Vegan

Hi y'all! It's been a while, but rest assured I've been eating well, both near and far. For this post, let's talk about near:I'm not sure why I've never written about Straw before, but this carnival-themed eatery comes complete with a separate vegan menu full of tasty tasty options, like the portobello sandwich (above) served up with their infamously good sweet potato tots. The star of the show? A blueberry bbq sauce for dipping. YUM. I inhaled it before I snapped a picture, but I highly recommend their "hippie love" salad too. The combination of the peppery arugula, tangy cider vinaigrette, and briny green olives makes no sense (at least to me) but it really really works.In other news, I finally tried the nachos at Herbivore and OMG they are the best things ever. I am always dubious when it comes to plant-based cheeses, but whatever they are using, it kicks ass. Crispy chips covered in cheddar and sour cream with plenty of beans and guacamole and salsa really hit the spot. Try some, trust me. They are addictive and I want more right now.Ok, I'll be back soon with some more eats by the bay soon. Meanwhile, eat well!

As a late afternoon snack or an evening appetizer, this Summer Avocado Toast Pinwheel Platter serves up a colorful feast for the eyes with some very healthy-delicious flavors that follow. Fresh citrus from sweet and juicy navel oranges. Buttery avocado mingling with summer's freshest vine-ripened tomatoes. Sweet onion, diced into fine cubes. And the brisk and sunlight-filled flavor of fresh lemon juice marinating and mingling with the flavors in each bite. Some salt, pepper and optional spicy accents too. Get my recipe for this party or snack-approved pinwheel platter.. Read more » This is a summary, images and full post available on HHL website!

New recipes from Dreena Burton? I’m already drooling! I was so excited to hear that Dreena has put out an e-book with a bunch of new recipes that I thought it warranted a VM Daily Action post. In case you are a new vegan or haven’t had the good fortune to sample one or more of Dreena’s fabulous healthy and delicious vegan recipes yet, you’ll want to check out her site, www.plantpoweredkitchen.com or buy one of her fabulous cookbooks (they are all linked from her site). OR you can sample some of her newest in her first recipe e-book! Plant-Powered 15 is a collection of fifteen whole foods vegan recipes, all oil-free and flavor-full.  Recipes include: “Mac-nificent”, “Sticky Almond Blondies”, “Umami Sun-dried Tomato and Almond Burgers”, “Creamy House Dressing”, “Wonder Spread”, “Black Bean Soup with Sweet Potatoes”, “Almond Zen Granola”… and more! Just $6.95, order online! Click here to order yours…a great way to get (or stay) inspired about vegan food.

It was only a matter of time, Urban Housewives. The inevitable has arrived, and I am headed to Los Vegas for a bachelorette weekend with a few of my girlfriends. A friend is getting married, and of course these days it’s impossible to make it through your 20s without hitting Vegas for a pre-marriage party at least once or twice.  My apprehension is only half-kidding. I mean I’m totally excited for the weekend with the girls! But I’ve never been to Vegas, so I’m not exactly practiced in the art of gambling. How does a gal get seasoned in this stuff? And is it even necessary? Well, it’s obviously not required to be a table games pro before heading to the city of lights, but it certainly does make things a bit more fun. A friend was telling me that one of the best ways to get some experience under your belt is to play around with online games. Apparently you can even make a little money remotely playing WSoP poker, though I’m not sure my skill level will ever be that impressive! But it’s nice to know there are options to try it out online before taking the plunge in the casinos of Vegas. I have a terrible competitive streak, so it’s going to gut me just a bit to think all my girlfriends know the rules of the table and I don’t! To that end, I may just sneak in a few games online to get a handle on the setups and different kinds of games. You can also check out the other offerings Vegas has if you’re looking to spend a weekend there. There’s more to see than the craps tables, after all! Vegas boasts a ton of fabulous shows, and the world-class hotels are quite tempting for those of us in need of a little rest and relaxation. After all, what bachelorette girls weekend would be complete without a day by the pool or a trip to the spa? I could spend all day on that massage table, ladies! So I’m getting over my nerves and getting onto a plane – Vegas here I come! Wish me luck, both with the weather for the pool and the tables for the gambling. Though at the end of the day, I’m more excited about some quality time with the girls than either of those things, so I guess I won’t need too much luck, after all. Photo Credit: tj scenes The post Ladies Weekend in Vegas appeared first on .

When I first moved to Austin in 2003 I had a printout of all the vegetarian restaurants in town and I think we covered the list in the first weekend. It definitely fit on one sheet of paper. Mr. Natural, Mother’s, Veggie Heaven, and Casa de Luz were all there and are still around today. I think since these places have been around for so long that maybe people don’t realize how vegan friendly Austin has become in the intervening years. When recently Paul McCartney announced that Austin was the most vegan friendly city in the country I was surprised almost every vegan I know in Austin wrote something like “if only it was true” or “Portland is the most vegan friendly”. I also saw a lot of “Paul McCartney isn’t even vegan” and “Fuck Peta” etc. Then the Lonestar Plate did a post about vegan restaurants by the numbers and LA came out on top. It felt like I was the only person excited. Maybe I’m amazed easily.  Where once kitchen staff looked at you with complete condescension I have now had some of the best chef’s in Austin come out to ask me if I am enjoying the vegan items. A few months ago we asked Lenoir if they could make us a vegan four course meal, and they were happy to do it. The chef even came out to tell us about every course. I went to Swift’s Attic a few months ago and the chef heard there was a vegan at the table and came out to tell me about how they really wanted their vegan options to be special. I have had some truly amazing meals at places in our city that rival anything I’ve tried at vegan restaurants in New York, Portland, or San Francisco. Plus we have breakfast tacos aka the reason that Austin will always be better than the rest. The more we are out there saying we love vegan options and we will support restaurants that have them the more vegan friendly the city becomes. Then it is so much easier for new people to try more vegan items and realize it’s not all dairy free cheese and sprouts but a cuisine in it’s own right. And the more people eating vegan food the less animals have to suffer and trees get cut down to make way for grazing. Our vegan community in Austin is easily the best in the country (sorry other people but it’s true). We have so many different passionate groups working to further the cause in different ways. Vegans Rock Austin, for example, does mostly social events but through those so many people have become connected and started other groups. The forum is also the go-to spot on the internet to find out if something is really vegan. Texas Veg Fest grew from VRA and has put on one of the best vegan festivals in the country, and it’s only in the second year! Meanwhile, Vegan Drinks has been bringing all sorts of new folks together, the Vegan Party Barge has been rocking the lake for years, the Lonestar vegetarian chili cook-off is one of the longest running vegetarian events of all time, vegan bake sales have brought in tons of money to help animals, and the community keeps growing. Now there are single nights at Counter Culture. Rabbit Food Grocery has pop-up shops all over town bringing the best vegan products in the world to Austin Texas. The list keeps growing and all sorts of new things are in the works. And speaking of lists, that’s why I have been working on my Austin Vegan Guide for so long. I want you, whoever you are reading this, to try the vegan dishes at some of these places. If you don’t like what you get tell the staff. If you wish a pizza place would carry vegan pepperoni let them know, if you think someone is dumping way too much turmeric into their tofu scramble, shoot them an email. If you have an awesome meal at a non-vegan restaurant, write a yelp review about it so other vegans will find out. If a restaurant has a great special tell your social network. Veganism is probably the only ism out there where you can help the cause by eating out! Well I g

Event-Designers.com When planning your wedding, it’s easy to become flustered with all the preparations of sending out invitations, getting the venue ready and ensuring the dress fits – read our top tips to avoid becoming Bridezilla in the run-up to your big day. Keep it intimate If you’re keen to ensure your wedding is the personal experience you have in mind, plan for an intimate ceremony rather than inviting hundreds of guests. Having too many people present could make the wedding seem impersonal and also bump up your overall costs, so think carefully about who you really want to be in attendance at the ceremony. In the same vein, keeping things intimate means you can devote more of your budget to making sure each and every guest has a wonderful time, whether it be opting for a more luxurious dinner menu, spending a little more on the perfect wedding venue or choosing a sought-after entertainer for your reception. Don’t be too hard on yourself The pressure to get into your wedding dress might induce a desire for crash dieting, but in fact, embarking on a really stringent diet when you’re already under stress can make things worse. Devising your guest list and shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be all the more difficult if you’re working on an empty stomach with a headache, for example. Instead of deciding on a drastic diet, why not simply swap sugary snacks for healthy alternatives and attend a regular exercise class? Over a period of time, small changes can make all the difference, while exercise will release happy hormones and help you avoid low moods. Make time for loved ones When planning a wedding it’s all too easy to be totally enveloped by the preparations, and you may find you’re seeing less and less of your friends and family as the big day approaches. You can avoid this by ensuring you regularly make time to see those dearest to you, whether it’s a weekly night in with a DVD, monthly drinks or even just a quick coffee – regular catch-ups that are not connected to the wedding will be great stress-busters. However, if your family and friends are keen to get involved in the plans for your big day, find out if anyone has talents you could put to good use. A crafty friend might help you make wedding invitations, while musicians might help out with the entertainment on the big day, so spend some time bonding with your friends and family while working together to make your wedding day a real success. Stick to your budget Wedding magazines are great for gaining inspiration but you might begin to feel a little underwhelmed by your own wedding plans after reading issue after issue. If you start wanting to blow the budget, it might be time to take a step back from all the preparations and consider the real meaning of the day. After all, getting married is about commitment to your partner, not about finding confetti that will exactly match the colour of the sash trim on the head table, for example. Many people spend years paying off their weddings, which typically cost around £20,000 ($31,500). If you don’t want to be one of them, keep the real message in mind and look forward to less debt as you begin your married lives together! Tom Archer Photography The post Don’t Become Bridezilla! Top Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning appeared first on .

Tweet Yesterday marked the start of this summer’s Best Body Bootcamp (BBB) and I am so ready to get back in shape. I have been kind of lazy lately. Yeah, I said it LAZY. I don’t know why but after training for my last race I have just been feeling unmotivated and my workouts have been basically 1-2 short runs, 1 strength training session and 3-5 walks per week. Nothing to intense and to top it off I have more races coming up in early August so I need to get my act together. When I found out that there was a bootcamp session this summer I decided to jump at the opportunity to work with Tina and be apart of the BBB community. This was just the support and motivation that I needed to get back on track and reach my goals. Also after going clothes shopping and finding clothes that once looked good on me just didn’t work I was feeling even more motivated to get back to my dedicated workout self. Side note: I bought a dress for a wedding at the end of July and it’s my goal to look great in it versus the okay that I look in it right now. Yesterday I did the fit test which was actually somewhat embarrassing and alone is motivation to get myself back to work because honestly I have never run so slow in my life. Back before I was pregnant I could do a straight mile about 5 minutes faster (and without the BOB) versus right now. I also could hold a plank longer than 45 seconds. So I have a lot to work towards and it feels good. I also want to lose inches. I am not so worried about the weight number but I’d like to get more toned. I am almost a year postpartum and I’m so ready to get back to my old body or at least closer to it. Although I will probably have another year or two before that happens due to breastfeeding (my goal is to breastfeed until at least two). I’ll share my weight-loss while breastfeeding issues in another post soon. So while I’m not up for sharing my numbers (weight, measurements, etc) with you I will share a before picture. I will also share progress photos at 4 weeks (half way) and then at 8 weeks when the program is complete. Who else is participating in BBB? Or have you before?  Tweet#call_to_action h4{padding:0px 5px;} Comment on this post...Related Posts:Goal #6 is to increase the intensity of my workoutsAnother Get Off The Couch UpdateMy New Running RoutineBest Body Boot CampFind Your Strong: Saucony Virrata

Iconic singer, actor and comedian Charo has again revealed her compassionate side by writing to Spanish authorities on behalf of PETA asking that they reject an initiative to protect and promote bullfighting as a national cultural pastime. As a professional entertainer and native Spaniard who made her name with her stirring interpretations of traditional flamenco music, Charo is something of an authority on Spanish culture – so she knows what she’s talking about when she declares that bullfighting does not belong in modern Spain. “I am ashamed that some in my … Read more.

Well Herbies, we're a little over halfway through HH28! I hope you are enjoying the challenge so far and are learning a lot about your eating habits. I have LOVED seeing all of your posts and photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (search for hashtag #HH28 for inspiration!). We also have more than a dozen bloggers participating and sharing their experiences. Today, we're sharing some of your excellent meal ideas and the benefits you've experienced so far! HH28 participants have been getting creative in the kitchen, preparing simple and colorful delicious-looking meals (many with help from the meal plans or 3-Day Reboot and 10-Day Cleanse & Immersion!). As I always say, when good goes in, glow comes out. You have reported weight loss, improved skin, better sleep, feeling lighter and stronger, and making better choices about food.  HH28 Meal Ideas "Decided I was too tired  to cook, so I threw romaine, brown rice, black beans, salsa and guacamole in a bowl and call it dinner. Delish." — Michelle N. (via Twitter) "#HH28 post-workout breakfast muesli from Happy Herbivore Abroad & some cherries. Love the muesli, so creamy, and a breeze to prepare!" — Blair G. (via Facebook) "This evening, I roasted sweet potatoes, red onion and tomatoes in apple balsamic vinegar. I think I changed the world." — TreesBeesChickpeas (via Twitter) "#HH28 — Quinoa and brown rice with broccoli, roasted cauliflower, and white beans — all topped with HH's Cheddar Cheesy Sauce and green onion. Yay dinner!" — Rebecca A. (via Facebook) "#HH28 Day 9: Choco Banana Oatmeal, Southwest Chop Salad w/ BBQ sauce, Cherry Tofu Yogurt w/ oats, Black Bean & Veggie Fajitas and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies." — Kari L. (via Facebook) "Decided to make strawberry mousse with silken tofu tonight. The #HH28 challenge is making me quite creative in the kitchen." — Trisarahtops (via Twitter) "Never before the #HH28 would I be eating Black Bean Soup and Blueberry Salad for lunch!! (And liking it)." — Jessica M. (via Facebook) "Instant breakfast — flying out the door. Banana!" — Ginnie (via Twitter) "#HH28 Just wrapping up lunch, had a salad with mache leaves, toasted slivered almonds, strawberries, and topped it off with a homemade dressing made with Dijon mustard. I'll try to take a picture for tomorrow, but couldn't help to get started noshing." — :) Blair G. (via Facebook) "Inspired by HH, I made 'nachos' tonight using all my yummy toppings on a baked potato. So much better than oily chips." — Michelle N. (via Twitter) "#HH28 breakfast today was spelt grits porridge with fresh blueberries and a hint of almond butter. :) I'm definitely a breakfast lover!" — Berta O. (via Facebook) "Heading into Day 3 #HH28. Giant fruit salads at breakfast, roasting some sweet potatoes for lunch, feeling really great." — Dasha L. (via Twitter) "My mom and I spent a couple of hours prepping food for the Father's Day meal we were going to grill later in the afternoon on Saturday, the majority of which was vegan. We're talking 5 of the 7 dishes were 100% plant-based and non-processed. Finding ways to share this new lifestyle with my fam has been very rewarding! #HH28" — Michelle P. (via Facebook) "Happy happy found a place at the airport that'd make me a smoothie with fresh fruit and ice — never hurts to ask!" — Julie H. (via Twitter) "Had class so dinner was a carry along. Grabbed dried apricots, roasted almonds, and bing cherries." — Karen T. (via Twitter) "Grilled portobello mushroom, mashed avocado and tomato on wholemeal toast. Plant-strong dinner of champions!" — TreesBeesChickpeas (via Twitter) "#HH28 — HH's tofu scramble with spinach and chopped grilled zucchini, green bell peppers, a

Story by Aimee Batuski: What an exceptional experience I had at Table Verte, a small vegetarian French bistro in the East Village of Manhattan. The bistro is owned by Chef...