White Apricot Holiday Bonus Green Grab Bag for December

White Apricot's Green Grab Bag did a promotion for the holidays, and they offered a Holiday Bonus Bag to those who purchased a gift subscription for the Green Grab Bag.

Here is what came in the bag:

Rain Africa Rock Mint Bath Salts: Soak your troubles away, while purifying your skin, with these yummy bath salts. Full size $9.95

Sumbody Peppermint Body Soap: An invigorating scent to get you going in the shower or bath, this bar keeps skin looking and smelling fresh. Full size: $5.95 (This product smelled wonderful, and it felt very nourishing too.)

Yellow Stone Bees Tea Tree Peppermint Hand and Body Cream: Soothe, smooth and protect hands and skin this season with this remarkably hydrating cream. Full size from $7 (This product does contain beeswax, which is something that I still use. I think it smells very fresh and feels great too.)

Scrubz Peppermint Scrub: Everyone's favorite scrub is back in a holiday scent. Rub and rinse off for skin that is silky soft. Full size $16-$26 (This stuff smells so good, you will want to eat it! It feels very invigorating and leaves skin soft and smooth.)

Ferro Eye Candy Eyeshadow: Put a sparkle in your eyes at your holiday parties with an-of-the-moment metallic mineral shadow. Full size $17

Pevonia Power Repair Kit: Reveal your youthful side this season with younger looking skin. The Hydrating Cleanser and Age-Defying Collagen Cream pack a one-two punch. Full sizes $39-$73 (since both of these products contain marine collagen, which is derived from fish scales, they are not vegan. I will be giving them away so they still get used).

All of the products in the bag were cruelty-free and vegan (except for the Pevonia Power Repair Kit which has marine collagen in it, and the Yellow Stone Bees product which has beeswax in it).

Here is the video of everything in the bag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMOI7IkD2CQ&context=C3daa0d0ADOEgsToPDskJqb6jDEMRC2yK0Cuj7ResC

White Apricot Green Grab Bag for December

I just signed up for a subscription to the Green Grab Bag from White Apricot last month, so I received my first one in the mail this month. It costs $15/month (and shipping is free) or you can purchase a one year subscription for $145 (which is at a 20% discount).

Each month, you will get at least six samples of skin or hair care products, make-up, fragrances and more, sometimes with an extra bonus. Each bag will also come with descriptions of the products inside and some guidance on how to use them. The retail prices of the full sized products are listed, and there are usually coupon codes that can be used to get discounts on the products.

What makes the Green Grab Bag different from other sample boxes? You get mini's of the best natural, organic and vegan skin care and hair care, make-up, fragrance and more. It's also important to note that all of their packaging is eco-friendly: from the bag itself, shredded filler and cards, to their shipping boxes, tape and wrapping materials.

Here's the video of everything that came in the bag: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNhWD0ZpiL0&context=C31e9fd9ADOEgsToPDskKBx2vzuhJKtDAw-7Chm9Jy

The theme of this month's bag was "products that will leave you smooth and soft from head to toe" (which is exactly how it was worded on the product info card).

The contents of the bag were:

Better Botanicals Clarifying Facial Scrub: Polish skin to perfection with this clarifying scrub that is gentle enough for use every day. $18.99 (I've used this product once so far, and there were actually 2 samples of it in the bag, so I'll get to use it a few more times at least. I really liked it. I thought it was gentle for being a scrub, and it has an earthy smell too. My skin felt very soft and smooth after using this.)

Essence of Vali Sleep Oil: A good night's sleep is moments away with this potent concentrate that promotes relaxation and stress relief. $18 (I can't wait to try this out tonight!)

Kohana Coffee Butter Creme and Lavender Creme: Winter in the islands with this line of skincare, filled with exotic butters and extraordinary natural and organic ingredients. Prices Range from $17-$32 (I've already used all of the Lavender Body Creme, which smells wonderful! It left my skin feeling soft and smooth, without any greasy or sticky feeling. It's not too thick or too thin, and it kept my skin hydrated for a long time.)

Golden Path Alchemy Renew Serum: Soft, hydrated skin is yours with these intensely moisturizing serums. Can also aid in minimizing scars and stretch marks! $29-$98

Juara Sweet Black Tea and Rice Facial Moisturizer: Fight off lines and wrinkles and boost skins natural radiance with this special hydrating blend of all natural ingredients. Mix it with your favorite foundation for a matte, but moist finish. $48

Sumbody Milky Rich Soap: Lather up with this goat's milk soap that deeply penetrates to nourish and moisturize dry, sensitive or damaged skin. $5.95 (I won't be using this item since it isn't vegan :( but I will give it out to a friend or relative so it gets used).

All of the products in this month's bag were vegan and cruelty-free, except for the Sumbody Milky Rich Soap. I can't wait to see what's in my bag next month!

If you're interested in subscribing, or just want more information, go to: www.greengrabbag.com

Zombie Pub Crawl

Breakfast:
smoothie made with silk vanilla soymilk and banana (food pantry)

Lunch:

organic crackers with wayfare hickory smoked cheddar (given to me by a friend)

ramen noodles

Dinner (Pita Pit):

black bean patty on a whole wheat pita with hummus, mushrooms, green pepper, sprouts, spinach, tomatoes and cucumber

Drinks:

malibu pineapple

fish eye merlot

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2
Liver Rescue 4+

Today was the Zombie Pub Crawl. It's an annual event here in Fargo where we dress up as zombies and crawl from one bar to the next. I went dressed up as a marathon runner that was freshly zombified. I walked with a group of friends and only visited 3 stops on the crawl before going home for the evening.

Friday's finally here!

Breakfast:
smoothie made with silk vanilla soymilk and banana (food pantry)

Lunch:
sandwich made with whole wheat breadsmith bread (food pantry), tomatoes, wayfare hickory smoked cheddar cheese and tofurkey hickory smoked deli slices
popchips salt and vinegar (free with a coupon that I received in the mail)

Dinner (Taco Bell):

bean burrito (no cheese, with wayfare mexi cheddar sauce and fire sauce added)

bean tostada (no cheese or sour cream, with tofutti sour cream added)

spanish rice

Drinks:

mystery shot (I confirmed there was no dairy in it first)

malibu pineapple

Snacks:

tortilla chips with salsa and wayfare mexi cheddar dip

organic crackers with wayfare hickory smoked cheddar (given to me by a friend)
Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2
Liver Rescue 4+

I went out to Gio's Eastgate Event Center tonight to dance and watch some of my friends DJ. It was a great time! I got to see a friend visiting from out of town and I made a new friend too.

Dance party

Blogger was down last night, so I was unable to post anything. Here is what I ate on Thursday:

Breakfast:
smoothie made with silk vanilla soymilk and banana (food pantry)
1/2 nutrilicious soy yogurt coated donut

Lunch (Extreme Pita):
falafel, red pepper hummus, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes all in a pita
baked lays
raspberry iced tea (chips and a drink are free with pita or pizza purchase if you're a member of the YMCA)

Snack:
Primal Strips hot n spicy
popchips salt and vinegar (free with a coupon I got in the mail)

Dinner:

whole wheat thin spaghetti (food pantry), classico tomato basil marinara sauce
whole wheat ritz crackers
wayfare hickory smoked cheddar cheese (given to me by a friend)
tofurkey hickory smoked deli slices

Drinks:
Malibu with pineapple juice

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2
Liver Rescue 4+

I went out to a fundraising event that was put on by my friends that DJ on KNDS (local, independent radio station). I had a lot of fun seeing everybody and dancing too!

Dentist visit

Breakfast:
smoothie made with silk vanilla soymilk and banana (food pantry)

Lunch:

whole wheat thin spaghetti (food pantry), classico tomato basil marinara sauce, parma

animal crackers

Dinner:

burrito made with: whole wheat tortilla, black beans (food pantry), tomatoes, tofutti sour cream, wayfare mexi cheddar dip and frank's red hot sauce

tortilla chips

salsa

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

Today I went to the dentist for my 6 month check-up and cleaning. I found out that I have a cavity :( and I was also told that I should be using a flouride rinse, otherwise I will probably have more cavities soon. Flouride is poison and I don't feel comfortable putting it into my body, so I'm going to have to do some research about mineralization. Also, I need to do more research on fillings for cavities, as I will be getting one soon.

Captured! By Robots

Breakfast:
smoothie made with silk vanilla soymilk and banana (food pantry)

Lunch:

burrito made with: whole wheat tortilla, black beans (food pantry), tomatoes, tofutti sour cream, wayfare mexi cheddar dip and frank's red hot sauce

tortilla chips

salsa

Snack:
nutrilicious chocolate marble swirl donut
lays potato chips
primal strips texas bbq (given to my by a friend)

jolly ranchers, cherry and apple

Dinner:

whole wheat thin spaghetti (food pantry), classico tomato basil marinara sauce, parma, gardein chicken tenders

sun chips onion and thyme

so delicious ice cream sandwich

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

The Nutrilicious chocolate marble swirl donut was one of the treats that I ordered from veganessentials.com. It was a chocolate cake donut with soy yogurt icing, and it was moist and delicious! I can't wait to try the other flavor that I got.

Tonight I went out and saw my friend's band play, Captured! By Robots. It's so nice that he goes on tour every year and always stops in Fargo. I got to hang out with some other friends at the show too, and I even met a new person!

The beginning of another week

Breakfast:

smoothie made with: silk vanilla soymilk (food pantry), banana and kiwi

Lunch:

whole wheat thin spaghetti (food pantry), classico tomato basil marinara sauce, parma, gardein chicken tenders

sun chips onion and thyme

Dinner:

burrito made with: whole wheat tortilla, black beans (food pantry), tomatoes, tofutti sour cream, wayfare mexi cheddar dip and frank's red hot sauce

tortilla chips

salsa

Snack:

zevia root beer

air-popped popcorn with orville redenbachers popping & topping buttery flavored oil, sea salt and parma

so delicious ice cream sandwich

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

Lazy day

Breakfast:

silk vanilla soymilk and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

sandwich made with: breadsmith whole wheat bread (food pantry), tofurkey smoked deli slices, wayfare hickory smoked cheese, tomatoes and vegenaise

celery

spicy red pepper hummus (food pantry)

Dinner:

whole wheat thin spaghetti (food pantry), classico tomato basil marinara sauce, parma, gardein chicken tenders

Snack:

so delicious coconut milk ice cream bar

sun chips onion and thyme

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

Beautiful, sunny and warm!

Breakfast:

silk vanilla soymilk and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

sandwich made with: breadsmith whole wheat bread (food pantry), tofurkey smoked deli slices, wayfare hickory smoked cheese, tomatoes and vegenaise

celery

spicy red pepper hummus (food pantry)

Snack (at a friend's house):

green grapes

pecans

Dinner:

tofurkey italian sausage and fire roasted veggie pizza w/ galaxy nutritional foods vegan grated topping and frank's red hot sauce

so delicious ice cream sandwich

Snack:

chocolove dark chocolate bar

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

Today I walked 2 miles with my friend Kathleen. It was so nice to get out and enjoy the nice weather that we had here today! It's also the first time this year that I've worn both a tank top and flip flops!

TGIF

Breakfast:

silk vanilla soymilk and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

sandwich made with: breadsmith whole wheat bread (food pantry), spinach (food pantry), tofurkey smoked deli slices and vegenaise

bare fruit apple chips

Dinner:

tofurkey italian sausage and fire roasted veggie pizza w/ galaxy nutritional foods vegan grated topping and frank's red hot sauce

so delicious ice cream sandwich

Snack:

pumpkin seeds

jolly ranchers: apple, cherry and blue raspberry

food should taste good sweet potato chips (free from online survey)

wayfare mexi cheddar dip (given to me by a friend)

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

I organized a new Meetup with FMVeg today. It's on May 28th from 10:00am-7:00pm at the Red Raven Espresso Parlor. They're having a flea market and offering spaces to be rented out at $5 each. FMVeg with be having a vegan bake sale with the profits going to our group (since we could use money to rent out tables at future events and also to help pay for our Meetup.com site).

Bellydancing

Breakfast:

orange juice and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

wheat ritz crackers

spicy red pepper hummus (food pantry)

Ching's Secret hot garlic ramen noodles

Snack:

JJ's original cocomels

rold gold tiny twists pretzels

Dinner:

ramen noodles (food pantry)

stir-fried mushrooms, snow peas and broccoli with coconut oil, teriyaki sauce and seasonings (mushrooms and snow peas from food pantry)

bragg's liquid aminos and chow mein noodles

cool fruits freezer, grape

Snack:

so delicious ice cream sandwich

cherry jolly rancher

original tasty eats soy jerky

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

I watched the movie Inception last night, which was a great psychological thriller! Today, I went to a 60 minute bellydancing class at the gym with a friend, and it was just as much fun as the last time that we went! The Cocomels are another one of the treats that I ordered from veganessentials.com and they are the best caramels I have ever tasted! They combine the delicious taste of coconut and caramel in one treat.

I've tried a few varieties of the Tasty Eats soy jerky before, but this was my first time trying the original flavor. The texture is very similar to the real thing: not too dry or moist and you have to work your jaw a little bit to chew it all up. The flavor was very good: a little sweet, similar to teriyaki, but still salty and peppery like jerky should be.

Also, I tried a So Delicious ice cream sandwich for the first time today, and all I can say is that it was the best ice cream sandwich I've ever tasted! I'm a huge fan of coconut, so making an ice cream sandwich with coconut milk ice cream already seemed like a winning combination before I even tried it. I'm definitely gonna go back and buy some more of them while they're still on sale!

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day...

Breakfast:

orange juice and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

leftover pasta salad

wheat ritz crackers

spicy red pepper hummus (food pantry)

Dinner:

ramen noodles (food pantry)

stir-fried mushrooms, snow peas and broccoli with coconut oil, teriyaki sauce and seasonings (mushrooms and snow peas from food pantry)

bragg's liquid aminos and chow mein noodles

Snack:

Sweetriot chocolate

primal strips hot n spicy

Organic Miniature Peanut Butter Cup by Sjaaks

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (2.5 teaspoons)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Non-GMO Lecithin (2 teaspoons)

Vitamin D2

Vitamin B12

Liver Rescue 4+

It felt great to take the plastic off my windows today and pack up all my winter clothing to put in storage for the season. I also received my veganessentials.com order today, and I'm planning on reviewing all of the goodies that I got once I try them. The basil that I planted last Thursday already sprouted =) I can't wait for the rest of the herbs that I planted to start coming up (parsley, cilantro and lemon balm).

I went out to the gym this evening for Aqua Lite (an hour-long water aerobics class) with 2 amazing friends. I can't wait to go to a bellydancing class tomorrow! I also got to try an Organic Miniature Peanut Butter Cup by Sjaaks, that I ordered from veganessentials.com. The reviews on the site mention that it tastes just like or better than a Reese's. My opinion is that it's delicious and tastes more like a Palmer Mini Peanut Butter Cup than a Reese's, but it does come pretty close to a Reese's.

Nice, sunny day =)

Breakfast:

orange juice and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

ritz crackers with spicy red pepper hummus (food pantry)

spring salad mix (food pantry) with foods alive mike's special flax oil dressing

pasta salad (leftover from potluck)

pineapple upside-down cake

Dinner:

ramen noodles (food pantry)

stir-fried mushrooms, snow peas and broccoli with coconut oil, teriyaki sauce and seasonings (mushrooms and snow peas from food pantry)

bragg's liquid aminos and chow mein noodles

fruit punch (leftover from potluck)

Snack:

ritz crackers with spicy red pepper hummus (food pantry)

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (2.5 teaspoons)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

I went for a 2 mile walk today with a friend and the Walk This Way group. It was nice walking in a different part of town and getting to see a body of water. It was also great that it got up to 60 degrees today.

FMVeg Welcome Spring Potluck

Brunch:

pineapple upside-down cake

papaya nectar

Dinner (potluck):

pasta salad: wheat rotini, diced tomatoes, artichokes (all from food pantry), basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper

chili

BBQ fibs

rice and beans, refried beans, udon bread

fruit salad

brownie

chocolate, walnut, coconut cookie

fruit punch

Snack:

food should taste good jalapeno tortilla chips (free from survey I took online)

wayfare mexi cheddar dip (given to me by a friend)

watermelon blowpop

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (1 heaping tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (2 teaspoons)

Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)

Vitamin D2

Vitamin B12

Liver Rescue 4+

It was wonderful getting to see friends from FMVeg again today at the welcome spring potluck we had at the Moorhead public library. There was lots of good food, as usual, and good conversation too! Also, I visited the Daily Bread food pantry today, which is my favorite one in the area because everything they give you is fresh, nothing is canned or boxed. They had lots of vanilla Silk soymilk too, so I got to stock up on plenty of that.

Snow on May 1st in Fargo!

Breakfast:

strawberry nutrigrain bar

Lunch:

amy's spicy chili (food pantry)

saltine crackers (food pantry)

Dinner:

celery w/hummus

leftover mushroom rice (food pantry)

potato chips w/veggie dip

Dessert:

pineapple upside-down cake

Supplements:

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

The storm's a coming!

Breakfast:

1/2 Amy's roasted vegetable pizza (no cheese)

zevia cola

Lunch:

1/2 cucumber

wai wai instant noodles, oriental style

Dinner:

asparagus (food pantry) with earth balance and parma

2 leftover enchiladas

Dessert:

pineapple upside-down cake

Snack:

jolly rancher, watermelon

glee gum, spearmint

Supplements:

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D2

Liver Rescue 4+

It's the last day of April and it's snowing. Snow is in the forecast for tomorrow too. I hope that I don't see snow again for at least 5 months after tomorrow. Today I started reading The Bond by Wayne Pacelle. It is the book for the month of May that I'm reading along with the vegnews book club.

Payday

Breakfast:

Apricot Nectar

bowl of betteroats raw pure & simple multigrain hot cereal: chai spiced (food pantry)

Lunch:

1/2 cucumber with veggie dip

2 leftover enchiladas

Dinner:

1/2 Amy's Roasted Vegetable Pizza (no cheese)

Zevia cola

Snack:

Alternative Baking Company peanut butter cookie

yellowtail shiraz cabernet wine

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth, from Healthforce Nutritionals (1 tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (2 teaspoons)

Vitamin D2 spray

Vitamin B12 spray

Liver Rescue 4+

My list of vegan options at local restaurants has slowly been coming together. So far, I've only been able to search menus online. Soon, I'm going to start visiting restaurants to get confirmation that certain dishes are/can be made vegan.

Also, I placed an order on veganessentials.com today, since I had a coupon code that was only good until tomorrow. I ordered a Personna Tri-Flexx razor (it was on sale for $3.74 and comes with 2 cartridges), The Obligate Carnivore by Jed Gillen (on sale for $9.99) and lots of other goodies including "cheese", meat-less jerky, donuts, cookies, caramels and candies (I know it's all junk/snack food, but none of it is available locally and I plan on rationing it all out so it lasts as long as possible).

Sunny day =)

Breakfast:
smoothie made with:apricot nectar, banana (food pantry), cashew butter, and garden of life raw protein powder (given to me by a friend)

Lunch:
1/2 cucumber

2 enchiladas made with corn tortillas, refried beans, enchilada sauce, salsa and hot sauce (refried beans and enchilada sauce from food pantry)

Dinner:

asparagus (food pantry) w/ earth balance butter and parma

gardein chik'n scallopini

uncle ben's mushroom wild rice

Snacks:

zevia root beer soda

primal strips hickory smoked

air-popped popcorn with parma and orville redenbachers buttery topping

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (1 heaping tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth, from Healthforce Nutritionals (1 tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1.5 teaspoon)

Vitamin D2 spray

Vitamin B12 spray

Liver Rescue 4+

Today I started compiling a list of vegan options available at local restaurants in the Fargo-Moorhead area. I'm going to try to finish the list as quickly as I can, and I plan on posting it as soon as that happens. I might even have printed copies available at some point. I also went for a 2 mile long walk with the Walk This Way program out in in West Fargo.

Windy day in Fargo

Breakfast:

glass of apricot nectar

bowl of betteroats raw pure & simple multigrain hot cereal: chai spiced (food pantry)

Lunch:
1/2 can of healthy choice country vegetable soup (food pantry)
1/2 cucumber
organic potato chips
vegetable dip: tofutti sour cream, vegenaise and vegetable soup mix

Dinner (at a friend's house):
cucumber
sourdough bread
spicy red hummus
goulash

Dessert (at a friend's house):
banana, cherry and coconut milk ice cream

Snacks:
bear fruit organic apple cherry bar
organic potato chips
strawberry blowpop

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth, from Healthforce Nutritionals (1 tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1.5 teaspoons)

Vitamin D2 spray

Vitamin B12 spray

Liver Rescue 4+

I'm still in need of a vegan-friendly razor, so I'm planning on ordering either a Personna Tri-flexx or a Wally from www.veganessentials.com the next time that I place an order. For shaving cream, I currently use Trader Joe's moisturizing cream shave: honey mango. Post-shave, I use Herbology Bump-B-Gone.

I went to the gym today with a couple of friends. I spent 30 minutes strength training and 20 minutes walking on the treadmill. I'm going to be participating in a 5k in about a month from now, so I'm going to try to focus on doing lots of walking between now and then. It's a good thing my gym is offering a walking group every week (starting next week).

Cloudy day

Breakfast:

smoothie made with 1.5 cups orange juice and a banana (food pantry)

Lunch (at a friend's house):

green salad with raspberry walnut vinagrette dressing

whole wheat rotini with "cheese" sauce

Dinner:

2 enchiladas made with corn tortillas, refried beans, enchilada sauce, salsa and hot sauce (refried beans and enchilada sauce from food pantry)

Snack:

cool fruits freezer, cherry

calbee snack salad veggie mix (food pantry)

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth, from Healthforce Nutritionals (tablespoon)

Vitamineral Earth (1 teaspoon)

Vitamin D2 spray

Vitamin B12 spray

Liver Rescue 4+

Today I spent 10 minutes hula hooping while I was waiting for my enchiladas to bake in the oven. Hooping is one of my favorite physical activities, and I know that it's very important to do things that you enjoy (when it comes to exercise).

Also, I decided to purchase a csa (community supported agriculture) share from Ancient Roots & Yellow Bird. I'm paying $250 for a single share, which lasts from early June until mid October. I used to purchase produce from both of these farms at the only all organic farmer's market in the area last summer (outside of Sydney's Health Market in Moorhead, MN), so I've already met a couple of the people involved with growing the food. It's still over a month before I'll start getting my weekly share, but I'm already very excited to be a part of it!

Another day in the life

Breakfast:
orange juice and banana smoothie (food pantry)

Lunch:

tofurkey deli slices, tomato, spinach and vegenaise on whole wheat bread (spinach and bread from food pantry)

baby carrots

brocolli (food pantry)

vegetable dip: tofutti sour cream, vegenaise and vegetable soup mix

Dinner:

ching's secret Szechuan instant noodles

cool fruits freezer, grape

Snack:

animal crackers

Supplements:
Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)
Fruits of the Earth (1 tablespoon)
Vitamineral Earth, from Healthforce Nutritionals (1 teaspoon)
Vitamin D2 spray
Vitamin B12 spray
Liver Rescue 4+

I just discovered today that the Maple River Winery (located in Casselton, ND) produces vegan wines! I'm in the process of organizing a Meetup for our FMVeg group to take a tour. I've never been in a winery before, so I'm really excited for this! Also, I made it Aqua Lite (water aerobics class) at the YMCA today. I haven't gotten any exercise since Wednesday, so it felt good to start a new week by going to the gym =)

Easter Sunday

The game night that I hosted last night was a lot of fun! I got to see a lot of friends from the FMVeg group and we played a good game of Cranium, while sharing delicious vegan food =)

Breakfast:

smoothie made with 1.5 cups orange juice and a banana (food pantry)

Lunch (at the Garden Pavillion):

pasta salad

grapes, strawberries, pineapple, canteloupe, musk melon

green beans

golden corn

steamed red potatoes

tomato zucchini frittata

chocolate coconut cream pie

edible flower

Dinner:

ching's secret manchurian instant noodles

cool fruits fruit juice freezer (cherry)

Snack:

air-popped popcorn with orville redenbachers popping & topping buttery flavored oil, sea salt and parma (raw vegan parmesan)

Supplements:

Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)

Fruits of the Earth, from Healthforce Nutritionals (tablespoon)

Vitamin D2 spray

Vitamin B12 spray

Liver Rescue 4+

The Garden Pavillion is a locally owned restaurant that I visited for the first time today. They were working with our FMVeg group to provide vegan options on their buffet for up to 20 people. I'm really glad that I had the chance to show them how much it means to me by being there and supporting their efforts. I also had some of the best customer service in my life while I was dining there. The staff was friendly and they were all making sure that I knew what items were vegan and also informing me when they brought out new things. The chef even came out and talked to me! It was truly one of the best dining experiences I've ever had =)

FMveg Game Night

Breakfast:

glass of tropicana orange juice (food pantry)

bowl of betteroats raw pure & simple multigrain hot cereal: chai spiced (food pantry)

Lunch:

BST: bacos, spinach, tomato, vegenaise on whole wheat bread (spinach and bread from food pantry)

1/2 cucumber (food pantry)

1/2 can of healthy choice country vegetable soup (food pantry)

Potluck Dinner:

garlic hummus with ritz crackers and baby carrots (crackers and hummus from food pantry)

sweet potato fries with ketchup (fries from food pantry)

pineapple, watermelon, canteloupe

fruit leather

sun chips

chocolate cake with frosting

chocolate fudge with marshmallows, walnuts and cherries

Snack:

tofurkey deli slices

sun chips

Supplements:
Vitamineral Green (heaping tablespoon)
Vitamin B12 spray
Vitamin D spray
Liver Rescue 4+ (2 vcaps)

Tonight I am hosting a FMveg Game Night in my home. FMveg is a local group of vegetarians and vegans in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We meet for potlucks, restaurant outings and movie showings at least once or twice a month. If you're interested in checking us out, go to: http://www.meetup.com/fm-veg. I have found it to be very helpful to have a support network of people around me. It's also nice to have like-minded individuals to meet up with!

I've been reading "Vegan's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Inspiration for Cooking, Eating and Living Compassionately" this month along with the vegnews online book club. You can check them out here: http://vegnewsbookclub.blogspot.com. It has been a wonderful read and I've already been practicing some of the things suggested in the book. I plan on borrowing this book to my grandparents when I'm finished, so they can better understand the reasons for a vegan lifestyle.

I failed to mention yesterday that I use Naturally Fresh deodorant (I prefer the spray). I also use Auric Blends Temple Essence solid perfume (my favorite is Royal Amber). The natural fragrance is blended with beeswax and coconut oil and comes in a beautiful hand carved soapstone container. Also, I always use organic cottons in my bathroom (swabs, rounds and balls). Someday, I will purchase organic towels and bedding for my apartment =)

Becoming Vegan

Today is Earth Day and it is also my first day of being vegan. I decided about a month ago that I was finally going pull the trigger and stop eating dairy and eggs on this day. I have been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for almost 10 years and becoming vegan has always been in the back of my mind. I know that I'm ready for this change and I am welcoming it with open arms.

My reasons for becoming vegetarian were ethical at the time, and have also transitioned into being for my health too. My reasons for becoming vegan are the same: living a healthy, ethical lifestyle. I am still going to consume honey and bee pollen at this time, and use products that contain beeswax (so don't be alarmed if you read anything about these ingredients).

I have intentions of using this blog to keep track of my dietary habits (I certainly don't want to become a junk-food vegan) and also to show you how easy it can be to eat a vegan diet and live a vegan lifestyle. And I want it to be known that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money either.

Friday, April 22nd:

Breakfast:

glass of tropicana orange juice (food pantry)

bowl of betteroats raw pure & simple multigrain hot cereal: chai spiced (food pantry)

Lunch:

1/2 can of Amy's organic pasta and 3 bean soup (food pantry)

BST: bacos, spinach, tomato and vegenaise (vegan mayo) on 100% whole wheat bread (bread and spinach from food pantry)

1/2 cucumber (food pantry)

Supper:

veggie stir-fry: mushrooms, snow peas, teriyaki sauce, wok oil, seasonings (mushrooms and snow peas from food pantry)

Bragg's Liquid Aminos

chow mein noodles

ramen noodles

Snacks:
Tofurkey deli slice
cool fruits freezer, grape flavor
handful of guittard semi-sweet chocolate chips

Supplements:

Liver Rescue 4+ from Healthforce Nutritionals (2 vcaps)

Vitamin B12 from Pure Vegan (1 spray)

Vitamin D2 from Pure Vegan (1 spray)

Vitamineral Green from Healthforce Nutritionals (1 heaping tablespoon, mixed into orange juice at breakfast)

B12 is an important vitamin for most people to be taking (especially vegans). Also, methylcobalamin is a far better form than cyanocobalamin. D2 (or D3) is important for everyone to take, especially if you don't get 15 minutes of being out in the sunshine without sunscreen on every day. Vitamineral Green is my multi-vitamin/greens powder. Liver Rescue is what I take to support my liver. All of the supplements that I take were ordered from www.iherb.com, which has the best prices that I could find and free S&H if you spend over $40.

I use Eco-Dent products for all of my dental hygiene (floss, toothpowder and mouth rinse). Derma E products are what I use for all of my skincare needs (both my face and body), although sometimes I use grapeseed oil with lavender (or coconut oil) on my skin after I'm done bathing/showering. I use Giovanni products on my hair (for washing and styling). The Diva Cup is what I use for feminine hygiene (and I use Diva Wash to clean it). All of the things that I use in my hygienic routine were purchased from www.luckyvitamin.com, which has very reasonable prices and free S&H if you spend over $100.