I'll be turning twenty five soon. The last time I had a birthday cake that was not vegan it was my twentieth birthday, and my aunt bought it for me. Since being vegan I haven't had any birthday cake since. I have tested different types of cake with a vegan recipe I used from a website that I came across that helped transitioned me to veganism.
When I tried the recipe I made a regular coconut pineapple cake with coconut frosting topped with macademia nuts. I loved it, my mom did also. In the fall that year I tried out a vegan carrot cake that was not as successful, because the frosting melted into the cake, causing it to be too moist.
For my niece's birthday, I broke the virtues of veganism when I had a nonvegan cupcake . I'll admit, it was gross, because it was dry and the frosting was too sweet for my liking. I don't know what I'll do for my own birthday. I was thinking of just trying out some cake recipes. I think this weekend I'll go to Walmart to buy one along with some other items and get other items from WinCo.
I think going to the movies and eating out before or after will be the cheapest party. However, I am a huge supporter of homecooked food. To be honest, it's much less expensive than eating out. One trip to the grocery store can get all the food items I need.
Here is the recipe:
http://www.cok.net/lit/recipes/desserts.php#lemonilla
In my honest opinion, this is the best vegan recipe so far. It's very versatile and many substitutions can be made.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Although I Think Milk From Any Animal Is Disgusting Limiting Foods Should Be The Responsibility Of The Parent, Not School Or The Government
Article: Chocolate Milk Under Seige
Before I go off and study for a major philosophy midterm, I thought it would be nice to blog about something pertaining to food. Those who read this blog clearly know that milk is not vegan. It's vegetarian, but it's not vegan. For the sake of this blog, that's besides the point, well sort of.
Some schools decided that it was their responsibility to ban flavored milk because of the supposed sugar content. Milk overall is not the health food that everyone else makes it to be. It causes acne, gastro-intestinal problems, it actually impedes bone growth and health and the method of obtaining it is one of the cruellest in factory farming. In the mainstream diet, milk is essential. Americans love tradition, so to take anything away for the betterment of their health will cause an outcry.
Although milk is poison, I think it's the responsibility of the parent to determine what is good for their children, not the government. I think that if we keep letting the government tell us how to raise our children, then it tells us that we do not have the freedom to be parents.
I disagree with milk being good for the body. I don't see how something that is really meant for a calf be good for human consumption. Humans are the only animals on the planet that voluntarily drink another species pus for nourishment. Not to mention that milk consumption is not universial. I feel this way not just about cow milk, also goat milk, sheep milk and camel milk. There are some parts of the world that rely on dairy for human consumption such as most tribes in parts of East Africa, people from India, Europe, Mongolia and the Middle East. I don't think that these peoples consume dairy as much as the typical American who does not really know what's good for his or her body.
One of my biggest concerns about being vegan someday will be parenting. I'm scared that Child Protective Services will come knocking on my door just because I choose to feed my child food that I believe is healthy for him or her. I don't see them knocking on the door of parents who have obese children, why bother someone who is trying to be the best parent possible. I believe that parents who choose to give their children flavored milk is trying to give their children something that they feel is good for them, but it's flavored so the child would like it. Yeah, I'm not trying to be a devil behind a keyboard, but these kids will hit puberty before they go to middle school. They will also have higher rates of cancer, diabetes and heart disease later in life than someone who chooses to give their child a vegan or a low animal product vegetarian diet. It's still their decision to raise their kids the way they want. It's not the school's responsibility to raise the students. The schools in this country already have too many problems, why regulate someone else's child diet?
People want sources to prove that milk is bad for human consumption:
http://www.freedomyou.com/nutrition_book/Milk%20and%20Cookies.htm
http://www.cok.net/camp/inv/auction/details.php
I'll be updating this post with more links and sources.
Before I go off and study for a major philosophy midterm, I thought it would be nice to blog about something pertaining to food. Those who read this blog clearly know that milk is not vegan. It's vegetarian, but it's not vegan. For the sake of this blog, that's besides the point, well sort of.
Some schools decided that it was their responsibility to ban flavored milk because of the supposed sugar content. Milk overall is not the health food that everyone else makes it to be. It causes acne, gastro-intestinal problems, it actually impedes bone growth and health and the method of obtaining it is one of the cruellest in factory farming. In the mainstream diet, milk is essential. Americans love tradition, so to take anything away for the betterment of their health will cause an outcry.
Although milk is poison, I think it's the responsibility of the parent to determine what is good for their children, not the government. I think that if we keep letting the government tell us how to raise our children, then it tells us that we do not have the freedom to be parents.
I disagree with milk being good for the body. I don't see how something that is really meant for a calf be good for human consumption. Humans are the only animals on the planet that voluntarily drink another species pus for nourishment. Not to mention that milk consumption is not universial. I feel this way not just about cow milk, also goat milk, sheep milk and camel milk. There are some parts of the world that rely on dairy for human consumption such as most tribes in parts of East Africa, people from India, Europe, Mongolia and the Middle East. I don't think that these peoples consume dairy as much as the typical American who does not really know what's good for his or her body.
One of my biggest concerns about being vegan someday will be parenting. I'm scared that Child Protective Services will come knocking on my door just because I choose to feed my child food that I believe is healthy for him or her. I don't see them knocking on the door of parents who have obese children, why bother someone who is trying to be the best parent possible. I believe that parents who choose to give their children flavored milk is trying to give their children something that they feel is good for them, but it's flavored so the child would like it. Yeah, I'm not trying to be a devil behind a keyboard, but these kids will hit puberty before they go to middle school. They will also have higher rates of cancer, diabetes and heart disease later in life than someone who chooses to give their child a vegan or a low animal product vegetarian diet. It's still their decision to raise their kids the way they want. It's not the school's responsibility to raise the students. The schools in this country already have too many problems, why regulate someone else's child diet?
People want sources to prove that milk is bad for human consumption:
http://www.freedomyou.com/nutrition_book/Milk%20and%20Cookies.htm
http://www.cok.net/camp/inv/auction/details.php
I'll be updating this post with more links and sources.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
My Qualms About Moving Back On Campus vs My Current Living Situation
We usually tell people in vulnerable and sensitive situations not to dwell on what happened. We also tell people that we should not cling on to the past and dwell on it, even when the person saying these things does not follow his or her own advice. I know why I am not happy in my apartment that I've lived in since the middle of May. Partially it reminds me of my ex. Another reason is because of the rediculous rules about what is allowed here and what isn't. The best reason is because where I live there's excitment. Majority of the people here are over 40, they have a small town mentality and they are just gross. I almost forgot to mention the unsafe walks back home late at night. This part of the town I live in makes me want to move back home. Living on campus, though I did not like the kids who lived there last year over all, it made me want to at least stay in Reno, because living on campus was like a whole different world. I thought about just moving into another apartment. It will be an offer that I'll still consider. I may even go to Campus housing tomorrow and tell them that I want to move in for Spring if it's possible.
I like that there is a kitchen here, where I live. I do not like that there aren't many grocery stores close by. In other words, whoever planned this city needs to be slapped. Hard. Across the face with a huge red hand print. Seriously. I did get somewhat lucky finding a Mexican grocerystore. I know it won't have tofu, wheat gluten or tempeh, but there is always a weekend that can be designated for grocery shopping. Those days can be used to take a trip to the grocerystore via cab or a friend.
I decided that from now on, starting tonight that I'll be catching the bus to the major supermarket. I would save so much money if I do so, even with taxi. It's much cheaper than smaller grocery store and for some reason, I feel like the woman at the Mexican market keeps rushing me out. She's weird. Don't give money to those who do not know any better.
I like that there is a kitchen here, where I live. I do not like that there aren't many grocery stores close by. In other words, whoever planned this city needs to be slapped. Hard. Across the face with a huge red hand print. Seriously. I did get somewhat lucky finding a Mexican grocerystore. I know it won't have tofu, wheat gluten or tempeh, but there is always a weekend that can be designated for grocery shopping. Those days can be used to take a trip to the grocerystore via cab or a friend.
I decided that from now on, starting tonight that I'll be catching the bus to the major supermarket. I would save so much money if I do so, even with taxi. It's much cheaper than smaller grocery store and for some reason, I feel like the woman at the Mexican market keeps rushing me out. She's weird. Don't give money to those who do not know any better.
Friday, September 24, 2010
New Kitchen Gadgets
The other day, when I went to pick up the ingredients for my tempura recipes I saw some kitchen appliances that I want to buy from my local Walgreen's. They had a 12 Speed blender, a hand mixer and a fryer. They also had the George Foreman grill, but I'm waiting for them to make their panini maker available because it's cheaper. I don't want to get carried away with kitchen gadgets. My mother's smoothie maker is broken due to over use and what I do love about classical pots and pans is that they last longer than most kitchen gadgets. I can attest to this when I tried to make beans in my mom's twenty year old crockpot. At least she gets to keep the ceramic pot and the glass top that goes with it. She can us it for the oven and just toss out the cooker.
When Walgreen's makes the slowcooker available, I'll be sure to grab it. The vegan recipes for the crockpot are endless. My birthday is coming soon and I want to make a cake. The handmixer will come in handy. I don't see too many people from the dorms anymore, so I'll just make cake for my two neighbors if they want any. Maybe it will be a coconut cake with plain frosting, or plain cake with coconut frosting or something like that. I also like cupcakes. There are many recipes around for them.
When Walgreen's makes the slowcooker available, I'll be sure to grab it. The vegan recipes for the crockpot are endless. My birthday is coming soon and I want to make a cake. The handmixer will come in handy. I don't see too many people from the dorms anymore, so I'll just make cake for my two neighbors if they want any. Maybe it will be a coconut cake with plain frosting, or plain cake with coconut frosting or something like that. I also like cupcakes. There are many recipes around for them.
Vegan Tempura
Ingredients
1 cup unbleached flour
1 cup water, cold
garlic powder, to taste
onion powder, to taste
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 table spoon vinegar
Method
Like my other recipes, I don't measure when I cook. This is probably why this recipe did not turn out the way I wanted it to. Mix all dry ingredients and stir until well blended. Add water, stir until the consistency is thinner than pancake batter, but do not over stir. Add vinegar and rake it through the batter until it's well incorporated, bit not over blended. Use with tofu or vegetables.
* If I can do anything different for this recipe, I'd probably add some corn or rice starch, or some rice flour. When I tried this recipe with tofu, it was too thin and did not have the full tempura consistency that I was looking for. Maybe if I added more oil to the pan or if I had gather what's going to be dipped before making the batter, then it would have turned out better. Maybe in addition to cold water in this batter I'll sit the bowl in some ice water, too. It also helps to have more baking soda and vinegar.
1 cup unbleached flour
1 cup water, cold
garlic powder, to taste
onion powder, to taste
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 table spoon vinegar
Method
Like my other recipes, I don't measure when I cook. This is probably why this recipe did not turn out the way I wanted it to. Mix all dry ingredients and stir until well blended. Add water, stir until the consistency is thinner than pancake batter, but do not over stir. Add vinegar and rake it through the batter until it's well incorporated, bit not over blended. Use with tofu or vegetables.
* If I can do anything different for this recipe, I'd probably add some corn or rice starch, or some rice flour. When I tried this recipe with tofu, it was too thin and did not have the full tempura consistency that I was looking for. Maybe if I added more oil to the pan or if I had gather what's going to be dipped before making the batter, then it would have turned out better. Maybe in addition to cold water in this batter I'll sit the bowl in some ice water, too. It also helps to have more baking soda and vinegar.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Recipe: Kale and Spinach Soup
Ingredients
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 cup brown rice, short grain
2 cup Frozen spinach chopped
1/3 bushel Kale chopped in small pieces
1/3 cup onion chopped
1/8 cup green bell pepper chopped
3 small cloves garlic crushed
2 pinches parsley, cilantro each
1 tsp yellow curry
1/8 cup lemon juice
Salt to taste
Method
I used a rice cooker for this recipe. When I cook I do not measure the ingredients. Place lentils, rice and three cups of water. Cover and simmer until boil. Add spinach, kale, garlic onions and bell pepper. Add more water to cooker if needed. Add cilantro, parsley and salt. Stir and add lemon juice to taste. Toward the end, add curry powder and stir. Cut the cooker off and gor garnish add nutritional yeast. I like this soup more with a lemony taste than with nutritional yeast.
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 cup brown rice, short grain
2 cup Frozen spinach chopped
1/3 bushel Kale chopped in small pieces
1/3 cup onion chopped
1/8 cup green bell pepper chopped
3 small cloves garlic crushed
2 pinches parsley, cilantro each
1 tsp yellow curry
1/8 cup lemon juice
Salt to taste
Method
I used a rice cooker for this recipe. When I cook I do not measure the ingredients. Place lentils, rice and three cups of water. Cover and simmer until boil. Add spinach, kale, garlic onions and bell pepper. Add more water to cooker if needed. Add cilantro, parsley and salt. Stir and add lemon juice to taste. Toward the end, add curry powder and stir. Cut the cooker off and gor garnish add nutritional yeast. I like this soup more with a lemony taste than with nutritional yeast.
About My New Rice Cooker and Seitan and Tempura
I'm very excited about many things this week and I can't wait until the week ends. I have a philosophy test to study for that will be next Tuesday. If I do some research on topics and try to understand Hobbes, I think I'll make it. I'm trying not to bomb the questions that he gives us every week. They are worth total 15% of my grade and I want to get at least an A- in the class so I can make up for the B- that I got in philosophy last year.
I am a woman and I love to eat. I love trying out anything that is cruelty free and is healthy. I didn't know that I love to eat until I became vegan. If you ever decide on taking the plunge to veganism, then you will learn that you'll fall in love with the food the most. In my honest opinion, I think that foods that are vegan, like the soups, salads, grain dishes and the meat substitutes actually taste better than the omnivorous food with meat, dairy and preservatives.
Since I bought my rice cooker, I've been a little scared to try it. I bought it for $12 at Walgreens. I've waited all year for them to have one available. I am also getting a sandwich grill from there for about the same price. I am concerned that because it's cheap it might not work, or if it does work, it may give out. There's the phrase pertaining to cheap "you get what you paid for" and there's also expensive isn't always better. I was going to buy a smoothie maker from JCPenny's. It's the same make and model as the one my mom bought. It gave out on her when I called to ask her if she still recommends it. I have to consider the fact that she and my sister, her baby and my grandmother pretty much had smoothies three times a day. After a few months it will give out. It's kind of like a cheaper version of the Magic Bullet. I wanted something that can make hummus, sauces, gravies and dressings as well as the occassional peach pina colada or passion pina colada.
This week I'll test to see if my rice cooker can make red lentil soup. If it passes then I know I'm lucky to find such a bargain.
Tempura/Seitan
For the first time, I bought vital wheat gluten. It's the substance used to make wheat meat. I have been searching everywhere for a really good recipe and some techniques to perfect the art of meat analogues. So far, I came up with Vegan Dad's blog post. I don't have besan flour, but if I had a really good blender I can easily make some. I can soak, boil and grind some chickpeas instead. I also found vegetarian.about.com's method of seitan which is very basic. Judging by all the recipes I've seen on seitan, the dough can be boiled, steamed, baked or fried. After cooking the seitan the method of preparation is endless.
Meanwhile, I purchased some tempura flour only to find out that it has eggwhites in it. I was a bit disappointed, because I wanted tempura tofu to go with my soup that I'm going to throw together. There are recipes floating all over the internet for tempura. I don't want the breaded crust to be fluffy like pancake batter. That's only if I want to make "fish" and chips. I don't want to rely too much on faux meats either. Even though when I make a meal, the fake meat is my favorite.
However, winter is around the corner, food will be short, and the winters in this city are serious. It snowed from the end of November until the beginning of June. I am taking a class over the winter. I want to just go to school and go home. I considered moving back on campus, but I don't know if it will benefit me. So, this winter will be filled with frozen vegetables, grains and seitan, a rice cooker, my neighbor will be out of town this winter, so hopefully I can borrow his pots and pans, and some books. To make up the class I'm not taking anymore, I'm going to also study alot. When I'm not studying, I'll be watching movies, drawing or painting. I may also experiment in the kitchen a bit.
I am a woman and I love to eat. I love trying out anything that is cruelty free and is healthy. I didn't know that I love to eat until I became vegan. If you ever decide on taking the plunge to veganism, then you will learn that you'll fall in love with the food the most. In my honest opinion, I think that foods that are vegan, like the soups, salads, grain dishes and the meat substitutes actually taste better than the omnivorous food with meat, dairy and preservatives.
Since I bought my rice cooker, I've been a little scared to try it. I bought it for $12 at Walgreens. I've waited all year for them to have one available. I am also getting a sandwich grill from there for about the same price. I am concerned that because it's cheap it might not work, or if it does work, it may give out. There's the phrase pertaining to cheap "you get what you paid for" and there's also expensive isn't always better. I was going to buy a smoothie maker from JCPenny's. It's the same make and model as the one my mom bought. It gave out on her when I called to ask her if she still recommends it. I have to consider the fact that she and my sister, her baby and my grandmother pretty much had smoothies three times a day. After a few months it will give out. It's kind of like a cheaper version of the Magic Bullet. I wanted something that can make hummus, sauces, gravies and dressings as well as the occassional peach pina colada or passion pina colada.
This week I'll test to see if my rice cooker can make red lentil soup. If it passes then I know I'm lucky to find such a bargain.
Tempura/Seitan
For the first time, I bought vital wheat gluten. It's the substance used to make wheat meat. I have been searching everywhere for a really good recipe and some techniques to perfect the art of meat analogues. So far, I came up with Vegan Dad's blog post. I don't have besan flour, but if I had a really good blender I can easily make some. I can soak, boil and grind some chickpeas instead. I also found vegetarian.about.com's method of seitan which is very basic. Judging by all the recipes I've seen on seitan, the dough can be boiled, steamed, baked or fried. After cooking the seitan the method of preparation is endless.
Meanwhile, I purchased some tempura flour only to find out that it has eggwhites in it. I was a bit disappointed, because I wanted tempura tofu to go with my soup that I'm going to throw together. There are recipes floating all over the internet for tempura. I don't want the breaded crust to be fluffy like pancake batter. That's only if I want to make "fish" and chips. I don't want to rely too much on faux meats either. Even though when I make a meal, the fake meat is my favorite.
However, winter is around the corner, food will be short, and the winters in this city are serious. It snowed from the end of November until the beginning of June. I am taking a class over the winter. I want to just go to school and go home. I considered moving back on campus, but I don't know if it will benefit me. So, this winter will be filled with frozen vegetables, grains and seitan, a rice cooker, my neighbor will be out of town this winter, so hopefully I can borrow his pots and pans, and some books. To make up the class I'm not taking anymore, I'm going to also study alot. When I'm not studying, I'll be watching movies, drawing or painting. I may also experiment in the kitchen a bit.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Went Grocery Shopping
I finally went grocery shopping. I didn't get as many of the items I want to get (store was too crowded). So, next weekend, for sure, I'm going around 10pm. I rather go shopping late and avoid crowds than to go during the day time and there are too many people and their damn kids. Who brings their five kids to a grocery store? Food will last this week. I still need to go to Walmart to purchase something to bake food in. The major Walmart grocery store has the kind of soy margarine I use. One day I'll take a trip there. I still have to get peas, vegetable broth and other stuff. I want to try to make my own fake meats just to have when I am hungry and there is no way of going to the store. Winter is around the corner, the weather here is harsh during those times. Because I'll be going to school here, I'll be taking classes during the winter. I think the harsh weather will make it difficult for classes, but I want to go home this summer. Maybe take an 8 week class, and go home, possibly for good.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Some Vegan Recipes I Am Going To Try
I remember saying in another post that my goal is to be a better vegan. Being a better vegan includes making food that is easy to take on the go for school. I've been very hungry lately and it's affecting my daily life, so it's essential that I eat better. These are the recipes I want to try out. Hopefully they do not break my budget.
Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Tofu
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 container firm or extra firm tofu, well pressed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 head green cabbage, sliced thin
2 carrots, grated
1 cup cooked bean thread noodles or rice vermicelli
one bunch fresh mint leaves
spring roll wrappers
water
PREPARATION:
Slice the pressed tofu into thin strips. Heat the soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil and ginger in a skillet and sautee the tofu for 5-7 minutes, just until lightly crisp.
In a large bowl, toss together the tofu with the cabbage, carrots and noodles.
Submerge spring roll wrappers in water until pliable one at a time.
Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the tofu and veggie mixture in wrappers.
Place two or three mint leaves on top of the filling and wrap up. Serve with a dipping sauce.
*These are cooked Spring Rolls, I plan on trying this recipe as well as a raw version with fried tofu.
Fettucine (Raw)
INGREDIENTS
1 zucchini
1 cup fresh mushrooms
¾ cup raw cashews
1 cup water
6 leaves of fresh basil
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
1 tablespoon cold pressed olive oil
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon white pepper
pinch salt + pepper
PREPARATION
Step 1. Slice zucchini lengthwise with a mandolin, then cut into the strips with a knife to create fettuccine-like noodles.
Step 2. Throw all other ingredients into a blender/food processor and puree to a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 3. Toss zucchini noodles with sauce and let sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Garnish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, cracked pepper and fresh basil.
* This is a raw foodist recipe that can be made with some substitutions. I want to try this with some vegan meatballs and quinoa. This recipe looks like a creative take on a salad.
I found two recipes that I want to use to make "chicken" flavored seitan:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com/2007/11/seitan-parmigiana.html
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/cookingtipstools/ss/HowToSeitan_2.htm
Amazon seems like the best place to buy commercial brand vegetarian broths. Marmite (yeast extract from Great Britain) seems like a good idea for beef substitute. Poultry seasoning in vegetable broth seems like a great idea for chicken. There are so many resources online for vegan broth.
Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Tofu
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 container firm or extra firm tofu, well pressed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 head green cabbage, sliced thin
2 carrots, grated
1 cup cooked bean thread noodles or rice vermicelli
one bunch fresh mint leaves
spring roll wrappers
water
PREPARATION:
Slice the pressed tofu into thin strips. Heat the soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil and ginger in a skillet and sautee the tofu for 5-7 minutes, just until lightly crisp.
In a large bowl, toss together the tofu with the cabbage, carrots and noodles.
Submerge spring roll wrappers in water until pliable one at a time.
Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the tofu and veggie mixture in wrappers.
Place two or three mint leaves on top of the filling and wrap up. Serve with a dipping sauce.
*These are cooked Spring Rolls, I plan on trying this recipe as well as a raw version with fried tofu.
Fettucine (Raw)
INGREDIENTS
1 zucchini
1 cup fresh mushrooms
¾ cup raw cashews
1 cup water
6 leaves of fresh basil
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
1 tablespoon cold pressed olive oil
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon white pepper
pinch salt + pepper
PREPARATION
Step 1. Slice zucchini lengthwise with a mandolin, then cut into the strips with a knife to create fettuccine-like noodles.
Step 2. Throw all other ingredients into a blender/food processor and puree to a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 3. Toss zucchini noodles with sauce and let sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Garnish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, cracked pepper and fresh basil.
* This is a raw foodist recipe that can be made with some substitutions. I want to try this with some vegan meatballs and quinoa. This recipe looks like a creative take on a salad.
I found two recipes that I want to use to make "chicken" flavored seitan:
http://vegandad.blogspot.com/2007/11/seitan-parmigiana.html
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/cookingtipstools/ss/HowToSeitan_2.htm
Amazon seems like the best place to buy commercial brand vegetarian broths. Marmite (yeast extract from Great Britain) seems like a good idea for beef substitute. Poultry seasoning in vegetable broth seems like a great idea for chicken. There are so many resources online for vegan broth.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Grocery Shopping And The City (Random Post)
I've been putting it off too long for whatever reason, and it's very detrimental to my well being. No, I'm not talking about the S word. I'm talking about grocery shopping here in this little city. I know it's very silly to put something off based on fear, whether it's fear of getting lost, fear of strangers or fear of being out in public. I wish that I had the same sense of innocence about this city that I had when I first came here for school in Spring 2009. I know that my fears are genuine, because I experienced them this summer. After this summer, I philosophically and sociologically came up with the inception that multiculturalism is not beneficial to some parts of society. I'll save that for a blogpost for my other blog.
Anyways, it does not mean that I have to stop living my life just because of other people. One of the reasons why I came to this school and to this city is to experience what it's like to live in a place that is very different from the place that I was born and raised. I have Southern Californian blood. California is like another culture within a culture. I appreciated this SoCal culture more when I came here and people would ask me what brings me to this small town. I am so grateful that I'm willing to drop everything just to be with my family and close friend, even if the economy in Cali is so called tanking. To be honest, the California economy is doing really well for it to be in a deficit and a recession.
I never rode the bus here alone before. I was either with my friends, with my mom when we first came here, or I got rides from people. As stubborn as I am, If I could walk to the grocery store (two miles from home), I actually would. So, tomorrow, I'll ride the bus there and catch a cab back.
Anyways, it does not mean that I have to stop living my life just because of other people. One of the reasons why I came to this school and to this city is to experience what it's like to live in a place that is very different from the place that I was born and raised. I have Southern Californian blood. California is like another culture within a culture. I appreciated this SoCal culture more when I came here and people would ask me what brings me to this small town. I am so grateful that I'm willing to drop everything just to be with my family and close friend, even if the economy in Cali is so called tanking. To be honest, the California economy is doing really well for it to be in a deficit and a recession.
I never rode the bus here alone before. I was either with my friends, with my mom when we first came here, or I got rides from people. As stubborn as I am, If I could walk to the grocery store (two miles from home), I actually would. So, tomorrow, I'll ride the bus there and catch a cab back.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Most Essential Products I want to Try For My Hair/ Beauty Regimen
I've been looking everywhere for the best products that will work for my hair. Currently, I use Bio Infusion Olive Oil products (I won't be purchasing these anymore). They are really meant for women who have relaxed hair, even though they claim that women with natural hair can use these products, too. I like the way my hair looks when I use the leave in conditioner and the hair serum for shine. I feel that natural hair needs natural products and chemically treated hair needs chemically based products. Here are the products I would like to try for my hair and skin:
1. African Black Soap: Everywhere online, bloggers, vloggers and commenters have sworn left and right that it is an elixir for hair and skin. Since I have eczema, I plan on trying this on my hair and skin. I hope that it makes my hair soft and gets rid of my scalp problems.
2. Shea Butter: This is a type of solid oil used along with black soap. It can be melted and used for the hair and skin. It's been said that it works for dry skin. I am going to order it to see if it really works on my hair.
3. Eco Styler Hair Gel: This will be the only hair gel that will work for my hair type without making my locks feel crunchy and without it flaking. I read reviews on Amazon.com about this product and the reviewers swear by it.
4. Yes to Carrots Conditioner: Currently I use Suave as a co-washing conditioner (the coconut version) and I do not think I'll buy any Suave products for my hair. I keep expecting cowashing to cure or at least treat my scalp problems when I am too far gone in terms of the dandruff. I saw Yes to Carrots at my local Walgreens and I wasn't sure if it would suit my hair type. I read that this product will work for cowashing. Today (9/13/10), I might buy a small bottle of Yes to Carrots or Yes to Cucumbers just to see which product works for my hair.
5. Head and Shoulders Two in One Shampoo and Conditioner: I swore to myself that I will use an all natural method of curing my dandruff problem that I had since forever. I tried this product on my hair, it worked and it made my hair feel soft and free of dandruff. I will use this when I wash my hair once a week before a deep conditioning treatment. If I don't like this product anymore or if they discontinue it, I'll use black soap to make a shampoo or try the eczema line of the SheaMoisture brand.
6. Coconut Oil: This should be a staple for those who have afro textured hair, curly hair or porous hair. It can be used when mixing products, or on its own as a natural hair conditioner. Coconut oil is also edible and can be used in vegan recipes in place of shortening, because it's a solid oil.
7 Cocoa butter/Mango Butter: These, like coconut oil and shea butters are solid oils that can be use to moisturize hair. These products can be used as substitutes for shea butter for making hair products. Some people do not enjoy the smoky scent of shea. These can be found at health food stores or on Amazon or Ebay. I'm willing to try all the solid oils on my hair when I get a chance to order them. I think making hair products will be better than just buying shampoos and conditioners that I'm not sure about.
8. Henna/Ayurvedic Products: My friend who is vegan swears by the Ayurvedic diet. Many women who wear natural hair swear by the Ayurvedic hair regimen. I will try both the diet and the hair products. I plan on doing henna treatments on my hair when it gets longer, or I should say the six months mark since I cut my hair.
9. Essential Oils: These are important for mixing shampoos and conditioners. Some essential oils can help treat hair and scalp problems such as dandruff and alopecia.
I want to make a disclaimer that all the products listed in this post can be used for any hair type.
Eventually, I will be reviewing these products. My goal is to NOT become a product junky, because it is important to experiment with hair products and at the same time, you want to go easy on the pockets and space.
Skin, Hair and All Regimen
I'm aware that I'm getting much older. I need to look better. I watched a video yesterday by a YouTuber about eight rules of being beautiful. The one that I question the most is wearing makeup. I find this to be controversial, because I had one guy friend telling me that I need to wear makeup and another one telling me that I don't need makeup. The one that says that I need make up believes that super models are the most gorgeous women in the world and the other feels like women with natural, average curves and medium in height are the most beautiful. Not to mention they are from two different countries, Canada and US respectively. I'm not saying that what men say really matters. I'm not saying that a man's opinion does not count. To some degree, every woman, no matter who she is, desires to be desired by the opposite sex or the same sex. I believe also that we can improve ourselves.
I want to perfect my skin, hair and teeth before choosing makeup. My goal for this is to cowash my hair three times a week and wash my skin twice a day and moisturize it. I want to wash my hair once a week and deep condition when I wash it. I could also skip cowashing and shampoo and condition my hair once a week. I was told that washing my hair type once a week keeps it from drying out and breaking. To protect my hair, I will sleep with a wrap or a satin bonnet. When I don't want to wear my hair out I will braid it in a circle and cover it with a scarf. Not brushing or combing it will keep it from breaking and getting knots at the end. I will also work on maintaining my nails and the skin on the rest of my body. Although I look very young for my age, I want to maintain that youth in appearance. When I order the black soap and shea and the other items on this list, I will try them for thirty days to see if I like them, if I do, I will continue to use these products.
1. African Black Soap: Everywhere online, bloggers, vloggers and commenters have sworn left and right that it is an elixir for hair and skin. Since I have eczema, I plan on trying this on my hair and skin. I hope that it makes my hair soft and gets rid of my scalp problems.
2. Shea Butter: This is a type of solid oil used along with black soap. It can be melted and used for the hair and skin. It's been said that it works for dry skin. I am going to order it to see if it really works on my hair.
3. Eco Styler Hair Gel: This will be the only hair gel that will work for my hair type without making my locks feel crunchy and without it flaking. I read reviews on Amazon.com about this product and the reviewers swear by it.
4. Yes to Carrots Conditioner: Currently I use Suave as a co-washing conditioner (the coconut version) and I do not think I'll buy any Suave products for my hair. I keep expecting cowashing to cure or at least treat my scalp problems when I am too far gone in terms of the dandruff. I saw Yes to Carrots at my local Walgreens and I wasn't sure if it would suit my hair type. I read that this product will work for cowashing. Today (9/13/10), I might buy a small bottle of Yes to Carrots or Yes to Cucumbers just to see which product works for my hair.
5. Head and Shoulders Two in One Shampoo and Conditioner: I swore to myself that I will use an all natural method of curing my dandruff problem that I had since forever. I tried this product on my hair, it worked and it made my hair feel soft and free of dandruff. I will use this when I wash my hair once a week before a deep conditioning treatment. If I don't like this product anymore or if they discontinue it, I'll use black soap to make a shampoo or try the eczema line of the SheaMoisture brand.
6. Coconut Oil: This should be a staple for those who have afro textured hair, curly hair or porous hair. It can be used when mixing products, or on its own as a natural hair conditioner. Coconut oil is also edible and can be used in vegan recipes in place of shortening, because it's a solid oil.
7 Cocoa butter/Mango Butter: These, like coconut oil and shea butters are solid oils that can be use to moisturize hair. These products can be used as substitutes for shea butter for making hair products. Some people do not enjoy the smoky scent of shea. These can be found at health food stores or on Amazon or Ebay. I'm willing to try all the solid oils on my hair when I get a chance to order them. I think making hair products will be better than just buying shampoos and conditioners that I'm not sure about.
8. Henna/Ayurvedic Products: My friend who is vegan swears by the Ayurvedic diet. Many women who wear natural hair swear by the Ayurvedic hair regimen. I will try both the diet and the hair products. I plan on doing henna treatments on my hair when it gets longer, or I should say the six months mark since I cut my hair.
9. Essential Oils: These are important for mixing shampoos and conditioners. Some essential oils can help treat hair and scalp problems such as dandruff and alopecia.
I want to make a disclaimer that all the products listed in this post can be used for any hair type.
Eventually, I will be reviewing these products. My goal is to NOT become a product junky, because it is important to experiment with hair products and at the same time, you want to go easy on the pockets and space.
Skin, Hair and All Regimen
I'm aware that I'm getting much older. I need to look better. I watched a video yesterday by a YouTuber about eight rules of being beautiful. The one that I question the most is wearing makeup. I find this to be controversial, because I had one guy friend telling me that I need to wear makeup and another one telling me that I don't need makeup. The one that says that I need make up believes that super models are the most gorgeous women in the world and the other feels like women with natural, average curves and medium in height are the most beautiful. Not to mention they are from two different countries, Canada and US respectively. I'm not saying that what men say really matters. I'm not saying that a man's opinion does not count. To some degree, every woman, no matter who she is, desires to be desired by the opposite sex or the same sex. I believe also that we can improve ourselves.
I want to perfect my skin, hair and teeth before choosing makeup. My goal for this is to cowash my hair three times a week and wash my skin twice a day and moisturize it. I want to wash my hair once a week and deep condition when I wash it. I could also skip cowashing and shampoo and condition my hair once a week. I was told that washing my hair type once a week keeps it from drying out and breaking. To protect my hair, I will sleep with a wrap or a satin bonnet. When I don't want to wear my hair out I will braid it in a circle and cover it with a scarf. Not brushing or combing it will keep it from breaking and getting knots at the end. I will also work on maintaining my nails and the skin on the rest of my body. Although I look very young for my age, I want to maintain that youth in appearance. When I order the black soap and shea and the other items on this list, I will try them for thirty days to see if I like them, if I do, I will continue to use these products.
Pix of My Natural Hair Journey
 |
| This was taken in July 2010. I believe that it was July 12th. I used a leave in and a hair serum that is really meant for chemically relaxed hair. I currently tried out a new and more natural hair product that is more suited for maintance. |
I find the twist outs to be the best style for my hair. I tried braidouts, but I thought they were a bit boring for my liking. I also tried coil-outs (currently wearing, pics coming soon), but to my surprise, my hair is too long for them. When my hair gets longer, I'm going to wear it in a "wash'n'go", that's basically putting a product on the hair right after a shower and leaving it without styling. I forgot to mention that before doing the Big Chop, I went eight months without a perm. My hair is currently longer than seen in the pictures. I just hope that I do not get bored with my hair. If I do, I can always purchase a wig and tie my hair back until I get it braided again. I should have asked my mom to braid my hair. I think I'm getting too old to wear just braids all the time. I also don't want to wear wigs all the time unless I go somewhere special. So, my best bet is to braid my hair up and continue to wear scarves and beanies. I am not trying to impress anyone. I would not date a man from this city, anyway. I think tying my hair up made it easier to focus on other things. Every three months, I'll take pictures of my hair to show the growth. I can't wait to have a huge fro and for it to be long enough to press my hair straight like I used to have it.
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| I hope that my hair gets as long as this by the time I graduate from college in a couple of years. One way of keeping track of growth is taking pictures every three to six months. I think most likely my hair will be this long when I'm thirty. |
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Food From Scratch
I think after my poor diet over the summer, I decided to make a few changes (listed in another post). When I don't feel like making dinner I love to eat at this place called Jimmy Johns. It is a sandwhich shop like Subway, except the food is fresher. I also like to eat at this place called The Overlook. I had a friend that hated the hummus at the sandwich shop there, but I think if the hummus had a bit more flavor it would test better. It has a consistency like it's been frozen before. I always wanted to ask if they freeze their hummus, but I always forget. These places have one thing in common: whole wheat bread. I love whole wheat bread. I love the seeds and the heartiness of it. I also like the soft taste of unbleached white bread. The only thing I do not like about buying bread is the added junk in it. I want to take the plunge and start making bread and other foods from scratch. So, today, hopefully I can make it to the store, preferably WinCo, because it's cheaper. When I do make it there, I am going to go shopping galore and shop as though winter will strand me in my little apartment (technically it will).
Finding a decent bread recipe can be a challenge. I looked at some of the vegan websites and their recipes are not the best. When I search for recipes, I usually go to omnivorous websites and try to think of ways of adding vegan substitutes. I made the best vegan walnut cookies from my Betty Crocker Cookbook a while ago. I usually like to experiment when cooking. I don't like to copy other people's ideas. Being vegan in my opinion should be an avenue of creativity and imagination. This one reason why I get mad at the meat-eaters when they make a fuss about vegan and vegetarians who would eat meat substitutes.
Foods that I'll try to make from Scratch
Bread
Meat Substitutes
Non-Dairy milks
Dressings
Health Smoothies
As for faux meats, I saw a vegan recipe for "meat-balls" on another vegan blog. They look very tasty and pretty easy to make. The ingredients seem pretty easy to find (vital wheat gluten and tempeh) and the recipe can be made according to taste any type. When I make these "meat balls" they are going to go in a salad with a thick nutrient pack home-made sauce that will be used as a salad dressing. It's going to have a combination of raw ingredients and cooked with the bulgur and quinoa being the only cooked ingredients beside the "meat balls". I want to base the recipe on a salad I had at a vegan restaurant. The sauce was tahini and it was amazing. Being vegan made me love vegetables even more.
There is food that you love and there's food that you LOVE. I used to watch my uncle cook, and he would season every french fry, one at a time. I would say that he put love into his food. When I taste food that is 100% from scatch, I taste that love. It's like tasting the true fruits of labor so much, that the only thing missing is growing the ingredients from scratch. It makes me wish that I lived in a place like Twin Oaks, a commune that grows everything and I mean EVERYTHING from scratch and put the "love" into their food.
Finding a decent bread recipe can be a challenge. I looked at some of the vegan websites and their recipes are not the best. When I search for recipes, I usually go to omnivorous websites and try to think of ways of adding vegan substitutes. I made the best vegan walnut cookies from my Betty Crocker Cookbook a while ago. I usually like to experiment when cooking. I don't like to copy other people's ideas. Being vegan in my opinion should be an avenue of creativity and imagination. This one reason why I get mad at the meat-eaters when they make a fuss about vegan and vegetarians who would eat meat substitutes.
Foods that I'll try to make from Scratch
Bread
Meat Substitutes
Non-Dairy milks
Dressings
Health Smoothies
As for faux meats, I saw a vegan recipe for "meat-balls" on another vegan blog. They look very tasty and pretty easy to make. The ingredients seem pretty easy to find (vital wheat gluten and tempeh) and the recipe can be made according to taste any type. When I make these "meat balls" they are going to go in a salad with a thick nutrient pack home-made sauce that will be used as a salad dressing. It's going to have a combination of raw ingredients and cooked with the bulgur and quinoa being the only cooked ingredients beside the "meat balls". I want to base the recipe on a salad I had at a vegan restaurant. The sauce was tahini and it was amazing. Being vegan made me love vegetables even more.
There is food that you love and there's food that you LOVE. I used to watch my uncle cook, and he would season every french fry, one at a time. I would say that he put love into his food. When I taste food that is 100% from scatch, I taste that love. It's like tasting the true fruits of labor so much, that the only thing missing is growing the ingredients from scratch. It makes me wish that I lived in a place like Twin Oaks, a commune that grows everything and I mean EVERYTHING from scratch and put the "love" into their food.
When Veganism Goes Mainstream
I find that veganism is like the new trend that was once stigmatized for being too dietarily (if this is a word) radical. You know it's mainstream if it's constantly discussed in the media. Especially when the media is New York Times.
According to this article , veganism, like cupcakes had become the new choice of diet in the recent years. I can attest to this, because I have a friend who now wants to try out the vegan diet. I hope that she sticks with it, because I can honestly say that it's a huge commitment. It's about time that ithis lifestyle becomes mainstream. If vegan cooking shows were shown in mainstream media, then there will be more positive acceptance of this unique, peaceful diet and going to restaurants, cafes or even people's houses won't be so akward. I cannot say that ALL people in this meat and dairy filled country would fully accept changes in that respect. The word "liberal" is the new fighting word these days.
In the article, a vegan college graduate, Chloe Coscarelli, entered a cupcake baking contest on Food Network TV. She competes against those who use dairy and eggs in their recipes. I would say that she is a good ambasador to the island of veganism, because she won the competition fair and square with her three flavors of cupcakes (that I plan on baking and trying). She's also from Los Angeles, the Californian "Mecca" of veganism and a place I want to live when I graduate ( love the art scene, and the fact that there are so many vegan grocery stores and restaurants). I also considered New York. I want to visit first to see if I like it. I think it's paramount to the cause to open restaurants. This weekend, I plan on baking cupcakes like the ones that Miss Coscarelli has on her website. I haven't tried any of her recipes yet, but I really hope that she gets a cooking show on Food Network. I tend to avoid that channel when I watch TV, because they do not promote healthy eating and variety of diets. I believe that there was one chef they showed on FoodNetwork who was vegetarian, but he was replaced by hosts like Bobby Flay, Paula Dean and the Neely's. In a world with a bulging waist line and an evergrowing appitite for fast, easy and junk laden foods, a show that promotes at least a flexitarian diet should be seriously considered. (Coscarelli's website will be posted in the blog with the list of resources)
According to this article , veganism, like cupcakes had become the new choice of diet in the recent years. I can attest to this, because I have a friend who now wants to try out the vegan diet. I hope that she sticks with it, because I can honestly say that it's a huge commitment. It's about time that ithis lifestyle becomes mainstream. If vegan cooking shows were shown in mainstream media, then there will be more positive acceptance of this unique, peaceful diet and going to restaurants, cafes or even people's houses won't be so akward. I cannot say that ALL people in this meat and dairy filled country would fully accept changes in that respect. The word "liberal" is the new fighting word these days.
In the article, a vegan college graduate, Chloe Coscarelli, entered a cupcake baking contest on Food Network TV. She competes against those who use dairy and eggs in their recipes. I would say that she is a good ambasador to the island of veganism, because she won the competition fair and square with her three flavors of cupcakes (that I plan on baking and trying). She's also from Los Angeles, the Californian "Mecca" of veganism and a place I want to live when I graduate ( love the art scene, and the fact that there are so many vegan grocery stores and restaurants). I also considered New York. I want to visit first to see if I like it. I think it's paramount to the cause to open restaurants. This weekend, I plan on baking cupcakes like the ones that Miss Coscarelli has on her website. I haven't tried any of her recipes yet, but I really hope that she gets a cooking show on Food Network. I tend to avoid that channel when I watch TV, because they do not promote healthy eating and variety of diets. I believe that there was one chef they showed on FoodNetwork who was vegetarian, but he was replaced by hosts like Bobby Flay, Paula Dean and the Neely's. In a world with a bulging waist line and an evergrowing appitite for fast, easy and junk laden foods, a show that promotes at least a flexitarian diet should be seriously considered. (Coscarelli's website will be posted in the blog with the list of resources)
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