Columbia County Vegan

For Kari...

2011-05-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

...I've been super absent from this blog for the past several months but stumbled across a comment that I wanted to respond to. Google/Blogger wouldn't let me comment so this post is my response for Kari...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my dreads! They just turned a year old, about two weeks ago. They are maturing really well. Nice and felted. I have loops and bumps and some loose, fraying areas but I love them nonetheless. I get a bit frizzy after washing but it calms down within a day or two. It has been life changing and I'm so glad that I took what seemed like a huge leap at the time. The picture above was recently taken so you can get a good idea of what my dreads are like in their glorious wildness.

Kari: I'm so excited for you and hope you will stay in touch. I'd love to connect and hear about your experience!

I'm in the process of revitalizing this blog so please come back soon!

Carnivors at VegFest

2010-09-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

I managed to drag the whole family to VegFest this year. I've been looking forward to attending for months. I probably should have bought a lottery ticket the day I talked my husband, and both kids!, into attending because I feel pretty lucky. Actually, my family is pretty supportive of my "special dietary needs". (I won't go into detail how we ended up going straight from VegFest to an oyster bar though.) I didn't get any pictures but sampled so much food that I was stuffed. Even my husband sampled several products that he said he "could eat". Too funny. A couple of highlights include:
The raw chocolate cheesecake from Prasad. Seriously. SOOOO GOOOOD!
Grow Your Family Healthy's Heaven Sent ice cream. Yum!
Vege Thai's salad rolls. If you know me at all, you know I LOVE salad rolls.
I think the biggest highlight though was running into the very beautiful Sayward from Bonzai Aphrodite.
Already looking forward to next year!

Produce Day

2010-09-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

I LOVE produce day! Columbia County Naturals food co-op orders organic produce every other week with Thursday delivery. I volunteer to help sort produce when it arrives and find there are few things better than spending the morning drooling over fresh, organic veggies and fruit. Not to mention dreaming up recipes for my loot.

I have been meaning to post pictures for a while and finally got around to snapping a few shots. My order was a little smaller this week because I am being gifted with homegrown goodies too. If you are interested in learning more about the co-op, email me at colcovegan@yahoo.com.

Drool away!

Namaste

End of Summer

2010-08-31T15:00:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day of August. As I sit here enjoying fresh baked gluten-free, vegan chocolate zucchini muffins and a cuppa chai, I can't help but wonder where the heck summer went. Literally and figuratively. Its cold, grey and wet outside. The kids head back to school next week but our evenings are already filled with marching band rehearsals and soccer practice. It seems fall has already settled in and that is okay with me. I love, love, love Autumn.
Anyway, a busy summer has limited my ability to keep up with my little blog. Something I hope to make more time for this fall. I look forward to sharing more vegan love.
I will mention a couple of things that have caught my attention in recent weeks... plus a little shameless self promotion. Enjoy!

*I discovered this website a few months ago and really enjoy it. Bonzai Aphrodite is a Portland based site. Great resources, photos, and ideas!

*Last week I had the opportunity to try the new Chinese restaurant here in St. Helens. Happy Garden is located on Gable Road in St. Helens in the same complex as Starbucks and Great Clips. I'm not a big Chinese cuisine fan but was pleasantly surprised to find a decent vegetarian section on the menu. I ordered the Szechuan vegetables with tofu for $9.75. It was a good size portion served with steamed white rice. Might be worth checking out.

*The annual NW VEG Fest is coming up again in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait! I highly recommend checking it out. Lots of vegetarian and vegan education, tasty food, free samples, music, demos, and a really fun vibe. It will be held at the Oregon Convention Center the weekend of September 18th and 19th. Check out their website for more information.

*Shameless promotion time. One of the reasons I've been so busy this summer is because I began teaching four yoga classes each week. I have completed my 200 yoga teacher training program and am in the process of finalizing a few requirements so I can submit my application for certification with the Yoga Alliance. Eager to teach though, I jumped right in! I am currently teaching Monday and Wednesday evenings, in two locations. You can find me at The Vault Climbing Gym and Fitness Center from 5:30-6:30PM or at Pure Serenity Massage from 7-8PM. Also, I will be holding an Autumn Equinox Restorative Yoga class on Thursday, Sept. 23rd. It will be held at Pure Serenity Massage from 7-8:30PM. The cost is $12.00 and limited to the first 10 students that register and prepay. Please email me at colcovegan@yahoo.com if you would like to attend.

All for now,
Namaste

Columbia County Naturals

2010-06-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Columbia County Naturals is a recently organized local co-op that brings organic produce, Bob's Red Mill products at wholesale prices, organic spices, herbs, coffee and tea, plus so much more, right to our own neighborhood! This co-op is an off-shoot of Rose City Co-op which was originally based in Scappoose. After the founder moved to Beaverton, Columbia County Naturals began operation!
Our supplier list, and membership, continues to grow. We are currently ordering organic produce every other week and other items, such as Bob's Red Mill and Frontier, about once a month. There are pick-up locations in Scappoose and Columbia City.
I keep meaning to photograph my produce box on pick-up day... I will really make a better effort next week... but I promise, the produce is amazing! My last order included spinach, leaf lettuce, apples, strawberries, blueberries, corn, cucumber, basil...so good!
If you would like more information about the co-op or placing an order with us, please email me at: colcovegan@yahoo.com.

Namaste

DREADful? I think not!!

2010-05-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the much anticipated Dread Day! My time with the Dread Goddess at Akemi Salon was magical and went by so fast. So now, I'm an official Dread Head. : ) As I mentioned in a previous post, Akemi is an all vegan salon. Its super quirky with lovely, beautiful, divine people. Stephanie made me feel so welcomed and I'm honored that she helped this dream become reality. The dreads are crazy, wild and SEXY and it's only day two!

Namaste

Reduce ~ Reuse ~ Recycle

2010-04-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Who would have ever thought the words recycling and serene would be used in the same sentence? But my first time experience at the recycling center yesterday was just that: serene. The sun was shining, there wasn't much activity at the transfer station so I could hear the birds chirping, all while doing something so lovely for mama Earth. I should clarify that it was my first time delivering our recycling to the recycling center, not my first ever time recycling. We've been avid recyclers for years. At the end of 2009, we decided to forgo traditional curbside garbage pickup and do it ourselves. In theory, depending on how much garbage we produce, this could ultimately save us more than $100 per year. The other big motivator is trying to reduce our overall output of garbage by consuming/purchasing less, buying in bulk, eliminating products with excessive packaging, composting, etc. I'm also trying to re purpose and reuse as much as possible. It is a work in progress but after four months, we've only delivered one load of actual garbage to the transfer station, though we are about ready to do it again. I've already got another load of recyclables loaded up and ready to go for delivery sometime this weekend! It feels so good to be capable of helping care for this exquisite planet we call home!
Namaste

Vegan Hair Care

2010-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

This post, while titled vegan hair care, is actually a little deeper. I've decided to spill my heart and soul. I'm about a month away from getting dreadlocks. Yep. You read that right. I've been dreaming of dreadlocks for years. However, about six months ago, my dream became a complete obsession which has so, so many levels. The final motivation to actually DO IT came when I found out that I am going to be laid-off from my somewhat high profile, public service job. I decided that it is time! I don't want to be an old, wrinkly woman sitting in my rocking chair regretting that I didn't do something that felt so true and beautiful in my heart.
Enter the Dread Goddess (aka Stephanie) of Akemi Salon in Portland. While I originally planned to make the dreads a DIY project, I've since reconsidered and have decided to let a professional create my masterpiece. The super cool thing about this salon in particular is that they are a "vegan" salon. They don't use any products that contain animal ingredients and I believe most of the stylists are vegans themselves.
I am plugging the salon a little premature, as I have yet to actually visit it...I have a pre-dread consult scheduled mid-April...but just knowing that the salon is staffed by such conscious and caring individuals, I know I will be in sweet, loving hands.
http://www.akemisalon.com/

COOKIES!

2010-03-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have really dropped the ball with blogging. I have become overwhelmed with personal shifts in my life over the past few months. My heart is never far away though and I was compelled to write after learning that a fairly new vegan is still at it. I'm so happy and proud to be apart of the vegan community.
My life as a vegan is ever changing and evolving. I now consider myself a high-raw, gluten-free vegan. Most days, I aim to eat mostly raw until dinner and then enjoy a cooked meal. Some days, I eat about 95% raw. Other days, 50%. I'm learning to go with the flow!
My original intention with blogging was to share my knowledge with local friends where to score vegan treats. I have not given up on the notion but I know I have slowed and I apologize. That said, I recently made an exciting gluten-free and vegan discovery, right here in St. Helens, thanks to Starbucks.
Enter Dr. Lucy's Cookies! My-oh-my...YUM! They are vegan, gluten-free, allergen free and super yummy. Paired with a soy chai latte...ah...pure love. I highly recommend the chocolate chip (as they are the only ones I've tried so far) but I can't wait to try the others.
I'd love to hear from you if you've tried the other varieties or found a fantastic local vegan find! Please email me at: colcovegan@yahoo.com.

Namaste

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

I hope this post finds you in good health and cheer! We are already eight days into 2010...WOW! I am already experiencing some dramatic shifts in my life, some of which are beyond my own control. With the current state of the economy, I think most people are feeling the effects of it. Big changes are coming and my intention is to focus on allowing myself to be open to whatever the universe has in store for me.
I spent some time over the Christmas/New Year holiday creating a vision board, thanks to the suggestion of the magnificent Kris Carr. I found some recurring themes, one of them being raw, vegan food. I enjoyed some raw "cooking" during my time off too. I'm exploring what it all means. Perhaps there is some sort of future for me with raw foods. Hmmm.
Other themes were yoga (of course!), writing and a creative project that I'm developing. I'm also beginning another blog that challenges me to capture my life with pictures. I can't praise the idea of the vision board enough. I feel like it is already guiding me, or at least helping to keep me focused during this time of uncertainty.
I wish everyone a healthy, prosperous and joyful year!

Namaste

2009-12-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Gosh, time is flying by! I hope you had a joyful Thanksgiving. For those of us with special dietary needs, the holidays can often be a bit of a challenge especially when you consider that we gather at the table with a dead animal as the centerpiece. Whether your a vegetarian, vegan, raw foodist, gluten-free or just plain watching what you eat, there will be challenges when gathering for celebrations.

For me, preparing or bringing my own meals, with enough to share, has really helped take the focus away from what I can't eat and enjoy a meal that I know is free of the things I choose to not partake. Being that my diet is all vegan, gluten-free and currently about 75% raw, salad is an obvious and easy choice. But given that I'm completely addicted to Thai, salad rolls have become my staple. I love, love, love them! Fresh vegetables wrapped in a soft rice paper wrapper served with peanut sauce. Heaven.

Rice paper wrappers can be purchased at Safeway and Fred Meyer. My basic version includes leaf lettuce (I prefer red leaf lettuce), red bell pepper, carrot, mung bean sprouts, diced green onion and cilantro. Often I will include diced, fried tofu or bean thread noodles. Serve with peanut sauce. Yum!

Namaste

Happy World Vegan Month

2009-11-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, November 1st, was World Vegan Day, kicking off a month long recognition of veganism around the world. How cool! I still consider myself a newbie. I've have only been eating a vegan diet for a little over a year and vegetarian for a little over three. I think being on this path was one of the best decisions I ever made and I have never looked back.
I recently read an article about finding peace and contentment in a crazy, busy world. The suggestions really resonated with me... Live simply, close to the earth. Live a holistic life, embracing nature, eating from the earth, being emotionally and intimately satisfied. Connecting with others who are like minded. Accepting where you are at this very moment.
Eating a vegetarian/vegan diet started really as an experiment to achieve optimal health and wellness but I have gained so much more. I am more connected to every living, breathing, growing being. My passion for this lifestyle continues to grow deeper and I find that there is so much to celebrate. Happy World Vegan Month!

Namaste

Veg Fest ROCKS!

2009-09-20T09:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great day! Nothing is better than a autumn day watching my kids play soccer. Pair that with an afternoon spent at Veg Fest (after a brief stop at the Portland Farmers Market), pretty much equals a perfect day! I have been veg for almost three years now and this was my first time attending Veg Fest. It was held at the Convention Center and I was amazed at how large the event was. Tons of vendors including yummy veg treats, restaurants selling food, books, clothing, and educational literature. The place was packed with people but full of energy and passion for the veg lifestyle. I'm already looking forward to next year.
Veg Fest is organized by Northwest Veg. I am definitely becoming a member! Here is a link for more information:
http://www.nwveg.org/index.php

Have a fantastic Sunday!
Namaste

Two words:

2009-09-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

VEG FEST! I have never attended but it has been on my calendar since I first heard about it about a month ago. I'm really looking forward to it! Check out the link for more information. Maybe I will see you there!
http://www.nwveg.org/

Namaste

Dining Out

2009-09-02T19:54:00.001-07:00

Tonight I was asked about where I eat out, locally. Being a vegan in a rural community does present many challenges. However, I find that most the time, if I graciously explain my dietary limitations, I have no problem getting dishes prepared for me. (I've only had to tell a white lie once or twice.) I must caution though that I cannot, 100%, guarantee that my food has not, in some form or another, been cross contaminated with animal products. If I was going to worry that much about it, I wouldn't eat out. EVER. There is always a risk.
There are options though. I love food and I love eating out. So here are a few places that I regularly dine.

Kuys Oriental Cusine -534 Milton Way, St. Helens (503)397-0946 take-out available

I'm obsessed with Thai food and Kuy's is awesome. I've ate there since I was a little kid. My meal selections have changed over the years but it is always YUMMY! They have a good selection of vegetarian dishes such as vegetable stir fry with chili peppers, hot and sour vegetable soup, curry rice with vegetables...many other dishes can be vegetarian-ized or vegan-ized. My current fave is the Pad Thai since it is made with rice noodles and I am avoiding gluten. My only caution is that the dishes are not always consistent. You need to request no egg when you order. I've been surprised to order it and find egg. Also, on the menu it comes with chicken, pork or beef but if you ask, they will substitute tofu. I love their rice paper spring rolls too. But again, you need to ask for either no meat or to substitute with tofu.

El Tapatio - Columbia Blvd., St. Helens (across from Sunshine Pizza)

I'm pretty much obsessed with Mexican food too. (I have found that with Thai and Mexican , finding gluten-free options is a breeze!) I'd live on tortilla chips and salsa (and margarita's) if I could. Bean burritos, veggie burritos, fajitas, OH MY! I love their veggie fajitas. I request no cheese or sour cream and ask them to substitute with extra guacamole. For those that are gluten-free, they have corn tortillas available. And beans and rice are always a good option. For something a little lighter, they do have a corn tortillas tostada that is good too. Service is good and they have fantastic margaritas.

Sunshine Pizza - 2124 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens (503)397-3211 delivery available

Sunshine has one of the best salad bars around. Easy to eat veg, vegan, GF, raw, whatever. They also have a veggie pizza, burritos, pasta's...and have always been nice about my special requests.

I'm sure there are plenty of other options out there and I will try to add them too.

Namaste

I'm celebrating a new path!

2009-08-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

I received the most amazing gift this evening. A gift that I'm pretty certain will change my life in the most positive and fulfilling way. Two months ago, I never would have thought I'd be on the path that I am right now. In fact, I was on a completely different path and feeling very sure of myself. When that all came crashing down, I was devastated. But now, I have this amazing sense of clarity. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it just takes a while for the universe to explain itself. I am so blessed to have people in my life that believe in me and are willing to take a chance. Thank you!

Namaste

Toxin Release After a Week of Over Indulgence

2009-08-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

I have stuffed myself big-time this week while I've been on vacation. I don't eat many sweets and since I've been back on the gluten-free kick, not even breads, what else is there for me to fill up on? Umm...tortilla chips and vodka. ( Yep. Vodka. Everyone has their vices right??) While on vacation, it is kind of a free for all. However, now that my week off is coming to an end, I'm ready to get back to my normal, lighter diet! And, some serious toxin release!
I had a fantastic weekend with family and friends and was talking to a few of them just this morning about gluten/wheat free diets. I know I go back and forth...it is soooo challenging. But the gal I was talking to is from Mexico and we were discussing corn products. Mainly corn tortillas. Funny thing is, they have become a huge staple in my diet as I have been eliminating the wheat. Even better is I recently heard a suggestion about making a mix of masa flour and water and spreading it on a griddle. I've been addicted! It creates this soft, thick tortilla that is light, a little chewy and pliable. Super easy too! I've also been eating a ton of Asian style meals...stir-fry's, tofu, rice and rice noodles, and spring rolls. I am finding that it is way easier to eat gluten-free if I stick to other cultures. (Except for Italian!)
My plan this week is a bit of a detox. Lots of green juice/smoothies, salads, water, tea and yoga. In the meantime, I'm going to drink a couple glasses of wine and make a gluten-free pizza!

Namaste

Summer's Bounty

2009-08-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Whew. Summer is flying by! The best part though is the abundance of fresh, homegrown veggies! I picked my first small handfull of cherry tomatoes last night for my salad, which was also homegrown (not by me though). The night before I made a fantastic sweet potato, black bean and kale enchilada with kale I'm growing. This year, I'm very determined to eat everything that I grow and am hoping that I am able to can what I can't immediately eat. I've also started planning for some early fall crops to help keep me in fresh veggies until fall! I don't have a huge space for gardening but I try to make the best of it and stick to things that I know I will use. Even though I tend to eat lighter during the summer months, I'm excited to try some new recipes!
One of my recent food obsessions is Thai food. And specifically, spring rolls. I can't get enough of the spring rolls from Kuy's. Four cost $5.95. On the menu they are chicken spring rolls, but if you ask, they will omit the chicken or replace it with tofu. The filling consists of lettuce, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onion. They also come with a light dipping sauce. As simple as that seems, I can't seem to recreate them at home. I keep trying though! I've been experimenting and even adding some rice noodles since I'm still trying (off and on) to eat mostly gluten-free.

Namaste

Happy Trails!

2009-07-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I totally love this warm weather! Okay, it is a little warm but I love summer! Not too crazy about my current circumstances though. Suffering a UTI and the medication is making me a little ill. I haven't left my house (or sweats) all day.
The down time has given me the opportunity to do a little planning for a couple of upcoming trips. I will be going on a semi-camping trip (I say semi because the in-laws are taking an RV and we are not going somewhere totally removed from civilization) and later, a short trip to Denver, CO. I've got my work cut out for me as far as meal planning goes. Camping will actually be a little easier since I will be 100% control of my meals and I will have a place to prep stuff.
My goal is to continue working towards eating about 75% raw and always vegan. I am going to have to omit my morning green smoothies for those weeks so I need to make sure I get enough greens and fresh produce. And, I'm still trying to eat gluten-free 98% of the time. Here is a partial list of the stuff I'm planning to take and eat, at least for camping.

Trail mix (raw seeds, nuts, and craisins)
Pistachios (not raw -roasted and salted - but so darn yummy and great for snacking)
Fresh fruit and veggies, including organic salad mixes and Goddess dressing
Hummus
Gluten-free bread for sandwiches and spreads
Canned beans
Lara bars
Soy yogurt (really good mixed with the trail mix)

My next step will be figuring out where to eat in Denver! I need to find some good vegan restaurants!

Namaste

Sunday Morning Breakfast

2009-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hola and happy Sunday! I just ate a delicious vegan/gluten-free breakfast. What I call tofu rancheros. I am continuing to dabble with the gf experience. I've made a few exceptions in the past week, mainly due to eating out, but find that when I cook at home, there is no difficulty coming up with yummy vegan and gf meals. However, last night I tried my hand at mac and cheese. It didn't totally bomb but I know there has to be a better recipe lurking out there somewhere. The recipe I followed included tahini...it just didn't do it for me. The texture was great and it was creamy so with a few tweaks of ingredients, I think I will have killer mac and cheese!

I have never been a huge tofu lover but I find that I've been craving it lately, especially scrambled served with a slice or two of gf toast with Earth Balance spread. I was out of bread this morning and looking for an alternate option. I found tofu, corn tortillas, salsa and avocado lurking in my fridge and ta-da, tofu rancheros! Here is how I prepared it...note that for the most part, I don't measure stuff so use your best judgement according to your taste.

1/2 package of tofu, drained
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Crushed red pepper flakes
Diced onion and sweet bell pepper
Nutritional yeast
Salt and pepper
2 corn tortillas
Salsa
Avocado

Heat olive oil over medium heat and add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Saute for about a minute and add diced onion and bell pepper. Continue to saute until slightly browned. Crumble tofu into mixture. Season with salt, pepper and about a tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes. (Nutritional yeast flakes can be found in the bulk foods section at Fred Meyer.) Continue to cook until moisture evaporates. About 4-5 minutes. Warm corn tortillas and dice half an avocado. Top tortillas with tofu mixture, salsa and avocado. Enjoy!

Namaste

P.S. I'm now on Twitter!

Gluten-free ROCKS!

2009-06-01T17:19:00.001-07:00

I really rely on Fred Meyer for the majority of my food purchases. I love the bulk section for raw nuts and seeds, wild rice, grains, etc. The natural foods section is decent and I find myself occasionally surprised with what I find there. For example, I'm doing the Adventure Cleanse Tune-up that I mentioned in a previous post, and one component is to remove gluten. I can't believe I didn't try going gluten-free sooner. I feel fantastic after 3 weeks without it. Anyway, they suggested a gluten-free pasta by Tinkyada which is made from rice. I found it at New Seasons on a visit and fell in love. Probably the BEST pasta I've ever had! So I was super, duper stoked when I was browsing the small gluten-free section of Fred Meyer and discovered that they carry that brand! One package that contains 8 servings runs around $4.00. If you are looking for gluten-free products, I highly recommend Tinkyada. Also, they carry a gluten-free bread that I really like. It is also around $4.00 a loaf and made by Food for Life. It is located in the freezer in the natural foods section. I'm the only one in my family eating gluten-free so one package of those items can easily last me a couple of weeks.
Just a couple of products I'm loving right now that I can get without driving to Portland! Yay!

Be the kind of woman that when your feet touch the ground each morning the devil says "oh crap, she's up!"

Namaste

Adventure Cleanse Tune-up

2009-05-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

OMG. So sad that I have been away for so long. We've been experiencing computer and blogger compatibility issues for the last month and a half! But this past weekend I was gifted with a new laptop so I'm back in the saddle! I'm happy to be back and share vegan goodness with you!

The past few weeks have been interesting and great. I am participating in the Crazy Sexy Life Adventure Cleanse Tune-Up (ACT) hosted by the fantastic Kris Carr and the awesome CSL team. Today is day 17 of the 28 day cleanse and I've been feeling great. I am following level 3, which is about 80 percent raw. There are several levels to suit the comfort of participants. Basically, all the stuff that isn't good for you goes. Coffee, alcohol, sugar, wheat/gluten, meat and processed junk, negativity, self criticism and any other damaging habits. They also really encourage getting regular exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, dry brushing, lots of rest and self-love. There is tons and tons of inspiration, information and resources on her site so if your interested, check it out!

http://my.crazysexylife.com/

I have learned so much these past two weeks and tried things I had never even heard of. Chia seed pudding for example. So good!! And, I think the best part is that I'm laying the groundwork for a permanent lifestyle. I think I'm addicted.

Namaste

Confessions

2009-04-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Saturday and Easter weekend! I have a confession. I have fallen off the wagon a bit. In two areas. First, my commitment to post here on my blog (it has been a very busy month!) and well, truth be told, I have recently indulged in a few things that are not vegan. Whew. Glad to get that off my chest. So, before you envision me scarfing down a big juicy steak or chowin' down on some "finger lickin' good" chicken (EEW!), let me reassure you that I have not gone back to being a carnivore. I have never gone 100% vegan and don't know that I ever will. However, I strive to consume 90-95% of my food from vegan sources. There are non vegan ingredients lurking in so many products! I do not always have the time, desire or willpower to weed through every single darn thing I eat. This confession stems from two occasions this week when I knowingly ate stuff that contains egg or dairy... in the ingredients. I wasn't licking mayo off of a spoon or anything!
The reason I'm exposing the truth is because I think flexibility is so important regardless of your "diet". And because no one is perfect. I'm certainly not! People think in terms of all or nothing. I don't buy into it though. I struggle with calling myself a vegan sometimes because I do not always adhere 100%. I am really trying and doing the best that I can. Even if I occasionally slip up, (and who doesn't?) I know I'm still making a huge difference on my own health, the health of this awesome planet and in the lives of the animals that are spared.
If you are trying to eat better or giving vegetarianism a try, keep at it! One step at a time. Don't worry about being perfect! You will be making a difference no matter how big, or small, your commitment is.
I'm still learning so much about vegetarian/veganism. I'm becoming more passionate about it everyday. I'd love to talk with anyone that has questions or is curious about resources, whatever. Email me at colcovegan@yahoo.com if you'd like to chat!
"You must not let your life run in the ordinary way; do something that nobody else has done, something that will dazzle the world." - Paramahansa Yogananda
Namaste

2009-04-09T09:55:00.001-07:00

Blog PDF Test

The Traveling Vegan

2009-03-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back! The past several weeks have been a whirlwind! I took a brief break while I was being a road trip rock star! 2600+ miles later, I'm glad to be home and really, really glad to get back to my usual diet. After nine days of eating on the road, I can't stand the thought of eating at another restaurant anytime soon!

Traveling vegan does present some challenges and I learned a few things along my journey. Whether your a vegetarian/vegan or just adhere to any special diet, I've compiled a list of the things I learned. Hopefully, you will find these helpful.

1. Be flexible. I knew ahead of time that there would be challenges. It really depends on how strict you are with your diet. This is very general. Even for meat-eaters who are dieting, vacations and trips are a challenge for anyone watching their calories. You may just need to give yourself permission to relax a little.

2. Plan and prepare ahead of time. I have a mental list of safe places to eat. This is especially helpful when forced to eat fast food. I'm not a huge fan but refer to tip numero uno. Be flexible. Meals at Subway, Taco Bell and Baja Fresh can pretty easily be veganized. I also packed snacks. Dried fruit, nuts and seeds are super easy to throw together, keep well and keep you satisfied between pit-stops. I also relied on Lara Bars and my newest find, Bora Bora bars. They are a seed/nut/fruit bar made with agave nectar. Organic, vegan, yummy and can be purchased at Costco!

3. Make friends with your server and ask questions. I try to let my server know ahead of time that I'm "picky" and then ask a bunch of questions about how things are prepared. I also usually ask for substitutions. I have found that if I'm friendly and polite but assertively ask for what I want, they are usually very accommodating.

4. Lie only if you must. There is a difference between "don't" or "won't" eat and "can't" eat. Can't implies that for whatever reason, you cannot eat certain foods due to health reasons. Your waiter will fear making you terribly ill if you are served foods you "can't" eat! So if all else fails, tell them you are lactose intolerant, have a gluten allergy, or make up some mysterious condition.

5. Be flexible, part two. It is not always going to perfect and perhaps you feel like splurging a little. Go ahead! I love biscotti and haven't had any since converting to vegan eating. I was at Disneyland, ordering a coffee and the biscotti just looked so yummy. I figured if I was going to splurge, it should be at Disneyland, celebrating my son's birthday. I really enjoyed that biscotti and the moment in time. Very worth it. Pick your moments to enjoy something you love. Savor it and don't feel guilty about it.

Our trip was fantastic but I'm happy to be home and gently getting back into the normal groove of life. I'm fighting what I think is the flu but am optimistic that I will be feeling better and back to my usual self soon.

Namaste

Learning to be lenient

2009-03-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm typically an "all or nothing girl". If I'm going to do something, I'm going to DO IT. Hard. All out. No holding back. Except lately in the exercise department, not so much. I've had a few bouts of winter colds the past couple of months, struggle with seasonal affective disorder (self-diagnosed) and am generally just burned out. I haven't run in weeks. Nor have I weight lifted. I have, however, continued doing yoga. I hate to admit it, but I feel good. Even without the hard runs and heavy weights. On one hand, I miss my regular butt kickin' workouts. On the other...I'm enjoying the slower pace. Letting my body just "be". I have struggled with coming to terms with enjoying and accepting the fact that my body appreciates a slower pace. I don't really know where I'm going with this but I am finding some satisfaction and peace in allowing leniency. I am learning to enjoy my body more and not push so hard.
Hmm...maybe I'm getting old. HA!
Make time to slow down and celebrate being you!
Namaste

Saturday Musings

2009-03-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yay for Saturday! I love the weekend...so full of possibilities! I started my weekend at a wonderful yoga class at the Yoga Loft in Scappoose this morning. I even ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in years there. It was very cool and a fantastic class!

I already mentioned that I picked up a new book last weekend...The Complete Book of Raw Food...I'm a little obsesses with raw foods right now. I haven't been eating all raw though. If I had to guess, I'd say I'm eating about 50%-60% raw. I'm trying but not real hard. I have also been researching juice feasts and am considering a three-day feast next week. My big hang-up is that I don't have a juicer, yet. I'm working on it. But I think I could manage three days with a juices from a blender. I haven't committed at this point but I'll decide tomorrow for sure so I can plan ahead and prepare.

At any rate, the book has so much information and I'm looking forward to trying to prepare some of the recipes. It is a little intimidating, I must admit. Learning any new recipe or style of cuisine can be intimidating I guess. I need to pick a recipe or two and go for it. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

If you aren't familiar with Kris Carr, she is a kick-butt cancer crusader (Crazy Sexy Cancer) and I totally worship her! (She is super cool!) Her site, http://crazysexylife.com has had some amazing posts this past week that I highly recommend checking out.

Enjoy your Saturday night!

"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian."

-Paul McCartney

Namaste

Yoga! Yoga!

2009-03-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! Hey - a day closer to Friday, right? Monday's are always a bit rough for me...post weekend blues and all. However, one thing that keeps me going is my Monday evening yoga class. Twice a week, I attend class at The Vault Climbing Gym and Fitness Center in Old Town St. Helens. Chris Eisenschmidt, who has been teaching in the area for over 15 years, offers beginners, and seasoned yogis, a great hour-long class inside the old bank vault. She also instructs several classes at the Yoga Loft in Scappoose throughout the week. A link to their website is below. It also has information on classes at The Vault and general information about yoga. If you have considered giving yoga a try, you won't be disappointed! Here is the link:

http://www.yogaloft.com/about.html

I hope you all have a fantastic, marvelous, serene, lovely day!
Namaste

And the winner is...

2009-03-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Brandi B.! Brandi is the winner of my first giveaway! Thank you to everyone for supporting my blog project. More great stuff is on the way so stay tuned for more giveaways and fantastic prizes!
Enjoy!
Namaste

Is that a bug in your yogurt?

2009-02-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

I've been told that I'd make a good contestant on some of those reality shows. I'm pretty athletic and very competitive. However, I can't eat stuff. As in bugs, rodents, testicles, etc. I'd be fine with daring stunts but try to make me drink a shake made of grasshoppers and bull testicles...NEVER! Not even for millions and millions. (I'm going somewhere with this.)
Online earlier I saw an article on MSN.com that talks about carmine or cochineal. I quit eating Yoplait yogurt years ago (pre-vegan days) after learning about cochineal, which is a beetle native to Peru and the Canary Islands. The beetles (female) feed on red berries, which accumulate in their stomachs and on unhatched larvae. The bugs are then dried and ground into a powder. It is commonly used as a coloring for yogurt but also used for color in candy, beverages and ice cream. I'm sorry, but GROSS! On top of that, it is currently not labeled on the ingredient list. Typically it is labeled as "artificial color" or "color added". In 2010, the FDA will require that the presence of carmine or cochineal be listed as an ingredient. Good news for people that actually know what that is.
On a brighter note, I bought a new (un) cookbook today... The Complete Book of Raw Food. It has over 400 recipes and tons of hints and tips for preparing raw dishes and meals. I'm excited and inspired!
Have a wonderful Saturday!
"If you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything".
-Thich Nhat Hanh
Namaste

Two More Days to Enter!

2009-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

There are still two more days to get in the drawing for fabulous prizes! Simply join as a "follower" of this blog, email me at colcovegan@yahoo.com or join my Facebook group, Columbia County Vegan, and you will be entered to win! One lucky winner will receive a copy of Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. I may have to throw in some extra goodies too...maybe some yummy Lara bars! Who doesn't love free stuff? So, if you haven't already joined, get with the program! I appreciate your support and love!
Namaste

Immune System Malfunction.

2009-02-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am fighting the third cold I've had in four months. I would like to believe that with my veg lovin' diet, my immune system would kick any infections ass so I can't help feel a little disappointed. Or maybe, with three other family members sick, I just didn't stand a chance! Scientists have found that vegetarians typically do have a stronger immune system and are less susceptible to everyday illnesses, such as the flu.
On top of that, my diet is out of whack this week because I'm at a conference. All meals are provided and I have no control over what I'm being served. However, I have control over what I actually consume. They are providing vegetarian options but were a little confused when I had to send the creamy pasta back. Um, hello...cream is dairy!!
Stay well!
Namaste

2009-02-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a week! I'm so grateful that the weekend is here and for the sunshine! I hope you all are having a wonderful day!
As promised, I told a friend that I would post a list of a few of my favorite sites for super yummy vegetarian/vegan recipes. If you have any suggestions for sites or recipes, please email me and I will add them! These are my top three go-to sites.

fatfreevegan.com
vegcooking.com
vegweb.com

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi
Namaste

Am I the Only One?

2009-02-18T08:08:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I'm the only vegetarian in the area! Well, not entirely, because I have recently met another. But for the longest time, I have felt isolated in my little veg world. This site was born from my need to find a connection to others in the the South Columbia County area that are on a similar path. I really hope people know that this site is not just for vegetarians or vegans. I know there are many people exploring gluten-free diets, trying to eat more organic or local produce, curious about Slow Foods, trying to heal their bodies through nutrition...please help me spread the word to anyone you know that is interested in health and wellness through holistic nutrition!

The other purpose is to share information and tips on local resources that can help support our lifestyle. Whether it be a product, a restaurant, a community event, whatever! If you have any suggestions or tips for me to check out, please let me know.

I did want to share with readers that one of the best breads on the planet can be found locally at Safeway and Fred Meyer. I picked up this loaf of Ezekiel 4:9 whole grain sprouted bread for $3.99 at Safeway last night. The only downside (other than the price) is that it does contain naturally occurring gluten found in whole grains, like wheat. Sorry gluten-free friends!

One slice contains 80 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. It's glycemic index is 36 and it is certified organic by QAI. It is made from sprouted wheat, barley, millet, lentils, soybeans and spelt. No flour! And, according to their website, contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein from vegetable sources.

It is located in the freezer section and should be stored in the refrigerator.
"By letting go, it all gets done."
-Lao-Tzu
Namaste

Educate Yourself!

2009-02-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

Making significant diet or lifestyle changes is very individual. For some, it is for health or ethical reasons. Others may just be curious or wishing to expand their culinary horizons. I guess if I had to list my reasons for being a veg, it would be go: my health, first and foremost, the health of this glorious planet and finally, the well-being of the animals we share the earth with. However, I'm not preachy about it. I do not freak out when my family eats at KFC. Nor do I protest at barbeque's or during Thanksgiving dinner. I am following my own path and I'm proud of that. I do, however, believe that if people really understood what they are putting into their bodies, they would reconsider. Here is some food for thought.

The consumption of animal proteins and fats is linked to heart disease, numerous cancers, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity (more than 60% of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese!!), and dozens of other ailments and diseases. Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with reduced risk of all the above mentioned conditions.

Animal agriculture is taking a huge toll on the environment. Consider the contamination to the soil and drinking water by manure, pesticides, and fertilizers. Animal agriculture produces more than 100 million tons of methane a year which is the leading non-CO2 gas contributing to global warming. Finally, the conditions in which animals are raised for consumption are horrific. They are sick, diseased, abused and mutilated. And then we ingest them full of antibodies, hormones and herbicides. Yuck.

I think that if people took the time to educate themselves, they would be way more cautious when it comes to the food they eat. How many of you have excluded peanut butter products recently? If you care about your health or your family's health, the planet or animals, please take the time to do some research and draw your own conclusions. Below are a couple of resources for you to check out!

http://www.thechinastudy.com

http://vegan.org/

http://goveg.com/

"Doubt everything. Find your own light."

-Buddha

Namaste

Columbia County Vegan is Live!

2009-02-15T08:28:00.001-08:00

After several weeks of planning, prep work and plenty of hours spent on the computer, I am officially unveiling this blog today!! And this my friends, is just the beginning!

Between now and February 28th, become a Columbia County Vegan blog "follower", a group member on Facebook (or you can email me colcovegan@yahoo.com) and you'll be entered to win fabulous prizes including your very own copy of Skinny Bitch. Yay! Prizes!!

Namaste

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

I hope you are enjoying the weekend and celebrating all the love in your life! (My valentine gave me a head of kale wrapped in red tissue paper...mmm...breakfast!) Love is a truly amazing ability. I am so blessed and grateful to be loved and be able to love others. Something we should never take for granted!
After five whole days of nearly perfect raw eating, I wanted cooked food this morning. And BAD. I could no longer deny my desire and caved. I believe in the power of raw foods and am still planning to eat raw about 50% of the time. However, I am just not ready to commit to it completely. At least not yet. I gained a ton of knowledge out of the experiment and am loving the kale juice, something I probably would never have tried otherwise!
Valentine's Day dinner (we are staying in with a sick kiddo) is going to be a vegan Mexican feast, complete with plenty of fresh guacamole, mango salsa, margarita's (of course!!) and vegan chocolate cupcakes...I'm still trying to find the perfect frosting recipe but the cupcakes are amazing.
I wish you lots of love and veggies!
Namaste

Blog Launch Coming Soon!

2009-02-13T05:14:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday! My day started way too early this morning but I'm glad it is Friday! While I have not officially launched this blog yet, I keep finding small doses of inspiration to go through with it. An old friend I have recently become reacquainted with doesn't know many other vegetarians, especially in the area, and was happy to find out that I'm a veg head. That is my inspiration. It can be challenging to live alternative lifestyles, especially if, like me, you are the only one in your family and social network. So, that said, I'm super pumped to make this blog a fantastic resource and community. Please feel free to contact me at colcovegan@yahoo.com.
Have a wonderful day!
Namaste

Krazy for Kale

2009-02-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

Yay! The week is half-way over! I have to give a shout out to Kristen from Kristen's Raw! Thank you for visiting my blog! If you are curious about going raw or need some inspiration, visit her site: http://www.kristensraw.com/.

Speaking of raw, I'm still on my "kick". I have moments that I wonder what the hell I'm doing and moments that I feel totally enlightened. The enlightened periods seem to be taking hold...as you may have guessed from the photo. That was breakfast. I have never even tried kale and this morning I drank it. It was surprisingly tasty mixed with the grapefruit juice. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, not just a salad bar decoration. It's a great source of fiber, calcium and vitamins...is a cancer fighter and detoxifies...and it is in season during the winter. Yay for kale. Tomorrow morning I'm planning to blend the kale juice with a banana...
I'm very happy to report that my little sprout experiment is working! My project list for this upcoming weekend includes figuring out what to do with the sprouts that I grow. And, I might give dehydrating a try. So many new things to learn.

If your interested, here is the recipe for the kale juice:
Three medium kale leaves, washed with stems removed
Juice from two grapefruits
2 cups of filtered water
Blend the kale and water in a blender, strain the pulp from the juice
In a bottle, shake kale and grapefruit juices until blended.
This made approximately 20 ounces of juice.
Enjoy!

"Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts."
-The Buddha
Namaste

Ready for Spring

2009-02-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

More snow today! You couldn't go anywhere without someone commenting on how sick they are of the snow and ready for spring to arrive. Despite the dip in the temperature, I am getting a jump start on my garden, which promises to be bigger and better than ever! I already have green leaf lettuce and Swiss chard seedlings starting to sprout. I love growing things. Especially things I can eat! My other latest experiment is sprouting. This morning I began my first batch of lentil sprouts. I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing but am hoping that little green nuggets of phytonutrients begin growing soon!
Oh, and I did continue to eat mostly raw today... the last time I experimented with my diet I decided to try vegetarianism... that was October 25, 2006. Yikes!
"Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food."
-Hippocrates
Namaste

Giving raw a go...

2009-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I just got home from a long day at work, followed by a fantastic yoga class. Yoga has changed my life. More to come on that later... I spent too much time this past weekend studying and researching raw food diets. My diet evolution in constantly in motion. I've gone from eating a double cheeseburger meal (super-sized, of course) from McDonalds, to a high-protein bodybuilding diet. It was not uncommon for me to consume a dozen or more egg whites a day and don't get me started on chicken breasts! Now, I've been a vegetarian for nearly 2 1/2 years and have eaten about 80% vegan since August of last year. Like I said, it is constantly changing. I'm searching for ultimate health, wellness, radiance and vitality through whole foods.

After all the reading I did this weekend, I was convinced to try raw. I tried it about a year ago and made it about a day. It is hard. I don't think I'm ready now, but I know I could really benefit from some extra fruits and veggies! I actually have managed to eat all raw today, even though I was totally unprepared, and have found my appetite decrease into the evening. Not normal for me. Usually, I'm starving! At any rate, I feel good and hopefully detoxed a little after too much of everything over the weekend. Will I do it tomorrow? Undetermined at this point.

"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."

-Lao-Tzu

Namaste

Welcome!

2009-02-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting Columbia County Vegan! I am a 30-something living and loving in St. Helens, Oregon. I have been 100% vegetarian for more than 2 years and currently eat about 90% vegan. I love the vegan lifestyle and holistic nutrition. While I have no serious health ailments, I'm a firm believer that food can heal and is the ultimate fountain of youth. I am also educating myself about other alternate diets including raw food and gluten-free diets. Most important, I am living the veg life in a rural community which sometimes proves challenging. My goal is to create a supportive network here in my community where we can share our collective knowledge and rock the veggie lifestyle!
Namaste