tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45527087839438723472024-03-05T00:15:59.543-08:00Vegan Show & TellTyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-39968886250145651092014-07-12T07:46:00.001-07:002014-07-12T08:01:48.113-07:00Thoughts: Animals Are Emotional BeingsI've seen a lot more animal awareness posts lately, in the news, on facebook, online etc... where people are recognizing that animals have feelings, experience joy/fear/love and other emotions- which I feel in part is a kind of progress - but at the same time, <i>IS IT REALLY THAT SHOCKING THAT AN ELEPHANT CRIES UPON RESCUE AFTER SPENDING 5 DECADES IN CHAINS? </i><br />
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Anyone who's pet a dog, or cat, knows that they prefer to be loved, and shown affection, just like any animal, rather than be beat, abused, chained up, or isolated. There's another video of a wild cat who kills a baboon, and then once realizing the baboon had a baby with her, protected the baby (until finally the baby died of exposure). Everyone is so shocked that animals have these traits, of being sensitive, pure-hearted, and not just emotionless, non-beings. Especially now, for me, as a mother, seeing another baby, of any species brings forth a sense of maternal instinct (and many fathers can agree). Humans really are the only cold-blooded killers, killing without reason, without remorse, without conscience, and when we see an animal display such compassion towards other animals or towards humans, we see them as wise. Why then with all our useless, and careless killing do we see ourselves as wise?<br />
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I generally don't watch any of these videos, or read any of the articles beyond their headlines, because there is usually too much violence, and brutality in them (even the ones with happy rescue endings) and I don't want to put those pictures in my head. For me, I don't need any more fuel to my vegan fire to know I'm making the choices I am with a purpose, and to continue to do so. I'm not against those videos, and articles, and media coverage, because I think that nonvegans who see them are exposed to open up their perspectives on the need for animal rights.<br />
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But seriously, why is it SO SHOCKING and UNBELIEVABLE that like us, animals feel pain, experience fear, express joy, and only want to live free, happy, loving lives?Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-46634121751784092152014-06-25T09:53:00.002-07:002014-06-25T10:10:53.897-07:00Vegan MamaI'm back! Life as a new mom has been an exciting adventure traversing and embracing sleeplessness and all the joys that come with creating a new perfect little human. My daughter is growing up so fast (almost 9 months now), and as she gains the abilities to be more and more mobile she is keeping me on my toes, but also able to explore her play areas and entertain herself with self-directed play for short periods of time. This means I am (hopefully) back to blogging! I have moved my computer out of the office and into her play area in preparation to write again (even if just in quick bursts of insights, inspirations, recipes, and journaling). I am excited to report on the challenges we face, the fun we have, and the friends we meet as we live through our vegan journey here in Austin, TX. <i>More to come (apologies for any broken links or images as I redesign and get everything active again)!</i><br />
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<i>Check out these awesome vegan baby toys a friend made for us! </i></div>
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<i><br /></i>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-38762482810332190232013-05-27T09:23:00.000-07:002013-05-27T09:25:39.206-07:00New Blog SpotHi Vegan Friends! This blog has been on hiatus due to several life changes in the past year+<br />
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One of those major life changes has included my first vegan pregnancy! I've started a new blog about my experiences as a vegan mama to be here: <a href="http://www.moonlitpumpkin.blogspot.com/">www.moonlitpumpkin.blogspot.com</a><br />
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Hoping to eventually come back to Vegan Show and Tell post-baby... Until next time!<br />
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<br />Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-38593640970715318172012-08-23T13:59:00.005-07:002014-06-25T10:24:02.047-07:00New Beginning<i>Update: Since I wrote this post, I have researched the "high cholesterol phenomena" and the obsession with lowering fat-rich foods that are actually super beneficial to our bodies' chemistry - in particular when pregnant and nursing. Coconut oil, nuts, and avocado are awesome and I eat them as much as possible!</i><br />
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As any of my readers could have guessed, as my life and work became overly busy, the consequence was that Vegan Show & Tell went vacant over the past several months. A recent change of events has inspired me to sign back in with more dedication and passion for healthy and harmless lifestyles, in particular my own.<br />
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As a vegan for going on 12 years now... with a solid 8-9 years prior being a strict vegetarian, I thought it would be interesting to have some blood work done. Come January I will be entering my 30s, and as I get older, I want to take care of myself. I wanted to see where my B12 levels were at, along with finding out what these past two decades of adhering to a morally conscious existence has done to my insides. In particular since I grew up as the only vegetarian in my large family (6 siblings, two sets of parents, dozens of cousins, aunts and uncles- and only one aunt being vegetarian in the whole bunch), have I been doing it right? </div>
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There is such a strange, overwhelming urge for others to obsess over protein consumption, especially when you tell them you are vegetarian or vegan. And with that obsession, I felt cornered into having a full diet of vegan proteins. "Lots of nuts!" and "Lots of Avocado!" and "Lots of Beans!" Those are all the healthy proteins, right? I should be eating a lot of them. B12 is hard to get as a vegan, so I consume Nutritional Yeast ("Brewer's Yeast") on just about every meal. It helps that I love the flavor. </div>
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I found a medical oasis in the middle of meat-eating Texas. <a href="http://www.allmedphysicians.com/">Dr. Linda Carney</a> is about an hour's drive south of my house in North Austin, located in the quaint town of Buda. Historical Buda reminds me a lot of my hometown of Mendocino. There might not be an ocean view, but the main street buildings are frozen in time, and little shops beg you to park your car and overspend on treasures that prove you were there-to remind you of the magic of handmade, artisan crafts. I have yet to park and spend, but I hear the store fronts whisper temptations each time I drive by.</div>
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So why drive that far to visit Dr. Carney, besides exploration of small Texas towns? Dr. Carney is a vegan MD. She is extremely knowledgeable on vegan lifestyles, and doesn't roll her eyes at me when I state I believe most ailments can be cured by drinking water and eating plant based foods. She has posters of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1567233/">Forks over Knives</a> in each of her rooms at her practice, along with a display of vegan foods- such as soy curls, vegan books, and vitamins which she also sells at her office. She is amazing, and I am so happy I found her. Vegans of Austin, if you need a doctor, she is highly recommended from a lady who avoids doctors at all costs! </div>
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I wish I could say that I started up my vegan blog again to just shout praises for an amazing vegan doctor, which is partly the case, but what Dr. Carney told me after completing the lab work on my blood is the real reason. I am skinny, and I eat a lot. I exercise somewhat regularly, lifting weights while I watch tv, practice yoga a few times a week in my living room when I wake up, take my dogs hiking in the beautiful Austin green belt. I do not have a gym membership, and I have never run a marathon. But I am fairly fit, though there is always room for improvement. I have eaten a 100% cholesterol-free diet for over a decade, and guess what? Yesterday at the Doctor's office, I found out I have abnormally HIGH cholesterol. </div>
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My B12 was perfect, along with iron, and calcium. All the nutrients that I've always been bullied to think that vegans will be deficient in. The only vitamin that I am lacking in is Vitamin D, severely in fact. I bought some of Dr. Carney's D supplements (vegan of course), and am on a new regimen to hopefully bring that up to where it should be so I will no longer be at risk for Cancer, Diabetes, or Depression. No big deal, a few minutes in the sun daily is also recommended. Which I shouldn't have a problem with out here in TX. </div>
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But the cholesterol blew my mind. I was not expecting it. The normal, "healthy" range is from 70-100. Preferable to stay under 100. Anything over 150 is reaching dangerous, "unhealthy" levels. Where was I on that spectrum? 220. Two Hundred Twenty? Me? The Vegan? </div>
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After the years of being vegan that I have under my belt, I am well aware of the junk-food vegan. Vegans who eat <a href="http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/accidentally-vegan.aspx">everything that is unbelievably vegan</a> regardless of high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, processed, packaged crap (such as Pilsbury's Cream Cheese Frosting- totally vegan, however not healthy in the slightly for obvious reasons). I am not a junk food vegan. Quite the opposite. </div>
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Though my parents growing up were not vegetarian, my mom was a health nut hippy. She has never drank a coca-cola in her LIFE. I love that about her. Growing up she would dry apples, and make her own fruit roll ups for our lunches in her dehydrator. It was awesome. I still get cravings for her homemade, home roasted granolas. Yumm. I do have a sweet tooth, but rather than eat the artificial candies, I prefer rich dark chocolates, homemade, whole-wheat cookies, and the occasional vegan baked goods bought from a vegan trailer or health food store. I might buy one bar of chocolate once a month, and nibble tiny pieces away each night until its gone. In the summers I'll splurge and buy a pint of vegan ice cream once every month or so- if that. The only sweetener I use is a drop of agave syrup in my one morning cup of coffee. Other than that, no sweets.</div>
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Fats? I use earth balance on my toast (whole sprouted wheat breads only), which is a pretty normal breakfast for me. I like Daiya "cheeses" but limit myself to eating them just a few times a week. My husband and I love vegetables of all kinds. We cook just about everything with a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, jalepenos as our base for soups, sauces, dishes of all kinds. We eat whole wheat pastas, kale and collard greens (2-3 times a week), lots of beans (all kinds), and lots of brown rice. I read somewhere years ago that its recommended to eat 7 almonds a day for a healthy heart, and also as a vegan assumed I needed all the protein from nuts. Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pinenuts, cashews, yum I love them. And healthy for me, right? Wrong. </div>
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I do have cards stacked against me, as there is a long line of heart disease on my dad's side of the family tree, but I never thought any of that would effect me. The vegan. But I am not immune.</div>
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What do I do? Luckily, I am 29, and still young enough to change my diet and my lifestyle to change the effects that time will have on my body if I keep living the way I do now. I am very thankful that I have the knowledge now and I am determined to learn more, and make the changes, no matter how challenging.</div>
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This blog is being revived, as a tool for me to learn a new way of cooking, eating, and living without using heated oils, without eating nuts or coconuts or avocados, without consuming sugars, and to lower my cholesterol to a healthy level and keep it there. </div>
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"But I love chocolate, how often can I eat it? It has antioxidants though, right? Right now I only eat it about once a month? Can I keep doing that?" I asked my doctor. Her disheartening response was, "Buy one chocolate on New Year's Eve, and let yourself enjoy that chocolate for that one special time each year." Wow. This is a big deal. </div>
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I know this is going to be a challenge, but I am determined to be healthy. I am determined to learn more about nutrition. I am determined to make the life changes I need, and I hope to raise awareness out there, to any other vegans reading or non-vegans for that matter, to get your blood work done. I am not a fan of doctors, and I felt great for so many years. I ate what I thought was, "right" and stayed active, so why see a doctor? I'm healthy, I thought. Seeing my lab results is eye-opening. I am still in shock. But information is power, and we all have the power to change.</div>
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Today is a new start for me. It is day one, and I am one a new path. Here is what I ate so far today:</div>
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<b>Breakfast:</b></div>
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<li>2 cups oatmeal, with blue berries (frozen blueberries)</li>
<li>1 apple (organic raw)</li>
<li>1 small cup of coffee, no sweetener, small bit of soy milk (preferably not supposed to drink any coffee or caffeine- I'm not there yet)</li>
<li>16 ounces of water</li>
<li>2400 of Vitamin D (supplement)</li>
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<b>Lunch:</b></div>
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<li>1 cup red kidney beans (home cooked in my pressure cooker - 2 cups dry beans to 4 cups water a little bit of salt for 20 minutes)</li>
<li>1 cup barley cooked over the stove with onion, garlic power, parsley, cumin, chile power, dash of curry power, fresh jalepenos, zucchini, and fresh cracked pepper. Juice of one fresh lime. A little bit of bragg's liquid aminos.</li>
<li>16 more ounces of water</li>
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Tonight I plan to make kale. Not sure how I will prepare it, but I have a head of fresh kale that is washed and ready to throw in a sauce, steam or eat raw. My doctor said that to lower my cholesterol, and for optimal protein per calorie, Kale, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, and all the really thick hearty greens are what I need to be eating every day. 2 times a day if possible. Greens, greens greens. My husband and I love them, and eat them 2-3 times a week as is, but that is not enough. She said that I can also buy them frozen which will be a lot more conducive for our busy schedules, as having time to shop more than once a week, buying fresh foods, and cooking every night is not always what we have time for. </div>
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This leads to another goal, we need to start a home garden. It's a skill that everyone should have- to be able to grow their own food, especially being vegan. I was not born with a green thumb, quite the opposite, but I need to learn. Kale and collards grow wild here in Austin in the winters and I have seen friends' gardens with such plentiful harvests. There's no reason for me not to grow my own food.</div>
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New chapter... here I come.</div>
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Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-60770637932612502392011-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:002014-06-25T10:07:36.335-07:00Naughty or Nice Winter TreatThough the ten months of the year in Texas, I tend to forget that it can actually get cold here in Austin. The best cure for frozen fingertips and toes is a nice homemade cup of hot chocolate with a nip (or two) of whiskey.<br />
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I've been loving my mexican hot chocolate with soy milk and a shot of whiskey. Nothing like this winter treat to warm you to the bones and scoop away all your chilly chills.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/drink-cocktail-recipes/mexican-hot-chocolate">I veganize this Rachel Ray recipe: </a>soy milk instead of whole, and use agave instead of sugar, and go a little lighter on the chocolate chips, but you can mix according to your own taste. Of course, also add a nip of something naughty. Also good, a shot of malibu or peppermint schnapps (<a href="http://buttersugarblog.blogspot.com/">thanks for those suggestions Jody!</a>) Delish!<br />
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Add a little bit of soy whipped topping and you are ready to call it christmas.Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-43836916617664084082011-12-23T13:37:00.000-08:002014-06-25T10:08:08.324-07:00Cinnaholic - Reliving the SummerIts taken me ages to go through all the summer photos, but when the backyard thermometer hits the 30s its nice to browse through all my adventures during those warm summer months.<br />
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This was my trip back home to California in July. I had heard about <a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/">Cinnaholic</a> when it was first opening in Berkeley and had dreamed of walking through those doors and being hit like a ton of bricks with endless options for vegan decadence. Finally that day came, and it was heavenly.<br />
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As I waited to meet up with my CA friend, Sara, and my sister Marci who was driving up from LA to hang with me fresh out of Texas.<a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/menu/"> I had lots to look at in their menu</a>. <a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/menu/">Since there was just too much to choose from, </a>I ended up getting four mini buns all with different frostings and toppings. I loved just about every bite, though after the root beer float frosting with cookie dough toppings, I had reached my sweet limit and couldn't quite finish. So good though! I want them to open shop in Austin!<br />
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I ordered, Maple frosting with hazelnuts, Butterscotch frosting with pecans, lemon frosting with raspberries, and the kiss of sugary death, root beer frosting with chocolate chip cookie dough! ahhh the insanity!<br />
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My buddy Sara ordered one regular-sized cinnamon role and frosted each side differently, maple on half, and root beer on the other.<br />
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My favorites were the lemon and raspberry, and the maple and pecan. I am looking forward to the next time I'm out this way to indulge some more.<a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/shop/"> I was also informed, that they DO SHIP!</a> I might just have to break down and order some for my birthday coming up next month in January. Seriously. Out of this world.<br />
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We were happy, sugared out vegans!</div>
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Until we meet again, I will miss you <a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/">Cinnaholic!</a> You had the best staff working, and your selection is made from the dream of vegan dreams covered in cinnamon magic.Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-4503592594596739102011-12-23T13:15:00.000-08:002011-12-23T13:15:29.889-08:00Daily Juice Cafe and Sweet RitualTwo Hyde Park favorites all under one roof!<br />
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After a late night of watching Die Hard and drinking too much christmas peppermint schnapps and vegan hot chocolate, the only cure is a hearty, raw vegan lunch with my love at <a href="http://dailyjuice.myshopify.com/">Daily Juice Cafe</a>. We ordered two prototype smoothies (my favorite), the rawkin tacos (for two) and mock tuna boats (for two). Ah-maze-ing. We also had a small side dish of their homemade hot sauce which was pretty good (though could have been spicier - we are hard to please when it comes to heat). <a href="http://dailyjuice.myshopify.com/">Truly, some mazin' eats</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first bite at <a href="http://www.sweetritual.com/">Sweet Ritual</a>. They opened just last week. I ordered their Vegan Vanilla soft serve with homemade vegan butterscotch sauce. So freakin good in winter, I can imagine how this will really hit the spot come summer time. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_500457762">Check them out! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-7909663636030891132011-11-23T13:52:00.000-08:002011-12-23T13:59:54.884-08:00Vegan Thanksgiving 2011This year I did a small feast for two, the first Thanksgiving my husband and I spent in our new House. I also attempted my first EVER cheesecake. It turned out amazingly well, which I think is going to be dangerous for my hips.<br />
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So very thankful for the health and happiness in my life. Wishing everyone a lot of warmth and gratitude for the end of this year and to the ones ahead. love from texas, xoxo<br />
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Here's my pumpkin pie cheesecake, and soy whip canned whipped cream, coconut ice cream, and silk nog with whiskey. A delicious feast complete!<br />
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Vegan peanut butter cups. <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/chocolate-peanut-butter-cups-recipe">I like Alicia Silverstone's recipe</a>, but there are a lot of ways you can modify the recipe (nuts or no nuts on top, gram crackers or none, crunchy or smooth pb, or use almond butter, or other kinds of nut-butter etc). Its really simple, and always so delicious. I added some kitchy decorations because that's just how I roll.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sCABYhBUm4/TvT2_4g30dI/AAAAAAAAEsw/Zu0g8_WM6Jw/s1600/pbcups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sCABYhBUm4/TvT2_4g30dI/AAAAAAAAEsw/Zu0g8_WM6Jw/s400/pbcups.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And since there were leftovers I brought the rest into the office the next day. None of them could believe they were vegan ("because they taste so good!"). Seriously, vegan food rules, and isn't just peas and carrots with a side of raisins for dessert. Mmm mmm good!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPIIrV5FUWI/TvT3ANuvC6I/AAAAAAAAEs4/Mp3r5YX2cfM/s1600/pbcups1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPIIrV5FUWI/TvT3ANuvC6I/AAAAAAAAEs4/Mp3r5YX2cfM/s640/pbcups1.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><br />
And here's a cute one of my pups with this year's pumpkins. Happy Halloween Y'all!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QNLTARZkEo/TvT35LGsvHI/AAAAAAAAEtE/mx-f2sIvpDY/s1600/pumpkin+pups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QNLTARZkEo/TvT35LGsvHI/AAAAAAAAEtE/mx-f2sIvpDY/s640/pumpkin+pups.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-5393301849948088142011-07-15T22:01:00.000-07:002011-07-15T22:06:04.889-07:00Fashion: Shopping in Austin, Filin.Ladies, if you like beautiful treasures (check out my new power stone crystal necklace and feminine metal spike below)... head over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002338039056">Filin</a>. This new boutique has been open for 2 weeks, and tonight was the Grand Opening.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<table class="uiInfoTable mtm profileInfoTable" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-top: 10px; width: 483px;"><tbody>
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<li class="uiListItem uiListVerticalItemBorder" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 1px; display: block; text-align: center;">Austin, TX 78704</li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjWWGI8_eF0/TiEatIAcIdI/AAAAAAAADUY/oTIHChHLorM/s1600/264820_122908321130435_100002338039056_190739_3677882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjWWGI8_eF0/TiEatIAcIdI/AAAAAAAADUY/oTIHChHLorM/s320/264820_122908321130435_100002338039056_190739_3677882_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The owner, Emily Antonetti-Elford is a close friend who I worked with years ago at Pink Salon on South Congress (A salon that offered astrology and tarot readings, local-handmade mica mineral makeup, pretty dresses by local designers and much more than just hair stuff).<br />
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Emily has put together and hosted various clothing swaps for/with all her fashionable girlfriends (i feel lucky enough to be considered a part of this circle). There is no better way to recycle (and save money) than to trade clothes and make a party of it! Emily also has her own clothing label, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/vvlutz/feedback?ref=pr_feedback">V.V. Lutz</a> that her and her sister Megan own/run (I've done some modeling for them in the past shown below).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlADxVjPTIs/TiEXzLe8_iI/AAAAAAAADUI/sxPAVgIUw_w/s1600/vv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlADxVjPTIs/TiEXzLe8_iI/AAAAAAAADUI/sxPAVgIUw_w/s320/vv1.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBJ_lhHwdEw/TiEXzpHtY6I/AAAAAAAADUM/SQ1DqtZm9_g/s1600/vv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBJ_lhHwdEw/TiEXzpHtY6I/AAAAAAAADUM/SQ1DqtZm9_g/s320/vv2.jpg" width="153" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKsHUNHr8kg/TiEb-eUaRSI/AAAAAAAADUk/c9aHU_jJSpg/s1600/8118_1174257489423_1617644373_445248_11285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKsHUNHr8kg/TiEb-eUaRSI/AAAAAAAADUk/c9aHU_jJSpg/s320/8118_1174257489423_1617644373_445248_11285_n.jpg" width="199" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQkKZnOnFIk/TiEb3sRaNtI/AAAAAAAADUc/Rw3MPjfyq4I/s1600/8118_1174253409321_1617644373_445216_5967956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQkKZnOnFIk/TiEb3sRaNtI/AAAAAAAADUc/Rw3MPjfyq4I/s320/8118_1174253409321_1617644373_445216_5967956_n.jpg" width="189" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzXD_BCFT40/TiEb7KULXvI/AAAAAAAADUg/LeqLhsYjFE4/s1600/8118_1174254129339_1617644373_445218_6362109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzXD_BCFT40/TiEb7KULXvI/AAAAAAAADUg/LeqLhsYjFE4/s320/8118_1174254129339_1617644373_445218_6362109_n.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br />
One thing is for sure, for as long as I've known her (for as long as I've lived in Austin) Emily's always had style. Her new shop, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002338039056">Filin</a>, in the '04 on South Lamar is for lack of better words, "So Emily." Everything she has in there is beautiful, stylish and interesting, just like her. Tonight I picked up these treasures, and am looking forward to shopping for clothes during my next visit. Support local businesses, and treat yourself to pretty things. Win/win.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-og8DhK0C1xY/TiEYyjb_gxI/AAAAAAAADUQ/QNaI4PXcjVg/s1600/filin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-og8DhK0C1xY/TiEYyjb_gxI/AAAAAAAADUQ/QNaI4PXcjVg/s320/filin1.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfwWFMcYJAI/TiEYyyLvVqI/AAAAAAAADUU/yq4WWjv66PM/s1600/filin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfwWFMcYJAI/TiEYyyLvVqI/AAAAAAAADUU/yq4WWjv66PM/s320/filin2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-86374421992725606542011-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:002011-06-26T13:03:00.477-07:00Dining Out: Cinnaholic, Berkeley CAIts been a long time coming... Remember when I <a href="http://www.veganshowandtell.com/2010/08/articles-cinnaholic-vegan-gourget-in.html">first mentioned Cinnaholic</a>? I still haven't made the trip to taste these amazing vegan cinnamon buns, but that will all change in 3 days! My mouth is already drooling in anticipation. Full review will be updated soon. How am I supposed to choose a flavor combo? <a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/menu/flavors/">Look at this menu!</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1RFR5j9xTg/TgdPA57dgMI/AAAAAAAADQ8/YcHI7AW9ODg/s1600/cinnaholic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1RFR5j9xTg/TgdPA57dgMI/AAAAAAAADQ8/YcHI7AW9ODg/s400/cinnaholic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.cinnaholic-berkeley.com/">photo taken from their site</a></span></i></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-76700598386274378052011-06-26T08:08:00.000-07:002011-06-26T08:11:19.693-07:00Gardening: Sprouts and Neighbor's GiftsBuying your first home as a twenty-something is equal parts exciting and terrifying. The looming decades of debt ahead of you (though not unlike the debts racked up from college). Debts aside, what if our neighbors are lunatics? Well we were lucky enough to fall in love with our old pile of bricks, and have awesome, generous neighbors too.<br />
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When we moved in they had brought over a big meat dish, and when we answered the door they asked if we ate meat. I told them that we were vegans, and so they took their huge casserole dish back with them. It was sort of an awkward moment, and I didn't want to be unappreciative, but I also didn't want to cross my moral ground and accept a dish that would just be fed to our dogs or wasted. So I was honest. We didn't hear back from them for months after that. That was, not until their garden harvest was ready...<br />
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Thinking that we offended them with our vegan-ness, we were surprised to see one of their grade-school sons at our door come spring time. He brought us a large bag full of veggies from their home, organic garden. Tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, potatoes, and they all tasted so amazing. Later they came back and brought us a watermelon!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOxG8u0_uDY/TgdLBxFVvDI/AAAAAAAADQ0/aGHdO4ryc7c/s1600/veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOxG8u0_uDY/TgdLBxFVvDI/AAAAAAAADQ0/aGHdO4ryc7c/s320/veggies.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZUveZc1Elw/TgdK_8cT-jI/AAAAAAAADQw/BLgCD0rec5s/s1600/melon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZUveZc1Elw/TgdK_8cT-jI/AAAAAAAADQw/BLgCD0rec5s/s320/melon.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div></div>They grew a WATERMELON. With all the gifts that their garden provided, I got extra excited to learn how to make my own veggies. I'm starting, and this is a learning process. Our composter is full of good material for our fall planting season, and in the mean time I turned my first batch of seeds (tomatoes and bell peppers) into sprouts! Its like magic. Hope these keep growing... wish me luck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sFH1qLkdCw/TgdLVEElM5I/AAAAAAAADQ4/XW2zwT4PkUE/s1600/sprouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sFH1qLkdCw/TgdLVEElM5I/AAAAAAAADQ4/XW2zwT4PkUE/s400/sprouts.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-40968578289306001112011-06-26T07:18:00.001-07:002011-06-27T19:52:08.508-07:00Recipes: French Press and Chocolate Chip CookiesMy favorite breakfast lately is a strong cup of french press coffee (I buy the shade-grown, organic, fair trade beans from costco) and some vegan chocolate chip cookies. If you haven't invested in a French Press yet and love coffee, what are you waiting for? Its so worth it. The trick to chocolate chip cookies is to make all the dough, but only bake as many cookies as you want to eat. I save the rest of the dough in a tupperware and put it in the fridge so I can make fresh cookies whenever I want!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">French Press:</span></b></div><ul><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Go7FdSM9bI0/Tgc60HOZYVI/AAAAAAAADQs/hqvoQW6m6Ao/s1600/frenchpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Go7FdSM9bI0/Tgc60HOZYVI/AAAAAAAADQs/hqvoQW6m6Ao/s320/frenchpress.jpg" width="239" /></a>
<li>coffee beans</li>
<li>grinder (tastes best when freshly ground)</li>
<li>french press</li>
<li>tea kettle (or hot water)</li>
<li>soy milk (or other dairy free milk)</li>
<li>sweetener (i use agave)</li>
</ul><br />
-Grind beans to a rough/large ground (I set my grinder to 5-4).<br />
-Rinse out french press with hot water<br />
-I like my coffee strong, so I add 1/3 of a cup of ground for every cup of water (test a few times to get the taste you prefer)<br />
-Put the kettle on the stove for hot water (remove just before boiling rapidly)<br />
-Put grounds into french press, add water and stir with a chopstick (or whatever's long enough to reach the bottom without burning your fingers)<br />
-Let sit for 5-10 minutes, longer if you like your coffee stronger.<br />
-Once the grounds settle, press the plunger down evenly and slowly.<br />
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Pour the best cup of coffee ever! I add a tiny bit of agave, and vanilla organic soy milk.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cookies:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCCedrp9AKg/Tgc6xtdKOMI/AAAAAAAADQo/4CYJ1lZ1_y0/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCCedrp9AKg/Tgc6xtdKOMI/AAAAAAAADQo/4CYJ1lZ1_y0/s320/cookies.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><ul><li>cup of earth balance (softened)</li>
<li>slightly over-full 1/2 cup of brown sugar</li>
<li>slightly over-full 1/2 cup of vegan white sugar</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ener-g.com/egg-replacer.html">2 EnerG egg</a> replacements (or 1 and 1/2 large banana smashed and beaten with a fork)</li>
<li>teaspoon of vanilla</li>
<li>2 and 1/4 cups of whole wheat pastry flour</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon of salt</li>
<li>1 bag of vegan chocolate chips (many semi-sweet chips are vegan, same with dark chocolate chips- but always read the package first)</li>
<li>1 cup of chopped walnuts</li>
<li>(optional 1/2 cup of oats)</li>
</ul><br />
<b>-</b>mix together the earth balance, sugars, "eggs" and vanilla<br />
-slowly stir in all the dry ingredients (I use a sift to make sure there's not lumps): flour, baking soda, salt.<br />
-Add chocolate chips, walnuts, and any other ingredients you like (oats, dried cranberries etc of your choice)<br />
-preheat oven to 350<br />
-place cookie dough directly onto an un-greased cookie sheet (just as many as you can eat, the rest of the dough you can save for later)<br />
-Once oven's heated, put in oven 15 minutes +/- depending on your stove (test with a fork to make sure they are done, no dough should stick to the fork).<br />
-Let cool, and serve<br />
-Put rest of the dough in tupperware, and put in your fridge for later.Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-29219626143839830092011-06-25T09:15:00.000-07:002011-06-27T19:57:20.507-07:00Life: Four-Year Wedding AnniversaryAs of June 23rd, it had been four whole years since my husband and I walked down the path on the headlands of Mendocino together to say our vows. The ocean kissing us with salty air and the wind giving us blessings (and challenging my veil to do the best helicopter propeller impersonation). It was the best day! The reception of course had all vegan cuisine, half catered, half potluck, and the most delectable vegan cake that I've ever had, that my step-mom made. All the guests couldn't believe it was vegan (as if vegan cakes couldn't be delicious haha). It turned out beautifully. Wow. FOUR years already.<br />
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To celebrate, we took ourselves out to <a href="http://thesteepingroom.com/">The Steeping Room</a>. Its fairly close to our house, and I had been hearing about it for a long time. There are tons of vegan menu options, (tea cookies, and sweets- cupcakes and such included), and more teas than you can shake a stick at. This place a great! Aside from being smack-dab in the middle of <a href="http://www.simon.com/mall/landing/1207/">The Domain</a>. That place sort of creeps me out, because its like a tiny part of L.A. has been transplanted into Austin. Seriously. Once you enter I think you are beamed to an isolated section of Los Angeles. It sorta gives me the willies. But I digress. The Steeping Room was great.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7ku7kvLcYU/TgYFDTSNbHI/AAAAAAAADQU/WrYD0Z7vN0A/s1600/steepingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7ku7kvLcYU/TgYFDTSNbHI/AAAAAAAADQU/WrYD0Z7vN0A/s640/steepingroom.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
I had the vegan cesear salad (cashew cesear dressing) and the TTLT (tempeh, tofu, lettuce and tomato). Jason had the large spring rolls, with extra hot sauce (which surprisingly filled him up). <a href="http://thesteepingroom.com/default.asp?contentID=711">Here's their menu</a>.<br />
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I ordered an iced Moroccan mint green tea, and he had the fresh lemonade. Both were super tasty, and my food was so good and filling I didn't have room for the vegan double chocolate cupcake that the waitress kept trying to persuade me into (usually it works, but I was too full after eating every last bite of my plate- i mean everything ON my plate haha).<br />
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After the Steeping room we went to see Super 8 (we both love Sci Fi). It was so awesome! And to be super indulgent, we had made reservations at the <a href="http://www.goldclasscinemas.com/">Gold Class Cinema</a> (also in the Domain), where we had complimentary popcorn (vegan- no butter- most theater popcorn is made with canola oil in the machine- no butter unless added, always ask first though), and ice water. They also provided clean, plush, fuzzy blankets to wrap up in while we hit the electronic buttons to extend out our foot rests and snuggle into the most comfortable, ridiculously luxurious theater seats ever. Since they have in-seat service, I of course also ordered a fancy mixed drink with champagne, pureed strawberries and mint that was amazing (no pic, I was watching the movie!).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's a pic of us during the end credits Such a fun night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlzIAUsXKCg/TgYGjM5hoOI/AAAAAAAADQY/YyOJ3NxlVHQ/s1600/gold+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlzIAUsXKCg/TgYGjM5hoOI/AAAAAAAADQY/YyOJ3NxlVHQ/s320/gold+class.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>We exchanged gifts as well, he got me my own kindle (so I don't keep stealing his), and I am looking forward to adding some vegan cookbooks, vegan gardening books, amongst others. Right now I'm reading the paperback versions of, "<a href="http://www.vegangirlsguide.com/">The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life</a>," by Melisser Elliott (I met her at a vegan meet up a few years ago and she was totally awesome. I recommend her book!), and also reading, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sexual-Politics-Meat-Feminist-Vegetarian-Critical/dp/0826411843">The Sexual Politics of Meat - A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory</a>" by Carol J. Adams that I picked up at a recent clothing swap. Very theory-rich so you have to be in the mood for that. <i>Comment if you have any good vegan book recs for me, I'm always interested in book recs! :)</i><br />
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My gift for him was a <a href="http://www.daskeyboard.com/">das keyboard</a>. Ever since I started working there, he's been asking me for one, so I finally made it happen. Since he's a gamer, I of course also got him the gaming keycap set as well. This is true nerdy, geek love.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h29yzwSwh5g/TgYH6RvO_mI/AAAAAAAADQc/vgF5dZh-iQ4/s1600/kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h29yzwSwh5g/TgYH6RvO_mI/AAAAAAAADQc/vgF5dZh-iQ4/s200/kindle.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Meljkt0b2Uk/TgYJmNpKLNI/AAAAAAAADQg/8hD0vDCLJr4/s1600/dkb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Meljkt0b2Uk/TgYJmNpKLNI/AAAAAAAADQg/8hD0vDCLJr4/s320/dkb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy anniversary Jason! To many years to come. <3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVY-LL5nWMo/TgYKkrUS-nI/AAAAAAAADQk/QRvWAfCmJlg/s1600/l_1b15a7ae5b8c7ea80a9aa2d69d10cded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVY-LL5nWMo/TgYKkrUS-nI/AAAAAAAADQk/QRvWAfCmJlg/s400/l_1b15a7ae5b8c7ea80a9aa2d69d10cded.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-77303856157225188542011-06-25T08:34:00.000-07:002011-06-25T08:41:59.673-07:00Gardening: New Discoveries at Our New (Old) HomeWhen we moved into our new place it was December in Texas. Everything was brown, all the plants in the backyard, all the trees, and we didn't think anything was even alive.<br />
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Then came spring. In the following months we discovered we have pomegranate trees (two large, very fruitful ones), rose bushes, passion flowers, lilies, and all kinds of flora that is alive and well but had just been dormant for the winter months.<br />
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I am making it a new goal to learn how to grow our own veggie garden. With the house also came a green house that so far I've started sprouts of tomatoes and bell peppers (totally the wrong time of year to plant seeds, but they are already starting to sprout so I guess I'm doing something right). Its so wonderful to have a yard we can call our own. In the fall I am hoping to focus a lot of time, energy and love into some raised beds and landscaping our backyard with edibles (lets just hope the dogs don't dig everything up).<br />
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Watch our backyard story unfold in pictures:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LfVL6pJwfw/TgX6HTcrmrI/AAAAAAAADPU/VV5_m7FuTWA/s1600/IMG_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LfVL6pJwfw/TgX6HTcrmrI/AAAAAAAADPU/VV5_m7FuTWA/s320/IMG_2006.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9TMam1xn1A/TgX7CTlhLQI/AAAAAAAADPc/9TDqdP13tmw/s1600/IMG_2860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9TMam1xn1A/TgX7CTlhLQI/AAAAAAAADPc/9TDqdP13tmw/s320/IMG_2860.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
This is what everything looked like in December when we moved in (and check out our lil buddy the albino squirrel that lives in the front yard oak tree). I was trying to be artistic with a dew covered spider web.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7E593Y1ncXU/TgX6-vegIWI/AAAAAAAADPY/kwTZ4VqzBdQ/s1600/IMG_2834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7E593Y1ncXU/TgX6-vegIWI/AAAAAAAADPY/kwTZ4VqzBdQ/s400/IMG_2834.jpg" width="298" /></a></div> After just moving in, this is the view from the living room, into the attached greenhouse (excuse the mess). Pictured is Zombie.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eZqHVAUh0g/TgX7yMtNt0I/AAAAAAAADPg/s1mxKrfNJ_A/s1600/IMG_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eZqHVAUh0g/TgX7yMtNt0I/AAAAAAAADPg/s1mxKrfNJ_A/s320/IMG_3074.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opE-RJjy04Q/TgX70oqka9I/AAAAAAAADPk/-qPE-E9X95g/s1600/IMG_3075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opE-RJjy04Q/TgX70oqka9I/AAAAAAAADPk/-qPE-E9X95g/s320/IMG_3075.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First rose discovery...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbhhYtD73r4/TgX8OXZOVqI/AAAAAAAADPo/hUU-vF1Rp_k/s1600/IMG_3099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbhhYtD73r4/TgX8OXZOVqI/AAAAAAAADPo/hUU-vF1Rp_k/s320/IMG_3099.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--12QFVzpwdc/TgX8Q_mNEbI/AAAAAAAADPs/c9Zaxk5HE5E/s1600/IMG_3104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--12QFVzpwdc/TgX8Q_mNEbI/AAAAAAAADPs/c9Zaxk5HE5E/s320/IMG_3104.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> ...and they kept coming...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydj_Hj8YFBk/TgX9HooDW3I/AAAAAAAADP0/COikj6plMA4/s1600/IMG_3234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydj_Hj8YFBk/TgX9HooDW3I/AAAAAAAADP0/COikj6plMA4/s320/IMG_3234.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dA21TaROPJQ/TgX9ICqtlMI/AAAAAAAADP4/0iGUrLKlXUw/s1600/IMG_3241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dA21TaROPJQ/TgX9ICqtlMI/AAAAAAAADP4/0iGUrLKlXUw/s320/IMG_3241.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> ...then these beauties appeared. They are HUGE (picture with me for scale)... and smell absolutely amazing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf6RVn4uviA/TgX9L7eea_I/AAAAAAAADP8/3i1Rwz2IeDo/s1600/IMG_3247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf6RVn4uviA/TgX9L7eea_I/AAAAAAAADP8/3i1Rwz2IeDo/s320/IMG_3247.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdB7x5QBJJ0/TgX9lORXYQI/AAAAAAAADQA/YQynoIVuulY/s1600/IMG_3253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdB7x5QBJJ0/TgX9lORXYQI/AAAAAAAADQA/YQynoIVuulY/s320/IMG_3253.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Meanwhile, what used to be two large bundles of sticks started to sprout leaves, and finally all these gorgeous bright red flowers began appearing... hmm....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We have ourselves two pomegranate trees!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLFm63S8N1k/TgXkYTdx4lI/AAAAAAAADOM/HXpD2S_-6oo/s1600/pom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLFm63S8N1k/TgXkYTdx4lI/AAAAAAAADOM/HXpD2S_-6oo/s640/pom.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSZ1IQHY77A/TgX-dkxnt5I/AAAAAAAADQE/uXGo0UTdBKU/s1600/IMG_3315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSZ1IQHY77A/TgX-dkxnt5I/AAAAAAAADQE/uXGo0UTdBKU/s640/IMG_3315.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
Things started to fill out some more, and even with our severe draught, the leaves have managed to grow back and add some green to our backyard (that big round orb is our composter, getting some good material going for the fall!) Note the red puppy in the flower bed on the right. He's such a big goofball!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9tVmBBofYo/TgX-hJfMJDI/AAAAAAAADQI/WT4U85zX6wI/s1600/IMG_3324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9tVmBBofYo/TgX-hJfMJDI/AAAAAAAADQI/WT4U85zX6wI/s320/IMG_3324.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wsb8029T2oE/TgX-kN48W2I/AAAAAAAADQM/b5PFG_T7p8U/s1600/IMG_3364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wsb8029T2oE/TgX-kN48W2I/AAAAAAAADQM/b5PFG_T7p8U/s320/IMG_3364.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Above on the left, this bush with the yellow flowers was also a large pile of brown sticks when we moved in. There are several of these built-in planters filled with this stuff around our backyard... not sure what it is, but the leaves are shaped like mint, and it smells like mint (perhaps its mint?) didn't know mint blossomed so maybe not?... in any case its pretty and smells good. Here comes the puppy! as usual :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt4GOdXTgMY/TgX_qFF23lI/AAAAAAAADQQ/TNHU3Dyvxgk/s1600/gardenflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt4GOdXTgMY/TgX_qFF23lI/AAAAAAAADQQ/TNHU3Dyvxgk/s640/gardenflowers.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
The most recent surprise has been these amazing, weird flowers, (passion flowers?). They are so fragrant, and are really cool. I love them!<br />
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We're looking forward to what's in store for the next months to come...Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-66441901407213215392011-06-25T07:56:00.000-07:002011-06-25T07:58:19.564-07:00Animals: Mayfield Park, Austin, TXI recently took my first trip to the <a href="http://www.mayfieldpark.org/">Mayfield Park nature preserve</a>, where there are dozens of wild peacocks roaming the grounds of this beautiful historical garden.<br />
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The experience was completely magical. I didn't realize peacocks could fly, watching their full wing spans push their enormous tails up into flight and land in the various tree branches overhead was an experience unlike any I've ever had. So awesome.<br />
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I highly recommend visiting if you're in Austin. You can bring a picnic, sit by the koi ponds, walk through the garden trails, and there's no charge. Just remember to bring your camera. Its no wonder they offer the space for weddings, but only for brides who don't mind being upstaged. If my husband and I ever renew our vows I think this would be the place to do it. Here are some photos I took on my iphone...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iP_GKzIW_rU/TgX0sUV6XGI/AAAAAAAADOk/Xwwl5xJND8I/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iP_GKzIW_rU/TgX0sUV6XGI/AAAAAAAADOk/Xwwl5xJND8I/s640/IMG_3202.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYXKGlEuZkY/TgX0wZAfdUI/AAAAAAAADOo/3Uuv3POZMT0/s1600/IMG_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYXKGlEuZkY/TgX0wZAfdUI/AAAAAAAADOo/3Uuv3POZMT0/s640/IMG_3203.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYaEfM2MsD0/TgX1bpjjCcI/AAAAAAAADO0/smdRqbaBP1s/s1600/IMG_3167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYaEfM2MsD0/TgX1bpjjCcI/AAAAAAAADO0/smdRqbaBP1s/s640/IMG_3167.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vI8rpmMajK0/TgX1dtKSpvI/AAAAAAAADO4/l4kF7cgqIoY/s1600/IMG_3175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vI8rpmMajK0/TgX1dtKSpvI/AAAAAAAADO4/l4kF7cgqIoY/s640/IMG_3175.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31vEht2QI64/TgX1gATOsAI/AAAAAAAADO8/ye7R6iZ6Y-E/s1600/IMG_3176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31vEht2QI64/TgX1gATOsAI/AAAAAAAADO8/ye7R6iZ6Y-E/s640/IMG_3176.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aNfBsTtr4U/TgX1tJJjDrI/AAAAAAAADPA/ZFE_QkpD9NA/s1600/IMG_3182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aNfBsTtr4U/TgX1tJJjDrI/AAAAAAAADPA/ZFE_QkpD9NA/s640/IMG_3182.jpg" width="478" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZJJaHukjJ4/TgX1xDGffSI/AAAAAAAADPE/4qGM1fVkjQE/s1600/IMG_3184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZJJaHukjJ4/TgX1xDGffSI/AAAAAAAADPE/4qGM1fVkjQE/s640/IMG_3184.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7heWutkhTNY/TgX11BNdblI/AAAAAAAADPI/95mQJJkyFcc/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7heWutkhTNY/TgX11BNdblI/AAAAAAAADPI/95mQJJkyFcc/s640/IMG_3185.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mTdQFs_N7I/TgX2ImOicNI/AAAAAAAADPQ/bIHXItGSZJE/s1600/IMG_3206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mTdQFs_N7I/TgX2ImOicNI/AAAAAAAADPQ/bIHXItGSZJE/s640/IMG_3206.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-6640815094732518972011-06-25T07:21:00.000-07:002011-06-25T12:38:25.655-07:00Animals: Volunteer at Austin Pets Alive! Attend Fundraiser 6.25.11I always put whatever extra money I have in my wallet into the <a href="http://www.austinpetsalive.org/">Austin Pets Alive! </a>collection jars when I pass them on South Congress, or see them on the front desk of a local business. I had never volunteered with them, until my cousin came out to visit me for her Spring Break (she's a sophomore in high school). Volunteering was such a rewarding experience, we helped bathe puppies before heading out to their adoption days, put water in several kennels, and scooped poop (the less glamorous task, but it makes such a difference to all those pups).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBru8Whvky0/TgXshcbLpHI/AAAAAAAADOg/aRH2Ai1wcb0/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBru8Whvky0/TgXshcbLpHI/AAAAAAAADOg/aRH2Ai1wcb0/s400/IMG_3147.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
APA! is entirely run almost exclusively by volunteers, its a non-profit organization that is dedicated to saving as many animal lives in Austin as possible (<a href="http://www.austinpetsalive.org/about/">read about them here</a>). Thanks to their efforts, Austin passed a no-kill city bill in 2010, and the animals being euthanized has gone down from 45% in 2008, to 11% today in 2011, while they are continuing their efforts. I love this organization and will definitely take a few morning hours out of my usual routine to volunteer with them again. <a href="http://www.austinpetsalive.org/get-involved/volunteer/">Here's how to volunteer</a>. Get involved!<br />
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Tonight there will also be a fundraiser, at the <a href="http://www.austinuptowndance.com/">Uptown</a>, watch this video and make your $30 donation to enter, to see three bands, have complimentary wine and beer, and eat complimentary food. There will also be a silent auction:<br />
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</script></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-75995664236516062522011-06-25T06:45:00.000-07:002011-06-25T06:53:06.977-07:00I'm Brining Vegan Back...And you mofos don't know how to act. Here's a bunch of photos to share what I've been up to while I've been away. Gentlefolk, rev your engines... its food and cute overload time! vrrrrrrrrrrooom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAw__ctrj6g/Te2VDgHitlI/AAAAAAAADNw/5gAaFH4Qb-s/s1600/hishers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAw__ctrj6g/Te2VDgHitlI/AAAAAAAADNw/5gAaFH4Qb-s/s320/hishers.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0WWMdqphao/Te2VGx0DPFI/AAAAAAAADN0/2lVa21a5Fv8/s1600/maccollard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0WWMdqphao/Te2VGx0DPFI/AAAAAAAADN0/2lVa21a5Fv8/s320/maccollard.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
More new home-cooked recipes and ordering out tips to come...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJSvkTZUeGY/Te2VPPwpu3I/AAAAAAAADN8/un5-mVj3fgM/s1600/kissees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJSvkTZUeGY/Te2VPPwpu3I/AAAAAAAADN8/un5-mVj3fgM/s320/kissees.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-en4neydJfb4/Te2WflKRQ5I/AAAAAAAADOA/gsLM-2G4ksg/s1600/kitties+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-en4neydJfb4/Te2WflKRQ5I/AAAAAAAADOA/gsLM-2G4ksg/s320/kitties+storm.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">my hands have been full with this new edition, Holden is 7 months old and already bigger than our 85lbs Husky/Shepherd mix. And he's still growing. Just graduating his first basic obedience class (now knows 23 commands, and still as goofy as ever).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">our kitties are getting used to the new (huge) puppy, and team up to prove they are smarter and rule more than the canines of the household (Molly- the black cat is naturally, the alpha of the house).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPxBAEstZIE/TgXkSrDUKjI/AAAAAAAADOI/YT8kxGD_hT0/s1600/gardenflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPxBAEstZIE/TgXkSrDUKjI/AAAAAAAADOI/YT8kxGD_hT0/s320/gardenflowers.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLFm63S8N1k/TgXkYTdx4lI/AAAAAAAADOM/HXpD2S_-6oo/s1600/pom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLFm63S8N1k/TgXkYTdx4lI/AAAAAAAADOM/HXpD2S_-6oo/s320/pom.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Moving into our new house, we have found all kinds of garden treasures. I'm learning how to have a better green thumb, and yes that is a pomegranate tree (we didn't know we had them when we bought the house. We're excited to try them).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXbxszB2C2o/TgXk0RkuZlI/AAAAAAAADOQ/LinPKDoP5ew/s1600/bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXbxszB2C2o/TgXk0RkuZlI/AAAAAAAADOQ/LinPKDoP5ew/s320/bbq.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRMjSt_ibnI/TgXk26GvQbI/AAAAAAAADOU/5PoKK1Dh1A4/s1600/jody%2527spie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRMjSt_ibnI/TgXk26GvQbI/AAAAAAAADOU/5PoKK1Dh1A4/s320/jody%2527spie.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
I've been spending time with some culinary artists, jody of <a href="http://buttersugarblog.blogspot.com/">butter and sugar</a>, and laine of<a href="http://food.lainehardy.com/"> laine hardy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8LrMXkeJq8/TgXltHT9KwI/AAAAAAAADOY/18-a7_JQK_0/s1600/donuthead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8LrMXkeJq8/TgXltHT9KwI/AAAAAAAADOY/18-a7_JQK_0/s320/donuthead.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hfso433VW0/TgXlvhB0iMI/AAAAAAAADOc/djFXLjpfLYM/s1600/pups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hfso433VW0/TgXlvhB0iMI/AAAAAAAADOc/djFXLjpfLYM/s320/pups.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
So get ready for donuts that are bigger than my head, favorite new places to eat in Austin, and how to work a menu when it doesn't seem like there are any vegan options listed. Also I'm sure there will be lots of lots of cute animal family pics. Stay tuned.</div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-82928870766716549602011-03-03T13:55:00.000-08:002011-03-03T14:02:26.920-08:00Wherefore Art Thou Vegan Show & Tell?What do you get when you mix a new first-time homeowner, with a new puppy, and the beginning of a beautiful Texas springtime season? Me! Rarely posting anything.<br />
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I have been a busy bee! Painting, priming, tearing down wall paper, installing new light fixtures, replacing broken water pipes, removing (and recycling) old appliances and installing new (energy star) ones, tearing out carpet and taking down drapes from the 60s. When I'm not working on our new (old) house, I've been spending each extra moment away from the office with our new addition, Holden Caulfield. He's quite the handsome pup, and he's already over 40lbs and his 4-month birthday isn't until next week! (3/11/11).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here he is with his sister Zombie in the car on their way to their morning hike (This is a big deal because Zombie is our socially awkward-aka extreme-dog-fear-aggression rescue, who finally has a friend!)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QACbmEePBFo/TXAPVc-DHsI/AAAAAAAADNY/KPfLr0egg1E/s1600/bff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QACbmEePBFo/TXAPVc-DHsI/AAAAAAAADNY/KPfLr0egg1E/s320/bff.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
I still have been cooking dinners at home for me and my husband, and have been taking photos which I hope to have time to sit down, upload, and post soon! I've also started to take more outfit photos again, so I'll be updating my fashions pages too.<br />
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That is if I can keep myself indoors during this beautiful Austin weather we've been having... sit at my computer? Or take Holden to town lake to play with all the other dogs? Tough choice huh?!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Be patient, I'll be back!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i_s0iYrQE_8/TXAOZZKj2RI/AAAAAAAADNU/8CQ03wsVazA/s1600/jty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i_s0iYrQE_8/TXAOZZKj2RI/AAAAAAAADNU/8CQ03wsVazA/s320/jty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-64945065252148703072011-02-15T13:54:00.000-08:002011-02-15T13:54:50.469-08:00Recipes: Peanut Butter Fudge<div style="text-align: center;">I had a major craving for chocolate and after looking through our kitchen I had all the ingredients needed to make my Peanut Butter Fudge: </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFmZY3fYbdc/TVr13jQhxMI/AAAAAAAADKo/zJ15VdtNz_4/s1600/pbfudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFmZY3fYbdc/TVr13jQhxMI/AAAAAAAADKo/zJ15VdtNz_4/s320/pbfudge.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Recipe here: <span data-jsid="text"> <span></span><a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=22414.0">http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=22414.0</a></span></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-6984380481903521142011-01-17T13:12:00.000-08:002011-05-07T11:57:08.623-07:00Animals: New Family MemberMy husband and I recently bought our first home, and with that comes the freedom of being our own landlords- Pet Agreements be damned! More rescues to give forever homes to! So of course we took the first opportunity we had and took in our newest pack member, Mr. Holden Caulfield. Here's the craigslist post that lead him to us:<br />
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<blockquote>"My fiance and I just rescued 3 Doberman mix puppies from a farm where the owner assured us that if we didn't take the puppies they would be killed. We don't have room for them and were hoping they will find a nice home with a yard since they will grow up to be bigger dogs. The puppies are around 9 weeks old. There are two females and one male. The dad is 100% red doberman and the mom is half red doberman and the other half is a mix of hound and maybe lab. Very sweet and adorable dogs. Please contact us if you are interested in providing a home (with a yard) for these very deserving pups."</blockquote><br />
Here's the photos that were posted, he's the biggest pup, and the one that looks more like a Hound, than the Doberman markings...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvNA6t1PI/AAAAAAAADIc/2Py8bTSYkGM/s1600/3nf3k03m05Y65V45U2b1e7eabb1317f1e1edc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvNA6t1PI/AAAAAAAADIc/2Py8bTSYkGM/s1600/3nf3k03m05Y65V45U2b1e7eabb1317f1e1edc.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvNTz_o9I/AAAAAAAADIg/D21wyN4ag6g/s1600/3me3pb3l05V25Q05P6b1efcc61c6ea7b313eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvNTz_o9I/AAAAAAAADIg/D21wyN4ag6g/s1600/3me3pb3l05V25Q05P6b1efcc61c6ea7b313eb.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvOGsed5I/AAAAAAAADIk/mZaZZt7jt_w/s1600/3n03mb3l35V15Q65T2b1ea8d99e2bf888141d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvOGsed5I/AAAAAAAADIk/mZaZZt7jt_w/s1600/3n03mb3l35V15Q65T2b1ea8d99e2bf888141d.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvOVYsH-I/AAAAAAAADIo/rKeIZhpUdH0/s1600/3n23p73l65O45V15R5b1e4cf18cbcf5d61b23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvOVYsH-I/AAAAAAAADIo/rKeIZhpUdH0/s1600/3n23p73l65O45V15R5b1e4cf18cbcf5d61b23.jpg" /></a></div><br />
His sisters were so sweet and cute that we wanted to bring them all home, but one of the little girls found a forever home, and the foster/rescuers were thinking of keeping the last pup. Here's some photos of our guy with our big Husky/Shepard rescue, Zombie:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvjaRBNII/AAAAAAAADIs/jyaeKZzF2I4/s1600/zombhold1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvjaRBNII/AAAAAAAADIs/jyaeKZzF2I4/s320/zombhold1.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvj1NflrI/AAAAAAAADIw/Jfl39pz9baU/s1600/holden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvj1NflrI/AAAAAAAADIw/Jfl39pz9baU/s320/holden.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvkNxiCmI/AAAAAAAADI0/tUM2mt5O0zQ/s1600/newpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvkNxiCmI/AAAAAAAADI0/tUM2mt5O0zQ/s320/newpup.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvkiUwU7I/AAAAAAAADI4/TLMSUk3Nars/s1600/zombhold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TTSvkiUwU7I/AAAAAAAADI4/TLMSUk3Nars/s320/zombhold.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful new addition to our family. And it is a great, heart-felt moment for us, to see our socially-anxious, extremely dog-fearful pup befriend another doggy. Our trainers recommended getting as young of a pup as we could, and that was the magic touch. Zombie had absolutely no reactive behaviors with Holden. Here's to a very bright future for these new BFFs. <a href="http://www.tylerjanuary.com/2011/01/bundle-of-joy.html"><i>Read more about his adoption on my personal journal/blog here.</i></a>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-25714593568519410542010-12-28T12:25:00.000-08:002010-12-28T12:25:32.870-08:00Tools: BreadmakerI know that its cheating, but this year for Christmas my husband got me a BREAD MAKER! I love breads of all kinds, and have always wanted to be able to make my own, but was intimidated by the whole process (kneading, letting rise, kneading, letting rise, punching, letting rise, baking etc etc).<br />
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My first batch of bread, whole wheat & oat flour came out beautifully. I'm so looking forward to branching out and doing some experimenting... this machine also has the capability to make jams... more to come!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpHUHxRjyI/AAAAAAAADFo/VrcSH-tZlqo/s1600/breadmaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpHUHxRjyI/AAAAAAAADFo/VrcSH-tZlqo/s320/breadmaker.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpHWZmPYII/AAAAAAAADFs/9ehTEFjJ090/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpHWZmPYII/AAAAAAAADFs/9ehTEFjJ090/s320/bread.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpHY_ZyocI/AAAAAAAADFw/y-ykBocWVjk/s1600/slicebread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpHY_ZyocI/AAAAAAAADFw/y-ykBocWVjk/s320/slicebread.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>will post recipe soon</i></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-12449389073764542642010-12-28T12:21:00.000-08:002010-12-28T12:26:54.849-08:00Holidays: Christmas 2010I apologize for the lack of posting lately, my husband and I just moved into our first new (old) home! We were told that the original stove/oven from the mid '60s didn't work, so we had been eating a lot of take-out, and burritos, but my husband requested his favorite for Christmas- <a href="http://www.veganshowandtell.com/2010/08/recipes-best-baked-mac-un-cheese-ever.html">baked Mac UN' Cheese</a>... and viola, turns out the oven <i>ACTUALLY DOES WORK!</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to Us!</span></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_203298416"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veganshowandtell.com/2010/08/recipes-best-baked-mac-un-cheese-ever.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TRpDo6bP_pI/AAAAAAAADFk/ggJrc0KJ1FY/s400/mac.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-57042711511277126182010-11-26T20:47:00.000-08:002010-12-28T12:27:24.652-08:00Holidays: Thanksgiving Potluck 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAnjjXFymI/AAAAAAAADAs/2R44b3lJmAk/s1600/PB250001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAnjjXFymI/AAAAAAAADAs/2R44b3lJmAk/s400/PB250001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">while everything finished baking, setting up the seating</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAnz2NN9-I/AAAAAAAADA8/yRzbxGPJGR0/s1600/PB250005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAnz2NN9-I/AAAAAAAADA8/yRzbxGPJGR0/s400/PB250005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> italian sodas, silk and rice nog, ready to start the feast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAn4ENMq1I/AAAAAAAADBA/4GrsvRejcfw/s1600/PB250006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAn4ENMq1I/AAAAAAAADBA/4GrsvRejcfw/s400/PB250006.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> vegan cookbooks and fresh berries for dessert garnish:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAn8pobp3I/AAAAAAAADBE/4NrwmJk5wAg/s1600/PB250007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAn8pobp3I/AAAAAAAADBE/4NrwmJk5wAg/s400/PB250007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> my plate, and vegan pinot noir. (<a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=6141.0">baked mac and cheese casserole</a>, roasted brussel sprouts and garlic, asparagas, <a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7373.0">stuffing</a>, candied yams, tofurky, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoBdGwqEI/AAAAAAAADBI/0ZCB9G_WecU/s1600/PB250008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoBdGwqEI/AAAAAAAADBI/0ZCB9G_WecU/s400/PB250008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> My first tofurky was a hit! It was much better than the horror stories I heard and was anticipating. I didn't thaw out the night before, so I baked for 3.5 hours, in a covered caserole dish with baste (made from the box's recipe) with fresh, diced veggies... garlic, onions, jalapenos, carrots, and celery). YUM! The only dish that had NO left-overs... I'll definitely be making one of these again...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the line-up, mashed potatoes and two kinds of <a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=12619.0">homemade cranberry sauce</a> and relish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoJM86QsI/AAAAAAAADBQ/AnQlnCPNS7E/s1600/PB250010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoJM86QsI/AAAAAAAADBQ/AnQlnCPNS7E/s640/PB250010.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> my first tofurky (it turned out really great!), salad, and homemade salsa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoNBEAYfI/AAAAAAAADBU/75e-HsNq05o/s1600/PB250011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoNBEAYfI/AAAAAAAADBU/75e-HsNq05o/s640/PB250011.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> loading up our plates:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoRykrniI/AAAAAAAADBY/YoBr9-3icg4/s1600/PB250012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoRykrniI/AAAAAAAADBY/YoBr9-3icg4/s400/PB250012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> shitake gravy, roasted brussels and asparagus, canadied yams, baked mac & daiya cheese caserole</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoWOAac6I/AAAAAAAADBc/Idw8-ZwLBhk/s1600/PB250013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoWOAac6I/AAAAAAAADBc/Idw8-ZwLBhk/s400/PB250013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> stuffing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoa0trzuI/AAAAAAAADBg/Am0LtB4TsYA/s1600/PB250014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoa0trzuI/AAAAAAAADBg/Am0LtB4TsYA/s640/PB250014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> first wave of guests at the dinner table:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAofK-mK2I/AAAAAAAADBk/i0CFQCc87WM/s1600/PB250015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAofK-mK2I/AAAAAAAADBk/i0CFQCc87WM/s640/PB250015.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> live fruit/nut pie, pumpkin pie (by <a href="http://buttersugarblog.blogspot.com/">butter and sugar </a>blogger Jody)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAojsgRwAI/AAAAAAAADBo/DDN2oQ0U8w0/s1600/PB250016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAojsgRwAI/AAAAAAAADBo/DDN2oQ0U8w0/s400/PB250016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dessert Table. Soy and rice creams, soy whip cream, pumpkin pie, raw fruit/nut pie, <a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/vegan-chocolate-mousse-a13318">chocolate mousse </a>and berries:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAos6H-l2I/AAAAAAAADBw/EwXw22sRSBc/s1600/PB250018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAos6H-l2I/AAAAAAAADBw/EwXw22sRSBc/s400/PB250018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> dessert variety, chocolate mousse, vegan whip cream, pumpkin pie, live fruit/nut pie, vegan vanilla fudge swirl icecream and brandy and silk nog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoxLRKbwI/AAAAAAAADB0/Syr_7yrT3kc/s1600/PB250019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LbNTaPtYHj0/TPAoxLRKbwI/AAAAAAAADB0/Syr_7yrT3kc/s400/PB250019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Such a wonderful, cruelty-free feast this year, shared with great friends and my family. So much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to practice gratitude, and appreciate daily...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>(links to basic recipes I started with, and modified to my own tastes, preferences)</i></div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552708783943872347.post-83112042201247152052010-11-24T10:45:00.000-08:002010-12-28T12:27:40.893-08:00Holidays: Thanksgiving Potluck MenuThis year, our annual vegan thanksgiving tradition turns 4. And each year has been more and more fun and festive! Tomorrow for Vegan Thanks Twenty-Ten, we will be hosting a potluck (the first year I haven't cooked everything myself). I'm really excited to try all the dishes and treats and will be sure to take lots of photos before we all dive in. Here's what's been planned so far, vegans sure know how to chow-down!:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>My contribution:</b></u></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>First EVER Tofurky (you have to bast the dang thing and everything, should be interesting haha)</li>
<li>Homemade stuffing, pumpernickel bread, granny smith apples, walnuts and all that good stuff</li>
<li> Baked Macaroni Casserole (with Diaya)- My husband's favorite :)</li>
<li>Homemade Cranberry Sauce</li>
<li>Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes </li>
<li>Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse with fresh berries</li>
<li>Soy and Rice Nog</li>
<li>Italian Sodas</li>
<li>Various Ice creams (soy delicious, and rice dream- not homemade, and Soy Whip cream </li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jody & Eli's:</span></span></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Candied Yams</li>
<li>Pumpkin Pie</li>
<li>Raw/Live Fruit Pie</li>
<li>Mushroom Gravy</li>
<li>Cranberry Relish</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Jamie & Colleen's:</b></u></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li> Cornbread</li>
<li>Banana Cream Pie</li>
<li>Vegan Beer!</li>
<li>Maybe something else</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Pete & Amanda's:</b></u><br />
<ul><li>Booze to spike the 'Nog and Italian Sodas!</li>
</ul>I am so so SO excited for this feast, and wish everyone a happy, safe, and loving holiday with minimal stress and harm to others. GIVING THANKS TO MY READERS! xoxoxoxo</div>Tyler Januaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08070839344656859569noreply@blogger.com