Hold the Animals! (I'll take the Pickles and Lettuce!): A Guest Post by Steven Smith

Here's another lovely guest-post by my hubby about our latest trip to a little piece of heaven called Foodswings. Enjoy!

For those lifetime veggies, you probably have had a milkshake, a frosty dairy dessert, a Blizzard, or a McFlurry before, even though you've done without the burgers and other menu items.  For those lifetime veganauts (did I just coin that?  If so, awesome! If not, I praise the person who did...), you've never walked into a McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, or KFC and ordered one of the majority of items off of the menu (maybe fries or a soda or a salad though...).  Almost everyone else, at some point or another (whether or not you eventually went veg or vegan), has tasted a Whopper, Gordita, McNuggets, or Crispy Chicken.

Now that I know what factory farming is and what the fast food industry is really like, it's difficult to think about my childhood weekend trips to Burger King for a Kids' Meal or my late night trips to McDonalds for a snack when I had a college term paper to write.  At that time, I didn't know about the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals (and wasn't really thinking about it).  And while I knew about how bad it was for me in my young adult years, the tastiness of it (in all of its fatty, greasy fleshy-ness) trumped any health concerns for me.  A big Yuck to that.

 Finally dining on cruelty-free disco fries.

We presently live in a world where the knowledge about how bad fast food is for you is everywhere, even on the nutrition facts at your choice of fast food restaurant (even though many sincerely don't know how badly animals are treated on their way to becoming a Big Mac or Baconator, or most people do know and just choose to put it out of their mind).  I gave up fast food several years ago after seeing Super Size Me (you probably would too), and I have haven't missed it since.

However, fast food chains are still thriving.  Obesity is steadily (or exponentially, I don't know) increasing.  New items, such as KFC's Double Down are popping up on menu (here's the website's description of the Double Down: "This one-of-a-kind sandwich features two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken filets - Original Recipe® or Grilled, two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese and Colonel's Sauce. This product is so meaty, there’s no room for a bun!"). Heck, even lion's meat is being served now - if you haven't heard this news already, an Arizona restaurant is serving lion's meat burgers to celebrate the World Cup being played (one customer has been reported saying that he "can't even tell the difference."  I wonder when the Human Meat Burger is going to make its first appearance.).  A quick trip to Wikipedia shows that McDonalds currently serves "nearly 47 million customers daily," which means that it won't be long until that "OVER 99 BILLION SERVED" sign increases to 100 billion or more.

 In the midst of the disgusting mess that the fast food industry really is, I can honestly say that there is one fast food joint that is actually doing it the right way - and what should be your way, my way, and the only way.  There's fast food.  Then there's Foodswings.

Foodswings is a Vegan Fast Food restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY that wows all who venture inside for a bite with its delectable, delicious fast food fare.  It features salads, wraps, drumsticks, burgers, hot/cold sandwiches, milkshakes and floats, and plenty of other appetizers and sides (or "Good Random Shite!" as they call it).  What's great about Foodswings is that it doesn't pretend to be fast food - it is!  But not the fast food of the established animal-based Western diet.  No, no, no.  This fast food has absolutely no cholesterol and not a single animal was killed to make it.  And (ready for this?) it tastes So. Much. Better*.  (*This is a proven fact.  Because I grew up on McDonalds and Burger King and Taco Bell, etc., and I think Foodswings is better.)

The combination of the fast food, diner, and cafe vibe along with comfort food made with so much love - and fried sooooo good - gets you a world-class fast food experience (which is not something you'd usually say for a fast food outing, am I right?).

Lindsay, myself, and our friends Joe and Molly took a field trip to Foodswings last week, expecting a great meal and leaving with our expectations exceeded.  Like little kids in a candy shop, we went through the menu and ordered as much as we could.  Here are a few of my favorite things: Nachos, Mozzarella Stix, Potato Skins, Buffalo/BBQ/Sweet Southern Fried BBQ Drumsticks, Mac n Cheese, Disco Fries (smothered in cheese and gravy), "Fish"-N-Chips, Milkshakes (Pistachio Cookie Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, and Cookies & Cream, to be exact), and...... drumroll please.....the Vegan Double Down (or Vegan Handwich, wrapped just like the "other" fast food sandwich by a similar name).  And just as a reminder, no cholesterol in or animals killed for this amazing feast. 

A little scared at first to try the Vegan alternative to the hideous KFC Double Down, we were pleasantly surprised to discover an incredibly tasty sandwich.  The Mozzarella Stix were a big hit, as was the variety of drumsticks they had to offer.  I got very nostalgic of my high school and college years with good ol' fashioned Disco Fries - definitely took it up a notch from those Upper East Side diners at 4 am.  Mini fakin' bacon bits in the Daiya cheddar cheese-soaked Potato Skins hit the spot, and, let me tell you, the milkshakes they have... WOW.  They sure do rival any shake I've had in the past.  Good riddance, DEE-licious.

A lot of people are scared of or skeptical of vegan food because it is not what they are used to.  Whether they think about it (I mean, really think about it) or not, when someone eats chicken or pork or beef, that person is eating a chicken or a pig or a cow.  It is what it is, and, unfortunately, it is what most people are used to.  However, many plant-based restaurants have found an amazing way to create tastes that are incredibly similar to foods that popularize our Western diet.  Using soy protein, wheat, vegetables, nuts, and grains, it's possible to eat these foods without the adverse health and environmental effects, and without harming any animals.

I mean, how amazing is that?!?!  If you ask people who consume a standard Western diet why they eat meat and dairy, most of them wouldn't say because they like killing and eating chickens and pigs and taking milk from cows.  It's just what has become the standard for food - it tastes good, and it's there for people to eat. Wouldn't you say you've hit the jackpot when you can enjoy the tastes you love without harming a single soul?  That's good food.  And when it comes fast, it's Foodswings. 

Let's get back to the feast.  We ate almost all of the food (we could have used one more person), and left completely satisfied (the good kind of full).  We licked our fingers clean, we slurped the last of our milkshakes through our straws.  We definitely plan on going back there, and I highly recommend all of you try it at some point, fast food junkie or not (check out this article to learn more).  I look forward to the day when there's a national chain of Foodswings, or at least another like it promoting convenience and compassion. Hey, maybe the sign could even read "OVER 99 BILLION ANIMALS SAVED." Now, there's food for  thought...

The video and all photographs above are taken by Lindsay and Steve at Foodswings. Special thanks to Molly Glenn and Joseph Naples for their video cameos. To learn more about Foodswings, visit www.foodswings.net.

My Ninety-Five

Earlier this month, I featured an amazing new book on the blog titled Ninety-Five: Meeting America's Farmed Animals in Stories, the latest literary project by No Voice Unheard. After doing a review of Ninety-Five, as well as an interview with No Voice Unheard co-founder Marilee Geyer, I announced a giveaway of two free copies of the book to KMIV readers who submitted a short story with the title:

"MY NINETY-FIVE: 

HOW I INSPIRE OTHERS TO GO VEG"

(Ninety-Five happens to be the number of animals saved yearly by one person's vegan lifestyle. Powerful stuff, people!)

Below, I've shared both winners' beautiful stories of how they inspire others to go veg. I just know they will charm and amaze you as much as they have me. Rock on!
 

My Ninety-Five: 

How I Inspire Others to Go Veg 

By Megan Wagner, Germantown, WI 

When I first became a vegan I was what I call a “closet vegan”.  I actually used to pray that people wouldn’t offer me meat because I knew that after I would politely decline they would follow up with, “What are you a vegetarian or something?”  It happens every time.  And I didn’t want them to ask that question because I wasn’t ready to announce my veganism to a world of carnivores that would, in my mind, tear my beliefs apart.  I didn’t want to be looked upon any differently or deemed weird or strange.  I didn’t want to start any controversy or answer a million questions.  I just wanted to eat my veggies and be left alone. 

The more I learned about factory farming the more I wanted to get out there and do something to put an end to this madness!  It was during this time that I started to realize that my fear of being deemed weird was keeping people from knowing the truth about the horrors of the agriculture business.  By keeping my veganism to myself I was indirectly contributing to animal suffering.  I had to come out of my vegan closet.  I had to share with the world all the knowledge that I’ve accumulated over the past few months.  I wanted to shout from hilltops and hire a plane to write in the sky.  But of course I didn’t do those things.  Instead I took my knowledge to the web.  A few weeks later I had my very own website up and running.  My website is filled with information about veganism including the benefits a vegan diet provides to the animals, our environment, and our own health, simple ways to make the switch to a vegan lifestyle, and the truth about factory farming, transportation, and slaughter.  I also started a blog where I write about animal advocacy, current news, and share vegan recipes.  What better way to reach out to people than the internet?  My sites may not get as many visitors as I’d like, but if I can inform one person and maybe even get them to change their lifestyle, then the time and effort I spend blogging or updating my website is well worth it.  I genuinely believe that most people are compassionate beings and that if they only knew what these poor innocent animals endure for our selfishness they would change their ways.  I believe that I inspire others to go vegan by sharing with them the most important tool: information.  Because as we all know, knowledge is power. 

To check out Megan's blog, you can visit  www.wisconsinvegan.wordpress.com.

MY NINETY-FIVE:  
How I Inspire Others to Go Veg
By Amanda Day, New York, NY 

Growing up, I always had a desire to go veg simply because I liked animals.  So, on and off as a child and then as an adolescent, I “went” vegetarian.  It wasn’t until two and a half years ago when I finally took the time to research animal rights and animal welfare issues that I was able to go vegan completely.  The availability of information is what influenced and transitioned my “fad” decision into a committed decision.  

I now try to inspire others to go veg by providing them with information. I find the best way to inspire others is to first understand what they care about. Not everyone is an animal lover, but maybe they still believe that all living creatures deserve lives free from suffering.  In this case, I recommend Peter Singer’s book, Animal Liberation.  For all the eco individuals, John Robbins’ books or The Omnivore's Dilemma are good suggestions. There are also the people striving to be healthier.  I direct them to the articles found in reputable newspapers and on websites that state vegetarians eating a varied diet are healthier than their animal-eating friends.  When sharing information, I try hard not to preach, as it’s important for people to process material at their own comfort level.

Besides sharing information, I inspire others by what I do best - cook! People often ask me, “What do you eat?”.  Growing up in a "meat and potatoes" family, I too wondered about this until I became enthralled with Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern foods, to name just a few of my ethnic favorites.  Spices are key and have been for countless numbers of other cultures for centuries.  Sure, a simple salad or pasta dish can be delicious, but sometimes people just crave more.  I cook for family and friends, and all are pleasantly surprised at just how good vegan food tastes.  Not only do I share new recipes from all the wonderful veg-friendly cookbooks on my shelf, but I also turn classic favorites like macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, and even chicken soup vegan using alternative products.

Sharing information and cooking are the primary ways I inspire other to go veg, but there is one other way, too.  I’m healthy - along with my husband and both dogs!  Cholesterol is LOW! Weight has dropped! People who know us well know that we eat a variety of plant-based foods, exercise, and feel good about our decision. Going vegan is a life-altering decision that has changed how we shop, what we consume, which products and companies we support or boycott, and where we socialize, since outings are typically centered around food.  It took us some time, but we’ve figured out what works for us, and I’m hopeful other people will too with time.  Every bit people do - even going veg just one day a week to start - saves animals.

I think that inspiring others through education without being bossy is key for the go veg movement to be sustainable.  That’s why I also tell people about wonderful sanctuaries like Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and Farm Sanctuary (NY and CA). Other groups, such as Mercy for Animals and PETA, also do a wonderful job at communicating the need to stand up for animals.  All of these organizations present facts that can’t be argued with - that’s why they leave such an impression on people. 

One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Meade:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

I truly believe this statement to be true, because just over the past twenty years, animal rights groups starting off small in size have accomplished so much and raised awareness on a global scale.  Just walking through the supermarket, it’s clear that change is happening - maybe not as quickly as some of us would like, but nonetheless, progress is being made, and animals' lives are being saved.  It’s all worthwhile, which is why I'll continue telling people how being vegan is great and easy and urging people to write representatives to ban cruelty and impose harsher consequences for those people who violate animals' rights.

Many thanks to Megan and Amanda for their honest, heartfelt stories.

HAVE A STORY ABOUT YOUR VEGGIE LIFESTYLE TO SHARE? 

Lindsay is currently seeking submissions for her upcoming book! To learn more, click here!

Icarus.

I'll be featuring the winners of my latest giveaway in a few days, but for now, I wanted to share with you all a story about my weekend. 

I had a really wonderful Father's Day. Dad came in from Jersey, and I took him and some of my family out to one of my favorite places in Brooklyn - Dao Palate (the yummiest vegan restaurant in my hood). After dining, we set out to peruse the local fair in Park Slope that filled the streets that day, and, despite the heat, we had a fun time looking at handmade necklaces, linens, photographs, and other items for sale.

As we were all crossing to head back to my step-mom's car, I noticed something in the middle of the street  - a small pigeon, struggling to move, helpless against the cars coming her way. It didn't take me longer than a moment's time to run over to the bird, scoop her up in my arms, and bring her to the side of the street. It was clear that this poor bird was in shock - as she tried to flap out of my arms, my dad suggested I lay her down on the ground to see if she could fly. And fly she did - until her legs failed her, and she came crashing back down onto the ground. She didn't leave my arms after that. 

We all loaded up into the car, the little pigeon carefully wrapped up in one of my husband's shirts. Steve loves to name animals - we are the proud caretakers of Rini and Guster, two of our three kitties, because of Steve's unique name-giving abilities - so it was no surprise that he didn't hesitate to name our suffering friend, whom he endearingly called Icarus (Icarus is the boy in Greek mythology who flew too closely to the sun, which melted his wings away.). Despite my protest that this pigeon was very much a girl (I didn't actually know for sure, but moments of panic do strange things to a person), we decided to keep the name Icarus. As I held little Icarus closely too me, I felt dread that we wouldn't arrive at my apartment in time, where I was planning to make a soft bed for her outside in the backyard. We had already exhausted the option of taking her to a vet - when Steve called the local animal hospital, we were sadly informed that Brooklyn does not care for its wounded or sick pigeons.

This isn't surprising to me. I think I am one of the rare people in Brooklyn who has an affinity for pigeons. I happen to also have a soft spot for rats (and even cockroaches, on my best of days - don't judge me!). Why? Because these are the beings that most people have no regard for. These are the beings most people walk hurriedly by as if they are an inconvenience, at best.  These are the beings that should matter, but don't in the eyes of most people. Which, of course, makes me want to love them more. 

A very friendly pigeon I secretly fed last month. 

(In New York, there is a $1000 fine for feeding pigeons.)

On the day I chose to live vegan, I decided then and there to start living in the least cruel way I possibly could. I made a vow to start caring about where I was stepping (both literally and figuratively) in life, and more importantly, I decided that each step I'd take would be as careful and compassionate as possible. This includes making room for the occasional line of ants on the street, or allowing the spider in my bathroom to find its way into my tupperware jar, so that I can release it gently back outside.  There also happens to be an all-inclusive "pigeon loving" policy in my new lifestyle.

Recently I discovered a beautiful documentary called "Pigeons in the City," which I highly recommend checking out. If for nothing else, watch this film to learn more about a bird who is often given little positive attention.

  

Icarus was not doing well - her little heart was beating right out of her chest as she lay in my arms while we drove quickly home. It was also becoming more and more evident how severe her injuries actually were. Through everything, what amazed me most was that this little pigeon let me carry her and hold her the entire ride to my apartment. Once we got inside, I walked quickly to my bedroom, and Steve helped me open the window to the backyard. I sat down, fluffed a spare blanket from our closet, and set it out for her. As I placed Icarus onto the blanket outside, something began to happen. Little Icarus began to shake uncontrollably, and, within seconds, her head sank down, and the life from her eyes left her. She was gone. 

I spent the rest of the day guiltily backtracking my steps - Did I squeeze her too tightly when I held her? Why did I let her try to fly? Steve ultimately helped me to see that no matter what led Icarus to her end, I gave this little bird peace in her last few moments. I showed her love in a situation where many people would have chosen to ignore her. I cared.

So often in life, we busily and carelessly walk from one destination to the other, totally unaware of the world around us. I know I can be thoughtless during parts of my day, especially in the moments I'm least enjoying. But on Sunday, thankfully, I was paying attention. Because of Icarus, I will try to pay even more attention.

To learn more about the plight of our urban animal friends, please visit: www.urbanwildlifesociety.org.

Interview Series #13: Rory Freedman!

Like a kid at 6AM on Christmas, I am an excited, glowing, and blissfully restless vegan blogger this morning, because today, I get to share with you my interview with Rory Freedman! I can't believe the day is finally here!

Unless you have been avoiding all forms of technology for the past several years, you know Rory Freedman. She's the rockin' vegan activist who, along with friend Kim Barnouin, took the world by storm with her 2005 New York Times Bestseller Skinny Bitch. For many of us, reading Skinny Bitch was either the stepping stone toward going vegan or a milestone that reaffirmed our already vegan lifestyle (my experience being the latter).

Not only does Rory rock at writing hip, in your face vegan manifestos - such as Skinny Bitch, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch,  Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven (for you moms or moms-to-be out there), and Skinny Bastard (a kick-butt version of Skinny Bitch for boys) - but she also is a killer guest blogger on Crazy Sexy Life and a regular contributor to VegNews magazine, just to name a few publications. The coolest part about Rory is that her background includes having been an agent at Ford Models, which means that she is not only equipped to help us all look fabulous, but, combined with her decade-long study of holistic nutrition and diet, she can help us all feel fabulous on the inside as well.

Basically, she's a vegan jill-of-all-trades, and if you haven't brought Rory into your life yet, you need to right now!

One thing to note - I know the questions I pose to Rory, and to each of my past interviewees, can seem repetitive. They are totally meant to be that way. It is my hope with this interview series that you, my faithful readers, will have a chance to see how many different paths a person can take and how many varying experiences someone can have in reaching a vegan lifestyle. Each person I've interviewed in the past has had completely different moments in their lives that solidified their core values for them, as well as benefits and obstacles they've come across during their vegan journey - and it all goes to show that no one way is a wrong way if it leads you to go veg. 

Rory is a perfect example of how a few key moments in life can inspire someone to become an integral force in the vegan movement. Rory took something that meant a lot to her - the  abuse of farm animals, our health, and our environment - and spun it into a series of empowering books that give woman and men the information necessary to create positive change in their lives. Today is a great day for Kiss Me, I'm Vegan!, because it is a day shared with Rory.

Kiss Me, I'm Vegan: What was the turning point in your life that led you to veganism? Was it one huge moment, or a collective group of small moments that changed you?  

Rory: It was two biggies. The first one came in college when I got a PETA magazine in the mail. I had never heard of factory farms, and I had never seen photographs of slaughterhouses. Reading that article and seeing those pictures, I was inconsolable. Up until that moment, I was calling myself an “animal lover,” yet eating meat at every single meal. But in that instant, I vowed to never eat another animal again. I became a vegetarian. 

About ten years later, I was at a Farm Sanctuary event, and they showed video footage taken from a dairy farm. These poor cows had udders so grossly engorged, they were literally dragging on the ground. The animals were also sick and injured and were stumbling, swaying, and falling. It was gut-wrenching. I knew I could never again justify eating a piece of cheese.  

KMIV: What have been the greatest rewards of your vegan lifestyle? What have been the greatest challenges? 

Rory: Without question, the greatest reward of being vegan is knowing I’m not contributing to the confinement, exploitation, torture, and slaughter of any animals. It was my greatest motivator then, and it continues to be my greatest motivator now, sixteen years later. But I’m grateful that my vegan diet has also made me feel healthier and happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life. Veganism taught me a connection with food that did not exist before. (I used to eat Burger King seven days a week! Blech!!!) It also got me on the path to caring about being a better person, being eco-conscious. and being the type of person who believes in making a difference in the world. It has completely shaped the person I’ve become and the one I’m continually trying to be.  

As far as challenges go, being vegan is really easy once you get the hang of it. At first, I struggled with finding food I liked and with kicking my meat and cheese addictions. But now, with all the great foods available, it’s a total breeze.  

KMIV: You've created a vegan revolution with the release of your and Kim Barnouin's amazing books, Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bastard. What inspired you to originally write Skinny Bitch? 

Rory: The suffering of animals is what inspired me to write Skinny Bitch. I knew that most people just have no idea what goes on in factory farms and slaughterhouses. But I also knew that if they knew those horrors, and they knew how unhealthy animal products are and how bad the production of these products are for the planet, they’d be motivated to get their veg on.  I felt strongly that most people are animal lovers, and, if given the education, they’d make better choices.  

KMIV: What advice would you give someone who is interested in veganism, but afraid of taking the leap?    

Rory: A great way to kickstart things is to take a thirty-day veg pledge. Pick a date in the near future, and commit to trying one month as a vegetarian. Plan meals in advance. Find fun, new recipes. Recruit friends or family members to try it with you. Visit GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit. 

If you’re already veg, try a month-long pledge to veganism. Whatever you do, make it fun and exciting. It’s just a month. No reason to get all freaked out.

KMIV: My thoughts exactly! Okay -  you're stuck on a deserted island with three vegan food items - what are they? 

Oh, these kinds of questions torture me. Assuming the island already has fresh tropical fruit, I’ll keep it simple and say: brown rice, beans, and broccoli. That’s for Healthy Rory. PMS Rory would want the V-Burger with Daiya (from the Veggie Grill in LA), mashed potatoes, and some sort of vegan hot fudge sundae.

 And now for everyone's favorite part - the recipes!

This particular recipe is taken from Rory's 2007 cookbook, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, which is a book filled with comforting, yummy dishes that will make anybody's first few months as a vegan a delicious, fun, and easy process.

If the recipe below doesn't hit your comfort spot, I don't know what will! I would suggest using Daiya cheese if you can find it near you, and if you don't have access to vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast should do the trick. Make sure all vegan dairy alternatives are casein-free!

Macaroni and Four Cheeses

from Skinny Bitch in the Kitch

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil, melted, or safflower oil, plus more for the casserole dish

• About 2 tablespoons fine sea salt

• 1 pound whole-wheat or brown rice elbow macaroni

• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash

• 2 cups soy or rice milk

• 4 ounces vegan Cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 ounces vegan Jack cheese, shredded

• 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) vegan cream cheese

• 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered mustard

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs

• 2 tablespoons vegan Parmesan cheese 

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Oil a 2-quart casserole dish; set aside.

In a 4- to 6-quart stockpot over high heat, combine 3 quarts of water with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the salt. Bring the water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the squash and milk, stirring and breaking up the squash with a spoon until the squash is defrosted. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Cheddar, Jack, cream cheese, mustard, cayenne, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of salt.

When the pasta is done, drain it, then return the pasta to the pot. Stir the cheese sauce into the macaroni. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking pan.

In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and the 1 tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.

For more recipes, check out: http://www.skinnybitch.net/recipes.html.

Recipe Source: The Today Show website, Jan. 9, 2008. 

Photo credits include: Rory in green (Crazysexylife.com), Rory at a Farm Sanctuary Gala (Ecorazzi.com), Rory with rescued lamb (Animal Acres), and Rory in black (Girlygirlarmy.com).

Special thanks to Rory for this interview. To learn more about Rory and the Skinny Bitch dynasty, please visit www.skinnybitch.net.

Reasons to Smile - WFAS June Jamboree Edition

Before I share with you the amazing weekend that was the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary's June Jamboree, I want to remind all of you -

IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE IN THE RUNNING TO WIN A FREE COPY OF NINETY-FIVE (BY NO VOICE UNHEARD), PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO!

I've extended the deadline to Monday, June 21st, so you have a whole week to come up with your short story! Get crackin', folks!

Okay - now for some very big reasons to smile. 

This past Saturday, I spent a few hours at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary with my family celebrating WFAS's annual June Jamboree celebration.  There was delicious food, great people, and the animals were in their full glory. All in all, it was a day I will never - ever - forget. Read on and enjoy today's very special reasons to smile...

 

 1. Delicious, cruelty-free Jamboree food courtesy of The Regal Vegan.

 

  2. Watching Elvis the steer dance to live music (no surprise that of all cows, Elvis felt the need to dance!).

3. Getting kisses from Fern, being tapped on the leg for affection by Jasper, and then having a good snuggle with Albie.

5. Hearing awesome live musical performances while a very interested turkey watched on.

5. Spending some quality time petting a very sweet hen. 

6. A warm, happy day filled with love and compassion, despite the rain.

7. A wonderful dinner with my family at The Garden Cafe after the Jamboree - so yummy!

8. My meat-eating dad adopting Cromwell the pig and deciding to stop eating pigs in honor of him.

9. The smile on WFAS co-founder Jenny Brown's face when my step-mom and mom told her how much her speech at Rock It Out changed their diets - my step-mom no longer eats meat and my mom is completely vegan. Go Jenny! 

(For those who may not know, Rock It Out was a WFAS and Farm Sanctuary fundraiser I organized and produced back in March.)
 

10. A very loving turkey hopping on Steve's lap to show his affection (check out the video below to watch what happened after he hopped off...).

11. The video I made of my experience at the Jamboree:

12. The quote Steve found in a little Woodstock store we visited after the Jamboree:

Special thanks to Jenny Brown, Doug Abel, and all of the amazing employees and volunteers who made the June Jamboree at WFAS possible. To learn more about Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.woodstocksanctuary.org.

Loads and Loads of KMIV News!

Why hello there, awesome blog supporters,

First of all -- Happy Friday! We made it folks!

I don't know what your plans are for the weekend, but mine involve partying it up at the June Jamboree at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, and I cannot wait one bit for the fun to begin!
 

Photo courtesy of www.woodstocksanctuary.org.

I am super stoked to share some great blog news:

KMIV currently has a big feature on an amazing website called LeaveItBetter.com, which includes a video and interview with me, footage of my Memorial Day Vegan BBQ, and:

LeaveItBetter filmmaker Annie Feld's post about KMIV! - check it out here!

A guest post by yours truly on LeaveItBetter called "The Vegan Triad, or How I Learned to Become a Superhero" - check it out here!

And now for some truly exciting stuff:

Kiss Me, I'm Vegan! has expanded! 

I don't know if you've noticed, but there have been some major additions to the side of the blog. Let me give you a little tour...

On the right-hand side at the top of the blog, you'll find a little section called "SEARCH THIS WEBSITE". There'll you'll find links to various KMIV pages of importance, including:
 

• THE BLOG
• MY VEGAN STORY
• MY THREE STEPS FOR GOING VEGAN
• FEATURED WEEKLY QUESTION
• LATEST GIVEAWAY
• UNTITLED BOOK PROJECT - SEEKING SUBMISSIONS
• CONTACT ME    
  

Here's a breakdown of each page:

THE BLOG - The homepage for Kiss Me, I'm Vegan!.  

MY VEGAN STORY - Here you can find out about how I originally went vegan and how that led me to create the blog. 

MY THREE STEPS FOR GOING VEGAN - A simple, three-step plan for easing veganism into your life.

FEATURED WEEKLY QUESTION - I answer YOUR weekly questions about all things vegan. Have a question you'd like to submit? Visit this page to learn more!

LATEST GIVEAWAY - After an interview or special post, I will put details here for my latest Giveaway Contest.  ** Interested in learning how to win one of the TWO FREE COPIES of Ninety-Five? Check this page out to learn more! **

UNTITLED BOOK PROJECT - SEEKING SUBMISSIONS - I am currently working on a book about the positive aspects of a vegan lifestyle, and I'm looking for story submissions! Check out the page for more info.

CONTACT ME - Have a question? Comment? A vegan product or company to share with me? Find my contact info on this page. 

I've also added a donation link to the side of the blog, because: I love to bring you the latest news and stories about individuals who inspire the vegan community, and with your help, I can keep expanding to be able to bring you even more of what you love, including:

- MORE INTERVIEWS!
- VIDEOS!
- A WEEKLY EMAIL SHOUT-OUT!
- PODCASTS!
- AND SO MUCH MORE! 

No gift is too small, and thank you in advance for your support!

ALSO: Wedged in between everything is a link to the Kiss Me, I'm Vegan store! Here, you can buy shirts, chef's aprons, and tote bags featuring the KMIV logo and web link - check it out here!

Finally, possibly the most exciting KMIV news to date: 

Next week, I will be featuring an interview with Rory Freedman of Skinny Bitch and Skinny Bastard fame!  

Bottom Line: Lots going on, lots to do, and lots more KMIV to love! Thank you for making Kiss Me, I'm Vegan! a part of your lives, and a loving, restful weekend to you and yours!

Love and support,

Lindsay, your faithful vegan blogger 

Photo of Rory Freedman courtesy of www.crazysexylife.com.

Interview Series #12: Annie and Dan Shannon of The Betty Crocker Project!

The duo I'm about to introduce is who I wish had been featured in the film Julie and Julia.

Well, had that been the case, the title of the 2009 film starring Meryl Streep would have read more like: Betty and Annie... and Dan.

Annie and Dan Shannon, otherwise known in cyberspace as "The Shannons", are creators of The Betty Crocker Project, a refreshing and inspired take on the trials and tests of Julie Powell's own year-long project tackling the work of cookbook legend Julia Child. Instead of taking 365 days to master the recipes of an icon, they are taking all the time they need. Instead of Julia Child, the subject of interest is Betty Crocker, an American classic. And instead of killing animals to reach a culinary deadline, the Shannons have opted to take a non-traditional route by completely - and humanely - veganizing every single recipe in the Betty Crocker Cookbook. 

As Annie states in her description of how the project was started: 

" I recently saw the movie Julie & Julia... I was charmed at first. I mean here was a devoted vintage-clothing-wearing amateur foodie - who wore pearls in the kitchen (one of my own personal dreams - though my dream pearls would be fake ). I admit I was charmed by finding someone so like myself in so many ways. . .  but as you can imagine - she lost me at the Lobster Killer scene. . . and I never really bounced back. See, the Lobster Killer scene planted a little seed in my brain. I kept waiting for her to have a change of heart and save them . . . but she never did. . . and that is just not okay. THERE NEEDS TO BE A HUMANE ALTERNATIVE TO LOBSTER KILLER." 

With humor, candor, and excitement in their hearts, Annie and her husband Dan have set out to prove what dedicated and enthusiastic foodies vegans really can be. And if the pictures of their veganized Betty Crocker recipes are any indication, The Shannons have also set out to prove that vegan food can be delicious, satisfying, and shall I say, traditional? I shall, and I will!

You better check out their website now before they become big cookbook stars, folks.  Without further adieu, please welcome, Annie and Dan Shannon! 

Kiss Me, I'm Vegan: What was the turning point in your lives that led you both to veganism? Was it one huge moment, or a collective group of small moments that changed you? 

Annie: My mom is Sicilian - like super cliche food-equals-love Sicilian - and she raised us kids to really take pride in eating good food. "You are what you eat" was a way of life in our house. But even as Sicilian as she is, she never allowed any of us to eat veal, because it was "just mean to eat babies." Years later, I was skateboarding on a college campus, and some random guy was talking about veal calves and being vegan. I chimed in what little I knew and validated his thoughts on the numerous evils that are the veal industry. That's when he pointed out that if I was eating cheese, I was still supporting systematic cruelty. It took about three hours of learning about factory farms and laboratories to change my life. Not really understanding exactly what I was getting into, but armed with an adamant hatred of bullies and a stubbornness that can really only be genetic and inherited from Sicilians, I went vegan that day. My destiny was sealed - I became an animal rights activist.  

Dan: Funny story actually... In high school I was aware of veganism from some bands I listened to, and it made sense to me and seemed like a good thing to do for the world. I just hadn't pulled the trigger on it yet. One day, randomly, this guy on the track team with me gave me an "organic" sticker from a piece of fruit or something (not a super-common thing in 1995), and I stuck it on my locker in the varsity locker room. This apparently ticked off one of the dudes on the football team, who proceeded to write "VEGETARIAN F&$%!T" in big letters on my locker. I have to admit that was what pushed me over the edge to becoming vegetarian. I figured if I could save animals and the planet and piss off the guys on the football team at the same time, I was really on to something here.   

KMIV: What have been the greatest rewards of your vegan lifestyle? What have been the greatest challenges?   

Annie: This is an easy one... meeting Dan. We met about six years ago (Is it bad we keep going back and forth about how long we have known each other? Today we have agreed on six, but I think it might be more like eight...) doing campaign work in the animal rights movement, and we just clicked. We loved experimental food, comic books, and he would let me beat him at video games on a regular basis. I should have known that the love of my life and best friend would be as passionate as I am about sticking up for those who can't stick up for themselves. He really is my very favorite person ever. 

I also like thinking about the thousands of animals who weren't eaten over the years because I refused to eat them, and the money that never went to those heartless jerks that profit from their exploitation, because my money went to vegan products. Every time I think about all the money Tyson chicken will never see, I smile - every time.  

The greatest challenge? I guess I would say dealing with the disappointment when a company decides to add an animal-sourced ingredient to a product that was vegan. It kinda breaks my heart a little, like I was betrayed by a friend.

Dan: Okay, so now that Annie said me, I HAVE to say her. But it’s true, because it was. We never would have met if it wasn't for us both being involved in the AR movement, and she's brought so much joy into my life over the years. And obviously lots of good food. I honestly can't think of a lot of challenges. Aside from marrying Annie, going vegan has been the single best thing I ever did in my entire life. It's been pretty smooth sailing. I guess coping with the fact that I do have a few life-long friends, who I love and respect, who just haven't come around on the vegan thing yet. It's hard to understand sometimes.   

KMIV: What inspired you to create the Better Crocker Project? What kind of influence are you hoping to have with this project?  

Annie: The Betty Crocker brand has a well deserved reputation as being the very best at teaching American amateur chefs how to use products and ingredients to their full potential. When we were putting together this project, we really wanted to help people see how easy it is to be vegan, and that you really can make anything vegan once you know the tricks. I do have to admit that the little girl in me who still worships Laverne & Shirley is enchanted by everything Betty. This project not only encourages me to make some outrageous casseroles and use all these crazy kitchen gadgets, but also gives me an opportunity to share with other people how easy this lifestyle can be. 

Dan: Mostly I just like to eat a lot.

KMIV: I love your simplicity, Dan. Alright, what advice would you give someone who is interested in veganism, but afraid of taking the leap?    

  

Annie: I think it is all about doing the best you can when you can. We make choices everyday. What should I have for lunch? What kind of dish soap should I get? If you just try to make kind choices whenever you can - you are making a difference. We live in a consumer-based society and we "vote" everyday with our purchases. I think a lot of people would also be surprised how easy it really is and how often they already are eating vegan and making cruelty-free choices.   

Dan: Try it out one day a week. See how that goes, experiment with some foods you like, and find a couple of vegan things you enjoy eating. Then bump it up to two days a week. Etc. Sometimes you gotta ease into things, and that's okay. 

KMIV: Okay -  you're stuck on a deserted island with three vegan food items - what are they?   

Annie: Jars and jars of olives, garlic bread, and artichokes... What? I told you I'm REALLY Italian. 

Dan: Falafel, french fries, and coffee. I know coffee isn't a "food" per se... but if I can't have coffee, my third item is hemlock for self-termination. 

The food photos above are courtesy of Annie and Dan Shannon. They include The Shannon's veganized versions of Betty Crocker's Caramel Sticky Rolls and "Beef" and Artichoke Pasta.

A yummy round of thanks to Annie and Dan Shannon for taking time out to do this delicious interview. To follow the Shannons' culinary adventures, please visit www.meettheshannons.net.

P.S. --> Don't think I forgot about the super special giveaway contest I'll be holding for two FREE copies of No Voice Unheard's new book Ninety-Five! I'll be announcing this, as well as a bunch of other awesome KMIV blog news, on Friday!