It's always assumed that if you're vegan or vegetarian that you must be a card-carrying PETA member but this may or may not be the case. Although many can agree with PETA's mission of promoting a cruelty-free lifestyle and exposing the countless hidden realities behind animal exploitation, they sometimes feel that PETA's use of extreme tactics can turn people off.
Don't get me wrong - I think they've done some really incredible work in the campaign for animal rights. But unfortunately they usually pander to those already behind the cause. Those already "on their side" don't need all the in-your-face tactics like throwing paint on people wearing fur coats or naked women protesting. And for those not already "on their side", it usually winds up turning them off. When you come off like you're alienating and judging people it only makes them want to not listen to you anymore.
My opinion is that there isn't enough education out there for people to make informed choices. What I mean is that while the information is definitely out there, you usually have to go looking for it. There are billions and billions of dollars being spent by big corporations to brainwash people into believing things that aren't true. Like how high fructose corn syrup is natural because it's made from corn and therefore can't bad for you. I had to correct one of my co-workers recently because she told me she believes that whatever she sees in a commercial has to be true. And that's the scary reality. When all you hear is how "milk does a body good", why would you ever think otherwise?
This is where PETA comes in. More money is donated to PETA than pretty much any other animal rights group. Unfortunately it's still only a minute fraction of what big corporations are able to spend on advertising. This is why we think things like meat and dairy are good for us (Got Milk? and Beef: It's What's For Dinner)... That Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is "The Greatest Show On Earth"... That SeaWorld is a happy place "Where Worlds Connect"... And so on and so on...
So perhaps that's why they're so extreme? Because when you're going up against huge companies like McDonald's, Iams, and KFC, fashion designers like Donna Karan or even an entire country (the Canadian Seal Slaughter) you need to get more bang for your buck? Whatever the reason, I think that more people would listen if you just present the facts in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational manner.
But maybe that's just me because that's the reason why I started this blog. =)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Misconception Monday: Vegans Only Eat Rabbit Food & Tofu
While it's true that many (perhaps most) vegans enjoy fresh vegetables, fruit, and tofu, these aren't the only things they eat. In fact, since I've become a vegan I've not only tried foods I never would have before, but wound up falling in love with them. I eat from much wider variety of foods now than I ever did when I was a carnivore (or omnivore. Potato, potahto). My palette has changed completely and only for the better. Here's a short list of the foods which are now staples in my diet that I either never tried before or liked, but didn't eat often:
Agave - A wonderful sugar substitute produced from the agave plant (also used to make tequila!). It's about 1.5 times sweeter than sugar yet has a much lower glycemic index. Usually in the form of a thin syrup or nectar, it can be used in place of sugar. Though it's perfect for baking, be sure to follow specific recipes - it can't be substituted cup for cup since it's not only sweeter than sugar, but it's a "wet" ingredient as opposed to a "dry" ingredient.
Black Beans - My first experience eating black beans (or beans of any kind) was one I'll never forget. I was at Panera Bread with a friend of mine and he ordered their Black Bean Soup. Since I was transitioning from vegetarian to vegan at the time, I thought it'd be best to at least try it since I felt the need to find new alternatives to protein. I've been hooked ever since. Now it's in my soups, wraps, dips, tacos, quesadillas, etc.
Black-eyed Peas - I don't remember what initially made me try these but I use them all the time now. They have a very mild flavor (almost no flavor to me) which allows me to add them to a variety of dishes for added protein without affecting the overall flavor of the dish.
Celery - Celery was a vegetable I never liked. Ever. All of a sudden, I'm into it. Don't ask, I can't explain it.
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) - The first time I tried chickpeas was when I first tried falafel. Ah-maz-ing. I'll have to post the recipe...
Flax Seed - This is essential due to it's high omega-3 fatty acids and fiber content. I grind whole seeds in a coffee grinder (used specifically for this purpose - otherwise flavors will mix) and store it in an air-tight container in my freezer. You can add it to smoothies, baked goods, almost anything - and boost it's nutritional content.
Gazpacho - This is my new favorite soup. I tried it at Jaleo (read my review here) and fell in love. I was always weirded out by the fact that it was a cold soup. I'm glad I got over it because it is just fantastic.
Hummus - How do I love hummus? Let me count the ways... Haha I eat hummus at least 4 or 5 days out of the week. I dip carrots, pita chips, or anything else I can into it. There are countless flavors and varieties out there, I know. But when it comes to my hummus, I love nothing more than a traditional, creamy dip. YUM!
Peppers (any color) - Just like celery, I never found peppers appealing (unless they were hot peppers like jalapenos because I love the heat). Now I put them in my stirfrys, on my pizzas, on sandwiches, anywhere I can.
Soy/Almond/Rice Milk - I now use all three of these. They all have different flavors and thicknesses so depending on what I need it for, I use something different.
Taboulleh - My mouth waters just thinking about this now. Don't get me started on this incredible, healthy salad. Spoon some onto a bit of fresh pita and tell me that's not heaven in your mouth. Haha
Yes, I enjoy the occasional salad but it's not even close to being something I eat on a regular basis. And when it comes to tofu, well? As much as I understand why it's popular among vegetarians/vegans because it's high in protein and lacks flavor (allowing it to take on the flavors of whatever dish you put it in), I'm just not a fan. There's something about the texture and consistency that I can't get into.
So now when someone learns I'm vegan and asks the usual, "So then what do you eat? A lot of tofu and salads I bet!" I'm happy to answer back, "not even close!"
Agave - A wonderful sugar substitute produced from the agave plant (also used to make tequila!). It's about 1.5 times sweeter than sugar yet has a much lower glycemic index. Usually in the form of a thin syrup or nectar, it can be used in place of sugar. Though it's perfect for baking, be sure to follow specific recipes - it can't be substituted cup for cup since it's not only sweeter than sugar, but it's a "wet" ingredient as opposed to a "dry" ingredient.
Black Beans - My first experience eating black beans (or beans of any kind) was one I'll never forget. I was at Panera Bread with a friend of mine and he ordered their Black Bean Soup. Since I was transitioning from vegetarian to vegan at the time, I thought it'd be best to at least try it since I felt the need to find new alternatives to protein. I've been hooked ever since. Now it's in my soups, wraps, dips, tacos, quesadillas, etc.
Black-eyed Peas - I don't remember what initially made me try these but I use them all the time now. They have a very mild flavor (almost no flavor to me) which allows me to add them to a variety of dishes for added protein without affecting the overall flavor of the dish.
Celery - Celery was a vegetable I never liked. Ever. All of a sudden, I'm into it. Don't ask, I can't explain it.
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) - The first time I tried chickpeas was when I first tried falafel. Ah-maz-ing. I'll have to post the recipe...
Flax Seed - This is essential due to it's high omega-3 fatty acids and fiber content. I grind whole seeds in a coffee grinder (used specifically for this purpose - otherwise flavors will mix) and store it in an air-tight container in my freezer. You can add it to smoothies, baked goods, almost anything - and boost it's nutritional content.
Gazpacho - This is my new favorite soup. I tried it at Jaleo (read my review here) and fell in love. I was always weirded out by the fact that it was a cold soup. I'm glad I got over it because it is just fantastic.
Hummus - How do I love hummus? Let me count the ways... Haha I eat hummus at least 4 or 5 days out of the week. I dip carrots, pita chips, or anything else I can into it. There are countless flavors and varieties out there, I know. But when it comes to my hummus, I love nothing more than a traditional, creamy dip. YUM!
Peppers (any color) - Just like celery, I never found peppers appealing (unless they were hot peppers like jalapenos because I love the heat). Now I put them in my stirfrys, on my pizzas, on sandwiches, anywhere I can.
Soy/Almond/Rice Milk - I now use all three of these. They all have different flavors and thicknesses so depending on what I need it for, I use something different.
Taboulleh - My mouth waters just thinking about this now. Don't get me started on this incredible, healthy salad. Spoon some onto a bit of fresh pita and tell me that's not heaven in your mouth. Haha
Yes, I enjoy the occasional salad but it's not even close to being something I eat on a regular basis. And when it comes to tofu, well? As much as I understand why it's popular among vegetarians/vegans because it's high in protein and lacks flavor (allowing it to take on the flavors of whatever dish you put it in), I'm just not a fan. There's something about the texture and consistency that I can't get into.
So now when someone learns I'm vegan and asks the usual, "So then what do you eat? A lot of tofu and salads I bet!" I'm happy to answer back, "not even close!"
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Restaurant Review: Jaleo - Part Two
If you haven't read the first part of my review, read it here.
I returned to Jaleo just a couple days after my first visit. I had some time to kill before meeting up with my friend so I figured I'd stop in for a drink and possibly one or two tapas. I sat at the bar and contemplated my beverage options. I had already started my night with a couple dirty martinis and thought it'd be best to go with something a little lighter. I asked the bartender (Amanda?) for a suggestion and she offered to make something up for me. Believe me when I tell you that I'm not normally a fruity cocktail kind of girl but what she came up with was phenomenal! She started with Ciroc Red Berry and added their homemade rosemary-infused lemonade and fresh raspberries. She shook it all up and let me tell you - it made for one hell of a martini! After a few of those the other bartender, Alicia, decided it should be named after me. So if you want to try it at Jaleo, see if they remember the "C-Razz". Haha
I thought it'd be best to order a couple tapas if I was going to continue drinking and without hesitation ordered the gazpacho and Papas Arrugas. I was so disappointed when she told me they were out of the Papas Arrugas so I decided on the wild mushrooms over potato puree instead.
My gazpacho came first and it was heaven. I got the whole bowl to myself this time and I savored each and every spoonful. I really must find a recipe. And soon!
Then my mushrooms came. I was a little confused when I realized that there was no potato puree underneath. I asked Amanda (what was her name?!?!) what happened. She explained that they were made with butter so they kept them out for me. WHAT???? I told her I had ordered them a couple days ago and that my server specifically checked with the chef to make sure they were vegan and was told they were because they whipped the potatoes with olive oil. Amanda told me that she checked when I placed the order and was told they weren't.
I was bummed. I was confused. I was upset. Who was right? Who was wrong? Did I really eat those potatoes with butter the other night?
Enter: Michael Ploetz - General Manager of Jaleo. He came over to talk to me about this whole "potato situation". He explained that they had bounced around between using butter to make the potato puree and olive oil but that they now use butter again. So yes, I most likely ate potatoes made with butter a couple nights before. Uggh. The irony was that I wasn't even going to order the mushroom tapas and only did because they were out of my yummy baby potatoes. So when he offered to bring me an order I was confused. Amanda chimed in that they were out of them because you couldn't select it in their computers. Michael insisted that they had them and would bring me some. I was happy to finally get my wonderful baby potatoes but unfortunately I was once again full by the time they arrived. Haha Thanks Alicia for wrapping them up to go for me - it turns out they're also really, really good cold from the fridge!
Here's the moral of the story - - - I could have been extremely upset over the fact that I ate something with butter in it. Am I happy about it? Of course not. But I didn't do it intentionally and I believe that my server did actually check with the kitchen. Where the mishap occurred, I may never know. I also accept partial responsibility since I definitely know better than to not go directly through the manager or chef for all my menu questions.
All in all, I think Jaleo is an excellent restaurant. Yes, there was a snafu and depending on your personal perspective it was either catastrophic or not a big deal. Maybe it's somewhere in between. I think that's where I am because in my opinion, it certainly wasn't enough to ruin my feelings about the restaurant as a whole. Michael handled the situation properly - he addressed the issue with me and was very professional and helpful about it. Though I don't know for sure, I have a feeling Alicia brought it to her manager's attention because she saw how disappointed I was (it certainly wasn't because I asked her to). They definitely went above and beyond if you ask me and sometimes that's what makes all the difference.
I returned to Jaleo just a couple days after my first visit. I had some time to kill before meeting up with my friend so I figured I'd stop in for a drink and possibly one or two tapas. I sat at the bar and contemplated my beverage options. I had already started my night with a couple dirty martinis and thought it'd be best to go with something a little lighter. I asked the bartender (Amanda?) for a suggestion and she offered to make something up for me. Believe me when I tell you that I'm not normally a fruity cocktail kind of girl but what she came up with was phenomenal! She started with Ciroc Red Berry and added their homemade rosemary-infused lemonade and fresh raspberries. She shook it all up and let me tell you - it made for one hell of a martini! After a few of those the other bartender, Alicia, decided it should be named after me. So if you want to try it at Jaleo, see if they remember the "C-Razz". Haha
I thought it'd be best to order a couple tapas if I was going to continue drinking and without hesitation ordered the gazpacho and Papas Arrugas. I was so disappointed when she told me they were out of the Papas Arrugas so I decided on the wild mushrooms over potato puree instead.
My gazpacho came first and it was heaven. I got the whole bowl to myself this time and I savored each and every spoonful. I really must find a recipe. And soon!
Then my mushrooms came. I was a little confused when I realized that there was no potato puree underneath. I asked Amanda (what was her name?!?!) what happened. She explained that they were made with butter so they kept them out for me. WHAT???? I told her I had ordered them a couple days ago and that my server specifically checked with the chef to make sure they were vegan and was told they were because they whipped the potatoes with olive oil. Amanda told me that she checked when I placed the order and was told they weren't.
I was bummed. I was confused. I was upset. Who was right? Who was wrong? Did I really eat those potatoes with butter the other night?
Enter: Michael Ploetz - General Manager of Jaleo. He came over to talk to me about this whole "potato situation". He explained that they had bounced around between using butter to make the potato puree and olive oil but that they now use butter again. So yes, I most likely ate potatoes made with butter a couple nights before. Uggh. The irony was that I wasn't even going to order the mushroom tapas and only did because they were out of my yummy baby potatoes. So when he offered to bring me an order I was confused. Amanda chimed in that they were out of them because you couldn't select it in their computers. Michael insisted that they had them and would bring me some. I was happy to finally get my wonderful baby potatoes but unfortunately I was once again full by the time they arrived. Haha Thanks Alicia for wrapping them up to go for me - it turns out they're also really, really good cold from the fridge!
Here's the moral of the story - - - I could have been extremely upset over the fact that I ate something with butter in it. Am I happy about it? Of course not. But I didn't do it intentionally and I believe that my server did actually check with the kitchen. Where the mishap occurred, I may never know. I also accept partial responsibility since I definitely know better than to not go directly through the manager or chef for all my menu questions.
All in all, I think Jaleo is an excellent restaurant. Yes, there was a snafu and depending on your personal perspective it was either catastrophic or not a big deal. Maybe it's somewhere in between. I think that's where I am because in my opinion, it certainly wasn't enough to ruin my feelings about the restaurant as a whole. Michael handled the situation properly - he addressed the issue with me and was very professional and helpful about it. Though I don't know for sure, I have a feeling Alicia brought it to her manager's attention because she saw how disappointed I was (it certainly wasn't because I asked her to). They definitely went above and beyond if you ask me and sometimes that's what makes all the difference.
Restaurant Review: Jaleo - Part One
I went back to Las Vegas (my second trip as a vegan) less than two months after returning from the first trip. A friend of mine was going and I decided to tag along. This time I was staying at the brand new Cosmopolitan and was pretty excited about it. On a side note, I really enjoyed it there and would definitely recommend the resort.
As you could expect, I immediately looked into the menus on their website. I was concerned at first that I couldn’t find anything definitive within their 13 restaurants so I decided to call their Concierge Desk for assistance. The woman I spoke with immediately suggested both Jaleo and China Poblano once I told her I was vegan. I had seen their menus already and didn’t think there would be anything that interested me but I took her word anyway. What’s the worst that could happen? I’d have to venture out to the same restaurants I’d been to already? So what? No big deal. I’m a pro now as a Vegas Vegan. Haha
On my first night I called again to the Concierge for suggestions on where to eat. Why? I don’t really know. She also suggested Jaleo and China Poblano. I was so hungry at that point that my friend and I just headed down to Jaleo in hopes of finding not only something vegan, but something delicious. That IS the point, no?
My friend and I were starving so we were extremely happy that we were seated right away. When our server arrived I asked her for suggestions on what to order given my “special dietary needs” (as my friend likes to call it). Haha She went through the whole menu and pointed all the different tapas I could order. I must say, she did a great job of selling the menu. She also advised us that most people order 2 or 3 different tapas so given how hungry we both were, we ordered three each. My (carnivore) friend surprisingly ordered two vegan tapas (Pan con Tomate and Gazpacho estilo Algeciras) and one non-vegan. I chose Setas al Ajillo con La Serena, Trigueros con Romesco and the Papas Arrugas.
The tapas are served as soon as they’re ready and the first to arrive was the Pan con Tomate. My friend was kind enough to share and for that I’m grateful. I expected it to be similar to bruschetta but it was actually very different. It was less oniony and more tomatoey (yes, those are culinary terms).
Next up was the gazpacho. I'll be honest, I had never tried gazpacho before because it always weirded me out that it was a soup that's meant to be served cold. My friend started raving over how good it was and that I should try it. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and just taste it. It blew me away! I'm now officially a gazpacho fan and scouting the perfect recipe...
Finally one of my tapas arrived - Trigueros con Romesco which is grilled asparagus in a romesco sauce. To put it simply, it was fantastic. If you like asparagus you must try this one.
Another tapas I ordered came next - Setas al Ajillo con La Serena (sauteed wild mushrooms over a potato puree). Being the mushroom lover that I am, this one was over the top. If memory serves, there were chanterelles, trumpets, wood ears, possibly others...? The mushrooms were served over a potato puree, but more on that later (read Part Two).
The last of the tapas were my friend's non-vegan dish (no need or reason to discuss here) and my Papas Arrugas which are baby potatoes meant to be dipped in one of two sauces - mojo verde or mojo rojo. This tied with the gazpacho as my favorite tapas of all. The sauces were out of this world! I asked a couple of times what each one was made out of and despite how similar and simple they were, I can't remember now. All I know is that I was really bummed that I was so full already and couldn't eat more than a few. My friend was more than happy to polish them off!
Needless to say, we had a really great meal! The food was truly exceptional and the service was too! It was so great that I stopped in a couple nights later. For more on that visit, read Part Two!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Misconception Monday: Vegans Don't Get Enough Protein
This is quite possibly the biggest myth out there regarding veganism. In reality, vegans are able to get all the protein they need from a variety of plants. The real hidden truth is that most people are eating too much protein!
America has become protein obsessed. And that's putting it lightly. Everywhere you look it's protein shakes, protein bars, protein powders, and of course - Meat! Meat! Meat! People are eating protein like it's going out of style! On top of that, they're led to believe that the best and/or the only way to get protein is from meat and dairy. Meanwhile, eating too much animal protein has been linked to Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney stones, certain cancers, the list goes on and on.
We can get all the protein we need from plant sources while at the same time, get our calcium, iron, fiber and other important vitamins and minerals. Relying on animal sources for protein gets you just that - protein - without any of the benefits I just mentioned. That being said, when you consume foods that high on the food chain you're also getting cholesterol, saturated fats, herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, the list goes on and on.
Not to worry though. You don't have to live on soy and tofu if you don't want to. You can find protein in just about everything. It's in breads, pasta, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, legumes, etc.
For an extensive chart detailing how protein-efficient different foods are check out Soystache!
America has become protein obsessed. And that's putting it lightly. Everywhere you look it's protein shakes, protein bars, protein powders, and of course - Meat! Meat! Meat! People are eating protein like it's going out of style! On top of that, they're led to believe that the best and/or the only way to get protein is from meat and dairy. Meanwhile, eating too much animal protein has been linked to Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney stones, certain cancers, the list goes on and on.
We can get all the protein we need from plant sources while at the same time, get our calcium, iron, fiber and other important vitamins and minerals. Relying on animal sources for protein gets you just that - protein - without any of the benefits I just mentioned. That being said, when you consume foods that high on the food chain you're also getting cholesterol, saturated fats, herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, the list goes on and on.
Not to worry though. You don't have to live on soy and tofu if you don't want to. You can find protein in just about everything. It's in breads, pasta, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, legumes, etc.
For an extensive chart detailing how protein-efficient different foods are check out Soystache!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
To everyone celebrating today - Happy Easter!
To everyone else, bear with me. Personally, I don't have plans to celebrate the holiday. Why, you ask? Well for one, I was never a religious person so it holds no special, spiritual meaning for me. Two, I have to work. But honestly? It's mostly because I find it odd that people choose to celebrate eternal life by coloring and eating eggs (one of the only two things on Earth that create life) and eating a dead animal (usually a pig or lamb).
Sorry for the blunt delivery, but I'm not one to sugarcoat anything. Plus, it's true! Think about it. I understand that people have their traditions and that they're important to them. But how about starting some new, compassionate traditions during the holidays?
A friend of mine asked me on Friday what I did to celebrate Earth Day. He was shocked when I told him, "nothing special". Then I explained that it's because I celebrate the earth every single day. I live a vegan lifestyle (which for those who haven't read my Earth Day post yet, is pretty much the greenest thing you can do)... I recycle anything and everything that can be recycled... I don't waste electricity or water... I use eco-friendly cleaning/laundry/beauty products... I avoid bottled water at all costs... And that's just to name a few!
This conversation reminded me of a disagreement I had this past Christmas with someone else. I was scheduled to work on December 25th and didn't see any reason I should take off. After all, I had plans to celebrate with my work family that day. It really seemed to bother this person way more than it bothered me (most likely because it didn't bother me at all). But it was clear that he and I see Christmas in two very different ways. He feels the only place you should be on Christmas Day is at home with your family. But I see Christmas as a season and that's exactly how long I celebrate it for! I start "celebrating" as early as October by listening to Christmas music, decorating, watching Christmas movies, baking goodies - all the while doing special things with all my loved ones.
The point I'm trying to make is that for me, there doesn't need to be one specific day for celebrating something because I already celebrate it every day of my life. One day isn't the "end all, be all" for me. I'm not saying I don't enjoy certain holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, because I do. Perhaps it's a little differently than others do but hey, that's me. =)
Whether today marks the 1st or 101st time you're celebrating a holiday as a vegan, or if you want some ideas on how to celebrate Easter in a more compassionate way, here are some tips:
To everyone else, bear with me. Personally, I don't have plans to celebrate the holiday. Why, you ask? Well for one, I was never a religious person so it holds no special, spiritual meaning for me. Two, I have to work. But honestly? It's mostly because I find it odd that people choose to celebrate eternal life by coloring and eating eggs (one of the only two things on Earth that create life) and eating a dead animal (usually a pig or lamb).
Sorry for the blunt delivery, but I'm not one to sugarcoat anything. Plus, it's true! Think about it. I understand that people have their traditions and that they're important to them. But how about starting some new, compassionate traditions during the holidays?
A friend of mine asked me on Friday what I did to celebrate Earth Day. He was shocked when I told him, "nothing special". Then I explained that it's because I celebrate the earth every single day. I live a vegan lifestyle (which for those who haven't read my Earth Day post yet, is pretty much the greenest thing you can do)... I recycle anything and everything that can be recycled... I don't waste electricity or water... I use eco-friendly cleaning/laundry/beauty products... I avoid bottled water at all costs... And that's just to name a few!
This conversation reminded me of a disagreement I had this past Christmas with someone else. I was scheduled to work on December 25th and didn't see any reason I should take off. After all, I had plans to celebrate with my work family that day. It really seemed to bother this person way more than it bothered me (most likely because it didn't bother me at all). But it was clear that he and I see Christmas in two very different ways. He feels the only place you should be on Christmas Day is at home with your family. But I see Christmas as a season and that's exactly how long I celebrate it for! I start "celebrating" as early as October by listening to Christmas music, decorating, watching Christmas movies, baking goodies - all the while doing special things with all my loved ones.
The point I'm trying to make is that for me, there doesn't need to be one specific day for celebrating something because I already celebrate it every day of my life. One day isn't the "end all, be all" for me. I'm not saying I don't enjoy certain holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, because I do. Perhaps it's a little differently than others do but hey, that's me. =)
Whether today marks the 1st or 101st time you're celebrating a holiday as a vegan, or if you want some ideas on how to celebrate Easter in a more compassionate way, here are some tips:
- Vegan chocolates, jelly beans and candies are easier than ever to find these days. Since I'm not into candy all that much I'm certainly not qualified to recommend which one's the best. But seriously? Just google "vegan chocolate" or "vegan jelly beans" and I'm sure you'll have more than enough options to choose from.
- Instead of dyeing eggs from chickens, how about painting wooden eggs from your local craft store? I personally try to avoid using plastics but I know many people like to use plastic eggs that they can hide candy or small toys inside of. If they're being reused year after year, then hey. It definitely beats using real eggs in my book.
- Go play in a park or take everyone on a walk (don't forget the dogs!). Do whatever you can to stop and appreciate the beautiful nature around you. Spring is full of gorgeous sights, intoxicating scents and glorious sounds. Stare at the trees budding and the flowers blooming... Smell the flowers and fresh grass... Listen to the birds singing... Enjoy the peaceful moment!
- Plant something! Whether it's just a couple of seeds in a pot or an entire garden bed, this can be a wonderful tradition to start with your family. Spring is the perfect time to start growing most flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
- Host an Easter brunch or dinner in your own (vegan) home.
- If hosting isn't an option, be sure to bring one (or two, or three?!) delicious vegan dishes wherever you're going. That way, you'll not only have something to eat but you'll also introduce something new to the group.
I hope you all enjoy your day no matter how you choose to spend it! =)
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