a whole lot.

Sister and J stayed with us last Thursday and we loved their company. We spent late night Thursday playing games and talking. We then got up early for some thrift shopping and lunch eating. Mom joined up with us half way through. We all found a little something great while thrifting (I really do need to make a larger post of some of the amazingness sometime) and headed to lunch. We planned on King and I, but they were closed for a week long vacation. We were all a bit bummed (except E, he prefers the place we ended up over K&I), but headed to the next block for Vietnamese at Lemongrass instead. Sister and J had never been, so I was actually glad for them to try it and enjoy it since it's one of my favorites in St. Louis.

Sometime this last week E and I were at Mom's and spent time exploring and checking in on her garden. It's doing really well. My Mom and her garden look beautiful together.

We were sent home with this funky looking squash...

...a couple little peppers...

...and this here cucumber.

I sure do love my Mamba and am looking forward to seeing her more next week while she has time off.

Tonight I have a lot on my mind about relationships. Not mine with E, but just mine in general. I have always had such a hard time getting close with people. Even those I pour my deepest secrets to I keep myself guarded from, but really I don't want to. I just don't know how to not. I want to feel so connected that I would be sad not to have people in my life anymore. I want to miss people when I'm not around them all that often. I want those deeper feelings. I have many people I care for, but I still feel that I keep myself emotionally distant from even when it appears I'm opening up. I just wish I could figure out how to change. I've had to work hard at it with E and continue to every day, but it's a bit easier when we're living together, building a future, still really getting into each others heads and getting to really know one another, and even then it's still hard. I want to change this and feel really bonded with people. I know part of it is being afraid of hurting them. Of not meeting up to others expectations or being good enough all in all, but I know really deeper down it's probably about being more afraid of being hurt myself. I don't even know how E got in as far as he has. Probably because he's overall less intense then others I know, and patient. Really though, I'd like advice if you have it. I know I've been hurt so much in the past by those I should be able to trust and count on most and I'm sure that has more than something to do with this, but how to move past it? I hardly trust anyone really deep down. I WANT to. I long to. I want to know I can call them up and know they really care to listen, that they'd be there for me in a pinch, but convince myself it's just not that way, that I need to handle it all myself and not count on anyone to be there for me. Terribly frustrating this is. I can sit and type forever, but should probably leave it at that for now and keep thinking and reading and trying to find ways to make changes. Yes, this is why I read what Tomcat likes to refer to as my "don't kill yourself books", really self help type books. Some people just don't have it all figured out from the get go. Folks like me need a little help through.

It's been awhile.

2009-06-27T22:25:00.004-05:00

It's been an eventful past couple weeks, but not too much to really write here about.

Tuesday I went to drop off an application and my car reached 200,000 miles en route.
All was fine until E and I tried to take it out to the store later that evening. Now it won't go! E thinks it's something with the transmission. I think I have no clue. Hopefully we'll resolve it soon.
E's brother and wonderful lady were married last Saturday in Forrest Park and it was wonderful. I like them a lot and hope they're happy forever and always. I'm sure they are this week while lounging on Florida beeches. I'm only a little bit jealous of that bit.

Today E and I got up early and hit up a couple farmers markets. I wanted to swing by the one in Tower Grove to buy goodies from the START booth set up for the worldwide vegan bake sale. I wish I'd had more time so I could donate goods, but the next best thing is buying them, so I did. We got a couple big cupcakes, a couple cookie bars with chocolate on top (I'm so picky about baked goods. I just ate one ...like the taste is still in my mouth JUST ate one... and it was so so good. Dare I say perfect?), also a couple dog treats for Lilly May. I make her some at home too and also dehydrated sweet potato slabs, but sometimes it's good to try something new. She gives them one long purple tongue up!

We had some more time before we were meeting friends to see Transformers so we headed to Soulards Market for produce. We got so much good stuff and for so cheap. Even though we don't live all that close right now we're going to try to go more regularly. It's worth it for the deals. Plus, I love being in the city whenever I can be.

I've also still been making good use of our local libraries. I can tear through books like nobodies business. E's been enjoying his new card as well. He made us Sloppy Joes from the Student's Go Vegan cookbook just the other day!

They were really good. I'd never had a tofu based Sloppy Joe before. It wasn't like the kind of sloppy joe I grew up on (ground beef, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, nothing else), but so good in it's own (healthier and more flavorful) way. I love that E's been taking up doing some cooking here and there. We'll probably eventually get that cookbook for ourselves. I looked over it a couple years ago and wasn't as interested, but think it'd be good to have around now. Quick easy meals that make just a couple servings. Plus, E liked that it was easier recipes since he's just getting more into making things from scratch and all.

We ended our night with a long walk with Lilly May and it was lovely. Evening walks when the sun's really low and the air is starting to cool are my favorite type.

Now this sleepy head is going to work at her book of puzzles and call it a night.

Goodnight internet world!

whew

2009-06-17T23:28:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling very emotional and all. On the verge of tears but without knowing why. What's keeping me from the tears overcoming me? This little cute girl lying under my feet. Right where she likes to be. Near me. I love her so much.

Here's her fuzzy little self lying on top the air conditioning vent when she was such a little girl. I love all of her baby pictures.

Really I guess I should just read and go to sleep. Clear my mind.
I'm going to seriously look into finding a yoga studio I like next week so I can go. Even if it's just once a week for now I know it will help.
Plus, volunteering. Until I get hired at a new job or go back to my old one I need more fulfillment than I'm finding right now. Even when I'm to work again, I still want to continue those other things. So maybe I do know why I'm upset a little bit. Still though. Still.

small steps

2009-06-17T12:59:00.003-05:00

Tempeh Puffs from Vegan Brunch

These are really good. I'm not usually a fan of tempeh. In fact, the only tempeh I ever have really loved are the tempeh ruebens my friend Robyn made and shared while I was at Farm Sanctuary. Other than that, tempeh is not on my list of favorites. Yet, I love these. The recipe makes a lot (18 total) so E and I have been reheating them for a few minutes in the toaster oven and enjoying them that way, a couple at a time. Very good.

We saw Away We Go last night at the Tivoli theatre. The movie was lovely and made us hold each other tight. We have dreams we know we'll reach, but it is hard to wait it out and be patient. Anyway, I always love going back to University City because I really miss living there. I love our home, garden, yard, and all the ease of living in a real home and don't want to give that up, but I do miss being more in a city environment. I love the city and I love the country, but the in-betweens aren't really my favorites. But...one day. One day we'll have a little homestead with plenty of land. Near a diversified city, but far enough away to be remote. We'll have room for adopted hens and ROOSTERS (my loves) and goats and maybe a pig or two in time. A huge garden and little green house and love love love all around. Garage space for E and art space for me. My path will bring me there, but it is hard to wait.

There's a busy weekend ahead because E's brother is getting married and then there's father's day, but I'm glad to have the time full of fun.

I hope everyone is well and that you are all working toward your dreams as well.

ManiYumYum!

2009-06-11T20:10:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I invited Mamba over for dinner. We got a surprise guest, Tyler!!!
We all enjoyed dinner and then played my favorite marble game Aggravation! It was a great night.

I made cashew ricotta (From Veganomicon. Recipe also in Vegan Brunch). Stuffed manicotti shells full and baked them up in a pool of homemade Tomato Sauce. Very creamy and delicious. We also had salads and bread with olive oil for dipping.

For dessert I whipped up Individual Apple Puff Pastries. I just chopped up a couple apples and coated them in cinnamon, sugar, and earth balance. Then put scoops on top square of puff pastry and baked them up! Sooo good. We all enjoyed one...or two, and the rest were finished off when Matty Matt and Danielle came over for games later on.

Big news! Here's the first little strawberry from my strawberry patch!

Yesterday I also made up a huge batch of vegan sausages for enjoying over the next couple of weeks. Eleven of them I think. I used the recipe from Vegan Brunch again. So yummy. Tonight we grilled them up along with some corn and a pot of wild rice mix. Very yummy.

Today wasn't all that eventful. I finished a novel I actually liked a lot called Unimaginable Zero Summer and spent some time at a couple thrift stores. I found some GREAT finds. E and I have been going to a lot of garage sales lately as well and I'll try to take a bunch of photos soon and share them with you all.

Motivation is creeping back slowly. I'll take it.

Boom Badda Boom Badda

2009-06-09T16:59:00.005-05:00

First, a survey thinger.

Rules:
1. Once you are tagged post a picture of where you blog.

2. Feel free to tell us a little about your space, or explain certain items in more detail. Or not.
3. Link back to the original post.
4. Tag five other bloggers to show their blogspots.

I was tagged by my good pal Sara.
Right now our desk is in the living room because we're refinishing the floor in what will be the computer room type of room. Nothing too exciting.

What are you wearing right now?
Red paint stained skirt. White t-shirt. Undies.

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading?
Unimaginable Zero Summer. Living Among Meat Eaters. A bazillion cookbooks. I just got a new library card for here in the county and am loving every minute of it.

Do you nap a lot?
No, but I do love a good afternoon snooze when it happens. Although, I’m left confused and such for the rest of the day.

Who was the last person you hugged?
My love bug Eric!

What’s your current obsession/addiction?
Soy Ice Cream (always!). Figuring out what to do about work now and in the future. Thrifting.

What’s for dinner?
I would love to say something fabulous but I haven’t decided. I’m feeling super lazy. Tomorrow will be good though and I will be sure to blog about it. Mom’s coming for dinner and I have yummies planned.

What was the last thing you bought?
2 cute black dresses (weddings coming up) and three pairs of undies.

What are you listening to right now?
Birds clucking and chirping.

If you could have a superpower what would it be?
Poop and Pee Money?

What is your favorite weather and why?
Warm with a light breeze. Sun warming me down to my bones. A few stray leaves to crunch.

What time do you usually wake up
6:32

What is your most challenging goal right now?
Finishing up school. Finding a new job. School finishing isn’t challenging. I’m just impatient to get back to university classes.

Favorite pair of shoes that you keep going back to over and over again even though you have a zillion others?
Teva sandals of course. I don’t really have a zillion others though.

Name one thing you can’t live without?
Hugs and Snuggles. Lots of water. Books!

What time is bed time?
10pm-1am depending. Ideally the 10pm, but that hardly EVER happens.

If there was one place you could be right now where would it be?

Upstate New York. Give me time.

I'm not going to tag anybody because I'm not super active enough to have too many people I know for sure will read this. BUT if you want to fill it out I say GO FOR IT! Surveys and those sorts of things are fun!

On to some other things. Herb Roasted Potatoes, Gimme Lean Vegan Sausage, Tofu Omelet (recipe from Vegan Brunch) filled with sautéed peppers and onions.

Last nights dinner. Chili Lime Tofu (from Vegan Yum Yum blog). Steamed Broccoli. Cous Cous with Toasted Pine Nuts (I'm working on getting this just right).

Lilly Cute Face!

On Matty Matt's Birthday we went out and I experienced
my very first, and maybe last, bucket of beer. Danielle was entertained by the buckets as well. :) They gave Matt a free drink and he chose a pricey shot of whiskey which led to a tipsy birthday boy.

Lastly I leave you with this adorable little guy. I was able to see Tyler a couple times this week and it was fantastic. He's wonderful. Even if he did pick up a pile of dog poop and hold it into the air. Feeling kinda crummy, but trying to figure out how to ease that. Maybe I'll write more on this later.

Home-Made Goodies!

2009-06-05T16:17:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I caught the cooking bug and made some recipes. These first are vegan Italian sausages which I based off a recipe in the new cookbook Vegan Brunch. I tried a little piece and it was good, but we'll be grilling a couple up for dinner tonight for the real taste test.

This next one is Maple Pecan Granola. There are hundreds of thousands of recipes for granola around, so I looked through a few, but ended up making my own and keeping it simple for E. He eats a pre-made Maple Pecan granola and I'm determined to make one just as good, or better. I'm definitely adding soy yogurt to the grocery list, so I can enjoy some along with this. (recipe below!)

Crispy Maple Pecan Granola
2 Cups Oats
1 Cup Crisp Rice Cereal
3/4 Cups Chopped Pecans
1/3 Cup Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup Canola Oil
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1/8 Tsp Salt

Mix it all together nice and good. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes on a baking pan (I lined mine with parchment paper but you don't have to) stirring every 4-6 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end because it can easily burn.
Enjoy!

These next cuties are Cookies and Cream Cupcakes. Recipe from VCTOTW.
So so good! Everyone who tried them loved them and I loved making them!

I got to see Tyler this morning out at Mom's house and baked some Cookies with Mint UFO centers, so I could send some home for him, Kim, and Brother. Lilly May came along to play with her boyfriend (my Mom's dog Sampson she used to live with there). It was nice to see Mom and Tyler for a bit today just the three of us. I wish we all lived closer so I could see my little friend more often, but I'm glad for the times I do. He's so wonderful. Especially cute this morning when I arrived and he came down in his fuzzy footed pajamas and insisted we put a diaper on his Fuzzy Bear.

Tonight we're grilling up those Sausages and probably going over to see Eric's friend Adam and his lady Merideth. It's been awhile since we've seen them and it should be fun.

Camping Food!

2009-06-04T14:57:00.005-05:00

E and I like to eat like we do at home even when camping. It looks a little like this.

For breakfast our usual cereal and sometimes orange juice for me (always for E!). My low sugar toasted o's with 1/2 banana, and soy milk. YUM! E goes the granola and soy milk route.

This below is a camping staple for us. We usually enjoy it after a long day of hiking. Whole wheat pasta with sauce and peas, with a slice of multigrain bread spread with Earth Balance.

Of COURSE we have to grill. This time we had Field Roast Vegan Sausages and Tofurkey Beer Brats with roasted corn on the cob, and seasoned cous cous with pine nuts (cooked on the backpacking stove).

Another favorite is a roasted veggie medley. Before leaving for our trip I cut up some organic russets, sweet potato, and carrots and mixed with some olive oil and a variety of seasonings. I also chopped up a few Field Roast Vegan Sausages for a one skillet meal.
Here's a close-up. So good!

As for lunches we usually make pb&js with some fruit and bring Cliff bars for E and some Lara bars for me. Sometimes we'll bring some chili, crackers, and the backpacking stove and have that for a quick filling lunch as well. We also always make a big bag of trail mix to take along and other various snacks. This time I ate my weight in Pink Lady apples. So so very good.

I have some special creations cooking right now and will share them with...whoever reads this...soon.

Have a beautiful day!

lazy blogger

2009-06-01T12:02:00.003-05:00

Camping was fun. We've been back a long time now, but I've been lazy about writing here.
Here's a couple pictures of us three. I'll probably put some more up later.

Things are well and I'm happy, but not feeling so fulfilled. I want to be back to work, but even more so want school to be started again. I just want to get that associates done so I can start back at the university and get going. Now that I finally have a semi-clear idea of what I'd like to do, I'd like to jump on in. One more semester and then I can. I'm thrilled about THAT. It'll take a few years, because I'll probably pick up a minor as well, but I'm ready for that. E and I would like to stick around here and get some things paid off before moving anywhere new anyway, so I might as well make the most of it.

Life is grand!

2009-05-17T20:43:00.004-05:00

Things have been so busy lately. Wedding showers out the wazzoo for Sam and Chris (but fun!), Mother's Day stuff, Garden stuff, just general LIFE stuff. I'm not complaining though. I've been loving every minute of it. Plenty of pictures are being taken daily and I'll share a few with you today!

I decided to buck up and try my hand at home-made veggie burgers, at last! I used the recipe from VWAV and they're delicious. I think I may have made them a little mushier by using the food processor (lazy chopper!) but then stuck them in the oven a bit to dry them out a little more. Needless to say, they were delicious. We enjoyed them with all the fixins, some homemade sweet potato fries, and grilled corn. I did all this while E worked on fixin up the compost in a proper bin system he made for us (pictures to come).

E loves the Chickpea Cutlets from VCon so I tend to make them pretty regularly. We had a couple leftover so for lunch one day I threw us together some sandwiches. Yum Yum Yum! I like mine with lots of onion and E with lots of tomato.

Our garden is coming along. This little baby corn is striving to live a long healthy life and make me lots and lots of corn for grilling, eating raw, salsa making, and putting in corn bread. Plus, whatever else I can think to do with it. More garden pictures in the future. Taking pictures of plants is fun...and dirty.

As you all already know I absolutely and completely am in love with my fella. Here's another good reason to love him. I'm whizzin the food processor and I faintly hear, "babe", but think it's not real and then louder, "hey babe!" and so I turn it off and E's outside with slugs on some decomposing wood and smiling big. He just wanted to show me our slug friends. They were cute! So is he!

I'm just focusing on the positive and making the most of each day. No new job yet, but looking all the time and hoping for something to happen. Until then I'm going to make the most of my free time and keep keepin' busy.

E, Lilly May, and I have camping plans for the weekend (friday night through monday) so we'll be gone for a spell, but I'll try to check in with some more photos and tidbits before we leave, and of course some fun photos upon our return. Until then, take care and...hug someone already!

speeches and seeds

2009-05-07T16:00:00.004-05:00

I am all kinds of exhausted, yet feeling very empowered. I'm working on my speech for tonight and feel confident that it'll go smoothly. I'm not so sure how it will be received, but it'll be good practice for me, and that's what I'm worried about right now.

Here's that thrift store find I was thrilled about. $1.25 for this awesome hand carved wood tray with tile inlays. It's awesome.

While E was making Sweet Potato Tempura the other day, I was bored, so I made the best brownies I've ever made based on this recipe. Plus added walnuts and a mint ufo in the middle of each.

Plus, I made s'mores cupcakes from VCTOTW for game night on Saturday. Yum Yum!

Our little seedlings are still resting in their newspaper pots, but my Monday or Tuesday we hope to have them nestled into the ground. We're very much still learning, but it's all so very exciting.

Now, I'm off to practice and then give my speech. I'm almost there and I'll feel such relief once it reaches 9:20 pm and class lets out.

Even when times get tough, nobody seems to agree, and I'm having one of those uncertain if things are ever going to change moments...memories of these girls and all their neighbors are all the motivation I need to never give up.

"If not me, who? If not now, when?"

my oh my

2009-05-05T21:38:00.005-05:00

Pardon my absence. I've been busy busy and then sick and yucky, but am now feeling better. I'll get all caught up with you all in good time.

For now I'll let you know that my butt was BURNING this morning because I've been reunited with one of my best friends:

(image from google goo!)

Now that I've shared too much information I'll leave you with some pictures from My, E, and L-May's adventure on Sunday.

E Checking out the Map

E and I all Rainy Happy

Lilly May was SOOO very Happy!

Then she was tired of having her picture taken and stuck her little purple chow tongue out at me.

...but only after shaking off the water from her river swimming. She looooves water. A girl after my own heart.

She does so well off leash while hiking and we let her if nobody else is around (which they weren't). It's actually pretty awesome. She's like a rocket darting up and down the trails and then looking back and stopping to wait for us. Sorry L, we're just not as quick!

The hike led us to some beautiful places. Even with the rain we still had a wonderful time.

Earth Day Festival...and MORE!

2009-04-29T19:06:00.007-05:00

E and I took the metro down to the Earth Day Festival in Forest Park on Sunday and had a great time! It was perfectly sunny, and very windy. Seems the festival drew quite the crowd of folks and there were also many cute pups!
...some fairies as well! (with the Renaissance..something booth, very nice quality outfits!)

Mr. Plant Man (E) enjoyed this man's selection of native wildflowers:

...and we also enjoyed yummy vegan burgers from the START (St. Louis Animal Rights Team) food booth. Eric had a chili burger and I had mine loaded with onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.

We also splurged for these nachos from the Local Harvest Grocery booth, but I wasn't too impressed. Kinda liquidy and not too impressive, but Eric ate them up and I ran to the organic fruit booth for a one dollar carton of strawberries. Every last one of THOSE was finished.

Yes, it is all about the animals. Love Wildlife Center of Missouri.

annnnd...oh YES I did! Free acupuncture trial. It was fun and not really anything big. I just wanted to see how it felt, and it was FUN.

After the festival I had plans to go to World Foods Market in Kirkwood and browse to my heart's content. Here are my finds:
(coconut liquid with coconut jelly, mango juice, pomegranate molasses!!!, BIG bottle of Sriracha (I ran out awhile ago and that CANNOT happen again, rice vinegar, hot chili oil!!, and hot chili sauce) Can you tell I like spicy stuff?

More!:
3 cans of thin (shredded?) bamboo shoots, Spicy Basil Paste for stirfry, Rice Flakes (big square shaped rice noodle type things), some little noodle sticks for soup for E, Sesame cookie, A few types of fruit pulp and tamarind candy (love the gooseberry ones!), dried chilis, coriander paste, and a big ol' can of chick peas for the no-tuna salad E loves.

I'm so excited about all this fun stuff. I used the spicy basil paste and some of the bamboo shoots to make dinner tonight. Just another stirfry, but yum yum yummy.

Life is good. Waiting to hear back from an interview I had Monday. Said they'd let me know one way or another in the next week or so. Also waiting to hear back from my current job on the status of all that.

Today I went thrift shopping at half off day and got a few good things. I'll post my favorite find soon!

Hope everyone is well!

...and back to the FOOD!

2009-04-25T12:04:00.004-05:00

Thursday night I made taco bar! Mine were filled with Guacamole, Mexican seasoned Rice, Soyrzio and Peppers, Lettuce, Jalepenos, and all topped off with Chipotle Hot Sauce. Lots of Yum!

The night before we had another of thoseTrader Joe's stuffed chik'n cutlets, Green Beans, and Risotto. Another yummy meal of course!

I was really missing the farm the other day (always!) so I had a FS mug full of soy milk and a peanut butter and jelly on wheat for lunch. A slight upgrade on the pb sandwiches the pigs got their pills in, but very delicious.

I stopped by Deirbergs yesterday for some goodies I needed for baking...and a few other things. Unsweetened Cocoa. Popcorn Kernels. 2 Ears of sweet corn. Veggie gummie drop candy! Large crystal cane sugar (for cookie pressing into-ing). And lastly...Eco-Planet Cheddar Organic Crackers (VEGAN! Woot woot!). These crackers were tasty! Luckily I got two boxes. On sale too!

When I made it home it was time for cookie making!
On the left: Crystal Ginger cookies from VWAV
On the Right: Chewy Chocolate Raspberry cookies from VCon

Both of these are delicious, but I really love the chocolatey ones. Really chewy and delicious!

Time to finish my tofu and veggie lunch. Tonight is Thai Food dinner with a couple of my favorite people. Can't wait!

Some Lilly May Love

2009-04-25T11:29:00.002-05:00

Lilly May relaxing in the sunpatch. She's so chill now that she's back with us. Always following me around and staying relaxed and close. I love when I'm cooking and she comes and lays by my feet. Ohh I love her and am more than happy to have her back.

Her and I played ball and I chased her around with the camera while Eric worked on tilling up the garden.

And the other day Eric caught her and I snuggled up in a nest of blankets when he was getting ready for work. Disregard our strange bed situation right now. The frame is broken and our beautiful comforter needs to go to the laundromat, so this one's standing in. It works and is a nice little snuggle patch.

It's Tuesday by the Way

2009-04-21T21:32:00.004-05:00

All afternoon/evening I've been thinking it's Wednesday. Rushing to finish school assignments even. Yeah, it's Tuesday. Whoops. At least I'm ahead?

Kinda sleepy. I am. But I want to catch up. So, I will. But, So, not ways to start sentences, but since when am I supposed to follow those rules?

E came home from work today with gifts from his parents. They gave us some soy flour and some worm poop! How fun!
His dad has a worm composting thinger and I guess our plants are going to test out the results and see how they like it? Yep, looks like it!
Soy flour? I've seen it, but never used it. Any experiences to share, or ideas? There are some on the back of the bag, but I'm always open to stories.

A-thrifting I will go!
Yesterday I picked up this cute cardigan and little clutch purse thing. Both very very cute and cheap, of course.
I also went thrifting with my Mom for a spell today when she came over. A skirt, two tops, and some earrings were purchased.
Oh how I love my bargains.

Sunday night E wanted to use the grill so we had picked up some Tofurkey beer brats and had a wonderful meal that looks very unwonderful in pictures.
Tofurkey beer brat on wheat bun, peas and corn, potato pancakes? (we put leftover mashed potatoes on the cast iron and then gobbled them).
Bring on the startches!

Have no fear, plenty of veggies (and fruits!) have been consumed to balance out all that startchy goodness.
Tonight I whipped up a stirfry that was super yummy.
Even added some pineapple for an added drool producer.

And for lunch? A huge salad full of roman, green leaf, onion, shredded carrot, avacado, sliced almonds, and and and Woodstock dressing (I'm in love!).

So, there you have it.
I'm kind of enjoying my temporary unemployment, but I kinda really really want to be working.
Until then, lots of fun times and enjoying the coming sunshiny days.

I'm so much looking forward to the Earth Day celebrations in Forest Park on Sunday! Can't wait!

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-04-19T10:03:00.004-05:00

E's playing video games and L-May is lounging. Good rainy Sunday morning.

I had this yummy smoothie the other day, for breakfast.
Soy yogurt, banana, strawberry, soy milk. Yums. Plus, the thrifted owl salt and pepper shakers in the background (60 cents each!). Oh, and did you know, I LOVE these new glasses?

Friday E and I had a dinner date night at Lemongrass on South Grand. I finally tried the Vegetarian rice in hot pot with vegetables...or something like that. It was GOOD. The rice was baked in the bottom with some crunch to it and the flavor was yummy. E had the good ol' sesame tofu you can see in the background which I enjoyed a few bites of as well.

We stopped for some lunch goods at Trader Joes and these gems were on sale for 99 cents a container!!! I asked and they said they were being discontinued, so I got two...and one's already gone. I should stock up I guess.

Other than that there's been more walking with the May dog, lots of biology homework, lemon-bar making, stir-fry making and eating...and love.

phew!

2009-04-16T22:18:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad our group speech assignment is done. Now only four more weeks and this semester is complete!

This morning I made E and myself some apple strawberry juices because he'd been wanting to try one since that one I made for myself. These ones had more strawberries thanks to yesterdays cheap finds and were very refreshing and delicious.

E didn't have to work today and I was free as well so we hit up the thrift shop.
We came out with all these goodies! I mean GOODies!

A game of Clue in brand spankin new shape. Two large glass jars with screw on lids (one for Lilly's treats and another for oats), 3 black mugs with red insides (E's pick, we'd seen these same ones for new at Target, but ours were only eighty cent each! woohoo), 4 little brown tinted glass pyrex dishes, 4 green cloth napkins, plastic camera that takes 35mm film (I've been holga'n for years, and want to see if this can give a similar feel but with different films), and best of alllll those glasses!!!
I spotted them from the end of the aisle and practically fell to the floor and sprung to the shelf that held them. E knew all was lost at that point and they'd be coming home with us. These glasses are my new prized possessions. Sooo lovely with blue and silver starbursts and great shapes. Four of the short and stout ones and five of the taller more slender ones. Oh my oh my I am a fool for them. They're still in the dish strainer rather than the cabinet...just so I can keep looking at them.

For lunch I made a new find. I'd seen someone else post about these and hadn't seen them at our Trader Joe's before, but spotted them this past weekend.
We enjoyed them on top a bed of leftover pasta and with a side of fruit. I'm a fan. Trader Joe's would really win me over if they just made a chickenless cutlet (unstuffed). One that I could marinade and season as I'd like. I ate the Quorn pre vegan days and would love a Vegan version of something similar. I can make good things from scratch, but don't always have the time, so something quick like that would be fun to fool around with.

All in all a good day. A few too many cookies were consumed, but each one was enjoyed.

I'm just...happy. :)

Good finds!

2009-04-15T21:31:00.003-05:00

I've been finding lots of good bargains lately. I always love a bargain.

These boxes of Optium Slim by Nature's Path were being discontinued at a grocery by Mom's house, so I grabbed up three for myself. I used to buy this exact cereal when I lived in Springfield and it was nearly four dollars a box. Good find!

A new mixer to replace the one that started a smoke storm in my hand. We had bought a different one to replace it but returned it and got this one instead. I'm happy to have a mixer friend again. More of those mint chip cookies had to be made, of course.

Another good bargain. Got these bad boys for about sixty-cents per container. I was out at my Mom's for the afternoon and we stopped by the fruit stand (my favorite one) and they were clearing out their ripe strawberries. Plus, these ones were courtesy of Mom so I'll be enjoying them free of charge. woohoo! While there I also picked up some Granny Smith apples, Braeburn apples, and Tangerines. Thus, my pre school meeting meal consisted of gorging myself on fruit. Mmmm.

I'm trying to be good about using up leftovers. Here I made an old sweet filling favorite. Leftover jasmine rice, soy milk, earth balance, a bit of sugar, a bit of salt. All mixed together and cooked until thick and kinda creamy in a small saucepan. With a side of strawberries for mixing of course. Hit the spot just right.

I am one tired girl. Lilly May came along to Mom's this afternoon and along with her and Sampson we all took a walk for over an hour and half in the warm sunshine. It was terrific and just what I needed. Lilly May and I will be walking up a storm now that we're back together. Last night we checked out the neighborhood on foot together and had a wonderful time.

It's so perfect having her back. I was driving home the back way past open fields. The tunes of Robert Blake flowing gently from the speakers. Lilly sitting by my side. Slowly following the motorcycle tail lights before me. I felt just right. Perfectly sleepy and comfortable and at peace.

Mmmm life.

Easter and Such

2009-04-14T13:43:00.004-05:00

Nicole is giving away a copy of Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World! Go enter her giveaway to win!

Now, I tried posting last night, but things went weird here on the blog, so I'll try again.

Last night I was working on my Biology homework when I looked up and saw this happening:
Apparently she needs to perch for the best view. My oh my.

We were able to see Tyler quite a bit this weekend, which was great.
I was VERY excited!

...and he loves Eric.Sunday we bummed around during the morning (notice my beautifully gray cooking outfit ;) )
Then we got to cooking for Easter festivities at E's grandma's house.

E caught me with the camera while I was cooking the corn flake crusted Match Chicken style cutlets:

They look like this while cooking..and taste delicious!

We also brought a big platter of strawberries and grapes which were gobbled up:

There was also mashed potatoes and gravy for 12 and a plate of lemon bars which we brought along, but I didn't manage to take a picture.

I was too busy playing Perfection! Love that game!

Anyway, hope all is well with everyone. We're working on getting the house all in order and making it cozy. Yesterday we put of a curtain rod and curtains in the living room and I organized the kitchen pantry. We're getting there. :)

ding dong

2009-04-11T12:50:00.004-05:00

I haven't really been taking many pictures the past couple days or doing a huge amount of cooking. Yesterday we enjoyed a Thai Food lunch (and the leftovers for dinner) after E's meeting at work. We then went home and I made these bad boys below while E did laundry. We were very domestic. Mmm mmm good.

Irresistible Mint Chip Brownie Bites
There supposed to be mint chip brownie bites, but they're a bit cakeier. That's fine too. They were all gone by the end of the day so I think they made a name for themselves just fine.

Here's a recipe!:

1/3 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
Equivalent of one egg (I used ener-g)
1 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 Cup Flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
whatever mix-ins you'd like (I used chopped up mint chip ufos of course)

Mix all the wet together then mix in all the dry. Don't overmix, a little thick and clumpy is okay. This is brownie batter afterall.

Pour into a mini muffin tin and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 12-15 minutes.

EAT!

Chris and Sam took their bed and the pups last night. They had the help of friends and my brownie bites had some gobbling from a 5 year old that just couldn't get enough. I also got to play babysitter to a 6 month old while everyone else did the heavy lifting. I'm not complaining. ;)

Later I got a phone call from my nephew. Well, my Mom and my nephew. This was the first time we actually kind of "talked" successfully on the phone and it was so hilariously wonderful.

So, of course when I found out he was in town we had to go visit.

He loved the brownie bites as well. (As did everyone else scattered in the living room. Though, Lilly May and Sampson got some dehydrated sweet potato slabs instead;) )

Tonight E and I are going to take a special little girl home with us!

She's been living with my mom for a bit because her and Molly didn't get along. Like snarling and foaming at the mouth not getting along. BUT now that Molly and Chloe are moved to their new home...she's coming home to me! Sampson is coming too for the night and spending Easter with us while Mom's out of town. Should be fun.

I'm thinking we'll all cuddle up in the living room and watch episodes of Big Love.

Oh, and a survey from my lovely friend Sara:

What are your current obsessions? photographing and crafting (always!), vegan cookbooks, bike riding, animals (always!), composting and gardening (learning)
Which item from your closet are you wearing most often? my brown cords that are falling to pieces. :(
Last thing you bought? Nothing too exciting. Gas for the car I think. But I'm going grocery shopping today, so that'll be fun.
What’s for dinner? No clue. Maybe pizza since it's quick and we need to use up some of those goods. Unless Mom decides to make something when we come to get the dogs. I'll let you know!
Say something to the person who tagged you: I love you pal. Really. We've been through a lot together and you've always been someone I can send a desperate e-mail too if needed, which is actually pretty dang important.
Who is one person you could not live without? Not just one. Eric, my Mom, my Sister, my Brother. My four that I need. There through thick and thin and I know I can count on these four no matter what.
Vacation spots you must visit before you die? Lately I've been desperate to go to Italy and wander the streets. Only stopping for fresh baguettes and red wine.
Three things to do before you die? Travel the world. Work at a farm sanctuary again. Have a fantastically sustainable homestead with E.
What TV Show(s) are you hooked on? LOST and Big Love (even though it drives me crazy at so many times!). I never watch anything in "real time" but rather on dvd or online, but I'm already caught up in the story lines there. Six Feet Under of course, but it's time is done and I've watched it all 2+ times, so I probably won't again for awhile.
What’s your favorite color? earth tones (greens and browns), some blues, and red.
What’s your guilty pleasure? I don't know. There's no guilt attached to any of my pleasures. ;)
What’s your favourite smell? old books, vanilla, dirt.
Best thing you ate or drank lately? those mint chocolate chip cookies I made were divine. Drank? that fresh apple strawberry juice I made a few mornings ago. I've been craving it ever since.
Name the last blog you visited before this one, on which you left a comment. Anotheronebitesthecrust!
Talk about one regret in your life? Letting people get under my skin too much. No more!
What do you have an addiction to? Snuggles, Babies, Puppies
What is your favourite workout? Canoing, Hiking, Bike Riding, Long walks with L-May
Do you have a favorite recipe? No. I really really don't. I'm all over the place and like trying them all. Though I do love the quinoa at this link. Simple, delicious, makes a ton.
What's your favorite holiday? New Years for sure.

Rules and Invitation to participate:

Respond and rework
Answer questions on your own blog
Replace one question.
Add one question
Tag three bloggers:

Eat a Vegan
Another One Bites the Crust
Anyone who wants! I'm just getting involved here in the blogging community so I don't even know who, if anyone, reads this.

Oh...and I cheated and didn't replace a question cause I wanted to keep them. Did add one though!

Off to make a grocery list and work on some "Biological Sciences" aka Biology homework. Weee doggie.

I promise more pictures of Lilly May once we get her back. I'm thinking some homemade dog cookie making will be in order.

Silly Day

2009-04-08T19:17:00.004-05:00

Today was one of those kinda blah days, but we'll get to that. Wasn't so bad. Just...frustrating.

BUT while not being able to fall asleep last night I day(night?) dreamed about what I would have for breakfast. When I pulled myself out of bed the plan was put into action, and out came the juicer.

I made a lovely little concoction of 3 little green apples and some strawberries.

This was exactly what I was craving and went well paired with a whole wheat sandwich thin with my other sample packet of Barney Butter. Yum!

I was planning on leaving for a long bike ride so decided to scrounge through the leftovers and put something together. Out came green leaf lettuce, a mustard squirt, leftover roasted sweet taters, one and a half of those jerk tofus I made the other night all cut up and the last bit of beans and rice wrapped up in some whole wheat goodness. This really filled me up and the half apple was a great sweet treat to go with it.

Soo....here's where the day went weird. The bike path was calling my name and so I went to get ready. I decided to take my mountain bike because Old Blue was having shifting issues. Now, I don't even really like to ride this mountain bike on paved trails because my road bike just rides so much better, but I was craving those turning wheels beneath me....once I could get the wheel on that is...which was no easy task. So, after five or so minutes of struggle, it happened. I'd planned to do a nice 12 miles or so, but settled on 4 because now THIS bike was giving me issues with gears...though I knew that before and had kind of forgotten. So, I went to take the wheel off so I could put the frame on the roof rack...and I can't get it off for the life of me. Right then when I was contemplating trying to stuff it in the back seat 6 lycra clad elderly bike riders all zoomed up to somewhat close surrounding cars. Once they all left I deflated the tire and yanked it off, put the bike on the car, and left feeling frustrated more than I prefer. With a light breeze from a cracked window and belting out to Rilo Kiley I made it home in better spirits and went straight to fixing the wheel problem. Now, I can take that baby off in no time at all, whew. Now there's all those shifting problems to tend to, but that's for another day.

To further relax myself I decided on some healthy baking.

I made these up as I went along and they need some further tweaking, but we'll call these:

Sarbear's Banana Oat Muffins

They were kinda small because a good amount stuck to the wrapper...which I used out of laziness and should have just used an oiled muffin tin instead...next time! I'll work with this recipe and post it when it's a little better. I'm thinking some cranberries would go well here.

For dinner it was a simple stir-fry of broccoli, tofu, carrot, peppers, onion, and yellow squash with jasmine rice.

Of course, a few of those little mint cookies were eaten as well.
I could eat many more than that. I feel ravenous today. Maybe cause my "special" time? Hmmph. We'll see how this pans out. I'm thinking some of that raspberry fruit sweetened soy ice cream sounds promising.

Speaking of....
My biggest wish..of the day.

I've been longing for an ice cream maker to experiment with my own non-dairy ice creams and I've got my eye on this baby. No salt or ice needed which is even better.

My urge to purchase this has increased since Nicole at Another One Bites the Crust suggested making a crazy ice cream creation with the mint ufos! If only she knew that mint chocolate chip is my all time top favorite ice cream flavor and I've never found a vegan one that hits the mark. So, my goal is to make one! Well, when I get this bad boy into my kitchen that is.

Hope everyone had a lovely day free of bicycle mishaps. :)

Today at last! Full of yum!

2009-04-07T20:29:00.004-05:00

After a late awakening today and a yummy lunch posted somewhere below, I decided these treasures needed to be put to good use. You see, while at Trader Joe's on Sunday I was patiently waiting for a young girl to finish looking so I could snag some semi-sweet chocolate chips and be on my way. Now, I will be forever grateful to that young girl because while waiting I spotted these Dark Chocolate Mint UFOs and that is SO much better than the alternative. They're even marked vegan right on the package so no ingredient analyzing was necessary (though I did do a quick scan just to be sure).
Using the chocolate chip cookie recipe from Vegan with a Vengeance a batter was formed.I had chopped the precious UFOs in half and made sure each cookie had one nestled into it.
I fit sixteen onto a sheet and made three sheets worth, or four dozen. I'll be keeping some for us and spreading the love around a bit throughout the week.
Even though I made four dozen, there was still some extra batter. So...what to do? Make special treats for E of course!Hearts and a "snake" that looks a little more like a slug, but is adorable nonetheless.

These cookies are pretty small, but that just means I was able to have three after dinner! ;) I'd been waiting all day to try them for dessert and the wait was well worth it. These are divine. Get yourself to Trader Joe's and make these cookies! If you don't have a TJs comment to me and set up a trade. If you love mint and chocolate combos then you'll love these!

After baking and running to the bank I needed to be active. I didn't really have time for much and since I'm a hibernating bear I didn't feel like facing the cold, so I pulled out this old dvd and figured it would do the trick.

I planned to do the two mile program but only did one because I couldn't for the life of me figure out the play station controller I needed in order to get to the two mile. I'm just not that tech savy yet I guess. I've talked to E now though and think I have it figured out for next time.

Then of course it was time to get dinner ready for later. I always say later because a lot of the time Monday-Wednesday dinner is cooked and put straight into storage containers so E and I can enjoy it together while he's working up at school.

On tonight's menu was salad and pizza.

First I chopped everything up for salads and made one for me(left) and E(right). Both have romaine and green leaf lettuce with shredded carrot. Then mine has very little tomato, lots of red onion, and raw sliced almonds. E's had lots of tomato and sunflower seeds. This was sooo delicious and really hit the spot.

For the pizza I made dough using:
1 packet yeast
2tbsp oil
1tsp sweetner (sugar, agave, rice nectar, whatever you like)
1 cup warm water
1.5 cups whole wheat flour
1.5 cups all purpose flour

You sprinkle the water over the yeast, oil and sweetner and let it sit until foamy. Then add the flour and kneed until it's stretchy and well formed. Then put it into a bowl and let rise until about double in size.

Then spread the dough evenly on a oiled pizza pan.
...and top with what you like.

Baking times may change depending on your toppings. I topped ours with organic pizza sauce, gimme lean vegan sausage, peppers, sundried tomatoes, a little red onion, and follow your heart vegan mozzarella. It stayed in the oven at 425 degrees for 8 minutes and under the broiler on low for an additional two minutes.

Out came this:

I enjoyed two slices (one fourth) of the pizza alongside my salad and it was just right. Of course I had to leave room for those minty cookies for dessert. ;)

One last thing. I'd seen everyone raving about this Barney Butter Almond Butter and since I saw a link to a free sample, thought I might as well get on board. I'll post the link at a later date if I can find it again. Promise.

Only a few days after my request these two individual serving size packets came in the mail.

Today while Eric drove us to school I enjoyed a pouch with a gala apple. I do understand why people enjoy it so much. It's nice and smooth and goes GREAT on apples. I don't know that I'd buy it because I typically stick to nut butters that are only the nuts and salt and this has just two additional ingredients, but only time will tell. I'm not a big nut butter eater lately anyway, but I could see myself picking up a jar if I happened upon it.

All in all a terrific day. I'm hoping to take a nice long bike ride tomorrow if the weather is as nice as predicted. I'll be crossing my fingers and toes.

Catching Up: Random Meals

2009-04-07T20:08:00.005-05:00

Mom took E and I out to celebrate for E's birthday on Saturday night. The choice of the birthday boy was an old favorite, Mi Ranchito. This Mexican gem is only a couple blocks from the old apartment/s and was frequented many a time in the past few years. It's always fun to go back, and we probably do so about once a month or so.

We had our usual. Veggie fajitas minus the cheese and sour cream with an extra side of tortillas since we're sharing. It comes with a plate of refried beans, lettuce, rice, and guacamole. We also shared a pitcher of Dos Eques Amber. I may have overindulged a bit (they have my favorite habenero sauce!) but it was a good meal.

(closeup of the veggies)

I brought dinner up to school for E on Monday and it looked like this!
Jamaican Jerk Tofu, seasoned black beans and rice (cumin, chili powder, salt), and steamed brocolli. Sooo good and also pretty spicy.

E gave the stamp of approval as well, even though his orange seemed to be frowning. No fear though, we demolished those as well and E found a good use for the peals before their journey to the compost pile.

The next day I enjoyed some of the leftover beans/rice, and broccoli with some roasted cumin sweet potatoes, and a little bowl of grapes. My eyes were bigger than my tummy though, so some of those sweet potatoes will have to make their way into my lunch for tomorrow.

Another lunch. Monday I think. A tofu salad sandwich on whole wheat sandwich thin with lettuce and banana peppers. Roasted sweet potato with olive oil and salt, a little bowl of strawberries. Mmmm.

One last lunch. I had some chickpeas that needed using so they were thrown in with some fresh brocolli, carrots, onions, and peppers. Along with some braggs aminos

Then all was dumped on top a cup of rice and topped with raw sliced almonds. Nice, simple, and filling.

Last but not least. Eric's requested birthday dinner from a week ago. Chickpea cutlets from Veganomicon. Peas and corn. Red skinned Mashed potatoes. All with a bit of the same gravy I used for the veggie stuffed cornbread.

This meal was delicious as always. I had a mishap with the mashed potatoes. You see, Sam and Chris are all packed up, so the hand mixer was as well. BUT have no fear, there was another one! One that's maybe 30-40 years old? Well...while I was blending some earth balance, soy milk, and seasonings into the potatoes the mixer began smoking in my hand. At first I thought it was just steam from the hot potatoes, but then more smoke came and also a pretty awful smell. So...that mixer is no more. Anyway, I needed a solution and don't have a handheld masher in the house, so threw them all in the food processor and this was magical. They were left just chunky enough to be perfect. I think I'll do that on purpose next time.

Spring is nearly here!

2009-04-07T19:54:00.004-05:00

While at the hardware store one day, E and I decided to grab some seeds and some soil so we could start ourselves a garden this year.

When we arrived home E quickly got to work building little greenhouses for our soon to be sprouts. He's fantastically handy like that. ohhhh I love him.

Here's one of the little houses full of cherry tomato, roma tomato, and anaheim chili starters. There are two little houses all together.

It didn't take long for the tomatoes to start popping through the soil. We may have started later in the game than most this year, but it's just the first of many and we'll figure it all out as we go.

(aren't they adorably wonderful?)

Lilly May is still holding onto the leaves of fall and winter, but Spring is definitely on its way!

You can see a bit of Spring making itself known behind big boy Sampson.

Not much longer. Nope. Soon we will be reunited for good. I'm coming for you soon Lilly May! Her and Sampson might both join us for Easter while Mom and Mike are in Cape Girardeau and Farmington respectively.

ohhh I also found some goodies at Target the other day! Fiery Jamaican Jerk Marinade. None of the others appeared to be vegan but I grabbed up this bad boy to give a try. Also!!!! Sandwich thins! Like at Vegadeli! Apparently they're all the rage and I had no clue about them. I'm so glad to have found a source now. I don't like to fill up on a lot of bread. Would rather have more veggies in my belly so this is perfect! You'll be seeing them in many future posts I'm sure. And you'll see me make use of that jerk sauce!

Yums in the tums!

Veggie Stuffed Cornbread

2009-04-07T19:36:00.004-05:00

Inspired by the delicious veggie stuffed cornbread I had at Vegadeli, we decided to try making some of our own at home.

First sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn where steamed to soften them a bit (don't know if this is necessary, but I didn't want to risk a crunch attack for this dish).

Next I made a corn bread batter using a recipe from Vegweb, but I can't seem to find the exact one right now. I would just say use your own tried and true recipe or find one that seems to fit your taste. I did double the recipe in order to make plenty of leftovers. E loves him some cornbread.

After preparing the cornbread batter I stirred in all the veggies.

Then, the whole mix was spread into a lightly oiled 9x13 pan. I would love to try this in cast iron when we can get some.
In order to mimic the light herb gravy I used this recipe. I'm sure I added some additional basil or somesuch as well.

When all was said and done, slices were cut out and topped with a ladle full of gravy.

This was really delicious and would be splendid served with a light salad or some sort of greens. We'll be making this again for sure. I liked it alright, but would like to try another cornbread recipe because this was a little heavier than I like. E didn't seem to mind though. ;)

boom shaka laka laka

2009-04-07T19:29:00.003-05:00

So, no more playing around! This blog needs some serious lovin so here goes nothin! I've always wanted to blog about my vegan eats, but have never really been in a situation where things could get all that exciting. Well, even if they aren't that exciting, things are definitely more fun lately and I'm trying to really focus on good foods and healthy natural living overall. Plus, E and I will be living alone as well so the kitchen will be all mine!!! Well...E's too of course, but it's definitely my domain. I love when we cook together as well and look forward to more of that when he's not working nights this summer. So, this blog is now going to be focused mainly on my eats and activity. But of course there will be animals, thrift shopping, gardening, love, and all sorts of tids and bits mixed in to keep a nice balanced view of the life of Sara. Right now I'm going to get all catched up and then look for new post every day or two with lots and lots of pictures of course. Also will be working on a little about me section in good time. Small steps. :)

Woohoo!

mmmm life!

2009-04-06T20:52:00.004-05:00

Friday after work E came home saying he brought me a surprise. I didn't hear crinkling of flower wrap, it fit behind his back, and he had a cute smirk covering his lower face. What could it be?

Fruit Sweetened Soy Delicious for me! Vanilla and Raspberry!
This is my favorite dairy free ice cream! So later that night while watching episodes of Big Love we had sundaes.

I had half a banana with a handful of strawberries and a generous scoop of vanilla. Mmm mmm good!

Maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll break into the Raspberry!

Best. Fella. Ever.

"Everyone fucks up it's gonna be okay!"

2009-04-03T10:33:00.006-05:00

I'm struggling to stay awake so here are a few pooch and E pictures to bring some smiles.Eric and Molly. We'll miss this little girl. She sleeps in our room every night and is silly, but sometimes wonderfully snuggly.

Eric and Molly in bed.

Eric with Lilly May and Sampson in Mom's backyard. Sampson loves that little bitty pink rope and Lilly May can't get enough of balls and frisbees.

This girl will be coming home with me soon and I can't wait. I miss her so much and am dying to have her back by my side.

Something more Savory

2009-04-02T12:37:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a good day.

I'm trying to get out of my winter funk and get myself feeling healthier again all around and there are some changes happening soon which will help I think, but there will more on that at a future date. As far as getting healthier there are just a few things I'm trying to focus on. I live a pretty "clean" lifestyle as is and am of good health, but I need a boost of energy and to shed off the winter that has weighed me down. So, I'm trying to eat more mindfully. When I really focus on this I feel so much better. Never feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. Feeling more energetic and such. Also I'm trying to be sure to have vegetables more often. Eating a vegan diet you'd think that'd be a given, but it's just not so. Winter and stress had me turning toward comfort foods and now I'm ready to lighten the load. I'm also trying to be more active. During the spring, summer, and fall I have no problem. I'm always biking, hiking, canoeing, doing any number of things outdoors, but the winter really gets to me. I do not like spending my time on machines in a gym, but I'm going to work on that so next winter may go more smoothly. I think my activity level also took a hit because my Lilly May hasn't been living with us, so there have been no daily walks with her. She'll be back and with us for good in about a week or so and I'm very much looking forward to our daily walks together. One last thing is keeping an eye on my sweets. Since sweet tooth removal isn't an option I just need to keep an eye on things. I'm not against sugar at all, but I feel so much better without having much of it. On the other side of things, I LOVE to bake, so this will be an exercise in finding balance. Really, I feel pretty positive about how things are going health wise and know I'm of the right mindset and all for establishing habits that will lead to long term health. I've just been really inspired lately. Mainly by seeing or reading of people in their 70's - 90's that are still so fit, active, and healthy. I want to be like that! I WILL be like that.

So...on to more interesting things.

Yesterday E and I took a nice 8 mile bike ride and it felt really good to be back on old blue even though there are some mechanical things I think need working out. The ride was still wonderful and left me feeling very refreshed and motivated. There's nothing like fresh air in your lungs and sunshine on your face.

After our ride I made us some drinks for an afternoon snack we could enjoying while doing other things.

I blended a container of vanilla soy yogurt, 2 tbsp natural peanut butter, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1.5 bananas, enough soy milk to mix, and a few ice cubes. It was nice and filling without weighing me down and I was able to use up some things (soy yogurt, bananas) that needed using.

While I enjoyed my drink I whipped up some dinner for later using the recipe for chili lime tofu found on Vegan Yum Yum (Go here for the recipe!). This is the second time I've made this tofu and I just love how all the flavors come together.

I just follow the instructions as found on Vegan Yum Yum.

First you dry fry the tofu. We've been doing this almost exclusively lately. It leaves you with a crispy tofu with no need to use oil.

Next you whisk up all the glaze ingredients until everything is combined and dissolved as needed.

Next you put it all in the pan together at a high temperature and let the glaze bubble and cover the tofu. Remove from heat and let it all glaze over.

Then...serve as desired! I served this alongside a cup of jasmine rice made in our rice cooker and some steamed and seasoned carrot spears and broccoli.

This meal was so delicious. It really hit the spot and was so flavorful and healthy. The only ingredient I left out was the mint because we didn't have any, but I assure you it's delicious even without. Plus, my hand smelled like fresh lime the rest of the day. I can't complain about that.

Baked Goods Extravaganza!

2009-04-01T17:37:00.005-05:00

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Made with the banana bread recipe from The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook because we had a couple old nanners lying around. Some chocolate chips were thrown in for good measure and the two loaves were baked to perfection. Mmm mmm good.

Birthday Cupcakes

Twelve delicious little cakes made from the chocolate cupcake recipe from Vegan Cupcakes TOTW. Fluffy vegan buttercream icing from the same book. Sprinkled with a rainbow of colors for good measure. I hadn't been satisfied with my icing appearance before so made a stop at Michael's for a large icing tip and this worked wonderfully. I'm much more satisfied with their appearance now. I know they need to taste good, but I prefer for them to look good too. I brought these out to E's Mom and Dads house for dinner on Saturday and they were gobbled up with delight.

Eric's Birthday Cake

I made this cake for yesterday using the same recipe combination as the cupcakes above but with doubling the cake recipe and placing in two 8 inch round cake pans. Decoration and squiggly candles were added and E and I each enjoyed a slice after lunch and my singing him the birthday song. It was a good day.

Bird day?

2009-03-31T21:47:00.004-05:00

Today is the birthday of one of the best people I've ever met and definitely a very favorite. :)

Today we celebrated by eating cereal and him opening his presents. Followed by lounging. We then rented Jurassic Park 3 and picked up some Chinese food to enjoy along with it. After a wonderful veggie lunch and a suspensfully silly movie E made our seed boxes into beautiful little green houses and I cooked us up some dinner for enjoying up at school later while E was working and I was fiddling on the computer. Such a good day with such a marvelous guy.

Happy Birthday Sweetest!

Vegadeli

2009-03-31T14:39:00.006-05:00

I present to you Vegadeli!This wonderful cafe/deli is located in Chesterfield, MO.

I found out about this little gem a few months ago. It's a relatively new place and completely incredible. The atmosphere is comfortable. A few tables placed around, a couch, artwork and simple but appropriate decor. Most importantly the food is amazing. The menu is entirely Vegan and changes daily. E and I have been only twice so far, but plan on making many more trips in the future. Each time our food has been served hot or cold as needed, with a smile and kind words, and we've left feeling satisfied in a way you can't find just anywhere.

Below is the Vegan BBQ Cheddar Burger E had last time.
This burger was delicious. Everything is so fresh and the tastes and textures work wonderfully together. I also love the thin bread their burgers are served on. If you ever go and the Mango Chipotle Burger is on the menu I highly suggest you try it. I had it on our first trip and didn't regret it for a second.

Next up is the Veggie Stuffed Corn Bread with a Light Herb Gravy along with Mixed Greens
This was SO very good. Everything about it was perfect and myself and E had no problem finishing every last bite. I also loved the greens on the side. The light dressing complimented them perfectly. I would recommend this dish to anybody, and did, with two customers leaving with a couple servings of their own after I gushed to them about its deliciousness.

Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere is inviting. We brought along our Phase 10 dice game on both visits and not only is making yourself comfortable and at home okay, it's encouraged.

If you're ever feeling like trying somewhere new, or are passing through the area I would recommend you giving Vegadeli a try. Take a look at their website for directions and open hours and then go enjoy yourself a meal that'll leave you feeling satisfied in the most perfect of ways.

sweet eats!

2009-03-30T22:02:00.004-05:00

As promised...

Little Bitty Cupcakes

I made these with a recipe from no other than Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. The basic golden cupcake recipe. I'm never ever disappointed by the recipes in that book. I've made cakes for friends, my mom's birthday, E's mom's birthday, cookouts, and so on. No crumbs are ever left behind and everyone loves these treats. The cupcakes or cakes always turn out perfectly moist. I also used the fluffy vegan buttercream recipe from the same book, but added some purple and a little lemon juice. Deeelicious.

Next up...

Sugar Cookies!

These were made using the sugar cookie recipe from The Joy of Vegan Baking. Cut out with the wonderful cookie cutters I picked up at Target cause I had my eye on 'em for awhile. Then sprinkled with pink sugar crystals and consumed with a mug of soymilk. Mmm mmm good.

and one last hooray...

My fantastically wonderful rooster lamp!
This used to be my grandma's and now it's found a home with me and E, and provides a fantastic warm glow in our bedroom.

Life is beautiful lately. There are some terribly depressing things hitting close to home, but myself and E are both staying positive and keeping our loved ones close to our hearts. Making the most of this life we have while we have it. Life's too important to get caught up in all the nonsense which floats around. Love in its many forms can get you through anything.

Whatdya know?

2009-03-21T13:49:00.002-05:00

Jumbo Empanadas is giving away a Vita-Mix! Click this here link to go enter to win!

Coming soon....
-Vegadeli Review and Gushing
-Sugar Cookies
-Little Bitty Cupcakes
-Rooster Lamp
...and more!

(Tunnel Under the Airport)

Yay life!

"In my arms don't take anything away"

2009-03-18T12:46:00.003-05:00

(Tyler!)

Ricky, Kim, Tyler, and Kenny(Kim's Dad) stopped by while they were in town today. They dropped off a rooster lamp (pictures later), and brought me lots of smiles. I love little Ty so much and he's just so darn cute. To see him walking and talking now is just wonderful.
Now off to try and eat something and look for a thrifted or cheap shade for that wonderful lamp.

crunch crunch

2009-03-17T22:07:00.005-05:00

(incredible fence. boulder, co)

The tonsil sores are hurting pretty badly, but I'm being tough, or at least pretending.
I am ready to be feeling all better so I can get out and really enjoy this warm weather. I've been making the most of my time and enjoying a lot of my thrift-store book finds.
Speaking of thrift-store finds... E and I found some plates and glasses the other day so we're one step closer to a stocked kitchen when Sam and Chris move to their new home. They're able to sign the papers beginning of April so I'm sure they'll be moving soon after to get settled before their wedding.
Mom's giving us a dining table so when we're all settled ourselves I'll be able to have folks over for dinners, games, lovin'. I miss doing that, so it'll be really nice, so long as everyone can manage Lilly May.
Hoping work will pick back up again soon so we can get ahead a bit and live a little more comfortably. We're fine, but a little extra wiggle room would be nice.
Also, I hope to hear back from a volunteer opportunity soon which I think would be really good for me. I'll say more when it happens.
All in all life is carrying on beautifully and I'm working at some personal stuff, as always. Always working to love myself even a bit more.

(E and Me on our first camping trip together back in May 2008)

take a sad song and make it better

2009-03-12T20:58:00.004-05:00

(The beautiful antique metal box E gave me for our 1 year love day)

The throat is pretty sore and kinda nauseous, but I think I'm doing relatively well. Other peoples stories had sorta freaked me out, but I'm getting by. :) Watching lots of movies on mom's couch and will head back to my home in the morning. As soon as I heal up E and I will celebrate with a good long bike ride and a dinner at Vegadeli (my new favorite restaurant which I'll dedicate a post to soon).

mmm. Time to rest some more and snuggle up to Lilly May.

(homemade vegan pizza! crust from The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook, topped with broccoli, bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, vegan sausage, and vegan gourmet mozzarella. put under the broiler for the last two minutes to better melt the cheese. sooooo good! we've made pizzas two or three more times since)

My Baby Loves Me Just the Way that I am

2009-03-11T21:57:00.005-05:00

(Lilly May and Sampson)

My throat is being excavated tomorrow and I'll admit the worries are creeping over me, but I know it'll be a-okay. How can it not be when I have those two furry loves to comfort me?
More lovin, more thrift-shoppin, and some warm weather followed by the current brrrs.
Ready for the consistent warmth summer brings.
There are some people I'm missing who I'll never ever see again and I don't know how you make peace with that. Time? We'll see.
When she heard my height she said, "whoaaa" and that made me laugh in a way that felt pretty good.
Off to Mamba's so we can be at the clinic "bright and early". Maybe I'll pick up a special treat to enjoy before my midnight cut-off. Maybe I'll just devour my current book choice instead.
Life, yay!

(Anniversary cookies for my Love Bug...x's, o's, and hearts)

"why helloooo!"

2009-02-20T17:30:00.003-06:00

The deeeelicous pancakes baby boy made for me yesterday. mmm mmm mm. I always thought I didn't much like pancakes, but I've never really known how to make them. Mine would always come out flat flat flat. These were perfectly fluffy and wonderful. He's promised to make me more and that's one promise he better keep good on! ;)

It's super brr cold out. That's okay because I know it'll be nice enough soon. I can't wait for that!

Now off to burritos and game night!

I knew a long time ago.

2009-02-16T21:40:00.004-06:00

(the fella I love with a big ol' chunk of my heart)

Another thrift store day. Was half off day at Value Village. Those things combined to leave me with 10 books, a dress, a skirt, 2 glasses, and a plate. I'm slowly picking up kitchenware for when E and I relocate to a yet to be determined home. We can't wait to have a place all our own. It'll be incredible and we dream about it together all the time.

BUT while we're where we are we keep on livin. This weekend consisted of game playing, yummy foods, walks hand in hand, surprises, and silly movies. Oh, and we finally made a trip to the laundromat to wash the comforter we've had in a basket for months. Mmmm, it's so good to have it back and I slept like a baby last night. Speaking of...I'm dying to see my baby Tyler who isn't such a baby anymore. He's WALKING and soon he'll be TALKING and he's just getting so big so quick and I love him every minute whether I'm with him or without him. He's so precious and full of joy. I can't wait to steal him away for a camping weekend when he's older and share my love of nature with him.

Must always remind myself how full of love life is when it slips my mind for a day or two. Sometimes I forget and feel defeated, but really there's no room for that. Only room for love, appreciation, creation, and peace. Too many years were wasted in pity, guilt, shame, and feelings of worthlessness. Now it's time for celebration and living at its fullest.

(homemade peanut butter cups for my love bug)

simple life, simple pleasures

2009-02-14T16:36:00.003-06:00

(near Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico)

Last night I had one of the most unexpectedly delicious meals. I'd been wanting to revisit Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood and actually have a dinner, having only enjoyed salad and beers on past trips. E and I made the trek over and despite the crowd we were quickly seated. E enjoyed a plate of linguine with veggie meatballs and french bread while I had the Bottleworks Curry with tofu. I've not even one small criticism and ate every last bite. It was a yellow curry type dish with perfectly cooked baby carrots, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and tofu over a bed of rice/grains. The vegetables were prepared just right with enough bite left to them and it was all incredibly delicious. I already can't wait to go back. And of course we can't complain of our pints of No. 15 beer. A perfect compliment to the meal.

We usually enjoy a lunch or dinner out about once a week and decided on last night with it probably being fairly crowded everywhere tonight with it being valentines day. Therefore, after our long walk at the park yesterday we swung by Trader Joes for a roasted veggie pizza, some salad fixins, and later Whole Foods for brownie mix. This will all make a quick no mess dinner for our Valentines day, all finished off with hot fudge brownie sundaes while we enjoy a snuggle-a-thon and movie.

It was so nice to get out for a long walk yesterday. My body has been craving one and despite the upcoming cool weather, I plan on bundling up and taking more this week.

My belly is satisfied with candies from my love and my heart is full of happy. I hope everyone is doing equally as well.

"hello mudda, hello fadda"

2009-02-04T16:23:00.001-06:00

Make a list of 5 things you can see without getting up:
-glass baby bottle full of tacks

-e’s dirty hat

-picture of lilly may in a field of yellow flowers

-yoga mat

-yarn with knitting needles sticking out of it

2. How do you style your hair?
down and as it will or in a pony tail with some bobby pins for the unruly

3. What are you wearing now?
slip on canvas shoes, baselayer covered with brown corduroy pants, white t-shirt with pink and brown long sleeve button up on top. Mountain/stream necklace.

4. What's your occupation?
clinical assistant at medical research place. A.k.a. Tube wrapper/plasma bagger/message taker

5. Do you nap a lot?
nope, but I love me some sleep

6. Who was the last person you hugged?
person is e, but living creature would be chloe dog

7. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?
oranges, crafting, writing, baking

8. What was the last thing you ate today?
bite of rice and tofu while I made dinner for later

9. What was the last text message you received?
one from e yesterday.

10. What websites do you always visit when you go online?

Livejournal, people’s food blogs, yahoo for my mail

11. What was the last thing you bought?
two bags full of goodness at the thrift shop on Monday.

12. What are you listening to right now?
my own typing.

13. What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
that “camp is very entertaining, I think I’ll have some fun when it stops raining” song. E’s never heard of it…and he’s an eagle scout! How does that happen?

14. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
flying. Or something.

15. What is your favorite weather, and why?
warm warm warm. Hot even sometimes. Because I’m a chilly willy. I won’t complain at length of the heat, but the cold gets right down to my bones.

16. If you could play any musical instrument, which one would you play?
piano, oh and I will!

17. How are you?
pretty great. Rumbly belly from popcorn, but otherwise no complaints. Happy.

18. What's something you'd like to say to someone right now?
I love you to lilly may and give her some snuggles.

veggie food survey thinger!

2009-02-02T20:58:00.004-06:00

1. Favorite non-dairy milk?
organic rice dream! ...but usually just drink trader joes original unsweetened soy.

2. What are the top 3 dishes/recipes you are planning to cook?
lemon-poppy seed muffins, a good red curry at home, chocolate thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam.

3. Topping of choice for popcorn?
sea salt and nothing but...mmmmm!

4. Most disastrous recipe/meal failure?
oh gosh, those cookies that turned to practical glass on the pan and would not come off. think it was a flax seed mishap.

5. Favorite pickled item?
is relish pickled at all? cause that zuchini relish from Mama Hill was the best thing ever. Especially in tofu salad sandwiches.

6. How do you organize your recipes?
in a bookmarks folder, on a shelf of the bookshelf (all the books), and currently a recipe binder is in the making..in pieces on my arts/crafts table.

7. Compost, trash, or garbage disposal?
i'm craving an area for compost and tinkering in my head to make it happen. e and i are working to find a plan for this. i hate throwing those wonderful goodies in the trash bin.

8. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 foods…what would they be (don’t worry about how you’ll cook them)?
red curry with tofu medium spicy on steamed jasmine rice, red grapes, fresh spring rolls
9. Fondest food memory from your childhood?
grandma sitting and peeling apples into slivers for me to munch on.

10. Favorite vegan ice cream?
mmm. fruit sweetened. that purely decadent line. mm mmmm mm. i love soy ice cream so much, but have slowly been limiting the quantity. tough.

11. Most loved kitchen appliance?
food processor? i don't want to pick!

12. Spice/herb you would die without?
basil!!! "basil on my body, basil in my belly!"
13. Cookbook you have owned for the longest time?
the garden of vegan, i think.

14. Favorite flavor of jam/jelly?
raspberry for some things, grape with biscuits, it all depends friend

15. Favorite vegan recipe to serve to an omni friend?
cookies, cinnamon rolls. baked goods pretty much.

16. Seitan, tofu, or tempeh?
tofu. hands down.
17. Favorite meal to cook (or time of day to cook)?
dinner, and dessert. love the baking.

18. What is sitting on top of your refrigerator?
just dust. it's inset.

19. Name 3 items in your freezer without looking.
fruit sweetened soy ice cream for me. chunky mint madness soy ice cream for e. veggie dumplings.

20. What’s on your grocery list?
produce! (grapes, sweet potatoes, salad makings, grapes, strawberries, oranges), tofu, organic raisin bran for me, granola for e, soy milk. that sort of thing.

21. Favorite grocery store?
wild oats! but since whole foods shut 'em down we usually go to trader joes, the fruit stand, and deirbergs, and to whole foods for a hard to find bit or vitamins.

22. Name a recipe you’d love to veganize, but haven’t yet.
guess try to make some waffles. i don't really know. i only know when i'm craving it and then decide to make it.

23. Food blog you read the most. Or maybe the top 3?
pretty much anything i can get my eyes on! livejournal vegan food blogs and such plus the many i have bookmarked. just found http://nowheyjose.com and am liking it a lot! where i got this survey from infact!

24. Favorite vegan candy/chocolate?
did someone say candy? mmm.. how about what i want? peanut butter cups, chocolate covered caramels. i love a good dark chocolate bar. any mint/chocolate combo.

25. Most extravagant food item purchased lately?
nothing really. been trying to be thrifty.

26. If you could eat dinner at a vegan cookbook author’s home, who would it be?
Isa Chandra Moskowitz

yesterday was my favorite day of the week, by surprise

2009-01-30T10:28:00.004-06:00

I power-wrote my speech before heading out to St. Peters to visit Mamba before class. This cute face greeted me at the door full of love and cuddles. E and I can't wait to steal her back.

Walking into the kitchen there was flour, soy milk powder, egg replacer, scattering the countertop. I asked Mamba what she was doing and she stated, "making you a cake!".

What she really did was made my day. So, my evening was spent eating cupcakes, drinking grape juice, and playing games while releasing a fair share of giggles. All before going off to deliver a well-received speech and heading home to my love.

I need more days like that. No doubt about it.

yummy foods lately!

2009-01-24T12:27:00.004-06:00

Cinnamon rolls from a recipe in The Joy of Vegan Baking
-they were delicious, how can cinnamon rolls NOT be, but I do like the ones I made on Christmas morning with a different recipe better. These ones were a little more bready and not as gooey. I'll keep fiddling and combining til it's just right. Either way, not a crumb of these rolls remains. :)

No-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie from The Joy of Vegan Baking
-Delicious! Next time I'd probably add more soy milk, but this one's a winner for sure.

Corn-Flake Crusted "Chicken", Peas and Corn, and Potatos
-"Chicken" recipe from the Match website and it was soo sooo good. We want this again SOON. I was trying to think up a side and we have a bag of yukon golds so I sliced up a few, stirred in soy milk, earth balance, parsley, some other seasonings, and a bit of nutritional yeast and popped them in the oven. This was a great warm home-cooked meal that really hit the spot.

...zzzzzz....

2009-01-17T15:32:00.003-06:00

mmmmmmm! That there is delicious Animal Lovers pizza with vegan mozeralla from City O City in Denver, CO. Seitan sausage and pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers. Yum yum yum. Unanimously decided to be the best eats of the trip. We also got a chocolate banana cupcake, and "hostess" cupcake to go which we thoroughly enjoyed later that evening.

Food Food Food.
It's all about food.
Or at least that's what it seams like lately as I've been cooking and baking up a storm. Creamy sweet corn soup with cous cous and roasted corn. Lemon Bars. Stir-fry with quinoa. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. Corn flake breaded "chicken". Roasted root vegetables. Home-made cinnamon rolls. Lemonpepper pasta.
Needless to say, our bellies have not been neglected.

Otherwise I am very very tired and don't know why. Always. Sleep Sleep Sleep, nap later, Sleep Sleep Sleep some more, yawn through work. Repeat. Trying to get to the bottom of it though. Doesn't quite make sense.

Started rereading a favorite book, "A Language Older Than Words". Possibly the favorite book.

School starts again next week and that's...something. Everything's all lined up and ready to go at least.

I want to see Coraline when it comes out. Looks kinda charming.

All in all, smiles abound, and I'd love a glass of fresh juiced apples on ice.

sleepy bear is back in town

2009-01-11T22:14:00.003-06:00

We're back from our two week adventure and settling in. Groceries in the cupboard and fridge and clothes clean and in drawers. Our travels were fantastic. More details on that later. I love Estes Park and Crestone was fantastic. New Mexico had way more snow than expected and I was full of sick, but it was fun as well. All in all a lot of fun was had but it's also good to be back home. Work begins again for E and I both on Tuesday so one more day of getting things together and a little bit of lazy. School will start one week after that. Just cross your fingers for me that the financial aid pans out. Hoookay. Belly fulla roasted root veggies and chocolate peanut butter pie and eyes and head full of tired. Mmm life.

snuggle bears abound

2008-12-26T13:47:00.005-06:00

Christmas morning Mamba's home was filled with the smell of cinnamon as my from scratch vegan rolls rose and baked. Two trays of gooey wonderfulness were devoured, fingers were licked, and bellies were filled.

Myself and E were both unnecessarily spoiled, but appreciate anything someone chooses to do for us. The time spent with my loves was a wonderful gift in itself.

We were able to have Little Bit to ourselves overnight last weekend and it meant so much to me to have that time with him. To fill him up with love and smoothies. He's such a joyful kid. I hope to be so lucky.

Seems to only get better. Tonight the bellies of myself, E, and 5 or 6 other very favorite people will be filled with Thai food while we play catch with our memories. Then tomorrow we're off on a grand two week road trip. To mountains and brews and what I can only imagine will be so much beauty and love.

Yep yep, I'll take it.

nearly noon and still naked

2008-12-17T11:20:00.002-06:00

Love. Love! Love?
What is it?
I think it must include the following:
Making from scratch veggie pot pies with pictures and messages of scrap dough.
Collecting piles of beard hairs on the pillow corner and then scattering them away with a wish.
Researching straw bale houses and thinking, "maybe".
Dreams of gardens and canning and sewing and freedom.
Eating popcorn or frozen treats in bed...a lot, and stealing little bites when mine is all gone. Not getting mauled with the spoon for doing so.
Knowing that sometimes a late night drive, bike ride, treat, is what I need to settle my thoughts and give me hope.
Just...being.

Also, craving the grasp of a certain little boys fingers around one of my own. Watching him press the music button and then dance dance dance. Wanting to steal him away for a day and show him all the beautiful things possible so they can wiggle their way into his soul.

Family, board games, and stove popped corn.

Mmmm, stove popped corn.

what i wish for

2008-12-03T14:22:00.003-06:00

To lounge in a big warm tub that never gets cold. To put together puzzles by the fireplace while drinking hot tea and nibbling on cookies. To snuggle the day away.

sometimes it sure feels that way

2008-10-02T21:22:00.000-05:00

I always forget with these things.

2006-12-11T23:03:00.000-06:00

I'll never be able to remove the pinecones. It'd feel too cold and lonely without 'em.

I've finally got it right. Now let's keep it up kid!

Looking through my albums made me feel really aged today, but not in a bad way. It was just a really strange feeling.

That explaining thing? Well, I don't feel like it right now, but maybe one day.

Sleeve instead of back is what I really think I'd like. I have to readjust all that sometime anyway.Racoon, birds, and such. You're included...if your name's Gussy or Bub.

Heart fulfillment this coming weekend. Yes!

Yeah, that'll do it.

slip slidin'

2006-12-09T23:30:00.000-06:00

I've been absent from lives and gatherings and communication. I'm trying to get some things figured out, gathered, straightened in my head. I'll be back soon. I hope.

Expect something long and maybe too explanatory tomorrow...or maybe Monday, but could be Tuesday. You never know with these things.

my mouth tastes like poo...wanna make out?

2006-12-04T23:51:00.000-06:00

Yeah, it’ll be hard but completely worth it. I only have one insecurity about it all, and insecurity I don’t believe to be the actual word for it. Just a general worry maybe. A concern of sorts. Having to do with the $ of course. Debt. I’d like to rid myself of it as quickly as possible and find a way to never have any more. Then there’s the school thing. I love to learn and am great at self-educating, but I want to go back eventually, I think. I don’t want debt following me till death.

Squirrels live in my ceiling and play me songs with their scratches. Today I left corn on the windowsill to encourage them to stay.

To the garlic taste in my mouth: You could go away anytime now. I’ll pay the bus fare.

A better tomorrow.

I don't know why I like it centered.

2006-12-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

Something is off with my cooking, baking, general food preparation. It is my belief that what you are feeling, your emotions and general way of being, is reflected in your cooking. That it’s reflected in anything you do for that matter, so this especially strikes me as odd. The reason I feel it’s odd being that I am feeling more at peace than I can ever recall feeling. Maybe it’s just that I’m directing those feelings toward the wrong things. Maybe my baking is suffering because this energy is to be spent on something else. I’ll experiment and continue fiddling with a number of things to see what comes of it. I am trying to aim toward moving away from much concern with food anyway. That’s not entirely true, for I am concerned with it being natural, organic, and fair trade if possible, but beyond that I have some different plans. I’ll explain or elaborate a bit below.

This explanation has to do with my belief that of the seven deadly sins mine would no doubt, not even a small percentage of one, be gluttony. Be it beverages, food, time, anything I put it down, fly through it. Quick to become drunk, stuffed, annoyed at my own consumerism which I try so hard to shy away from. I guess that’s all I want to say about that right now, really. Continuing to work on it and giving this area of my life a bit extra focused energy is my solution.

I don’t want you to invest so much in me.

I need to be alone until it’s just as right as it can be.

Can’t speak if you aren’t willing to listen.

Just because I’m not doing what you consider to be valuable or important doesn’t mean it isn’t. To each his own and mine is good for me. I hope with all my hope of hope that yours is good for you as well.

Running With Scissors, Fur. Just movies, but ones I am excited to see.

Someone who wants nature and gardening and living on the land and adventures and not the typical work day and not just because it’s what I want, but because they are just as passionate about it as well.

Need out of here. I think I’ll be going back and forth a lot and traveling and tids of this and bits of that. If I could I’d go right now, but I care too much. August is not so distant as it seems and love love love until then, for it will be missed. That’s unavoidable.

Knowing me a year you haven’t even begun to figure it out. Those that have been with me my entire life haven’t an entire clue. Don’t act so sure. It’s rather annoying. As I’m sure I often am as well.

I’ve been feeling more peaceful. More in tune. More me. Even those things I haven’t yet fully come to manage or take control of I’m still aware of, and will work harder on just as soon as I can. Slow progress is maybe the best kind, or at least not bad. Allowing oneself to adjust to change slowly and there being a more likely possibility for them to stick rather than rushed changes which can often backfire.

Always much growing to be done.

I just feel kind of amazing.

there's a belly hiding down there, don't be fooled

2006-11-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

Today I found a large sum of money I didn’t even realize I had. Tucked away in one of my hiding spots. I’ve never forgotten about having even five dollars, much less more. I hardly ever have any so keep track of every penny, but this is pretty neat as far as money things go. They are pretty silly. Gifts for family though so I’m glad I forgot. I don’t mind forgetting on those kinds of things.

This room is the coziest of places right now. Very much home. Very much me. Mmm.

Brainwaves coming in saying that games, apple cider, vegan cookies all mixed together in one glorious night is needed soon.

May May radiates joy right now when outside. What Fall is for me, winter is for her.

So, when asked to make a Wish List is it strange to ask for bulk organic soy beans? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

Am I the only one that’s completely blown away by the fact that it’s an hour from December, that it’s nearly 2007, that this year has gone by more quickly than comprehendible?

Oh my oh my. Goodnight strangers.

dust bowls

2006-11-30T03:32:00.000-06:00

My farts smell real intersting today.

Lilly May smells like a hamster.

I didn't treat myself with too much respect today. Then tried and felt better, but then didn't some more. We're back on good terms now, but that was not a fun little spiff we got into. My body and I.

The soil switched to feeling like warm muffins to ice trays under my feet. Very quickly.

I'll have apple cider in the morning and toast to the way things are, the way they'll be, and the glorious trip I'll have in getting there.

leaf skeletons are real purty

2006-11-28T10:39:00.000-06:00

Short shaved and loved but now drooling for dreadlocks. Why such opposing extremes?

Appearance wise I often forget what I look like. So no big hurry either way. It's all fun though. I'll let it go how it chooses and tend it along the way.

When walking I guess I just assume they can see the inside of me rather than the outside. Hope they can see that peace I'm building from taking in the smells, temperature, colors, lack of colors, quiet time with my pooch friend, and just breathing, so it catches me off guard when I see an uncomfortable glance. More happy then those though. Good mornings and hellos. Even if they don't always respond. I'm feeling amazing and that really is the only thing which matters much right now.

I won't let it stop me from going. But there or there? And should THAT wait longer? Hmph I want to be living that life now so why wait, but will I wish it were different later? Probably not. It's never too late. No big moves until August anyway, but the ants are starting to wiggle and eager to show me the way.

Health from the inside out and doing the best I can to be the me…get it got it good! I'll let you know how it goes and more details on that later.

I'm really happy, if eager.

I'm very content, if antsy.

It all really is good.

cha cha cha changes!

2006-11-27T22:16:00.000-06:00

Yep. They're happening, but you can't see them because they're inside. Untouchable. Woo. Some you might see later, but that's unavoidable. Action action. Can't wait to get out of here for a spell. Sara needs her travels. Fulfillment. Sha-wing!

Missing Strangers

2006-11-20T22:58:00.001-06:00

It's funny how we punish ourselves without really realizing it's punishment. Funny in a not funny way. That kind. With the realization of these punishments being reached I think it'll help. Not easy, but clearer.

As usual I just need to try hard not to forget. To always remember. That being one of the largest challenges.

Patience Donkey

2006-11-19T10:10:00.000-06:00

I get my shit together starting...NOW, or maybe it was an hour ago, but this morning in whatever form.

I need to change the way I'm living. Everchanging. Not a bad thing anymore. It can be if I'm running, but I'll stay put for this. For now.

Walking the pooch always. No slacking. She shouldn't have to deal with my bum dump ways when they're here.

Meals at regular intervals and with nutrition packed goodness.

Not drinking very much when I do. Except water, and lots of that.

I want to ride my bicycle. I want to ride my bike! So..do that.

Work on opening up to others.(more on this later)

Reading more on "spirituality", Buddhism, and more. Getting back to that frame of mind that allows me to live more at peace with myself and feel how I think I should.The way I feel best at least.

Meditation and yoga, often.

Picking up.

Communication. Do it more and get to know people better. Always.

Change, love, live, celebrate, and hug often.

It shouldn't be so hard, but right now it's feeling that way. It's just a difficult time of year for me with the "holidays". I'll figure it out.

Challenge makes us stronger and I've been dealt a big share of them without dying yet. This should be a piece of cake.

green gunk

2006-11-13T09:44:00.000-06:00

This

This

and This

..but I just can't seem to get it right. I'll let you turn to me, gladly, but I won't turn to you. It's the way I go and in this case it's often the wrong way, but I don't know how to do any differently.

Don't want to count on others. Can't let them see you weak. Can't let them comfort you because you could be too vulnerable and show how scared and non-strong you really are.

...and then you cry and scream and cuddle a pooch and it isn't better but at least something...something..is released.

rainbow carrots?

2006-11-12T03:08:00.000-06:00

Sleepy, happy, cranky, but happy, cold, but warming up. raaaaaaa and yaaaa! hot and cold. light and dark. crazy and sane. You get it.

My best friend will be back tomorrow night and then we can cuddle our way into the night while she licks my cheek ever so excitedly.

yes.