Just because..

This weather is so gloomy and depressing - time to post something fun! Our wedding feels like years ago (in a good way). I think it is time to start preparing for some beautiful sunny weather and getting myself motivated. So after being inspired by my friend Cas and her awesome blog I think I need to set myself a list of short term goals to get me focussed! They may only be small steps but I bet they will be motivating! Her list was 10 goals in 2010 - I think I am running out of time but lets see how we go!

1. Start running again - I am going to get this iPod working and if not my sisters iPhone which is being handed down to me, get my couch to 10k happening and get moving. It might be a case of getting out of bed at the crack of dawn but thats ok!

2. Visit Shakahari in Carlton. Since going Vegan this place has been high on my list!

3. Cook an eggplant bake based on this recipe. Not the most exciting challenge so should be able to cross this one off pretty quickly!

4. Get a new hairdo! My long locks have been hanging around for way too long - it is time to go!

5. Start my organic vegie patch. First step might be to order some organic seeds and get them going.

6. Sell my wedding dress. I love it but having such a pretty dress hanging in my cupboard will not benefit anyone. Fingers crossed on this one!

7. Adopt a dog. I am getting a bit obsessive about this one but it is a 'must do'.

Ok that's all I can come up with for now but I think it's a pretty good start - will keep you updated.

Earthlings

Have you seen it and what did you think?

Veganism

Tomorrow will mark my 1 month of being vegan!

I am very happy with the decision I have made and I feel like it is the right one for me. Someone asked me yesterday if this is going to be a long term thing to which I replied "yes". I feel much better for not having dairy and eggs and of course meat. My shock at the facts about egg laying male chicks being disposed of (approx 12 million per year in Australia), and bobby cows who at 5 days old are taken from their mothers and slaughtered (approx 1 million per year). The more I learn the more passionate I become!

I know this may not be for everyone and some people may not feel like it is something they would ever consider and that is fine. So tomorrow I will be enjoying some delicious vegan pancakes to celebrate and I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!

Food!

I have ordered a copy of Veganomicon online and am waiting for it to arrive. I hope it comes tomorrow. I have been cooking lots of delish vegan food but because of the lack of daylight hours + my ordinary camera I haven't been able to take any decent photos. Last night we had a red curry with tofu and cashews which was a hit. For lunch today I made a roast vegie and couscous salad. One of my favourite meals since going vegan are bean tortillas. So simple, but so yummy. I do refried beans and also red kidney beans cooked with onion and cumin. It is amazing how much I used to rely on eating cheese and sour cream with everything!! It has also started showing on the scales which I won't complain about! This weekend I am planning a trip to the Tim Burton exhibition at ACMI and hopefully lunch at Lord of the Fries or Movida next door - we will see!

I have also been in touch with an old family friend who has been vegan for over 3 years. She offered me some great advice and also some encouragement which is really nice. She also recommended 'skinny bitch in the kitch' which I had heard of but now 'must buy'!

Pub Crawl!

Last night we gathered up a few of our friends and took them to the Vegie Bar. I know some people may not love this place but I think the food is super tasty, plenty of vegan options and you can get a table fairly easily... I tried the Mee Goreng which came with potato & shredded lettuce - I thought it was delicious! Despite my best efforts to retire after dinner we made our way to the Night Cat, another bar across the road from the Night Cat (?) and the Copa Cabana club. Bit of a long night but well worth it. Now I am just trying to decide what to cook for dinner tonight - spicy tofu & broccoli stir-fry or gnocchi with tomato sauce (plain but yummy and easy!) I seem to have become addicted to Keeping up with the Kardashians which is a little worrying!

Plush Pizza

After a long (and very frustrating) day at work we stopped off at Plush Pizza in Hawthorn for dinner tonight. I have been doing lots of reading about yummy vegan places to eat and this one was high up on my list! I had the Aztec & Hubby had the Ben Special. He obviously liked his so much that he wouldn't let me taste it but mine was delicious! We will be dining there again for sure! More to come tomorrow - goodnight for now! xx

Going Vegan

My hours of reading and watching videos over the past few weeks has lead me to the point where I have decided to go vegan. After watching Earthlings as I mentioned I decided to go vegetarian but I have now decided to go a step further and go vegan. I have become very passionate about animal welfare issues but I also feel that this is a major step towards good health and making a real difference. I do love cheese and this is probably my main concern but with a bit of planning and research I can see that it is not impossible to go without cheese! Over the past 2+ weeks we have not eaten meat and have phased out our dairy products. I have also been 'phasing' out non-ethical products from our house, and buying some amazing organic produce. I have been cooking some delicious healthy vegan recipes and I am feeling so fantastic! I could go on for hours about all of the new things I have learnt but that is enough for now. I am really looking forward to moving out of winter! Lots more to come! PS. I met the most gorgeous little kelpie the other day and her owner 'may' be considering putting her up for adoption - not getting my hopes up but we will see!

I forgot to mention my new favourite website - Unleashed and their amazing forum has given me so many really helpful bits of information and some very cool people sharing like-minded ideas - thanks guys!