Dondi the Vegan Wondergirl

Unexpected delicious!

2015-01-15T08:37:00.001-08:00

To say the cupboards are bare was an understatement last night!

It's been busy busy and no time for shopping. The omni's were relieved to find there was SOMETHING that didn't force them to eat a vegan dinner but the joke was as usual on them.

After they had their murderous meat dish I whipped this up for me. Just a blend of leftover side dishes into a savory spicy soup, and roasted gnocchi with brussel sprouts on the side. A squeeze of lemon, earth balance and sea salt really brought out the flavor of the roasted sprouts. They were drooling over my meal in silent retrospect. Score for the vegan!

Quality me time

2014-04-24T15:19:00.001-07:00

I've looked back at my last post and realized I'm still in a rut. Whoa is me!

At work feeling gloomy like the weather. Think I'll stay busy and focus on what I enjoy.

I like my job. Would like to get more focused however. Check.

Not much in the cupboards at home for those pesky omni's.

I think I'll be whipping up a crossover attempt to fill their bellies. Wish me luck. I'll be back to tell you how it's gone!

Something about me...

2014-04-24T10:28:00.003-07:00

Whenever I think of this blog I'm disappointed in myself.
It was my thought that it would be this witty informative foray into "the new me". It turns out the new me is the same old me as always. Only worse.

I've had issues. My legs are becoming more and more useless and it doesn't seem there is any real reason. Only I think it's because I'm fat. Ok so overweight. It's gotten worse. Since I can't work out any more I've gained another 20lbs. Ugh! I feel like a lunk!
I'm not even going to fool myself anymore. I want to loose weight but I'm lazy and I like to eat! I guess I'm feeling the need to just become happy with myself.

We moved last fall. A fixer upper outside of town just far enough to be in the country. I love it! Ahhh!

I don't feel good. I'm going to try a little experiment. I'm going to focus on me. For real.
Making time for me, addressing my needs. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
I have no idea how I'm going to do this, other than one day at a time.

Today I'm off work. I've done some housework and now I'm "chillin". The weather is beautiful and I believe there is a walk in my immediate future. I think I'll plant something today!

Yeah yeah yeah!

2013-12-14T07:49:00.001-08:00

Alright the juice cleanse thing hasn't happened. I've already had 2 biscuits and 2 Gardein Chkn Sliders and yes, 3 bottles of Corona Light. Im stressing over a check I'm sure will bounce and to tell the truth I don't think the juice thingy is gonna happen.

So now what???

I guess I should start.... Realistic. I'm just gonna start trying to stick to weight watchers. Its a realistic approach and I know it will work.

My house is almost clean and I want to do something worthwhile today. Now what?

Did I mention we are in the early throes of a small snow storm here in Ohio?

I guess I'll clean the walks off and feed the cat. Of course I'll make something yummy for lunch. I'm thinking marinated kale with brown rice.

My goal today is to do some yoga and a 15 minute meditation.

Wish me well!

It's been said before....

2013-12-10T17:30:00.001-08:00

Yes it has and I'm going today's it again. This is the first day of the rest of my life.

I have a condition that squeezes the nerves in my spine and causes constant pain in my legs and feet. This greatly hinders my mobility and as a result I cannot work out the way I used to. I've gained weight and do a lot of emotional eating resulting in mild depression.

I'm not gonna take it anymore! I don't like this not living I'm doing. Soo.... Today I took a nice hot sulphur soak. Going to get a very strong stretch and massage and I'm about to embark on a juice cleanse. I've done one before and really didn't think I'd do it again, but I feel like I really need a detox. I've just been eating so much processed food and too much alcohol. Adding meditation back into my life as well. So cathartic.

So blah blah blah. The just of it is this will be my journey to health. Like never before. Wish me luck. Come along if you'd like.

So it begins.

Chillin

2013-09-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

I'm in the middle of a long work week and to tell the truth I'm whipped. Right now I'm simply unwinding and preparing for a nice nap!

Once refreshed I intend to make cauliflower and leek pot pie with an olive biscuit crust courtesy of Veganimocon! I've been drooling over this recipe for a week and I'm finally going to make it for dinner, followed by a beautiful walk thru fall Ohio with Smalls, our new addition to the home! There will be pictures later and I'm sure Smalls will fare favorably in them! Now to nap!

What's it gonna hurt?

2013-09-08T07:19:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday!! Wow having a day off and really into it!

What doing today? Well to tell the truth right now I'm veggin' watching the tube and blogging. In a few minutes tho I'm cleaning house, working out and then a nice walk. We recently moved into a country home and I love it!! Walking has actually become part of my daily routine. My life is finally becoming a bit more centered and I love it!!

So today is my stepson's birthday so I'm baking him a cake later. Tradition you know!

I finally broke down and bought the veganimocon cookbook. Today I'm so having Potatoe and Kale enchiladas! Love 'me!!

For now I'm just chilling' and will post more later.

No more wavering

2013-08-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you lady at the grocery store for telling me about this delicious yet simple salad!

I've been wavering over my veganism lately. Did some reading, some soul searching. Came across an article on the subject that said listen to your brain,..and your body.

Today I ate nothing but processed in no way vegan food.... I am so sick!!!! My body is kicking my ass over it!!

Putting this together with what my head knows I won't be wavering anymore!

Back to the salad. I have a big bowl of it in my frig. Planning ahead for tomorrow. Suddenly excited about vegan food again! Got my vegan cook book out as well as another one on its way to my mailbox from mouthwatering vegan! I can't wait!

I'm finally getting my head together a little at a time. Still heartbroken over my dogs. But I'm trying to heal.

Time for bed. Wanna be up and refreshed in the early morning shift.

Peace.

Happy Day

2013-08-13T20:12:00.001-07:00

A yummy start to a great day! Strong hot coffee and a yummy breakfast of browned shredded potatoes with kale, mushrooms, onions, garlic and tomatoes. Ezekiel sesame toast. Mmmm!

Then off to Columbus Zoo with our kids Sarah and Michael, his friend Amanda and of course the hubby. What a great day! I hate seeing the animals in captivity but I feel there is a need for these programs. The day started off with petting and feeding the stingrays. I loved it!

There were so many fabulous moments I cannot even begin to share! Needless to say I can't wait to go back. The day ended on such a positive note and I'm definitely in a happy place.

Oh yeah! Stuck to my WW points today as well! Lol.... Peace.

Nothing like a Sunny day

2013-08-12T20:08:00.001-07:00

Beautiful day and here I am at work! Ah well shift is almost over and then it's home to the hubby and lots of little things to make our home, well, homey!

The day didn't quite go like planned. Truck didn't arrive. Was so tired when I got home I slept until 8! Prepared the hubby a big dinner and once he fell asleep I made my dinner too. Oh it was so yummy! Browned shredded potatoes with corn, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes with Daiya cheese. Then a toasted cheese sandwich as well on Ezekial bread. Mmmm!

The hubby was quite busy outside today and our yard looks beautiful. Motivates me to want to do more myself. Gonna get my plants this week and get them in. Think it's time to get those bulbs out too!

Stayed within acceptable WW points today but want to do better not using up my extra points so quickly. I'm determined to be successful. It should not be so difficult to be a reasonable weight being vegan! If I can get rid of 50 lbs I hope to be more mobile. My legs hurt so much!

That about sums up the day. Goodnight for now. Peace!

shiny as a new penny...

2013-08-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful sunshiny day! Wow!

That said I'm at work and can't wait to go home. Started back on weight watchers today and I'm determined to Not sabotage myself. I'm thinking plan , plan, plan!!! And today when I get home that is exactly what I'll be doing. Menu plans and cooking ahead!

I'm striving to find yummy delicious meals that can reheat well. Open to ideas! And simple is key!!! Im thinking of having a wedge salad with grilled tofu for dinner tonight. Ill share more later today!

The woman I see.

2013-08-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi!

How to start ...?

Well... I'm fat. Not plump, not "thick", not chubby. I'm fat. I hate it. My knees and ankles hurt. I feel uncomfortable in my own body.

I was doing great for awhile. Working out at the gym. Became vegan. Then my physical problems started. Couldn't work out anymore . Some serious family crisis occurred. Been so depressed.

I just don't want this anymore.

No more diets.

No more recriminations.

Welcome to my journey back...

For now it's about simplifying.

It's about really living a life I feel good about.

Today I'm on a day off from my job as Presentation Manager at PetSmart. I've worked here 9 years and I really do enjoy it. Some days are difficult right now due to what happened with my dogs, but some days it really keeps me going.

I did some yard sale shopping today. I live along historical Lincoln Byway and every year they have a 4 day weekend yard sale event all along the byway. Miles and miles of yard sales! Lol!

Some great bargains today!

A seven dish set of like new Corning ware....$8.

A twin size quilt...$10.

A wheel barrow herb garden...$10.

Now I'm watching a vampire movie.

Simple day.

We recently moved to a country fixer upper. I love it! Especially my deck/porch!

Relaxation!

Well now it's time to get dressed. Run some errands.

Back again.

Almost time for bed. An early shift tomorrow.

DInner was delicious. Corn on the cob, garden tomatoes, zucchini fritters courtesy of mouthwatering vegan recipes. Wow are they good! Excellent website for vegan cooking!

Tomorrow is a new day.... I'm heading into it with eyes wide open.

Peace!

Breakfast with McDougall

2012-10-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here I am again! It's shameful the way I've neglected a perfectly good blog. I once again have committed to developing this blog.

Today's subject dear readers is my complete conversion to a Dr. McDougall lifestyle. Ill be discussing this in more depth in a later blog but this morning I'm sharing.... Breakfast! Yum!
If my photos have loaded properly you should see not only my finished product, but a few steps along the way.
When I found out that following Dr. McDougalls plan I could eat all the potatoes I want I nearly swooned! Ahhh now here is a workable life diet!
This morning I started by boiling my days potatoes. I used to do them in the microwave but found that I preferred the added moisture from boiling them.
While my delectable potatoes were boiling merrily along I took out my wok type skillet, sprayed it lightly with cooking spray, ( Dr. McDougall advocates not even using cooking spray but sometimes I still use a bit.) I heated it up sufficiently to begin sauteing some minced garlic. Not too hot or it will be bitter. As soon as the garlic begins to release its fragrance I add in some freshly cleaned kale. Ahh kale! My favorite superfood! To the kale I added slivered Vidalia onion to taste, seasoned with lemon pepper, sea salt and a bit of crushed red pepper. It's important to stir frequently and when it gets too dry add small amounts of water or veg broth till its cooked to your desired doneness. I like it when the onions have gotten semi-clear.
Once the kale is about done slide it up to one side of the pan. Now I crumble some pressed Nasoya lite none GMO tofu into the pan. I let the little bits from marinating the kale flavor the tofu as well as add some turmeric and just a bit of Tamiri soy sauce. Saute long enough for the flavors to absorb and heat through.
Now for the moment of truth! Assemble on a nice plate, add potatoes to your hearts content! I scoop the kale and tofu up on the potatoes a bit. I also added some diced olives w/pimento and normally a sliced tomato.
Good Eats!!

A new week in 2012, vegan style!

2012-01-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

I know it's only day 5 of the new year, but I'm feeling pretty good about things so far. Getting back to the weight watchers plan and being more dedicated to delicious dining vegan style has made me feel better already. It didn't take a New Years resolution to convince me I want to be vegan, but dedicating to eating a HEALTHIER vegan lifestyle, (cuz nachos can be soooo vegan!), was a smoooooth move!

How did I handle the New Year holiday and that fantastic traditional meal? So easy! I simply prepared the sauerkraut by itself, which I might add tastes so much fresher when you don't cook it to death with a pork roast!! With that we had black eyed peas, smooshed taters and turnip greens. All prepared vegan style of course! It was excellent!! While I couldn't convince the onmi's to forego the pork as well, they did enjoy the rest of the offering. Small step, small steps...they still get you somewhere!

My diligence is paying off in other ways too! Day 5 and I've lost a lb.! Yay me! I've been focusing on family friendly, healthier vegan meals and I've found some real keepers that have been getting me through the week and given me a better outlook for future reference. My new breakfast favorite is a Tofu Breakfast Sandwich. Man is it good, and so versatile. I've included a picture of this mornings feast. I did have a browned potato on the side that isn't pictured here. Yummy.!

This is the second version I tried. It has the fried tofu, asparagus, apple slices and Dijon style nayonaise on toasted whole grain bread. It was a very filling sandwich for only 4 weight watchers points!

On a less that thrilled side, I have worked out but not the way I want to. I am not giving that direction up and when done fulfilling my internet addiction for the evening I'll be attending to that as well. I also have plans to join the local gym within the week and I'm really looking forward to that. Wish me luck!

Sloppy Janes and the New Year

2012-01-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hello 2012! We rang in the New Year relatively low key in our household. The honey had to be at work at 9 a.m. so we agreed a nice bottle of Yellow Tail Shiraz-Cabernet at home was right on target. Watching a ridicules comedy and laughing and talking made for a comfortable evening.

I made a grand effort of f aux-resolution keeping on the Eve and think it made my transition into today much easier. I had made a massive batch of Sloppy Janes and had them for lunch and part of my dinner. So yummy! Not sure I'm past the craving yet. Not so terrible as they are so low in points on Weight Watchers, which is the healthy guideline choice I've decided to use . I have to make a note that the picture above is of a a commercial sites sloppy janes, as I ate mine before I thought to take a picture! I've previously said that I am no longer going to let myself try to use this as an official food blog, but I happen to think my Sloppy Janes recipe is the bomb, so I've included it at the bottom of the blog. Hope you'll try them and enjoy.

I worked yesterday as did the honey. I found myself in a phenomenally good mood and really have been looking forward to starting the New Year. The moment of change was a disappointment somewhat, although that is another story for maybe never another time, but I enjoyed the day and today's First Day of the New Year is going well. Not so much in what's happening as in my mood. I mentioned that the honey had to work, so I miss him today, but the evening will be comfy cozy. I've managed a vegan menu that he'll enjoy, although he'll still have the traditional pork roast with his as well. My part of the meal will be Turnip greens, black eyed peas, boiled potatoes and sauerkraut. mmmmmmm! lol! I will take a picture of that I assure you!

I've promised the dogs a walk today and the weather is blustery and turning into a more expected winters day. We won't be swayed however and I find that I'm looking forward to it. I may document that for View of the World later.

I also have to consider that it is almost time to take down the tree. I find I don't want to! It's so cozy in my living room right now! I've determined that it will stay up until Tuesday evening.

No more procrastinating now, the dogs are waiting and the weather is fast deteriorating for walking. All part of my resolution...Here I Come World!

Peace to you all!

Dondi's Sloppy Janes:

All ingredients are determined by your preference.

Saute diced onion, sweet red pepper, celery and mushrooms in a bit of canola oil until onions are clear.
Add about a 1/2 c. of cooked brown rice, continue to saute. Add pressed, crumbled, extra-firm tofu. About 1/4 of a block. Saute a bit more to get flavor into tofu. I freeze and thaw my tofu before using for a better texture and easier to squeeze the water out. To this mix add 1 can of vegan tomato soup. Mix well. Add enough cooked split peas to desired consistency. You can use any split peas you want but for better visual appleal yellow is best. You want to simmer this mix about 10 mins. and it will thicken a bit so leave it just a little soupy when you first add the split peas. You can add water if needed. Salt and pepper to taste. I also put in some crushed red pepper cus I like some zip. I served mine on a hearty toasted whole wheat bread. For the final touch, and not to be excluded because it compliments totally, a dill pickle! A big one!

Just a ...Nosh????

2011-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a definite problem keeping up with this blog! Today I think I've figured out why...

It all started out with wanting to share my trek thru the confusion of "becoming" vegan. Somehow I let it get twisted into trying to be a vegan food blog. NOT! That just isn't me. So I apologize. Kinda like a country western song...I'm goin' back to my roots!

I think what really opened my eyes to the problem was my recent obsession. I say obsession because becoming vegan has really become an obsession on some level. I think that this is probably true for all of us as we begin the journey. I could be wrong. I don't think so. I've lightened up on that basic level. My new obsession has been looking into going the extra mile, or as Alicia Silverstone calls it...becoming a "super hero".

Dondi what the hell are you talking about???? I can hear you...I know that 's what your thinking. I'm sure it's what my husband has been thinking the last few weeks! I'm discovering what a treasure he really is lately.

I'm talking about going to a totally Macrobiotic Diet. What is that?? I'm not even going to attempt to tell you! I'm just going to say that I think it's the healthiest possible way to eat. I have been researching and looking at recipes and trying to understand it. More than once in my researching I came across excellent articles that all said the same thing. Here are the basics but get with a counselor. The recipes and food are fabulous! It all makes perfect sense! If you can figure it out. If you can get someone else to come in and explain it all to you....and cook...and shop....and give you money so you can afford the shopping....or even figure out WHERE to shop.

Yes I really think it's the best possible way to eat...but I also came to the realization that for me...it's just too darn complicated. I don't think it should be that way. It's based on the traditional Okinawan diet. But I don't live in Okinawa. So while I think if you can figure it out and follow it it's wonderful and a plus, I've taken the liberty to just take what principles I can figure out and try to apply them to me and live the kindest way I can figure out to do. Just like that.

Sorry Alicia....and besides...have you looked at Madonna lately??? I mean, yeah, I want to lose weight...I am a chubby vegan...all those vegan nachos! But Madonna and I are about the same age.....and...well..........yuck!

2011-12-01T15:09:00.001-08:00

I have not been eating for the Healthy soul lately and I've really been feeling it. This morning I got up felt it was crucial for me to get back to the basics. I did not feel very creative or much like cooking. It's a long awaited day off and I truly just wanted to laze around today. As a result I made an impromptu "power soup" that was really quite good! I neglected to take a photo but I will say it looked pretty and was very satisfying, recipe included!

Quick and Easy Bowl of Corn Chowder SuperFood!

1 med. potatoe, cooked till soft in microwave and then diced and broken up. With Skin
aprx. 1/2 c. of frozen corn, cooked in microwave.
2 lrg. T. diced tomatoes w/green chilies, cnd.
1/8 C. cnd, asparagus tips.
4 oz can v-8
Place corn and asparagus in food processor and pulse till chunky smooth.

Place potato in a med. saucepan, Add corn mixture, tomatoes, and v-8. Heat till hot, season with some sea salt and coarse black pepper to taste.

So after this I lazed around in my pj's most of the day, occassional bouts of house cleaning, until I could not stand it anymore and I showered and got dressed..Shameful I know!

By this time I was getting a bit hungry again.

Again I wanted simple and quick.

What was in the fridge but some leftover corn tortillas and some promising ingredients for vegan tostada's. The result was worthy of the omni hubby having some and declaring them quite good!

2011-11-27T12:05:00.001-08:00

I was completely and utterly disgusted with my local area when it came time for my Thanksgiving meal. Oh yes, I managed the delicious mashed potatoes. I enjoyed the savory collard greens. I feasted on warm, soft dinner rolls, the corn was perfect! But do you think I could find a tofurky or Field Holiday roast anywhere in the area without making an hour and a half trip to Columbus to hit up Whole Foods!?? NO!! So yes I settled for apricot glazed chikn' scallopini using the wonderful Gardein products available to me. But I'm not waiting around for Christmas...It's off to Columbus I go...how utterly ridiculas!!!

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Wellington

2011-11-20T05:32:00.001-08:00

I wanted to take the opportunity today to give some recognition to a new site/app that I signed up for. It's WWW.loseit.com I am one of those women that is always on a diet but never seems to reach the goal. I have been on this site for about a week and a half and I love it. I've lost a few lbs. as well so that doesn't hurt any. I've made some new diet buddies that encourage me and help keep me going. Thanks all!

So I promised to post my recipe for a Holiday Wellington that I made last year. To be honest this recipe is a slight adaptation to one I found on a blogger site, but I cannot seem to find it again, so if you recognize it as yours please comment so I can give you proper credit.

Holiday Wellington (vegan)

Puff pastry (I use Pepperidge Farms)

1 large sweet potato
2 pkgs. of seitan
mushrooms, I used baby Bella's but any firm variety works
1 large sweet onion
sm. bunch kale, spinach works too but use fresh.
zest of 1 orange
sea salt and coarse black pepper to taste.

Preheat oven to recommended temp. on puff pastry package.
Unroll the puff pastry. I cut one sheet to connect to the other so it makes a nice rectangle or even square.
Be sure to unroll it on a large cooking sheet to avoid complications later!
In a large non- stick skillet you want to saute each one of the ingredients separately to what ever level of doneness you like them. I prefer doing the seitan right after the mushrooms with a bit of water so that the flavor of the mushrooms seasons the seitan a bit. This is where I add a a bit of the black pepper as well. Other than that I cleaned the pan between each ingredient. The idea is to not overly blend the flavor of the ingredients so that you have a nice distinction once they are rolled up together in the Wellington. Once the ingredeients for the filling are ready simply layer across the puff pastry. Don't make the layers overly thick. Just nice and even. Sprinkle the orange zest across the top of the fillings before rolling up. Don't get too close to the edges as the filling will spread out as you roll it. Now it does tend to be a bit heavy with the ingredients as you roll it. I found that a spatula under the middle section as I rolled helped.
Bake it seam side down. The original recipe didn't tell me how long to bake it but I just baked it until it was a really deep, even golden brown. It didn't take that long, about 1/2 hr I believe.

Better late than never!

2011-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

So I promised the photos for the "big" dinner for the hubby the other night. You may remember I had big plans for a huge meal to begin the transformation of my omni hubby to vegan. I had finally gotten to see the documentary Forks Over Knives and found myself completely re-motivated to get my high blood pressure honey on my brain wave.

When honey first came home and realized how much food I was cooking the first thing he said was, "too much!" So we trimmed down the menu and came up with a very satisfying Pasta and Pan Seared Veggies with steamed asparagus on the side. For me that was plenty. For the Onmi hubby there was the addition of fish. Now to say I wasn't disappointed that he still wanted the fish would be a lie, BUT, he did agree to a certain degree of vegetarian.He said he would give that much a go but that at this time he still wanted eggs, dairy and yes, fish. I decided to take what I can get and said you got it baby! LOL I already have him switched to Earth Balance margarine, and he doesn't know it yet but as much as possible he will be partaking of daiya cheeses and suitable cheese substitutes.

Breakfast is a good place to start as well. I have him completely hooked on steel cut oatmeal. We've been having that on a regular basis and to say that I don't embrace that would be an understatement. Hubby had an angina attack about 2 months ago. Now he's cut back considerably on his coffee consumption, and I've gotten his fried foods way reduced. Oatmeal.... cholesterol....see where I'm going with this? lol

So for the Pasta and Pan Seared Veggie's. Such and easy and versatile dish. I make a habit of cooking up big pots of whole wheat pasta, brown rice etc. once a week. Stash them in the fridge for fast easy meals all week long. So here's the recipe.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA & PAN SEARED VEGGIES

I spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and let it get hot. To that I add a variety of my fave veggies for grilling. My favorite standby's are zucchini, yellow squash, green onion sliced long, portabella mushrooms. I stir fry the vegetables until they are almost to the desired doneness....which is pretty much your preference. I like mine to be slightly browned but not cooked to mushy. Then I add some minced garlic and stir fry just a bit longer. Then I add a big spoonful of canned diced tomatoes with a liberal dollop of the juice thrown in. I season with some sea salt and lemon pepper. I also like a bit of crushed red pepper...it's up to you! Before the tomato juice can be steamed away I throw in a big bunch of the pre-cooked pasta stir till its hot and then remove from heat. Throw it on a plate and enjoy! We paired that with some fresh asparagus steamed for 6 mins. and sprinkled slightly with sea salt. Add a really good crusty bread and WOW! It's whats for supper!

Thought I would add a photo of the steel cut oatmeal with raw sugar and diced apple. Delicious, sticks to your ribs and oh so satisfying!

My Journey Begins Today

2011-11-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

I had promised to deliver the results of my homemade tofu antipasto....which due to circumstances beyond my control did not get created. But it will....just not until next weekends shopping excursion takes place.

This weekend I have had the fortunate opportunity to finally watch the fabulous documentary, "Forks Over Knives". I knew that I would really love this documentary but I was , to put it simply, flabbergasted!!

There are so many things I could tell you that went through my mind. So many things that I vowed to change, not only for myself but for my family. Today IS the day.

Where are you going with this Dondi, you may ask. Quite simply I will be bullying my husband into adopting a vegan lifestyle. He doesn't know it yet, I will certainly keep you posted on my efforts....but I will succeed!

Now for today's menu:.

We well be having a nice salad with every salad ingredient I can come up with thrown in. Some raw, some grilled.
Simple corn, slightly sweetened with raw sugar, no butter.
Steamed asparagus.
Whole grain pasta served with sauteed zucchini, caramelized onions and crushed red pepper.
Some spicy pepperocini

This is a thrown together at the last minute meal. I am determined to fill up my omni husband and begin to sway him to the light. Keep your fingers crossed people....and wish me loads of luck!

And oh yes....I will post pictures of dinner later this evening!

Abject frustration

2011-08-28T11:55:00.001-07:00

I must face the fact that this blog I'm dreaming of developing is never going to amount to much if I don't break down and get a proper internet in the house besides my mobile! I will try to do better for the time being but please forgive if my postings continue to be sporadic. Much love, Dondi

Gumbo!

2011-05-30T12:58:00.001-07:00

So yesterday was a beautiful day here in Ohio. The hubby and I took the dogs for a nice walk and were just generally lazy. And on a move in the right direction. The non-vegan honey has expressed to me he really prefers earth balance margarine, and he has been requesting some of my vegan meals for the family! Wow! I'm so psyched over that! Lol

As for today I threw together some leftover brown rice, the hodgepodge of frozen veggies ( including okra) some vegan sausage and out came this delicious gumbo! Mmmmmm!

Dondi

Epiphany? Hmmm

2011-05-29T11:26:00.001-07:00

I've recently realized that while I THOUGHT I was a vegan I am actually NOT! I am in reality a transitioning vegan. How did I come to this crazy,(yet true!), conclusion? I have constantly been researching the subject and came to realize that being vegan is more than what I eat. Its what I live as well. I'd already made up my mind to begin buying eco- animal friendly from now on, but I just realized that I also need to replace certain items in my wardrobe. Now I'll admit I haven't the funds to just throw everything away, but the leather jacket has to go, as do the boots. Say la' vie! Or so be it.
I've had some moments of how can I do this OMG! The vegan action site did help me immensely so I highly recommend it.
Overall what I'm coming to realize and want to share is that becoming vegan is an ongoing always learning process. As is life...
Dondi

Sauted Baby Bella's w/sweet onions and sun dried tomatoes.

2011-05-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

Simplicity at it's finest. As the name implies its simply sliced baby Bella's, sweet onions and diced sun dried tomatoes. Sauted in a little olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and crushed red pepper. Served over whole wheat pasta. Elegant!