Running Across Animal Exploitation

Summer. It's a magical time for kids where clocks have basically disappeared and the sun never sets. A few weeks back we made a page full summer fun bucket list, and since then we have checked off quite a few. One on our list was Six Flags. This was put on there because Aiden received a free pass from his school for reading a certain amount of hours over a period of time. I am fully aware of the Sea World issues that have gone on. Peta2 even has an entire campaign dedicated to making the public aware of the abuse and stress the animals are put under on the daily. I knew deep down Six Flags was really no different than any other company normalizing the exploitation of animals and also that they would  ever get a cent from me. Now if I wanted to turn the other cheek and rationalize the whole "cool rides, awesome experience for the kids" thing in my head I probably could, but I won't and neither should you! 
Coming up this month is the famous California State Fair that will be added to our list of events/places we will never be attending again unless it's to protest or leaflet, possibly. I can recall last year Cody and I went with a few other couples and seeing the animals being auctioned off broke my heart. I remember feeling I couldn't watch it, but I couldn't look away either. I was helpless much like the animals, but my body sure was not the one going to be slaughtered within a matter of days. Although they couldn't do anything, I can. 
A few weeks back we went out to Downtown Tuesday Nights with the family and of course they had "pony rides". Oh so effing fun, right?!? Aiden thought it would have been, so he asked Grandma. His Grandma who loves him to the moon and back and really only wants to see him happy. As soon as I saw where this was going I think I might have had a mini heart attack. Let's just say I do believe I looked like a complete idiot trying to explain why we are not going to ride on a pony's back. Animal exploitation is a concept you can't just throw in someones face and expect them to latch on to, so I took a smaller step. I believe I went with "It's one hundred plus degrees out here...would you like if I jumped on your back while you are attached to a metal pole?" Yeah, I did not think so. By the way, I am working on trying not to come across as a total bitch, I just get so worked up. Back in October at a harvest festival the big kids did actually ride horses, so this is where the confusion came from. On the way home we talked the talk that comes up often. The one that goes "Just because we did it before doesn't make it right. We are all learning, learning together". All I know is I am so glad our kids are learning at such a young age, and with us. It makes us all completely connected. 


Well, now that I just got done explaining a few things we didn't do this summer i'll have to share later in the week some awesome things we have been doing at home to beat the heat! 

Oh! I came across THESE tonight and let's just say, I know what i'll  be doing this Sunday morning. 

Adoro la Pasta!

In our home we adore pasta...searching for and creating our own pasta dishes has been such a success lately. Here are three that are a must try! 

This recipe is going strait to my favorites list. It's from 

Going Home to Roost , and could not be tastier!

Click HERE for the full recipe. 

Another pasta recipe I was fully impressed with come from VeganYumYum. 

I made this last Sunday night after coming home from an exhausting day in SanFran. It was done in no time, and everyone was thrilled to eat it. 

Hurry Up Alfredo
Makes 2-3 Servings

1 Cup Soymilk (I used almond)
1/3 Cup Raw, Unsalted Cashews
1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast
3 Tbs Low-Sodium Tamari or Soy Sauce
2 Tbs Earth Balance Margarine
1 Tbs Tahini
1 Tbs Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp Paprika (smoked is awesome)
1 Pinch Nutmeg
2-4 Cloves of Garlic, optional
Black pepper, to taste

Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Cook your choice of noodles, drain, and return to heated pot. Pour sauce over noodles and heat through. While heating through lightly steam a few heads of broccoli, chop, and add to pot. Serve. Your children will think you're amazing. 

This next recipe is not as simple as the previous two, but surely worth the work. Sadly, this is the only photo I can find of it (though I have made it multiple times). 

You can find this recipe over at the Go Vegan Meow! 

The Tofu Ricotta recipe I seriously LOVE is as follows: 

1 block of extra firm tofu, drained and crumbled

1 1/2 tablespoons tahini

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

pinch of nutmeg

1/2 tablespoon mellow white miso 

1 squeeze of a lemon

pinch of pepper

2 tablespoons of chopped parsley

Mix & mash it all together! 

I like a nice big salad to go with any pasta dish. I am not a fan of store bought dressings, and rarely use any type of dressings anyways. My fav has always been avocado with a little s&p. When I do want a good Italian dressing though I make up a batch of this...

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dired parsley

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

a pinch of salt

1/2 cup white vinegar 

1 1/2 cups EVOO

4 tablespoons water 

 Mix all dry ingreedients together in a jar and add in wet. Place lid on jar and shake! Store in refrigerator. 

US Veg Week starts this Monday folks! Incorporate some of these great recipes into your meal plan next week!

-Samantha 

269 International

 Just a few photos from the 269 worldwide event. I was so glad one was held in Sacramento right off the steps of the Capital. Taking steps to becoming active in vegan community is exciting. And overwhelming. I am going to tell you this right now...when I do something I DO it. I don't just kind of get into it and enjoy the view from the sidelines. Some might call this a problem because I tend to take on a lot. But It's not like I do it all in one day. It's all about spreading it out and creating a balance. If your heart calls you to something...you gotta do it. Run with it and see where it takes you. I have started planning a vegan pot luck for the beginning of May. I can't wait for our family and friends to experience some awesome vegan dishes. 
It's spring break, so all three kiddos are home today...that means we are keeping this short and sweet! 

Execuse-itarian to Vegan!

Cody and I are so very excited to hear Colleen Patrick-Goudreau speak next weekend at the Sacramento Vegan Society! Her topic is "From Excuse-itarian to Vegan: Addressing the Blocks and Excuses that keep Us from Making Changes". If you're interested please do check out her site! I absolutely LOVE her podcast. I listen to quite a few a week while I am getting ready in the morning, making lunches, and general prepping for the day before the kiddos wake up. Cody thinks he's funny, and likes to call it my church time. 
But in all reality this is such a convenient way for me to obtain the knowledge I crave and gives me the confidence to actually talk about what I know is right and share it with the vegcurious and closed hearted. 

Saturday Morning Dinner Planning

Saturday mornings we usually spend meal planning, and then making a trip to the Neighborhood Market Walmart followed by Whole Foods. Just thought I would share what I typically do to plan out our week dinner wise. I start by raiding my Pinterest for recipes I have pinned earlier in the week. Next I head to my emails from from friends with recommendations, and those are usually my favorite. I have entire "book" (aka: a million random go-to recipes stored in my head) that I usually will pick from as well as requests from the Hubs. 
This is what this week is looking like so far. Oh, and I don't tend to plan what we will eat on what day. That's a little too structured for me. Tried it, didn't like it. 

 Breakfast has always been one of my favorite things to have for dinner. Omlettes, toast, country potatoes, and "bacon". Don't forget the coffee. We haven't done that since our transition becoming vegan, and I really miss it. Not the eggs, just the meal idea. So when I came across this Vegan Indian Omlette I was ecstatic! 

This Veggie Calzone with Roasted Garlic Cream looks amazing! I'm really excited to try out this one. Served with a huge salad and it sounds like perfection. 

I have had my eye on these Southwestern Eggrolls for a few days. They are baked and filled with yummy goodness. I'll most likely serve these with chips/salsa and Mexican rice. 

Tempeh is something I have yet to try and I think this is the week I will do so! Bok Choy and Tempeh Tacos will fit the bill. 

I usually will plan a few special snacks and/or a healthy desert for the week as well. 
Making my own applesauce is something I have wanted to give a go for a while now and now seeing this, from Carrie on Vegan it's a must. It's so simple. Buy the apples (12-15). Cut & place in crockpot. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Eat 4 hours later. Amazingly simple. 

I make kale chips 1-2 times a week. All you need for my simple Kale Chips  are kale, a little EVOO, pinch of salt and/or nutritional yeast. This kale chip recipe is also from Carrie on Vegan (yes, i'm her newest follower). I'm sure these sour cream and onion kale chips will be a hit with the hubby. 

No, for all you sillies out there, I am not depriving my children of mac and cheese just because we went vegan. I'll be trying out this recipe from Leafy Greens and Me. I'll most likely keep this meal simple and serve it with a mushroom or chickpea burger and cauliflower. 

In addition to these I will most likely add in a Black Bean Taco Salad, a version of these Riblet Quesodillas, and I might just leave a free night for some WF Pizza or Chipolte. ;)

Visiting Animal Place

Animal Place. I have written about this magnificent place recently, and to actually visit it was incredible. We took a drive up to Grass Valley one afternoon and it truly reminded us why we have gone vegan and more importantly to show the kids how human like and gentle these animals we take for granted every day really are. 

This 600 acre sanctuary allows NO meat, eggs, or dairy into it's gates. I know, it's a dream. 

This is Stanley and Theo. You can read all about them HERE. 

This was an old girl who had really bad arthritis, but was as sweet as could be. When we have enough land, and the timing is right we plan to set out to rescue a pig. I have wanted to do that for so many years, and I am pretty sure the Hubs is on board now. 

It was great to see them just be kids. Climbing rocks and getting dirty. 

These photos really don't do justice to how beautiful Animal Place is. I might have been a little caught up to take more. The cows there are the BIGGEST cows I have ever seen in my entire life. Happy, healthy, magical. I am not going to lie...I was a little intimidated by their size. 

Raising Vegan Children

This morning is listen to Colleen's podcast on raising vegan children. It was a huge inspiration. Cody and I talk quite often on raising the children vegan and exactly how we want to do so.

This has been one of the few challenges of going vegan. The kiddos. Not in how they are reacting to the change in diet. This is all good, but in how others are. I understand that they are concerned. Most are indeed afraid of the unknown. I want to turn their fears into curiosity and their curiosity into being informed. Informed on our decisions in life and hopefully their own. 
There are so many instances where I am going to need to be prepared at events, family gatherings, and school functions.  But this is GREAT! Food is activism. Every chance there is to cook, to bring a dish, to introduce something delish to someone that never has opened their mind to veganism is a grand opportunity. 
To be a little more specific Colleen talks about how one of her good friends prepares a bag of treats for daughter's teacher to keep in the classroom for birthday celebrations and holiday events so she never feels left out or that it’s unfair. I absolutely LOVE this idea and will be doing the same. I want our kids to know that it's okay to not have the same thing that everyone else is having. We all make our own decisions and for different reasons. 
With kids I believe teaching is the key. For example, we explain to them why we don't drink the cows milk. "If we drink the cows milk what will their babies drink?" It is all about asking them the questions because they know the answers. We are all born with compassion. Everyone. We are taught somewhere along the line that it is okay to do harm, it's something learned and accepted as we get older. 
I want them to know that we don't have to have something sugary to celebrate someones birthday. I think we all need to lighten up on the obsession with food in the first place. 

Children have questions themselves. They know why we don't consume any animal products, but they wonder why others are eating meat, dairy, and eggs, especially those close to them. I let them know that most people don't think about what they are eating and don't necessarily realize that they are hurting animals. I think its important to not criticize others and point out that they don't know or are not ready to make the change. We don't want to raise them to be judgmental or have an issue of we are good they are bad. Life is a learning experience for us all. 

In the podcast she talks about reacting to situations where the child might consume non vegan food by accident. The key here is to make sure that if you are not around that they ASK if the food is vegan or not. This is something they will have to do their entire life as a vegan not living in a vegan world. 
As parents we must be sure of our own personal commitment and know why we are choosing to be vegan and be proud of that. We need to show them that we are making the right decisions, and never have it appear as they are missing out. Because they aren't and they need to feel that strong foundation. 

I do however expect respect from others, most importantly around the children. Whatever your stand be on veganism, vegetarianism, or the price or rice in china....respect is key. I not going to start on this right now...another post, another time. 

We want our children to want to be vegan. In the end it's their decision. We need them to stay connected to the animals. It's the small things that will make all the difference. Taking walks, visiting the beach, rescuing animals, planning vacations in nature, playing in the backyard, simply letting them enjoy the world around them. The best gift we can give to our children is to honor the empathy that they have for animals by letting their natural compassion they have guide us.

With all this said, if you have questions about how we are making the change over with the kids, what they think of it, or my personal opinions on any of this please do ask....I would love it! 

And I might just pin one these babies to the kiddos when not with me as a friendly reminder...

VegFest

We attended VegFest over the weekend! I wanted to share a few things with you guys that are really important. I'm most excited about Animal Place. If you haven't heard of it please visit their site. They are doing amazing things. I can't not wait to start volunteering in March. Ever heard of Veganic Farming? It's life changing. So you're vegan, sticking to a plant based diet and feeling pretty great that you are doing good. WRONG. All those veggies you eat are grown with bloodmeal, fish products, bone meal, feces, and other animal origin matter. Even the organic produce will consist of this. BARF. According to Stephanie Dohar there are only 7 Veganic Farms in the US. How lucky are we that we have one located less than an hour away! Animal Place is also a 600 acre animal sanctuary. It's calling my name guys, so I signed up this morning for the volunteer orientation coming up.

This was one of the most popular food tables. The Plum cafe & bakery located on k st. Their vegan chili looked to die for, and with how fast it went I am assuming it was. 

Hello, delicious. This beauty was from The Green Boheme. Next date night WILL be here. 

Rosalyna and I waiting for the next speaker. 

The Sacramento Vegan Society was there as well with tons of great information for making the grand switch over. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau will be speaking for them on the 17th of March. There is no way I will be missing this. I just started listening to Colleen's podcast this week and I have listening to way more than I thought I would in just a few days. So informational and eye opening. I love the reassurance it brings to me that this is how you are supposed to be living and loving on Earth. 

Aside from VegFest our weekend was filled with lots of Disney movies and nose blowing. Poor Miss Liv got the worst of it on Saturday night...let's just say we went through a few sets of sheets that night. Ugh. 

We got sick of being cooped up and decided to take a walk and feed the ducks. 

...and attempt to feed some geese that we came across. 

Yup, that would be the crazy Hubby. He really wanted the kids to see those geese. And about 20 seconds after this they flew off. 

Overall, a beautiful weekend. 

Oh, I almost forgot...

These were the BEST nachos I ever had. Seriously. And they were vegan. Yes, even the cheese and sour cream. They even got two thumbs up from Mr.Vaughn...that's sayin' somethin'!

Trial, Error, and Events.

So I tried a new recipe yesterday. And by tried I mean....I kinda read the instructions while little people tested my patience, I threw some stuff in my tiny food processor then transferred it to the stove. It turned out okay. I think someone else should try it though because it looks amazing, and i'm pretty sure I just messed it up a little. It was the consistency that got me. 

I ended up adding zucchini and mushrooms to mine. Try it out though and let me know how it goes! 

Visit Epicurean Vegan HERE. 

I went to Walmart yesterday to pick up some produce and brought along a few  items from my fridge that were not vegan and I knew no one was going to consume them in our house. I had the receipt ready, items marked. The woman at the customer service desk asked me if there was anything wrong with the items, I told her not necessarily, but right after my husband had done a grocery shopping trip last week we had decided to become vegan and incorporate a more plant based diet into our lifestyle. She seemed somewhat interested but wanted to know what we ate. I briefly told her of all the great substitutes and how this really has opened up another world of food possibilities. She replied, "I tried to be vegetarian for about 4 days, I didn't have the will power." 

I wish people would make the connection between the food they eat, and what who it is ACTUALLY is. It's frustrating. I did't say much after that because I didn't want to offend her. I did't want to be that crazy lady telling people how to think.

However, I want to change peoples minds. I want them to think outside the box, and make INFORMED decisions. 

There are a bunch of vegan and animal rights advocate groups in our area, and I can't wait to get involved. 

The 4th Annual VegFest is this weekend in Sacramento! It's top on my priority list, the Hubs might just be "sick" on Saturday to spend the day with the kiddos. Seriously. 

 I have had a one track mind lately when it comes to writing this week...however, I still have been crocheting and crafting like a mad man. Promise i'll post more on all things yarn, glue, and crazy kids this weekend! 

Let's Define.

A lot of folks do not technically know what being Vegan is. So here it is.

veg·an

noun\ˈvē-gən also ˈvā- also ˈve-jən or -ˌjan\

: a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products; also : one who abstains from using animal products (as leather)

— vegan adjective

— veg·an·ism noun

I would personally add on a few things to my definition to vegan. 

Making a cautious decision in everything little thing you decide to support. It's a lifestyle, a never ending journey of doing good. 

It's an easy decision, but it takes effort (like everything great in life does). 

It's speaking for those who can not, and choosing love over all. 

Our dinner was surprisingly delicious last night. I will admit...I had my doubts. It was a recipe Cody really wanted me to try out, so I did. 

It was my first time actually cooking lentils, couldn't be easier. The kids were even snacking on them plain prior to me adding them to my dish. 

Ingredients: 

1 Cup of Uncooked Lentils

2 Cups of Uncooked Brown Rice

Half of a large purple onion, chopped

Bell Pepper ( I used orange), thinly sliced

2 Cloves of Garlic, minced

2 Sweet Potatoes, cubed

4 Carrots, chopped 

1 Cup Vegetable Broth

2 Tbsp Green Curry 

1 Can of Coconut Milk

1 Tbsp Canola Oil

Fresh Cilantro

Cook the lentils and brown rice in separate pots according to directions on bag. Saute onion, bell pepper, and garlic in canola oil for about 5 minutes.

 Add the vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. 

Add the lentils, green curry seasoning, and the can of coconut milk. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Serve over the brown rice and top with cilantro. Easy Peasy. I have left overs for lunch today that I can not wait to eat! 

I'm Overloading Google.

Becoming Vegan is not an over night decision. It's a process of learning any and everything you possibly can, putting it into action, and sharing the knowledge with anyone who will listen (or read). I have overloaded Google with a billion questions this past week. This was what I focused on earlier this morning. 

Is sugar vegan?
Technically sugar is vegan. However, the way it is refined is not. In most cases white cane sugar is filtered with bone char. 

Many companies will call this "natural charcoal". This is to feed the consumer's need for the white 'pure' crystals. No need to fret, there are sugars that are completely char-free.  

Bone Char-Free Sugars Produced By U.S. Companies
Company	Brand Name
C&H Sugar	C&H Pure Cane Washed Raw Sugar C&H Pure Cane Certified Organic Sugar
Cumberland Packing Company	Sugar in the Raw
Domino Sugar	Domino Demerara Washed Raw Cane Sugar Domino Pure Cane Certified Organic Sugar
Florida Crystals	Florida Crystals Demerara Natural Sugar Organic Evaporated Cane Juice (granulated and powdered) Golden Granulated Evaporated Cane Juice Florida Crystals Milled Cane Natural Sugar Florida Crystals Certified Organic Natural Sugar
Great Eastern Sun	Sweet Cloud Organic Raw Cane Sugar
Hain Celestial Group	Hain Organic Brown Sugar Hain Organic Powdered Sugar
Shady Maple Farms	Shady Maple Farms Granulated Maple Sugar
Tropical Traditions	Rapadura Whole Organic Sugar
Wholesome Sweeteners	Light Muscovado Sugar Dark Muscovado Sugar Sucanat (granulated and powdered) Organic Sucanat (granulated and powdered)
NOTE: 100% Pure Beet Sugar is not passed through a bone char filter.

This is all great, but I would like to step outside of the traditional white cane sugar and venture into some of the natural and vegan options out there that I am personally excited to try. 

Agave Nectar is what I will be purchasing first. It is the juice from its plants leaves that is filtered, heated, and concentrated. It has anti-inflammatory and immune system boosting properties, including antimicrobial capability. I can't wait to whip up a batch of cookies! A few things I have learned about it though when it comes to baking to keep in mind...Agave is 1.4 times sweeter than sugar, adds additional liquid to the recipe, browns quicker, and will make the batter a bit stickier. You can take a look at the glycemic values of Agave Nectar compared to other vegan sweeteners. 

GLYCEMIC VALUES
Organic Agave Nectar 27
Fructose (fruit sugar) 32
Lactose (milk sugar) 65
Honey 83
High fructose corn syrup 89
Sucrose (sugar) 92
Glucose 137
Glucose tablets 146
Maltodextrin 150
Maltose 150

It's empowering to make informed decisions and know that you are giving yourself, your loved ones, and the earth the very best.