absolutely spooktacular

What can I really say? No tricks, just treats. Hope your Halloween was just as happy :)

vegan for a day

Throughout the blogosphere yesterday, omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike completely omitted every last trace of animal product from their daily lifestyle. I too, participated in becoming Vegan-4-a-Day. Why me? I wanted to see: if I could handle the pressure challenge, how I felt (physically and mentally), and whether or not I truly enjoyed it. 

Why vegan? Vegan Action says that... veganism, the natural extension of vegetarianism, is an integral component of a cruelty-free lifestyle. Living vegan provides numerous benefits to animals' lives, to the environment, and to our own health–through a healthy diet and lifestyle. Read on to explore my own cruelty-free food diary:

I rolled out of bed at about 9:00 am on Thursday and pranced downstairs to make myself some breakfast. Into the bowl went a half cup of rolled oats, sliced strawberries and banana, and a few splashes of almond milk. I then popped it into the microwave, made myself  green tea, and brought the complete meal upstairs for my morning blog reading.

So far so good, right? Yes, except I have to admit, breakfast was not a challenge, at all. I basically have this bowl each and every morning anyway. I did, however, consciously photograph it on top of the Fitness magazines that I'm mailing to Marie. She wants to see my name in print too ;). And, I'm going to be doing a short-term internship there over my winter break! I'm so excited to work with their editorial staff again!

At eleven, I went to my Magazine Editing class where we discussed writing for the web :). Afterwards, my old roommate came by the house to have lunch with me. Grilled cheeses were on the menu, (eek, not vegan,) so I had the standard soup and salad instead.

I made sure to check that Carol used the vegan tomato soup recipe (yes!) and that my new Canadian-imported hummus didn't break any rules (nope!) and proceeded to eat in peace as I caught up on life with my sweet friend. Making the right choices wasn't stressful at all, it just took a little more thought and research. 

Speaking of, I knew that I wanted to have a beer last night so I used this site to find one that was vegan. My grand-little and I (sorority talk) went out to Dolce Vita for dinner and bonding :). I was, once again, very impressed with the internationally-inspired menu and bistro.

Alongside my Blue Moon, I had a small house salad to start my meal. The fresh greens, sunflower seeds, jicama, dried cranberries and a jewel vinaigrette (vegan, yes I checked) were yummy. Oh and before I forget, I was not starving before this meal because I'd had a Glo bar as an afternoon snack. Who says that veganism = deprivation?!

As my main course, I ordered the Vegan Lasagna (fresh grilled vegetables, tofu, and vegan "cheese" with tomato basil sauce.) I know I've said this before, but the only time I prefer anything but the real thing is when we're talking lasagna. The original just never did it for me like this one did.

So how'd it go?! I obviously did it, I think ate well, and I honestly felt great the entire time. Success! I know that some people struggled for different reasons but I was so fine that I'm actually considering "converting." I'm hesitant to say completely, because I would never want to avoid the foodie pleasures around the world that aren't necessarily vegan-friendly, and yet, I know that I'm passionate about my health and the world I live in. To veganize or not to veganize?

Only time will tell I suppose, thank you Katy and Michelle for the experience.

smile, the universal language

Oh my gosh, I am so wired right now! I have been awake since 4:40 am this morning finishing up work for today. Yes it was a happy halloweekend ;). Anyway, since I have about a half an hour until I have to get ready for yoga, I thought I'd let you know how my weekend with my Mom ended...

On Sunday morning we awoke to the dull Syracuse weather. By contrast, we felt bright and sunny and well-rested. Rather than go out a movie the night before we simply bought one and watched in from the comfort of our B&B bed.

After taking showers and getting ready, we headed downstairs for the second part of the promise, breakfast. We joined the 10 other guests at the dining room table for coffee, fruit, juice, and muffins.

In true Sunday morning fashion, however, we were also served a plate. On it, two delectable slices of french toast with macadamia nuts and a pear and pineapple compote along with bacon of which I ever so politely passed on. Maybe the boy will have to try this for his next special breakfast?

We then drove back over to campus and walked around through the familiar and unfamiliar. I finally had the chance to go inside this store, for example.

A few hours later we headed over to Dolce Vita for lunch. Neither of us were hungry, per se, but my mom was boarding a train soon for the five hour ride home. Basically we had no other choice but to try the new "international bistro bar and kitchen" that I had read about in the paper :).

According to their website, "Every two weeks Dolce Vita presents a new menu of authentic dishes from around the world to compliment our world-infused daily menu, which takes simple American staples and infuses them with flavors from around the globe. " Yum.

To begin we ordered the sun-dried tomato hummus appetizer. My Mom and I were both blown away by how good it was. However, to be a multidimensional critic, I will warn that DV's Bloody Mary is anything but good. My mommy told me so.

As for our entrée plates, we ordered two large salads. Even my mom said that she didn't feel like she had eaten enough greens in the past weekend so she couldn't think of anything else that she was craving more. Ah, I have taught you well :).

For dessert we each had brownie square that the B&B owners so generously left in our bedroom. I love brownies, love 'em! Not sure if you're aware, but I'm neither a fan of cakes (except carrot) nor pies (other than apple) so these scrumptious baked goods are most often my dessert treat of choice. 

At that is that, within two hours my mom was on her way home and I was back at my Syracuse home. My last two weekends have been so wonderful that I doubt that these next few will be able to compare. Ha, speaking of: I will recap some of my trick or treat activities soon but for now, I leave you with these quotable magnets. They surrounded our table at DV. Happy Monday my sweets!