My First DC VegFest!!

I am going to tell this story in pictures and words, but mostly pictures.  I had the best time ever at the DC VegFest this year.  In November, I will be nearly 2 years vegetarian and officially 1 year vegan.  I am so happy with my lifestyle and this wonderful compassionate choice that I have committed to.  My Hubby is omni and though he is supportive, he is equally as committed to his eating habits.  (I'm working on him). 

Well this year I found out about DC VegFest from a tweet by Terry Hope Romero and I was so happy that she sent it out.  I don't think I would have known otherwise.  I loaded up the car for our 3 hour drive and I took  my daughter, her best friend, my niece, my best guy friend and my brother met us there.  My husband couldn't go since he had to work.  When I say great time, I really mean it.  It was so encouraging and uplifting to be surrounded by people who shared my views and thoughts on how to change the world!  The vendors were great and the speakers were AWESOME!! I got to meet and Colleen Patrick-Goudreau and Isa Chandra Moskowitz!!!!!!!  They were so informative and very approachable and even took pictures with me! 



The goodie bag tatoos modeled by my girls.



All in all DC VegFest was a validation for our lifestyle like no other and really helped even the veggie-curious take that leap.  Outside of my daughter and best friend getting to participate in the Sticky Fingers Bakery Cupcake Eating Contest, the very best thing that happened at the festival was that my beautiful daughter finally took her final leap into vegetarianism and I couldn't be prouder of her for making such a compassionate decision.  I feel so blessed and excited and I am going to be bending over backwards to keep her tummy full and her spirit encouraged.



Can you say Cupcake Eating Contest?  Oh yeah, this was certainly a highlight for the girls.  They had so much fun competing and really, who wouldn't?

  

Doron posing with my niece, daughter and her best friend.







Spectacular sweets from Vegan Treats. 
So so so so good!!

This is the ASL team that provided translation for the hearing imparired for all of the tent events.  They worked so tirelessly and were amazing, I asked them for a pic because they truly deserved to be celebrated.



Isa's demonstration complete with sample

A picture with Collen Patrick-Goudreau.
She was so freakin' cool.



The fact that I got to meet Isa was like
icing on a cupcake.  She was great!!!



As I said, I got to meet SUCH wonderful vegan superstars at this festival.   I had a great time with my family, my daughter's friend and my best friend, Dameon.

The last shot of my daughter is because she was bummed that she didn't get to take a picture with Isa, so I took one of her with Isa in the background and that seemed to satisfy her. She's pictured in her Sticky Fingers T-Shirt (earned for participating in the contest, as if she needed more of a reward than the cupcakes themselves.) This was such a great experience, I hope everyone gets to visit a festival near them. Thanks to all the people that made this day possible.





Vegan Spicy Italian Sausage

The sausages were excellent with my couscous and broccoli.

I have been wanting to do this recipe since I first saw it on Everyday Dish.  Julie Hasson is awesome and I watched the video at least three times over the last year.  I printed out the recipe months ago and I kept saying "I'm going to make that, I am really going to make that" as I thumbed past it often in my greasy blue folder full of "Gonna Try 'Em" recipes.
 Well for MoFo, it was only right to start with this.  Julie has nailed it.  I love love love these sausages!  My daughter really enjoyed them too and of course that is so important for the mom of a 10 year old who has allergies and the pickiest taste to boot.

I have used these in everything and they are so easy and inexpensive to make.  Every once in a while I use prepared vegan "meats" but I don't think I will be doing sausages from a package again for a long time.  Thanks, Julie!!

Good Morning MoFo 2011

All weekend I have felt guilty that I didn't greet everyone on Saturday. I have since stopped self-condeming however, and decided to start my MoFo journey on this chilly Monday. This year is my second year participating and I am so excited to share what's cooking in my kitchen. I've decided not on a theme but more of a mission this year. I am a collector of cook books and recipes and I stash them until I will have time to get to them. Of course I never have the time so this month I'm making the time to try out my "I'm gonna make that someday recipes". I also hope to throw in some tidbits on shopping, saving and just living vegan. I am ridiculously excited and I'm glad to have y'all with me. -Ty

Vegan Eats!

Okay, so it has been quite some time since my last post.  I assure you that I am still eating, but I haven't been cooking nearly as much this summer.  I am excited about fall and Vegan Mofo in October and this weekend's DC VegFest, so I expect to be bloggin' it up here soon enough.  Here are a couple of things I have enjoyed over the last week or so.

Buffalo Tempeh from Appetite for Reduction with steamed green beans.

Creamy Pasta with fresh basil and tomatoes.  This is not really a set recipe.  I usually just blend up a pack of silken tofu, throw in some white wine, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil and salt to taste.  I love this it's quick and smooth.

If you're near D.C. this weekend, definitely check out VegFest!! Isa Chandra Moskowitz will be there doing a food demo and book signing along with a ton of other wonderful speakers and personalities.  Come out and support this awesome lifestyle and the great vendors!!