Category Archives: Current Events

Expressions on a Rainy Wednesday

Posted on by

0

Disclaimer: long post ahead.

Today is May 8th.

That makes me 40 weeks & 2 days pregnant.

I know that everyone says majority of first time pregnancies will go over 40 weeks, but I have to say, I’m kind of not feeling that.

This last week or so has probably been the hardest for me so far, mainly on an emotional and hormonal level. It is something that I can’t quite explain, but if you are 9 months pregnant, or ever have been, maybe you understand. Maybe not. I kind of feel like hiding away until he decides to make his appearance. As a 9 month+ pregnant lady who was expecting to be holding her baby by now, being asked everywhere you go about it doesn’t make me feel happy. I get it, people care and are excited, and that’s nice and all. But yea. Like I said, I’m emotional and hormonal, and overdue and YES I’m ready to have him, YES I’m large and how the heck do you think I am?! :)

Throughout my pregnancy I have imagined & prayed for what I want my labor to look like, getting to have him in my arms on Mother’s Day, also things I did not want to happen. I DO NOT want to be induced. The thing about pregnancy, especially waiting for labor to start, is that you have no control. From the very beginning you can’t make yourself get pregnant. You can’t make your baby grow a certain way or any faster. There is no getting around waiting around 9 months before you can meet your baby. There is no microwave that speeds up the process. And there is no making yourself go into labor. I have literally done everything humanly possible to try to naturally induce labor, or at least help the process along. I am still pregnant. :) Bottom line is…it doesn’t matter what you do. The baby is coming when the baby is good and ready. The reality is that things don’t always go the way you anticipated, wanted or expected. That isn’t always an easy thing NOT pregnant. So again, I say: GOSH the last week or so is HARD. I think the world should know this and love on pregnant women every where.

If there is one thing I have been learning in this realization of how little control I have, is how desperately I need patience, and to trust in the Lord’s perfect timing & care for me. Why????? is. that. so. HARD? I’ve actually been joking that it is taking me back to when I was waiting to get engaged. Haha. Those days of wondering when it will happen, feeling like it might never happen, and knowing it is completely out of your hands. And the day comes & you absolutely can’t believe it!

Jackson Bruno Jacobs will be here soon enough, this I know. I cannot wait until the day we meet our son!

Now onto another topic that I have been wanting to touch on, also relating to pregnancy: Pregnancy & food.

As most people who know me know, I adopted a plant based diet about a year and a half ago. Over the course of being pregnant my diet has changed a little bit. Before becoming pregnant I was completely vegan for a 9 month period. About 3 months or so into my pregnancy I had a craving for eggs, and so one day I ate them. That was pretty much the only non-vegan food I ate for a while, but over the remaining course of my pregnancy I have also eaten dairy in the form of some cheeses, milk & cream. Everything I prepare myself, for myself or my husband, from meals, snacks, desserts, beverages, etc., other than eating eggs for breakfast, has remained vegan. Basically, if I eat non-vegan I am usually out to eat, at a party, or at a friends house.

When I started a plant based diet, I did not do it for the sake of animal cruelty like many vegans out there, although I think it is wrong how animals are treated by the food industry; I did it for personal health and wellness. I felt better and the healthiest I have ever been on a plant based diet and I think that all people should eat in a way that makes them feel physically & mentally great. So, I planned on keeping my plant based diet throughout my pregnancy. Every test that I got done regarding vitamins, nutrition and overall health in the beginning of my pregnancy I passed with flying colors. I was not deficient in anything at all. It is possible to be pregnant and healthy eating vegan! So don’t let anyone tell you other wise! :) Why did I reintroduce some animal products back into my diet then? Simply because at the time I wanted to eat them. I was a pregnant girl and wanted eggs…or froyo…or eggplant parm. It’s not often or every day that I eat non-vegan, but it happens and that is ok.

Another thing I have realized in this pregnancy is that life is to be enjoyed, and part of that is with food. I completely believe in a plant based diet for so many reasons, but I also am not holding myself in any kind of bondage or going to feel bad if I eat something that is not plant based every now and then. I am a person of conviction and passion, and I believe in being committed to eating in a way that is healthy for yourself and the environment at large. That is why I will continue to eat a mostly plant based diet, as cleanly as possible, and as consciously as possible.

My dad came across a very interesting article in our local news paper entitled A New Beef with Meat, Eggs?, by Dr. David Katz and I wanted to share a part of it that fits perfectly with some of these thoughts:

“There are many ways to be an omnivore. In our culture, the most common kind of omnivore is a devotee of the typical American diet. The typical American diet isn’t just a mix of plant and animal foods, however; it’s a mix of real food and junk. A third to half the calories in the prevailing version of modern omnivorousness come from junk food.

In contrast, vegans tend to be among the most conscious and careful eaters today. Being vegan generally indicates a commitment to some blend of health and ethics, and both require thoughtful choices.

A balanced, prudent vegan diet isn’t just totally plant-based, it is substantially junk-free. A comparison between a group of omnivores and a group of vegans is likely to be a comparison between one group eating badly, and another eating well. That such differences would influence metabolism, intestinal flora and health outcomes is far from shocking.

…There are excellent arguments for veganism. Eating only plants, done well, figures among contenders for the most healthful diet, although it’s not the clear winner.” (you can read the entire article here)

What matters is caring for your body and the environment, of which we are stewards. Veganism or a plant based diet is just one way to go about that.

So, now you are up to speed on the status of my pregnancy & food thoughts. I will continue to be sharing amazing vegan recipes, and CAN NOT WAIT to share pictures and stories of our little man when he finally arrives.

Peace & love!

Escarole (Pronounced “Shkodole”, FYI) & Beans Inpsired Soup.

Posted on by

1

Let’s just start off with the very predictable comment on this weekends weather… oh. my. gosh. SNOW. More snow than I have ever cared to see at one time. But, I will say that seeing my busy city neighborhood completely quiet and shut down was pretty nice.

Thankfully we live on a main road that that lies perpendicular to two other main roads. Our friends Kiki & Cheech live on a one way on the street that is parallel and directly behind ours. That street does not get paved.  A bunch of our awesome friends cleared a path to their car, and through the street because Kiki is getting sort of close to the due date of their second kid; a boy. He and Jackson are gonna be buds.

Anyways, Saturday night  we were fortunate enough to be able to walk around the corner, and through that path they worked so hard to clear, and have quality time with some of our best friends! As Joe and I were making the familiar stroll down familiar streets, I couldn’t help but realize it was a completely different experience. No traffic. No noise. It was so still. Looking to the left down the long stretch of road that borders our street I could see two more people walking in the distance in the middle of the road. To the right there was a man walking along on his way. It made me wonder what life would be like if it was always like this. What if there weren’t so many cars that rushed by or crowded streets? What if we all had to walk every where we went? Was this what is was like back in the day? What would life be like? I liked the thought of it honestly. I guess it was just a really great change of pace in that moment.

Out of my head and back to reality we arrived safely and spent the evening communing, eating, and playing a game that is kind of like a cross between Catchphrase and Charades. It was amazing fun. We had so much fun that we went back Sunday morning to share breakfast, worship, and listen to a recorded sermon by our friend and lead pastor Justin Kendrick. It was City Church‘s first ever “Church on the Couch” since service was cancelled due to the weather. Nothing better than sharing a meal and having church in the living room with your closest friends. Pretty close to how the New Testament church did it! I must also add that one of my friends is gluten free, so for breakfast I made the best ever blueberry muffins  sans gluten by subbing oat flour for the wheat flour and they were a hit. Still completely amazing and the best ever vegan gluten free blueberry muffins.

Along with all of that was lots and lots and lots and LOTS of shoveling. I am happy to be pregnant, but am even more happy that I am pregnant because of the fact that I did not have to shovel. HA! Is that selfish? ;) Man my friends and husband worked their butts off. The hubs didn’t go into work today, and yet more work had to be done un-burying  my car and our friends Teresa’s car that were parked at the top of our driveway. I thought it would be the perfect day to make a comforting pot of hot soup. I could not help but think of one my cute Italian grandma and mom prepared, and still prepare, often as I was growing up: escarole and beans. Only 1. I’ve never made it before. 2. I didn’t have escarole. 3. If I had escarole I wouldn’t want to clean it. One day I will actually make escarole and beans, but today I made a soup inspired by the idea of greens and beans. :) (Is it just me or is it fun to say “shkodole”?! It just sounds better that way. If you don’t say it that way, you should.)

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 1/2 c soy chorizo (You could use any of your favorite soy sausage, crumbled, or even crumbled tempeh if you prefer.)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
6 c veggie broth (I used low sodium.)
2 15 oz cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 c packed kale, chiffonade (rolled up and sliced thin) (You could use any green of choice really: spinach, swiss chard, a combo, etc.)
1/2 c fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp sea salt (If using a higher sodium broth you may want to start with 1/2 tsp and add more if needed.)
fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Heat a large pot on medium heat. Drizzle oil, add onions and pinch of salt.
Once the onions begin to brown and turn translucent add the chorizo. Sautée until browned, about 5-6 minutes, then add the garlic. Sautée for another minute then add salt, pepper & veggie broth.
Cover, turn up heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling remove lid, reduce heat to a simmer and add in the beans.
Let the beans cook for 3 minutes then add in the kale or greens of choice. Once they have wilted stir in the basil.
Turn off the heat, cover and let the flavors meld for 10-15 minuted before serving. Unless you are ravenous, then eat it right away. ;) Serve over quinoa, pastina, orzo, or some crusty bread.

Note: I used a spicy chorizo, but if you are not using a spicy protein you can add some crushed red pepper for a nice kick and added flavor.

Now I am going to enjoy the rest of this quiet rainy snow day with my hubby before it is somewhat back to the hustle and bustle tomorrow.

How are you all holding up after Nemo?? Any comfort food that’s been getting you through?

Forever & a Day.

Posted on by

1

That’s how long it seems to have been since I have posted!

So, today I am going to fill you in on some important news AND update you all on what’s been filling this past week with amazingness.

Well, to start… … …

I am 3 months pregnant!! :) Baby Jacobs is expected to enter this world on May 6th & we could not be more thrilled! You may have seen a picture on instagram or twitter (follow me at @foodformyhouse), but here is the little cutie at 10 weeks.

Our sweet little guy or girl.

This week started off with some Fall fun at Bishops Orchard in Guilford, CT. We had our annual pumpkin picking and carving day with some very good friends of ours. Here are our creations all lit up:

Joe did the Giants logo & I did a baby sucking it’s thumb. So fitting.

My vegetarian friend Cory found this picture this week which I got a kick out of & thought I’d share it with you all. I’m thinking about framing it & putting it my kitchen or something.

Onto FOOD.

NEW. FAVORITE. RECIPE. I am not a huge chinese food fan, but lately I have had some cravings for it. Sooooo, I did what I do & found a vegan recipe for orange “chicken”. It is made with battered & friend seitan. Omg. Make this. Please. And never get take out again. I don’t know where you’re from, but CT does not have a good reputation in the Chinese restaurant department.

mmm mmm good.

What is Fall with out all things pumpkin & delicious warm beverages???

I love love love love LOVE Sarah Matheny’s blog, “Peas and Thank You” and her fantastic recipes. They are a staple in my kitchen. This week I tried her pumpkin pie ice cream sandwiches, and, as usual, was not disappointed. Give ‘em a try!

Pumpkin Pie in frozen form. And vegan. And much healthier.

Hot Chocolate. I haven’t been drinking coffee since I’ve been pregnant and this so hits the spot. It’s my own recipe of 1.5 c of almond milk (or any non-dairy milk), 2 Tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder & 2 Tbsp of agave. If you like cinnamon add a couple dashes. Wisk on medium heat until hot and serve. Perfection.

Another thing I will never buy packaged again.

Food for the soul. Just as important as food for the body. I have had my nose in Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman for this entire month…pretty much since it came in the mail from Amazon. Life. Giving.

So good.

So that’s that. What’s been going on in your life? New recipes, exciting news, awesome finds you don’t know how you lived without?!?

Stay tuned because soon to come is my vegan version of a chocolate chip oreo fudge brownie concoction that you will want to try for yourself!!!
<3

New Seasons & Complete Faith

Posted on by

1

The last few days have brought that crisp fresh fall air, hinting that a new season is just around the corner.

Yes, I am a summer girl at heart, but the changing of the seasons always leaves me excited for something new.

{Plus, Fall means colored leaves, apple cider, all things pumpkin and some of my favorite spices.}

Just as the seasons are changing from Summer to Autumn, the seasons are changing here in the Jacobs household as well.

“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone…For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:19-24, 26

This has been a season of learning the completion of faith. Not just believing in faith. But acting in faith.

This month I left my “safe” and “familiar” office job, complete with benefits and a guaranteed sufficient paycheck to nanny a 2 year old 2 days a week.

I had been feeling the restlessness of needing to make a move for quite sometime; but the husband got a new job that was starting out part time and was settling into that, so he felt it was best for me to stay put for the time being. {Patience, Melissa, patience.} It was a good time to learn contentment and faithfulness, even when I was in a situation I did not want to be in anymore.

When August came around I started describing my job as a relationship where you know you need to break up with someone, but you just don’t because it’s easier to just stay in it; where you know it’s not healthy but you almost can’t picture your life with out it…yea. It was time to make a move. But to where?

That is when I heard that my friend, Alayna, was looking for someone to nanny her son 2 days a week. “Hmmm…” I thought, “I’d actually really like to do that.” “But that doesn’t even make sense.” “Why would I leave a 5 day a week 9-5 to watch a toddler 2 days a week?” “But I reaaalllllyyyy want to.” “I know I need to leave my job and start doing what I am passionate about. I love kids. I should do this.” {Don’t you love conversations with yourself? Anways…} Suddenly it clicked, do what you love. The only person who would make me stuck in a “hamster’s wheel”, going through the motions is myself. Or I can take a step of faith. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Even knowing I would need to get another job to make up the difference, and not knowing where or how.

So, after prayer and consideration with my husband, I took the nanny job.

“…for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

I told my boss hoping he’d let me stay part time and forgo the need to find another job. But not so much. God doesn’t always let us take the easy road. Why? Because He loves us. Because He has the best for us. Because He cares about the dreams & passions of our hearts.

So, to Craigslist I went, searching for cafe jobs in the area, and low and behold I found a listing for a brand spankin’ new cafe opening less than 5 minutes away from my house. The owners seemed super cool, the food would be from local farms in the area, and I thought it would be an overall perfect fit. I went to the open interview session, got called back for a 2nd interview, and GOT. THE. JOB. Wheelers Market Cafe y’all. Come visit us for the grand opening on Monday the 17th!

Not only do I get to serve people food, make smoothies & delicious lattes, amongst many others, I ALSO get to spread my writing and social media wings working on their online properties. Which is completely awesome, and a perfect opportunity for me.

Finally, my boss at the office told me that my last day would need to be September 7th. That same day Joe found out from his boss that they would like him to start full time on September 10th, much earlier then expected. Talk about perfect timing.

The moral of the story? God is faithful.

When we don’t have eyes to see, He sees.

When we don’t know where the path is leading, He leads.

He is good.

Here is to a good God and a great new season.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” Psalm 105:1-2

Thank you, Lord.

A Few of My Favorite Things.

Posted on by

2

Happy 4th of July my friends!

July has always been my favorite month. I was reminiscing about this to my hubby as we were driving through some back roads near our home town a couple of days ago.

For one, I absolutely LOVE summer. Sunshine, waves crashing, sand beneath my feet, a cool breeze blowing through my hair…it all rejuvenates my soul.

It is the season for picnics, the char of grill flames, bonfires and fireworks. Utter delight.

And it also helps that my birthday is July 6th. :)

Every single year growing up my parents had a HUGE 4th of July party that doubled as a birthday party for my twin, Erica, & me. I am pretty sure that every human being that my parents ever had contact with came to this shin dig. Even family from out of state – Long Island, Staten Island, California, etc – would come. It was so exciting to see everyone, and it became such a highlight of the summer.

As you can imagine, Erica and I were in our glory. We had a massive in-ground pool and decent sized back yard, and we would run around and play with our friends and cousins like party animals. There was always a clown, or some form of entertainment, that undoubtedly picked us out of the crowd to be an assistant, or make us a balloon animal because we were the birthday girls. It may not seem that thrilling now, but back then it was a kid’s dream!

As the sun went down my daddy prepared an awesome fireworks show. One year he destroyed the grass in our front yard with “The Waterfall”. I just remember a long wire being tied from one tree to another one across the yard, and a colorful blast of glittery sparks cascading down to the ground for what seemed like FOREVER. It was a hit with everyone, except for maybe my mommy when she saw the big patch of dirt that was left where lush green grass once grew. Worth it.

These are such fond memories. Looking back now I understand why a love for summer, and this month especially, is engrained into my being! I look forward to making special memories like these with my husband and the children we will have.

Today, we are going to be celebrating this day at a picnic with some dear friends from our church community, City Church. The hosts, Joe & Nancy, dominate on the grill. They make a mean burger & grilled pizza! They were also kind enough to provide veggie burgers…yay!

As a vegan, especially just starting out, it can be intimidating to go out to typical functions that are meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. Maybe vegetarian or vegan options are not always provided, which leaves you worrying about what you can or can’t eat.  Or, you end up eating something you really don’t want to, then potentially start feeling guilty about it. Who needs a damper like that getting in the way of fun and making fond memories?!

I have learned to not set myself up for failure and stay prepared. It may seem simple, but you’d be surprised!

Amongst all of my other loves is my love for home made veggie burgers. There are a couple veggie burger recipes that I adore, one of which I am sharing with you today. When ever I make them I wrap 2 individually in plastic wrap and throw them in the freezer so they will be ready to take with me when needed. This has been a life saver multiple times already this summer!

Now, this recipe is super simple & super easy – whether you’ve been in a hospital for 7 hours and need a quick dinner, or want a tasty veggie burger to take to take to a picnic, it’s a winner.

Puttanesca Inspired Veggie Burgers

(recipe adapted from Isa Chandra’s Quinoa Puttanesca)

Makes 6 Burgers

Ingredients

1 c cooked quinoa

2 cups oat flour (old fashioned oats + food processor = oat flour.)

1 15 oz can of cannellini beans, pureed in food processor (chick peas work fine too.)

1 flax egg (1 Tbsp flax meal + 3 Tbsp water, whisked together)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 c kalamata olives, sliced

1/4 c capers

1 c crushed tomatoes (+ some for topping, optional)

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp marjoram

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (use 1/2 tsp if you don’t so much care for spice)

2 tsp fennel seeds

Directions

Add all ingredients – except the crushed tomatoes – into a large mixing bowl and use hands to combine until incorporated.

Once incorporated add 1/2 c of crushed tomatoes and combine with hands. You want it to be kind of like the consistency of chop meat, so slowly add as much of the remaining crushed tomato as necessary to get a mixture that is moist, but slightly sticky & able to hold the shape of a burger.

Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil and mold 6 patties while the pan heats up.

Cook the patties for about 6 minutes or so on each side, or until they have a nice brown.

Serve on a delicious bun of your choice & enjoy!

For toppings I enjoy warm crushed tomato sauce, roasted red pepper, fresh basil leaves, lettuce & a pickle on the side!

dee-licious.

Great news – they taste even better on the grill – so get out there and fire it up! ;)

What fun traditions do you & your family have? Do you have any tricks or tips that help you stay prepared for picnics and BBQs?

Have fun at all your holiday festivities!!

Running, Colors & Love.

Posted on by

6

I’m sitting in the grass in the sun right now.  Glory.

My husband is about 10 feet away working on our garden.

I love that man for so many reasons.

I promise this isn’t going to get super mushy, BUT it is almost our 1 year anniversary, which we are pretty excited to celebrate, and I am just feeling grateful for my guy! Maybe, if you’re lucky, I will share our *story*. It’s a pretty good story. Just sayin.

Reason numero uno that I adore my hubby (besides that he loves to grow veggies): We have a lot of similar interests, one being running (and growing veggies).

Not everyone enjoys running, but we both do, and it is so much fun to be able to share that part of our lives together.

When we first starting dating I couldn’t run for crud, but I really wanted to start getting into it. Joe was a more experienced runner. So, one day he met me at my dorm, we walked to the nearby track, and he literally ran by my side giving me tips and checking in with me the whole mile. He totally could have smoked me if he wanted to show off or something. I knew I had a real keeper.

Since then we have trained for and ran a 10 mile race with our awesome friend Chrisy, which was quite the accomplishment.

Recently, knowing that Joe and I are runners, our good friend Roo over at NiceGirlNotes approached us to be on her team for a 5k she found herself committed to. Not just ANY 5k…The Color Me Rad 5k. Oh. Dang.

Color Me Rad is a 5k (3.125 mile) race in which participants not only get dyed corn starch hurled at them from every direction whilst running or walking the course laid out, but also receive bags of this colored fun to brighten up themselves & friends with. When is the last time you and your friends had the excuse to throw paint around at each other, or run and play in the biggest rainbow like explosion ever?

Clearly we said yes immediately.

While Joe & I enjoy running, the awesome thing about the Color Me Rad crew is that they don’t time the race. You can run, walk, hop, skip or jump. It’s all about one thing:  Fun. Fun, fun, and more fun. It’s for anyone, any age.

Straight from their mouth: “Color Me Rad is the best time you’ll have all year. Plain and simple. It’s like a food fight without food. It’s a race with no glory for the victor and no shame for the loser – only large slops of color plastered all over you and your friends’ smiling faces. It’ll brighten your day literally and figuratively…” Want some more from where this came from? See FAQs.

It was truly a blast.

The race took place in Hartford on Saturday May 26th, and driving up to the venue we could hear music pumping through the speakers, pretty much all top hits right now, and crowds cheering in excitement. Walking in it was a mob of people in white t-shirts, the occasional tutu, and even a man in tightie whities (could of gone without seeing that, fyi), waiting to be tie dyed with blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow & green.

Our team ran in the 10:20am heat. It was nearing the end so there weren’t too many people lined up. We got right in the front and at the end of the kick off countdown we all dispersed! It was awesome coming up to what looked like a mile marker, but finding the “color bomb squad” there with dyed corn starch in hand determined to dirty up your white t-shirt. I vividly remember getting a blast of purple to the neck. There’s definitely still a purple tint to my chest & upper torso!

Some of us ran and some walked, but all shared the sheer enjoyment of the experience.  A few of my amazing friends who did run ran longer than they ever had before, which was a great feeling of accomplishment in the midst of the fun.

Here are some pictures of the day:

currraaazzzzyyyyy colored rad fun

The first picture is me about to cross the finish line. Pretty epic. Props to my girl Madison for taking such a great picture.

The second is me in the car afterwards, desperately in need of a shower.

The bottom is all of us friends who came out!

Let’s just get a second, closer look at that first picture…

Joe already finished the race a minute or two before me, but he came back a few hundred feet before the finish line to run alongside me and cheer me on. We’re a team.

Like I said, he’s a keeper.

Special thanks to NiceGirlNotes for having us on her team!

Hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend & maybe we will see you at the Color Me Rad 5k next year!

Weekend Wins

Posted on by

14

Hey friends! I feel like it has been a while since my last post…it has certainly been a busy few weeks in the Jacobs home, but taking time to relax and enjoy this restful Sunday afternoon.

Last weekend we were in Plymouth, MA hosting the annual Brave Generation conference with an organization we work with called Holyfire Ministries. It was a beautiful weekend to be on the shore, worshipping Jesus with almost 1000 people, in a town that holds so much heritage for our nation!

Beautiful view from our boardwalk stroll

This weekend, April 28th-29th, was the very first ever CT Vegetarian and Healthy Living Festival held in the Hartford Convention Center.  Joe & I spent the afternoon there with our good friend Annie; it was a lot of fun to be a part of it!

Happy vegfest goers :)

Many (mostly local) organizations and companies who support and promote the vegetarian, vegan & holistic lifestyle were there offering their products and services to the attendees. There was an array of soaps, jewelry, beauty products, apparel, energy saving systems, local farms, kitchenware, LOTS of food and more on display, and being served up for all who inquisitively approached each table.

Here were some of my favorites:

SuperSeedz, by Kathie Pelliccio at Kathie’s Kitchen in Branford, CT – Amazing shelled pumpkin seeds that come in a variety of flavors including, Super Spicy, Sea Salt, Sugar & Cinnamon, my favorite: Coco Joes & more.

Good Neighbors Foods – Delicious Salsa & Hummus from Derry, NH. I loved the Peach & Pineapple salsa.

Mama Micki’s All Natural Bakery – out of Scituate, Ma offering Cookies & Biscotti that will delight your taste buds. The Chocolate Orange & Molasses were the bomb.

The Fanciful Fox – Soaperie & boutique located in Scranton, PA. I love soap & natural handmade anything; put the two together: perfection. These soaps and other beauty products not only smelled amazing, but were all so creative, and well, fancy. I wanted them all!

Ok, on to the item I probably tasted the most of: CHOCOLATE. I am a chocolate lover and there were a couple of products that won my heart.

Taza Chocolate – This chocolate factory based in Somerville, MA makes stone ground organic chocolate inspired by age-old Mexican chocolate traditions. They have flavors like Salted Almond, Vanilla Bean & Guajillo Chili. My fave was the Ginger Chocolate! You can take tours of their factory, and that is definitely on my list of things to do this summer!

Chocoholistic – This was my favorite product at the entire event, mainly because I ADORE chocolate and all things HEALTHY. Kenzie Harrick, Certified Health Counselor from East Norwalk, CT created raw, organic, sugar-free, super food, medicinal chocolates containing health promoting ingredients like: chlorella, chia seeds, passion flower and reishi, just to a name a few. It was really yummy!

We had a blast experiencing this *first ever* festival and already can’t wait for next year! Check these guys out and let me know what you think!

The free samples made for a great car ride snack back home. Thanks Hint & Cedars! See you next year!

Passionate Human Being

Posted on by

4

Here’s a little detail about me: I am a passionate human being.

When I am excited about something (doesn’t take much really), or acquire a strong belief, pretty much everyone I come into contact will most likely hear about it.

“This nail polish is AMAZING. You have to try it. No really, you do.”

“Oh-my-gosh, yoga is the best work out ever…my body has never felt better…you have to come sometime.”

“I love my church. We give goats away. Wanna come?”

“Read this book, it’ll change your life!”

You get the point. I share. I pour my heart out. I voice my opinion.

[Side note: It’s kind of fun because my husband is the complete opposite. Perfect combo!]

Lately, you may have heard about the “pink slime” junk that the meat industry has been using as filler in beef products. If not, “pink slime” is a term that has been dubbed to describe scrap, inedible animal product, like sinew, cartilage, or cavity where the cow’s guts were, that has been processed and packaged to be used as meat filler in at least 70% of chopped meat products in America. Jamie Oliver, Chef & Food Revolutionist, compellingly explains the process in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBkwUt-bqIo

Typically, this unwanted meat product is sold off to rendering plants which turn it into something like dog food, you know, because dogs have digestive systems that can actually digest it. What people in the food industry (i.e. chefs, butchers, restaurateurs, etc.) consider barely acceptable to feed animals, the meat industry, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), considers acceptable to serve in school lunches and to the general population.

I was not ok with that. Of course, I spoke my mind about it, along with many others. People stopped giving their money over for food that isn’t really food. Beef demand dropped. A lot. And you know what? Major beef processing companies got the hint. Beef Products, Inc. (BPI) closed 3 plants, and AFA Foods has begun filing bankruptcy due to the public’s response to “pink slime”.

I am passionate about a lot of things, and good quality, healthy food is only one of them. I shared a Yahoo article a few weeks ago on Facebook about this issue simply because I cared. I did not know that in such a short time the meat industry would be massively impacted. It wasn’t just me, obviously, but it was my voice combined with everybody else’s. It was my passion mixed up with somebody else’s passion, which created something powerful enough to budge a mountain.

We all have passions stirring up inside of us; substances that make us come alive. When we take hold of that, and nurture it, and LIVE it, we offer something genuine…we can change the world.

I am on a mission to actually live what I am passionate about.

What about you? What are you passionate about? Are you living your passion(s)?