So here's the deal. This weekend is Riverside's Annual Saturation Art and Music Festival. And I am going to be tabling for Action for Animals throughout the whole festival, as well as performing acoustic for the close out show for the festival. Now... I've never attended Saturation before, so I'm not sure as to how an animal rights and vegan outreach booth is going to be received at it... I'm hoping it will go over well and people will be interested in our literature and the things we have for sale. And I have a personal goal of how much money I'd really love to raise for this organization at this festival, since it's one that I signed AFA up for, rather than one they asked me to table for them. I want to make them proud and I want a lot of people to take in what we are putting out.
So I have a request I'm sending to all my friends (and everyone in general), if you're going to Saturation Fest (or if you weren't planning on going... go!) Please stop by the Action for Animals table in Back to the Grind and check out the free literature we have to offer and if you learn anything new from our table... then please consider donating. As well, if you have an extra buck or two... buy a cool button or sticker. The money goes to a great organization who's doing incredible work for animal rights. And I'd like to make this event really awesome for them and for the animals we're all trying to help.
Our table will be set up in Back to the Grind
Friday from 6 to 11p
Saturday from Noon to 5p
Sunday from 2 to 6p
And then I'll be performing at The Division 9 Gallery Sunday night, if you'd like to stop by for the show. It would mean the world to me.
The fest has a lot of really amazing shows and art vendors and and DIY activities, so you really don't want to miss it!
Thank you and I hope to see you ALL at Saturation this weekend.
<3 Breezy
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Worldfest 2011!
Yesterday started a new and very exciting chapter in my world of animal rights activism. I tabled my first festival for Action for Animals! The fest was called Worldfest and it was a solar-powered festival of music, the environment, animals and humanity. I didn't really know what to expect going into it since I'd never been to the festival before and since I'd never ran a table for an animal rights organization before... but holy crap was it amazing! As much as I wanted to see all the other incredible organizations that were there, I barely left the AFA table because I was having such an incredible time connecting and talking with all the people who were stopping at our booth. I seriously met some of the most incredible people I've ever met in my life! From a 10 year old vegan advocate to an 75 year old vegan author... from clothing companies such as Arm The Animals who help raise money for animal care organizations to groups like Band of Mercy, an abolitionist animal advocacy organization. From a rescued cow named Madonna with The Gentle Barn... to a paraplegic pup named JoJo with another animal shelter. And the list can go on foreverrrr.
I was too stuck at my booth to really go and check out all the incredible vegan food vendors that were at the fest... but I can say that I had the best fake chicken drumsticks EVER. And of course...I checked out my Twitter friends at JAM Vegan Bakery and had the best PB & Jam Cupcake I could ever ask for.
I seriously have never met so many people who care so much about what's going on in our world, with our environment and ALL of the species that inhabit it... not just some of them. I don't think a single person came to our table and harassed us about what we were doing and what we stood for. But, multiple people came and shook my hand and the hands of the other volunteers I had with me... and personally thanked us for the work we are doing for animals. My heart has never been so touched. It's really encouraging being surrounded by that many people who care about the issues that plague your own heart. The festival really motivated me and put the idea in my head that I can help... that I really can make a difference. Because there's so many others out there with the same exact mission I've got... and if we all keep pressing forward... progress is inevitable. We will see change in this world and it will be for the betterment of us all.
I wish I could name and link every incredible person and organization that I met yesterday, but there was just too many to do so and for that I'm sorry, because I really do wish I could tell everyone about all the different causes that were brought to my attention. But please check out the people that I have linked in this blog and support the awesome work that they are doing.
To those that I met yesterday, thank you for making it such an incredible experience for me. To those who volunteered with me, thank you for helping and standing beside me in this cause that we believe in so much. To Action for Animals, thank you for giving me the opportunity to do these incredible events. I cannot wait to table and do outreach at more festivals like Worldfest! Thankfully, I get to do it all again next weekend at Saturation Fest (Inland Empires Indie DIY Art and Music Festival)! Though, that is going to be slightly different... We will be the only Animal Rights organization at the festival... it's all artists and musicians, so hopefully our booth will be received well and people who don't know what we're all about will show interest in our cause and support those voiceless beings that we chose to give our voices to.
Lets take on the world!
With a very happy and encouraged heart...
Breezy <3
I was too stuck at my booth to really go and check out all the incredible vegan food vendors that were at the fest... but I can say that I had the best fake chicken drumsticks EVER. And of course...I checked out my Twitter friends at JAM Vegan Bakery and had the best PB & Jam Cupcake I could ever ask for.
I seriously have never met so many people who care so much about what's going on in our world, with our environment and ALL of the species that inhabit it... not just some of them. I don't think a single person came to our table and harassed us about what we were doing and what we stood for. But, multiple people came and shook my hand and the hands of the other volunteers I had with me... and personally thanked us for the work we are doing for animals. My heart has never been so touched. It's really encouraging being surrounded by that many people who care about the issues that plague your own heart. The festival really motivated me and put the idea in my head that I can help... that I really can make a difference. Because there's so many others out there with the same exact mission I've got... and if we all keep pressing forward... progress is inevitable. We will see change in this world and it will be for the betterment of us all.
I wish I could name and link every incredible person and organization that I met yesterday, but there was just too many to do so and for that I'm sorry, because I really do wish I could tell everyone about all the different causes that were brought to my attention. But please check out the people that I have linked in this blog and support the awesome work that they are doing.
To those that I met yesterday, thank you for making it such an incredible experience for me. To those who volunteered with me, thank you for helping and standing beside me in this cause that we believe in so much. To Action for Animals, thank you for giving me the opportunity to do these incredible events. I cannot wait to table and do outreach at more festivals like Worldfest! Thankfully, I get to do it all again next weekend at Saturation Fest (Inland Empires Indie DIY Art and Music Festival)! Though, that is going to be slightly different... We will be the only Animal Rights organization at the festival... it's all artists and musicians, so hopefully our booth will be received well and people who don't know what we're all about will show interest in our cause and support those voiceless beings that we chose to give our voices to.
Lets take on the world!
With a very happy and encouraged heart...
Breezy <3
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Let's take this relationship to the next level...
It's no secret that I am vegan and I openly advocate my beliefs in the vegan lifestyle. I chose to take on this title because it's something I believe in and I wanted it to be known... as well as, at the time that I went vegan, I felt I needed the attachment to the title in order to keep me loyal. (after a couple years of reading and research, I don't need the title to keep me loyal anymore though. There's nothing that could break me now from my veganism) I have this image in my mind that giving yourself a title attaches you to that cause and keeps you strong, because in order to stray from that title... you would have to "Break up" with it in a way. And breaking up is a lot harder than simply changing your mind.
Over the past couple years, my views on a lot of things have changed and morphed and I've flirted with the ideas of attaching myself to some other titles. I've yet to do so though, out of fear of changing my mind. I see these choices like I see getting into a relationship with someone. I haven't done it because it's so much easier to change your mind if you don't have someone or something to "Break up" with in order to do so. Hence the reason I've stayed where I am in so many aspects of my life. But lately, a particular thing has been weighing very heavy on my heart. I don't know if it's because of recent happenings with people I know and love or if it's just my own personal ideals changing, but I feel it's time that I make another big change in my life and take on one more strong conviction.
My entire life, I have never once touched drugs, never smoked weed or cigarettes or anything of that sort. Anyone who knows me, knows that I refuse to take medications (aside from after my intensive foot surgery... I most definitely took my pain medication... though I did attempt to refuse it... I only lasted an hour or so). When I was 18, I even got an "Above the Influence" sign tattooed on my wrist to openly proclaim my personal animosity towards drugs. I know "influence" implies all chemicals that alter your state of being... but I did not attach it with alcohol at the time in which I got it. I am not some crazy drinker. I don't like alcohol much and I rarely ever want to drink... but I have drank in the past, this is no secret. Usually if I have an urge to drink, it's due to something deeper going on in my life... and I started doing this because of watching other people in my life do this. When I was a little younger, holidays were particularly depressing for me, so I would drink on holidays (some friends have even referred to me as a holiday drunk) to attempt to forget about whatever was on my mind... just to find that it did not help. I also started drinking a lot after a close friend committed suicide (didn't help then either). You forget for a couple hours and then wake up in the morning feeling worse...
And recently I've noticed what alcohol is doing to some people whom I love very dearly and even to myself... I'm seeing first hand how destructive it can be and the damage it can do. And I'm not comfortable with it. I don't like the way it makes me feel when someone I love hurts me because they're too drunk to know otherwise. I don't like the way it makes me feel the next morning when I realize what I may have done the night prior. I started realizing that I didn't like who I was when I was intoxicated. I did things I wouldn't do in my normal state of mind and have actually been ashamed of some of my actions. I get ashamed of other people's actions when I'm sober and can see what they are doing... I've realized I'm beginning to have a very low tolerance for drunkenness. I find myself getting easily annoyed and frustrated with people who are constantly intoxicated. Just everything... it all adds up to me detesting alcohol more and more each day.
And I've actually never had a problem stopping drinking... I can go years at a time without a drink, and not have a problem with it... which got me thinking... Why do I continue to do it... even intermittently... if I dislike it THIS much... why even partake the very little amount that I do?
When I'm around people who don't know me very well... and we get to talking about "recreational activity" people often ask me if I'm Straight Edge because I don't do drugs (medical and not medical), don't smoke weed or cigs, don't drink caffeine, and rarely ever drink alcohol... But, I always say No. Partly because people kind of scared me away from the title by some bad stereotyping. I didn't want to be associated with a lot of the things I had heard about. As well, obviously with the fact that I do have a drink every now and then... and I was worried about claiming a title like that, when I knew I'd probably one day want to have a drink again... and it would be a bit of an ordeal to break Edge to have a drink rather than not claim anything and have a drink if I so desired. But you know what... I don't want to have the choice anymore. Aside from already not being really into it... a recent incident with someone I love more than life itself made me never want to touch alcohol again. Also, since I turned 21 I have had absolutely no desire to drink... the only drink I have had was at my sisters bridal shower and it was a glass of champagne that everyone was given (I even stood there with it in my hand for about an hour debating on weather or not to drink it). I want to have a reason to say No that is bigger than me and goes beyond me, but it strictly for me.
I do not and will do my best to continue to not judge others for their lifestyle choices and their desires and activities. Just as I have always been against drugs, but dearly love people who partake in them, I am taking my stand now, as well, against alcohol, but will continue to love the people I know who partake in it (which is pretty much everyone). I will not judge people or have issues with people who are not Straight Edge, but I am making the decision to, for myself, take on this lifestyle. I hope it does not, and that I do not offend people that I love and care about by this decision, but it's something that I feel is right for me now. So yeah... that's that. The decision is made. And I'm happy about it, and feel like I will hold true to it and fall more in love with it everyday, just as I did with veganism.
See, it may take me some time to figure out my stance on things and where my heart lies... but when I do figure it out, I stick with it like my life depends on it. I'm learning that it's best to do your own research and learn what you're getting involved with... and make the decision for yourself. I spent too many years following other peoples beliefs and calling them my own... living them out and being unhappy with myself... and I can honestly say that I'm just now starting to really find myself. I don't have it all figured out yet... but everyday I get a little closer. And that's good enough for me.
Over the past couple years, my views on a lot of things have changed and morphed and I've flirted with the ideas of attaching myself to some other titles. I've yet to do so though, out of fear of changing my mind. I see these choices like I see getting into a relationship with someone. I haven't done it because it's so much easier to change your mind if you don't have someone or something to "Break up" with in order to do so. Hence the reason I've stayed where I am in so many aspects of my life. But lately, a particular thing has been weighing very heavy on my heart. I don't know if it's because of recent happenings with people I know and love or if it's just my own personal ideals changing, but I feel it's time that I make another big change in my life and take on one more strong conviction.
My entire life, I have never once touched drugs, never smoked weed or cigarettes or anything of that sort. Anyone who knows me, knows that I refuse to take medications (aside from after my intensive foot surgery... I most definitely took my pain medication... though I did attempt to refuse it... I only lasted an hour or so). When I was 18, I even got an "Above the Influence" sign tattooed on my wrist to openly proclaim my personal animosity towards drugs. I know "influence" implies all chemicals that alter your state of being... but I did not attach it with alcohol at the time in which I got it. I am not some crazy drinker. I don't like alcohol much and I rarely ever want to drink... but I have drank in the past, this is no secret. Usually if I have an urge to drink, it's due to something deeper going on in my life... and I started doing this because of watching other people in my life do this. When I was a little younger, holidays were particularly depressing for me, so I would drink on holidays (some friends have even referred to me as a holiday drunk) to attempt to forget about whatever was on my mind... just to find that it did not help. I also started drinking a lot after a close friend committed suicide (didn't help then either). You forget for a couple hours and then wake up in the morning feeling worse...
And recently I've noticed what alcohol is doing to some people whom I love very dearly and even to myself... I'm seeing first hand how destructive it can be and the damage it can do. And I'm not comfortable with it. I don't like the way it makes me feel when someone I love hurts me because they're too drunk to know otherwise. I don't like the way it makes me feel the next morning when I realize what I may have done the night prior. I started realizing that I didn't like who I was when I was intoxicated. I did things I wouldn't do in my normal state of mind and have actually been ashamed of some of my actions. I get ashamed of other people's actions when I'm sober and can see what they are doing... I've realized I'm beginning to have a very low tolerance for drunkenness. I find myself getting easily annoyed and frustrated with people who are constantly intoxicated. Just everything... it all adds up to me detesting alcohol more and more each day.
And I've actually never had a problem stopping drinking... I can go years at a time without a drink, and not have a problem with it... which got me thinking... Why do I continue to do it... even intermittently... if I dislike it THIS much... why even partake the very little amount that I do?
When I'm around people who don't know me very well... and we get to talking about "recreational activity" people often ask me if I'm Straight Edge because I don't do drugs (medical and not medical), don't smoke weed or cigs, don't drink caffeine, and rarely ever drink alcohol... But, I always say No. Partly because people kind of scared me away from the title by some bad stereotyping. I didn't want to be associated with a lot of the things I had heard about. As well, obviously with the fact that I do have a drink every now and then... and I was worried about claiming a title like that, when I knew I'd probably one day want to have a drink again... and it would be a bit of an ordeal to break Edge to have a drink rather than not claim anything and have a drink if I so desired. But you know what... I don't want to have the choice anymore. Aside from already not being really into it... a recent incident with someone I love more than life itself made me never want to touch alcohol again. Also, since I turned 21 I have had absolutely no desire to drink... the only drink I have had was at my sisters bridal shower and it was a glass of champagne that everyone was given (I even stood there with it in my hand for about an hour debating on weather or not to drink it). I want to have a reason to say No that is bigger than me and goes beyond me, but it strictly for me.
I do not and will do my best to continue to not judge others for their lifestyle choices and their desires and activities. Just as I have always been against drugs, but dearly love people who partake in them, I am taking my stand now, as well, against alcohol, but will continue to love the people I know who partake in it (which is pretty much everyone). I will not judge people or have issues with people who are not Straight Edge, but I am making the decision to, for myself, take on this lifestyle. I hope it does not, and that I do not offend people that I love and care about by this decision, but it's something that I feel is right for me now. So yeah... that's that. The decision is made. And I'm happy about it, and feel like I will hold true to it and fall more in love with it everyday, just as I did with veganism.
See, it may take me some time to figure out my stance on things and where my heart lies... but when I do figure it out, I stick with it like my life depends on it. I'm learning that it's best to do your own research and learn what you're getting involved with... and make the decision for yourself. I spent too many years following other peoples beliefs and calling them my own... living them out and being unhappy with myself... and I can honestly say that I'm just now starting to really find myself. I don't have it all figured out yet... but everyday I get a little closer. And that's good enough for me.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Mr. Napoleon Bonaparte
Since I've been roommate hopping for the past couple years, my babygirl, Goliath, usually has another puppy companion around to play with. But a couple weeks ago, my brother moved out... and with him our American Eskimo, Cloud, also moved out. So Goliath and I have been alone... and me being at work all the time... Goliath has been really alone, and really sad. She started eating the carpet by the doors to try to get out and had been crying a lot and it was just too much for me to handle. I couldn't see my baby like that, so I decided she needed a new friend.
My step mom happened to be going to the shelter last week to look at adopting a dog for herself and she started sending me pictures of all the smaller dogs that didn't have any time left at the shelter, to see if I wanted to take one in. Then all of a sudden I got a picture of a precious little chihuahua mix, who was missing an eye. Apparently, when they found him, his eye was so badly infected that it had to be removed and the infection had spread through his body and they didn't think he was going to make it. But sure enough, he pulled through, and has been at the shelter for 2 months... which means he couldn't be kept any longer. He had the collar on that means he only has 24 hours left at the shelter... so my step mom immediately offered to pay the fees to get him, if I would be willing to take him in... to which I said "Of Course!!!!" Apparently he was a shelter favorite and everyone was very happy to see him finally get a home. No one wanted to adopt him because of his missing eye... superficial people... wanting a perfect dog... I say screw that! Give me the guy that's missing an eye... he's got way more character! And boy does he have character!
So I just wanted to write a little thing about him... and show pictures of how happy he is now in his new loving home here with Goliath and I. We love him dearly and are so honored to call him our little man now.
Mr. Napoleon at the shelter...
My step mom meeting him.... and falling in love with him...
Soooo happy to finally be going Home <3
My first time meeting him! Immediate love <3
Taking him home to meet Goliath... look at that little angel.
First nights sleep in his new bed. All tuckered out from moving all day.
His first Hike up Mount Rubidoux with Goliath!
Boy, does he love Mount Rubidoux.
Hanging out in the backyard while mommy eats lunch.
Giving mommy lots of kisses! :) he loves me. I love him. And I love Goliath, duh.
And more hiking up Rubidoux. They LOVE it up there.
Welp, that's his story so far... I'm honored to call him part of my family now. And I swear on my life that I will make sure he's NEVER hurt again. <3
My step mom happened to be going to the shelter last week to look at adopting a dog for herself and she started sending me pictures of all the smaller dogs that didn't have any time left at the shelter, to see if I wanted to take one in. Then all of a sudden I got a picture of a precious little chihuahua mix, who was missing an eye. Apparently, when they found him, his eye was so badly infected that it had to be removed and the infection had spread through his body and they didn't think he was going to make it. But sure enough, he pulled through, and has been at the shelter for 2 months... which means he couldn't be kept any longer. He had the collar on that means he only has 24 hours left at the shelter... so my step mom immediately offered to pay the fees to get him, if I would be willing to take him in... to which I said "Of Course!!!!" Apparently he was a shelter favorite and everyone was very happy to see him finally get a home. No one wanted to adopt him because of his missing eye... superficial people... wanting a perfect dog... I say screw that! Give me the guy that's missing an eye... he's got way more character! And boy does he have character!
So I just wanted to write a little thing about him... and show pictures of how happy he is now in his new loving home here with Goliath and I. We love him dearly and are so honored to call him our little man now.
Mr. Napoleon at the shelter...
My step mom meeting him.... and falling in love with him...
Soooo happy to finally be going Home <3
My first time meeting him! Immediate love <3
Taking him home to meet Goliath... look at that little angel.
First nights sleep in his new bed. All tuckered out from moving all day.
His first Hike up Mount Rubidoux with Goliath!
Boy, does he love Mount Rubidoux.
Hanging out in the backyard while mommy eats lunch.
Giving mommy lots of kisses! :) he loves me. I love him. And I love Goliath, duh.
And more hiking up Rubidoux. They LOVE it up there.
Welp, that's his story so far... I'm honored to call him part of my family now. And I swear on my life that I will make sure he's NEVER hurt again. <3
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Beauty.
Today, my mother and I went to Catalina Island to celebrate mothers day... my mother was very thoughtful in deciding something she thought I would enjoy... she knows how much animals mean to me (and particularly how heavy dolphins are on my heart right now because of the current slaughter happening in Taiji) and she also knows I had never been out on the open ocean before... so she thought I would enjoy the boat ride over to Catalina. Even I didn't anticipate how strongly I would react to that boat ride. All I can say is that she could not get me to come inside the boat. I was hanging off the edge completely mesmerized by the water. And then I saw it... pods of dolphins. Swimming free in their natural environment. Outside of restrictions... away from human authority... and no where near captivity... and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My mom told me after we got off the boat that she could see the passion in my face... she could see my mind working... and that she almost cried watching me observe the dolphins swimming. My joy was uncontainable... I literally screamed the first time I saw them and teared up myself as I watched them play in the water. It was breathtaking. I could not wipe my ridiculous smile off my face for hours. And when we were on Catalina we took a submarine ride to a marine reserve and got to watch all the fish from under water. I can't even begin to explain how different, and life changing it is to observe wild marine life if their natural habitat of the open ocean. I can honestly say that my life was changed today... and I am that much more passionate about protecting any animal I possibly can. They are such intriguing beings and deserve every bit of life they have... because if you actually watch an animal... take in its movements... feel its expressions... look into its eyes... it really changes everything. I cannot view an animal as being anything less than I am. They are so much more than anyone seems to give them credit for and it fucking sucks. I love these beings. And I will stand on their side, through and through.
Helpful Hints
As a vegan, one of the most rewarding things that can happen... is for someone to tell us that we inspired them to, as well, adopt a vegan lifestyle. I can't explain how ecstatic it makes me everytime someone tells me "I got the vegan one this time" or "I checked to make sure it was cruelty free" or "I tried that _____ you were talking about." Anything like that is amazinggg. But recently something even better happened. Any convert to the "dark side" (which is actually the compassionate, loving side) is always exciting... but the most exciting to me are the extreme converts. Let me explain... When someone goes from phrases like "I could NEVER be vegan" "How do you live?! You must be starving!" "Eating vegan just sounds gross" to phrases like "I will never make fun of a vegan ever again. You're one of my hero's now" and "The more I learn, the more it upsets me that it never bothered me before." ... Seeing the light just completely switch on in someone's head. Watching their eyes be truly opened to something for the first time that they may have previously dismissed... is a beautiful, beautiful thing. People may brush off what we say when they don't understand it... but when they start doing their own research, the facts cannot be denied. And I couldn't be more pleased about the additions to this wonderful team of enlightened minds.
I often have people asking me for tips or for advice... what they can eat, where they can eat, what they should look out for... the usual questions of a new vegan. So I thought I'd make a little post just with a few basic helpful hints. Just answering some of the questions I've recently gotten. Hopefully it will help some baby born again vegans <3
First off, let me say that Search Engines and Happycow.net are your best friends! You can look almost anything up on your favorite search engine and find out if its vegan. As well as look up your area on Happycow.net and find somewhere to eat that serves vegan options no matter where you are.
FAST FOOD
Before I start talking about eating out (food! ...you dirty minded children) let me say that I refuse to eat from most fast food chains regardless of if they sell veg friendly options, for the sheer fact that they are one of the biggest reasons animal enterprise has become what it is today. I also fear cross contamination like it's going to kill me. If I can't watch you make my "fast food" I'm not going to eat it. God knows what you cooked in that oil you cooked my fries in. So they only "fast food" I will eat is...
1. Subway: The workers are usually really good about changing their gloves if you ask them politely and cleaning the knife before cutting your sub with all the last persons death meal on it. Get a veggie delight on Italian bread. (the Italian bread is the only vegan bread at subway) load that baby up with every veggie you can think of. Top it off with some Mustard, or oil and vinegar. Delish!
2. Chipotle: Believe it or not... the tortillas, black beans, rice, veggie fajitas, guacamole, and lettuce at Chipotle are ALL vegan. If that's not a satisfying meal... I don't know what is.
3. In N Out: If I'm REALLY craving fries... the only fast food place I will purchase them from is In N Out. They only use vegetable oil and they do not cook anything else in the oil so you're clear of cross contamination scares!
AND ACTUALLY I am happy to say that we have a couple Vegan "Fast Food" chains popping up all over the place.... if you come across a Veggie Grill, Native Foods, or Evolution... those are all fully vegan menus!
RESTAURANTS
When going out to eat with friends or family at restaurants... a lot of new vegans fear for their stomachs due to not knowing what they're going to be able to eat or what they'll need to look out for. After a while... you become a pro at ordering out. I can find something to eat no matter where we go! What I usually look for first is a nice salad, fruits or veggies. Most places will have these sides, just make sure the salad doesn't have cheese or croutons on it. And your best bet for dressing is oil and vinegar. If you want fries or hash browns or anything like that... just nicely ask to waiter to check with the cook to see what kind of oil they are cooked in. Most places will tell you Vegetable or Canola... and you're golden! You may also want to request they use a fresh batch of oil... to ensure nothing once living was cooked in the same oil your fries were cooked in. A lot of places now have a veggie burger on the menu. Just double check and make sure it's a dairy free veggie patty and ask for a whole wheat bun (add some avocado, mustard and catchup to that bad boy and you've got yourself some tasty noms). Usually waiters will be able to work with you to find something that can be make vegan on their menu... just be polite and sweet when asking your questions and they won't get as annoyed with your dietary needs. Sometimes it actually sparks some good conversation. Make it clear that you don't eat meat, milk, butter, eggs, or honey when talking to them, because a lot of people don't understand the full extent of veganism.
GROCERY STORES
We are lucky these days to have so many health food and nutrition stores popping up out of the woodworks so if you happen to have a Trader Joe's, Clark's, Mother's, Whole Foods, Spouts, Henry's... anything along those lines... those shelves are stocked with vegan options and are often labeled with a "V" to let you know it's friendly. (Or if you're lucky like we are where I am... there's a fully vegan grocery store called Viva La Vegan and that's the BEST place to shop, hands down.) But even regular grocery stores are starting to line their isles with option us compassionate folk can partake in the consumption of. Sometimes I shop at Vons and they have a fully Vegetarian/Vegan isle with faux meats, cheeses and condiments. I know that Ralphs has something similar, but I don't shop at many regular grocery stores so I don't know the extent of their selections. What I do know though is that every grocery store has a produce section, and that's a haven for vegans. Also, a lot more vegan friendly breads are becoming readily available. Start reading labels. if there's no milk, eggs. whey, casein, etc. in it... chances are it's good to go. (and for health purposes... when reading labels... one thing to always think about... if you don't know what an ingredient is... if you can't pronounce it... chances are it's not good for you... so just steer clear.)
EVERYDAY THINGS
Bathroom items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.... Lot's of companies are starting to label their products if they are vegan. They'll put a "Cruelty Free" or a "Certified Vegan" emblem in the back of their products (a cute little bunny or a V inside of a heart). Look for that first. Also check for a "Not Tested on Animals" disclaimer... just be weary is it says "This finished product is not tested on animals" because that usually means that an ingredient in the product was tested on animals sometimes down the line of production just not the finished product.
CLOTHING
I'm going to make this simple. DO NOT WEAR LEATHER, FUR, WOOL, SILK, DOWN, CASHMERE.
There are quite a few other things to not wear... but those are the more common products on the market made from animal products. Try to buy Cotton, Polyester or Acrylic, etc.
The best piece of advice I can really offer of all though... is to purchase anything you possibly can from Vegan establishments and manufacturers. We are a small but mighty group of people and we have to be supportive of people who support us and stand beside us in this cause. So purchasing from strictly vegan places whenever possible is always a fantastic idea. Loyalty is key... if we keep these places thriving, we will never be out of reach from the food and products that we need to function in life as a happy and healthy vegan, and these options will stay available for other people to start opting to use in place of what they might be used to.
Alright... I think I'm going to take a rest now... I know I left a TON out... but there's some starter points. I mainly wrote this to help out a friend who just went vegan... so the more she asks... or other people ask... the more I'll answer. <3
I often have people asking me for tips or for advice... what they can eat, where they can eat, what they should look out for... the usual questions of a new vegan. So I thought I'd make a little post just with a few basic helpful hints. Just answering some of the questions I've recently gotten. Hopefully it will help some baby born again vegans <3
First off, let me say that Search Engines and Happycow.net are your best friends! You can look almost anything up on your favorite search engine and find out if its vegan. As well as look up your area on Happycow.net and find somewhere to eat that serves vegan options no matter where you are.
FAST FOOD
Before I start talking about eating out (food! ...you dirty minded children) let me say that I refuse to eat from most fast food chains regardless of if they sell veg friendly options, for the sheer fact that they are one of the biggest reasons animal enterprise has become what it is today. I also fear cross contamination like it's going to kill me. If I can't watch you make my "fast food" I'm not going to eat it. God knows what you cooked in that oil you cooked my fries in. So they only "fast food" I will eat is...
1. Subway: The workers are usually really good about changing their gloves if you ask them politely and cleaning the knife before cutting your sub with all the last persons death meal on it. Get a veggie delight on Italian bread. (the Italian bread is the only vegan bread at subway) load that baby up with every veggie you can think of. Top it off with some Mustard, or oil and vinegar. Delish!
2. Chipotle: Believe it or not... the tortillas, black beans, rice, veggie fajitas, guacamole, and lettuce at Chipotle are ALL vegan. If that's not a satisfying meal... I don't know what is.
3. In N Out: If I'm REALLY craving fries... the only fast food place I will purchase them from is In N Out. They only use vegetable oil and they do not cook anything else in the oil so you're clear of cross contamination scares!
AND ACTUALLY I am happy to say that we have a couple Vegan "Fast Food" chains popping up all over the place.... if you come across a Veggie Grill, Native Foods, or Evolution... those are all fully vegan menus!
RESTAURANTS
When going out to eat with friends or family at restaurants... a lot of new vegans fear for their stomachs due to not knowing what they're going to be able to eat or what they'll need to look out for. After a while... you become a pro at ordering out. I can find something to eat no matter where we go! What I usually look for first is a nice salad, fruits or veggies. Most places will have these sides, just make sure the salad doesn't have cheese or croutons on it. And your best bet for dressing is oil and vinegar. If you want fries or hash browns or anything like that... just nicely ask to waiter to check with the cook to see what kind of oil they are cooked in. Most places will tell you Vegetable or Canola... and you're golden! You may also want to request they use a fresh batch of oil... to ensure nothing once living was cooked in the same oil your fries were cooked in. A lot of places now have a veggie burger on the menu. Just double check and make sure it's a dairy free veggie patty and ask for a whole wheat bun (add some avocado, mustard and catchup to that bad boy and you've got yourself some tasty noms). Usually waiters will be able to work with you to find something that can be make vegan on their menu... just be polite and sweet when asking your questions and they won't get as annoyed with your dietary needs. Sometimes it actually sparks some good conversation. Make it clear that you don't eat meat, milk, butter, eggs, or honey when talking to them, because a lot of people don't understand the full extent of veganism.
GROCERY STORES
We are lucky these days to have so many health food and nutrition stores popping up out of the woodworks so if you happen to have a Trader Joe's, Clark's, Mother's, Whole Foods, Spouts, Henry's... anything along those lines... those shelves are stocked with vegan options and are often labeled with a "V" to let you know it's friendly. (Or if you're lucky like we are where I am... there's a fully vegan grocery store called Viva La Vegan and that's the BEST place to shop, hands down.) But even regular grocery stores are starting to line their isles with option us compassionate folk can partake in the consumption of. Sometimes I shop at Vons and they have a fully Vegetarian/Vegan isle with faux meats, cheeses and condiments. I know that Ralphs has something similar, but I don't shop at many regular grocery stores so I don't know the extent of their selections. What I do know though is that every grocery store has a produce section, and that's a haven for vegans. Also, a lot more vegan friendly breads are becoming readily available. Start reading labels. if there's no milk, eggs. whey, casein, etc. in it... chances are it's good to go. (and for health purposes... when reading labels... one thing to always think about... if you don't know what an ingredient is... if you can't pronounce it... chances are it's not good for you... so just steer clear.)
EVERYDAY THINGS
Bathroom items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.... Lot's of companies are starting to label their products if they are vegan. They'll put a "Cruelty Free" or a "Certified Vegan" emblem in the back of their products (a cute little bunny or a V inside of a heart). Look for that first. Also check for a "Not Tested on Animals" disclaimer... just be weary is it says "This finished product is not tested on animals" because that usually means that an ingredient in the product was tested on animals sometimes down the line of production just not the finished product.
CLOTHING
I'm going to make this simple. DO NOT WEAR LEATHER, FUR, WOOL, SILK, DOWN, CASHMERE.
There are quite a few other things to not wear... but those are the more common products on the market made from animal products. Try to buy Cotton, Polyester or Acrylic, etc.
The best piece of advice I can really offer of all though... is to purchase anything you possibly can from Vegan establishments and manufacturers. We are a small but mighty group of people and we have to be supportive of people who support us and stand beside us in this cause. So purchasing from strictly vegan places whenever possible is always a fantastic idea. Loyalty is key... if we keep these places thriving, we will never be out of reach from the food and products that we need to function in life as a happy and healthy vegan, and these options will stay available for other people to start opting to use in place of what they might be used to.
Alright... I think I'm going to take a rest now... I know I left a TON out... but there's some starter points. I mainly wrote this to help out a friend who just went vegan... so the more she asks... or other people ask... the more I'll answer. <3
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Let's get down to Ethics...
So... a close friend of mine contacted me last week because she's doing a project for school where she has to write an advocacy letter. Her's happens to be for animal rights (though she is not an animal rights activist) so she came to me asking me for an animal rights activists viewpoint of places like Sea World... So I thought I would post my response... Now my mind is all over the place these past couple weeks... so it's not as well thought out or written out as I may have liked... but however scatterbrained it may be... it is my view nonetheless. And I am proud of my views... hence the reason to post them for the world to see... Enjoy.
Alright... where to even begin. I'm sorry Ive been so busy lately and my mind is all over the place so this might not be as well thought out or well written as I'd like. I'll keep it simple and to the point. Animals at Wild Animals parks... are just that. WILD ANIMALS. Beautiful creatures such as whales and dolphins and other cetaceans are used to, and made for life in the Open Ocean. They are used to swimming hundreds of miles in one day. Used to being able to dive down to the bottom of the ocean... but then they're moved to places like Sea World and they're in Tanks. Tanks that seem big to us... but to a 50 foot creature... they're tiny. They can only swim in circles and are only fed when they do what their Trainer wants them to... the way I see it is... how would you feel if someone took your baby from you and put them in a tiny room with glass walls... taught them to do weird acts that aren't natural to them and then only fed them when they performed properly... in front of hundreds of strangers they don't know... all for a fucking profit. Your child would be exploited, tortured and starved... all in the name of money and entertainment. God knows none of us would let that happen to our own children... so why is it ok for us to steal someone (other people may reference animals as somethings... but I prefer to call them someones) else's child and put them though that sort of life? It's a double standard and it's sickening to me. No wild animal should be kept in captivity... its not natural, its not healthy, its no way to live. One thing that animal rights activists see differently then the rest of the world... is that... in our eyes... we are no better than any other creature... therefore we should hold no authority over any other creature. Just as we would not like someone else deciding our lives, our professions, our lovers, and our deaths... how is it our place to decide those same things for other sentient, living, breathing, feeling brothers and sisters in life. And some people say it's good for learning purposes... and that's bullshit. You want to really learn about marine animals... go out to sea and swim with them... in their natural habitat. I promise you it will be NOTHING like swimming with them in captivity. Animals that are kept in captivity have so many health and psychological issues because they are so for from what is natural to them. I know all the dolphins look so happy out there dancing for your enjoyment but they're only happy because they're finally getting their meal for the day. They didn't wake up that morning and go tell their trainer what tricks they wanted to do.... they didn't tell their trainer what kind of food they wanted for dinner... they didn't tell them what other animal they wanted to be tanked with... or mated with... no... all of that was planned our for them. They have no say in their own lives and they have no freedom, until the day that they die. Which in parks like Sea World is much earlier than their natural deaths. Whales actually have quite a long life span... but in captivity usually only last like 6 years ... and that's if they're lucky. Though, I guess that depends on how you look at it... I'm sure some of them wished they were dead instead of living that kind of life. I don't know.... I guess all I can really ask you to consider is would you be willing to subject yourself or your children or your loved ones... to the same life that an animal in a park like Sea World lives? No? Alright then, obviously it's not morally ethical.
Alright... where to even begin. I'm sorry Ive been so busy lately and my mind is all over the place so this might not be as well thought out or well written as I'd like. I'll keep it simple and to the point. Animals at Wild Animals parks... are just that. WILD ANIMALS. Beautiful creatures such as whales and dolphins and other cetaceans are used to, and made for life in the Open Ocean. They are used to swimming hundreds of miles in one day. Used to being able to dive down to the bottom of the ocean... but then they're moved to places like Sea World and they're in Tanks. Tanks that seem big to us... but to a 50 foot creature... they're tiny. They can only swim in circles and are only fed when they do what their Trainer wants them to... the way I see it is... how would you feel if someone took your baby from you and put them in a tiny room with glass walls... taught them to do weird acts that aren't natural to them and then only fed them when they performed properly... in front of hundreds of strangers they don't know... all for a fucking profit. Your child would be exploited, tortured and starved... all in the name of money and entertainment. God knows none of us would let that happen to our own children... so why is it ok for us to steal someone (other people may reference animals as somethings... but I prefer to call them someones) else's child and put them though that sort of life? It's a double standard and it's sickening to me. No wild animal should be kept in captivity... its not natural, its not healthy, its no way to live. One thing that animal rights activists see differently then the rest of the world... is that... in our eyes... we are no better than any other creature... therefore we should hold no authority over any other creature. Just as we would not like someone else deciding our lives, our professions, our lovers, and our deaths... how is it our place to decide those same things for other sentient, living, breathing, feeling brothers and sisters in life. And some people say it's good for learning purposes... and that's bullshit. You want to really learn about marine animals... go out to sea and swim with them... in their natural habitat. I promise you it will be NOTHING like swimming with them in captivity. Animals that are kept in captivity have so many health and psychological issues because they are so for from what is natural to them. I know all the dolphins look so happy out there dancing for your enjoyment but they're only happy because they're finally getting their meal for the day. They didn't wake up that morning and go tell their trainer what tricks they wanted to do.... they didn't tell their trainer what kind of food they wanted for dinner... they didn't tell them what other animal they wanted to be tanked with... or mated with... no... all of that was planned our for them. They have no say in their own lives and they have no freedom, until the day that they die. Which in parks like Sea World is much earlier than their natural deaths. Whales actually have quite a long life span... but in captivity usually only last like 6 years ... and that's if they're lucky. Though, I guess that depends on how you look at it... I'm sure some of them wished they were dead instead of living that kind of life. I don't know.... I guess all I can really ask you to consider is would you be willing to subject yourself or your children or your loved ones... to the same life that an animal in a park like Sea World lives? No? Alright then, obviously it's not morally ethical.
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