Category: open heart

Yummy Plants turns 5

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This past weekend, I attended the birthday celebration for my friend Rebecca Gilbert’s vegan lifestyle website, Yummy Plants, which turned 5.

It was held in a new bar/cafe/music gallery called Mixtape, which in addition to hosting the event provided some of the hors d’oeuvres and created specialty vegan cocktails. And if that doesn’t already sound like the makings of an amazing party, just wait because we’re not done yet; the proceeds benefited some of my favorite animal advocates like Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary, Justice for Animals, and Vegan Pittsburgh. Woohoo!

yummy plants bday

 

Mixtape is a long and narrow space with areas to lounge and standing tables to mingle. I got there after the party had kicked off, and there was a great turnout. Most people were chatting in the front seating area or squeezed in the back near the bar. Continue reading →

Thoughts on Living My Purpose

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Hello, friends!

I’m wrapped in a robe and snuggled up with the furbaby today. Winter finally has a firm grasp on us. I can’t say I’m exactly thrilled. I love glistening snowscapes and crisp morning walks, but these negative temperatures are huge energy-robbers for chronic fatigue. So, mixed feelings. It’s an army of essential oils, potent plant foods, herbal support, and green juices over here. Nevertheless, my hibernation tendencies have kicked in. I’ve cozied into this extra quiet time with loving focus on inner healing and creative expression, and it feels so good.

You know those moments when synchronicities are coming left and right, and inspiration is rolling as freely as perfect poetry does from the tip of your tongue? Oh, I’m so there right now. Continue reading →

Nov and Dec favorites

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The holiday season may be over, but I’m still reveling in the merriment of it all. We still have our Christmas lights up, too – the yearly battle of getting my guy to agree that it’s time to take them down has yet to begin –, and despite my continuing health ups and downs, I have so much to be thankful for lately.

Note: This is not a sponsored post, but simply a sharing of my very favorite things of this month. If I ever feature a sponsored product, it will be clearly stated. Enjoy!

Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary:

My bff Odessa

My bff Odessa

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Our Best Vegan Thanksgiving Yet

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Usually we have 2 family Thanksgivings, one with my partner’s family and one with mine. This year though, we only had one dinner (with my family) that was sandwiched between visiting his family and then some of my extended family. It was a full day to say the least.

We did most of our food prep on Wednesday, while dancing and singing to some 90’s alternative (nostalgia) and tunes from our regular rotation. Since we weren’t cooking for 2 dinners and we simplified our menu in general, it was nice to take our time and enjoy cooking together.

As with last year, about 1/2 of us at the table partook in the vegan Thanksgiving food and the other half had the turkey and nonvegan stuffing plus some of the vegan food.

The rundown:amuse buche

We started with an amuse bouche which was my ginger kuri pudding with granola and pomegranate seeds. Think of it as pumpkin pie but better. Continue reading →

Pittsburgh VegFeast

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At this time of year when 45 million turkeys are murdered in the name of “giving thanks” (when you figure out a logical explanation for that one, let me know!), my calendar always has room for another vegan Thanksgiving. That’s why I snagged two tickets for Pittsburgh VegFeast, a benefit for Justice for Animals and the Western PA Humane Society that was held on November 21.

vegfeast thanksgiving Continue reading →