Life with Chere Michelle

Inspirational Rambles by one Veggie girl trying to live happy & healthy.

Things I’m Excited About #13

Jan 26

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

Icicles at Peppercorn Park, Gold River BC

It’s been a long time since my last post, or so it feels anyway! My Guy and I went away last weekend to visit my Folks for a little visit. I guess we should have paid closer attention to the weather forecasts instead of thinking “Oh it will pass…” The visit was great; we even made it out on a snowy walk down to Peppercorn Park where I spent countless hours of childhood sunning on the rocks and swimming in crystal clear waters. What greeted us this time was a Winter Wonderland. Icicles hung from the cliffs, the huge rocks that seem so hard to walk over on First Beach in the warmer months were covered in a carpet of soft snow. We had no trouble moving fast across them…to the waters edge. Not yet frozen and still as clear as I remember.

It wasn’t until the drive home, in a snowstorm, 22 km out of the nearest town where there is NO cell service did we decide to get in a little ‘accident.’ The rest is as you can imagine. Standing in the driving wind and snow, our car completely vertical down an embankment and our only hope in help is dependant on the kindness of strangers. Without cell service we needed a Good Samaritan to call a tow truck for us once they reached a phone…

And then the ferries back to mainland were cancelled…so an impromptu night at the Ramada in Nanaimo was where we spent the night.

Bottom line? We are both fine, damage to car is minimal we think and My Guy said to me at the time, “There’s nobody else I would rather be stranded with.”

So what cool things have I found this week that I’m either excited about or just has my interested piqued? Read on my friends!

I’m not sure I believe this article entitled, “Girl Eats Nothing But Chicken McNuggets for 15 years“. I first read about it earlier today on my iPhone and thought it was pure crap, and wanted to research it more when I got home. I’ve read the article again and some parts just don’t ‘click’. I’m wondering first off, why this girl isn’t overweight? Also secondly, why is her skin so good? She LOOKS happy and healthy. I’m sure the article is grossly exaggerated; maybe she just really likes them and ate them frequently. It just brings to mind though how fast food is EVERYWHERE and the earlier we teach our young people about moderation and what to consume to fuel their body properly, then think of how that would decrease diseases like diabetes and heart attacks. We love to eat in our house and I can’t personally imagine why anyone would want McDonalds food over My Guy’s stir fry, or my amazing baked Mac & Cheese with buttered cracker crumb topping.

Now something I’m truly excited about is Fairy Cakes WILL be opening next month here in Vancouver. It’s been delayed and set back due to some unforeseen problems arising with the building location….but the company has recently posted that they are opening! The website isn’t up and running yet but keep checking or keep reading my blog for more details. I’ve been lucky enough to try these cupcakes several times and I’ve never been disappointed, well except for the fact one isn’t ever enough. I always want more. Dairy free, egg free, organic, nut free and peanut free are just some of the reasons to get excited about Fairy Cakes. Store front opening soon at 3586 Fraser St or call 604-442-YUMM (9866) for more info!! Can’t wait till next month? Go to Nice Shoes (3568 Fraser St) on January 29th from 12:30-4 pm to check out the cities coolest selection of Vegan footwear and try a Fairy Cake! What else you doing this weekend anyway?

Avon was recently caught in a little lie. Uncaged, one the leading experts in animal experimentation in the UK, got the company to finally retract the statement on their site and advertising claiming they don’t test on animals. In fact Avon has made NO secret they do toxicity testing on animals but maybe they figured having that claim there for all to see would ease their conscience? Or sell more product?

I’m sure there is more stuff to tell you all, but this will have to do for now! Stay tuned…

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Heard of Co-Housing and Ecovillages?

Jan 19

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

Heard the term ‘ecovillage‘? I heard about the Yarrow Ecovillage the other morning on CBC and practically drove off the road because the concept seemed so “right”. It truly is neighbors helping neighbors in the wildest, most community-oriented way it could be. This community shares the cooking, helps with each others child care issues, grows organic food…the list goes on. I would love to jump on board something like this but realistically, living way out in the Fraser Valley doesn’t appeal to me. I have a feeling this form of social housing will take off however because lets face it, times are hard right now. We’re all struggling and we all know the value a great neighbor or friend can have…and what better place to live than amongst other community minded folks who are all on the same page?

While researching this topic I found another amazing ecovillage on my old stomping grounds of Vancouver Island! This one could possibly lose their land…please check out the link for more information. Brilliant concept.

If this style of living appeals to your core values take a look at the links below:

Ecovillage Network of Canada

Global Ecovillage Network

Fellowship for Intentional Community

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Where To Begin?

Jan 18

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

Wow.  In reality, we’ve only been without internet in our home for just under 3 weeks, but it felt like MONTHS. Thankfully I’m able to access online through my iPhone, but I don’t want to be writing extensive blog posts on that tiny thing. I would if I absolutely had to of course…but I knew the end was in sight. Tonight we came back online although I’ll admit it was touch-and-go for a while there all thanks to my lovely internet provider. It begin with my using their Smart Move system online that lets you fill in your current address and your new address, move date etc for a “smooth hook up of all your cable services.” After waiting on hold for over 20 minutes a few separate times, I decided sure I’ll try this. I submitted my info and loved how quick and convenient it seemed. Then I got busy with life, Christmas and The Move and realized a week or so later, I never received any form of confirmation! So I find myself again on hold…I finally get through and am told nothing was ever received…and they’re sorry but the earliest time for an appointment is Jan 16th. This was sometime around Jan 2 or so when I called.

Of course I slightly freaked and panicked, thinking ‘will we make it 2 weeks??’ We had to. We didn’t have a choice. We waited and we DID make it; we survived. January 16th comes and I leave work 20 minutes early so I can be here for the appointment time of ‘sometime’ between 4-6 pm. Long story short, no Technician arrived. I called this company 2 times and both times told yes, a Tech should be there soon…nobody arrived…I went to bed pissed off at corporate business around 10 pm. I guess when a large company has a service we all need, they can grab us by the balls and twist…not caring if they are late or don’t provide what they say we will. They know we’ll wait…

Bottom line is I had to call the following day to find out the appointment for the 16th was NEVER properly set up…I, the customer, had to again wait until a convenient time for the company, to come out to me. Funny thing is, I tweeted about this experience last night and would you believe @shawhelp got back to me in less THAN 1 HOUR? It hit home to me how much value and importance companies put in their online presence over the ‘real’ customers waiting in line (figuratively speaking). Because I complained online and publicly, they responded ASAP to try to do damage control. Not impressed.

Think twice about the service you’re getting from those companies who provide us with our basic necessities; such as hydro, cable TV, internet and electric. We’re paying them for a product and/or a service and we deserve proper treatment, respect and a guarantee on the promises and claims they make. If you’re not satisfied, speak up. If we all do this, our voice will be loud. I’m just sayin…you know? 

Now, in case you live under a rock and didn’t know, today was a day to go down in history. The largest online strike in history occurred to protest the ridiculous Internet Censorship Bills SOPA and PIPA. If you value freedom of speech online and the right for website developers, authors, bloggers etc to speak their minds, please consider signing the petition. If you’re a US citizen better yet you can write to Congress. It’s all here. Visit Fight for the Future for more info.

More to come…

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I will be back!!

Jan 8

Posted by Chere Michelle in Inner Happiness | No Comments

I just moved over the New Year weekend and we are without an internet connection! This quick post will be via the so far amazing WordPress iPhone app. I can’t imagine tapping out an entire, full size blog posting on my iPhone but it suddenly hit me that I COULD do a quick update! It should be one more week until we’re connected and I have tons to tell you all. Stay tuned and Happy New Year!
Love Chere Michelle

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Lake Tai is Back (best Veg restaurant in the Valley!)

Dec 23

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living | No Comments

I just got an email from “Tyler” and it came at just the right time, a perfect early Xmas present!! Lake Tai will be opening in January at 1958 Kirschner Road in Kelowna. More details to come as I get them!

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Things I’m Excited About #12

Dec 19

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living | No Comments

Apparently I’m long overdue in writing a new blog post…it’s true, it’s true. I admit it. I have left it a long time but it’s this time of year! The Holiday Season…I’m slightly stressed about Christmas, we’re moving this month, I was in a Cookie Exchange and lost 3 days of my life to baking. It’s been madness! Now not every little thing on this post I’m excited about, but I’m excited to TELL you about. I have to blog to get it off my chest. (I’ll be sure and let you know which ones I’m not excited about…)

There’s a new joint in town to eat at, and it’s aptly named Chomp. The full name is Chomp Vegan Eatery. Yes, you read right. A vegan restaurant has come to the Tri-Cities area of the Lower Mainland and some of us couldn’t be happier. While I am NOT a vegan, I do support the lifestyle and by being a vegetarian myself, I feel I make the best choices I can for me. I totally love the idea of indie eateries popping up that offer something just a little different and cater to a particular group. Hopefully another vegan restaurant can help dispel the myths that we non-meat eaters live on lettuce and carrot sticks. While the masses may be able to somewhat accept a vegetarian in their midst, I think that vegans still have a long way to go unfortunately to get the acceptance and understanding they deserve. I urge you to check out Chomps website, and this article in the Georgia Straight for more info. Aside from the menu, the site offers up a ton of information including awesome pics, the concept and idea behind Chomp and a little Q & A section about veganism. I personally can’t wait to try it out but will probably have to wait until after the Holidays!

Some of you may remember a post from the summer about a vegan cupcake shop opening soon in Vancouver called Fairy Cakes. While the actual storefront has been delayed due to some maintenance issues with the building, beyond the owners control…you can STILL get your cupcake fix. Don’t worry. Seriously. The Fairy Mobile will be a-fluttering around the city ready to deliver sweet-gooey goodness anywhere and everywhere. You can reach them at 604.442.YUMM (9866) or via email at fairy_cakes@live.ca. As you know I love supporting local and especially love supporting vegans and vegetarians so if you have a special occasion coming up, or you just want a real cupcake without all the ‘crap’, call up the folks at Fairy Cakes!

*NOT EXCITED ABOUT:* I’m usually pretty vocal and positive about the PC Vegetarian products available at Superstore, No Frills and Loblaws etc. I’ve blogged about the Worlds Best Meatless Burgers and Meatballs (which really are the best) and the Worlds Best Meatless Chicken Breasts made with the help of gardein (Love, Love, Love). But My Guy and I have a not-so-glowing review of the PC Vegetarian Wings available in the frozen section. They were a major disappointment and just thinking of the money we wasted, the time I wasted preparing it and the fact I choked it down because I didn’t want to waste it, almost makes me want to weep!! I’m shocked to be this disappointed in one of their veg products, so it’s hard to write something negative. My first complaint was the sauce that came with it. I thought first they would have already been coated, so maybe the flavour would have ‘sunk’ into the product a bit more, but they came with a little sachet of sauce. It wasn’t NEARLY ENOUGH. The amount was so tiny it didn’t coat all the irregular shaped ‘wings’ and we only got 11 in the package! It was just the Worlds Best Meatless Chicken Breast product shaped into what I assume were supposed to be chicken wings…So the sauce barely covered them and because they are a frozen product they leak a fair amount of water in the first few minutes of cooking. Result? Mushy, wet baking pan and what little sauce there was, pretty much slid right off. The end product was dry and tasteless. I thought wings were supposed to be saucy and messy! If you really want to try this product, get the Meatless Chicken Breasts along with some of your fave BBQ sauce and MAKE YOUR OWN. Trust me. ** I cannot find this product on the PC website**

A product we did LOVE however, was The Worlds Best Meatless Breaded Chicken Strips. I don’t recommend you eat them alot as they seemed kind of greasy but wow, tasty! Moops gave them an enthusiastic thumbs up and dipped them in sauce, whereas My Guy and I were super impressed with the value for the money, the taste and texture and how with some added veggies it was a complete and filling meal. PC got this one right…

I’m slightly scattered right now and would love nothing more than to try to remember all the stuff I wanted to blog about…but my mind is a million miles away. It’s the Holiday Season and I’m thinking of the presents that need wrapped (and the ones still to buy) and the house that needs to be packed up since My Guy and I are also moving this month. Don’t you hate packing up and unpacking a few days later? Everytime I do this, I think “I’ve got to condense my life…” and I still lug around the same amount of boxes, if not more. I did recently donate alot of clothes in the summer to charity shops, and felt good to move out some things so that someone else may benefit from them too. I just didn’t do quite enough…

It’s easy to get down in the dumps this time of year, or to get overwhelmed with it all. I try to think of Christmas as being for the children. They still have an innocent belief in the tradition of the Holidays, and it truly is THEIR time. As adults do we really need another bottle of perfume? Another sweater we might not wear? What about just being with those you love, enjoying good food and drink and setting a limit to the amount of presents you give? If you have to give, set a limit…or make your own gifts…donate what you would have spent to a local organization like the Food Bank.

Love the one you’re with.

Bring Peace back.

‘Tis the Season.

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Things I’m Excited About #11

Nov 30

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Vegetarian | 3 Comments

New snack you will love! popchips

I don’t think I usually do 2 of these “excited about” posts in one month- do I? I just have a few things floating around in my mind and I thought I should unload some of them on my unsuspecting, but hopefully receptive, readers.

Ever lost your digital camera? Or found one maybe and checked out the pics taken? Thanks to my bro for sending me the link to a site that posts pics from ‘found’ cameras all over the world in the hopes SOMEBODY will recognize them. The site doesn’t really have a name except ifoundyourcamera.net and that’s about it…it tells it like it is. I’m super proud to report the site is based in Canada and I think they’re doing a great job. We all know how important our photo’s are to us, so if you can help in identifying some pics or have some of your own to post- please do! Help these lost pics find the way home…

I blogged a little while back about the distressing fact My Guy and I could no longer find the PC Blue Label Meatless Beef Strips anymore.  They appear to be gone from the coolers and the label has vanished…BUT there was a new product to be seen in the frozen section. I’d love to provide a link to it, but alas I can’t find it in the PC Blue Menu vegetarian (meatless) line up on the site. The product is called “Vegetarian Tips” and look like ‘beef tips’ or chunks. In my excitement of spotting this product I must not have read the packaging completely; I swear it said meatless beef on it…not just vegetarian tips. No worries because there is no meat in it, and it’s a combo of wheat gluten, soy protein and ancient grains. Really. I didn’t make that last part up, it truly says ancient grains. The taste was not identical to the meatless beef strips and now that I’ve looked at the actual packaging I can see why; it’s not the same product. I chose to brown it and then use in a stew and it was flavourful and tasty, the stew was a success, but I’m honestly not sure how it will stand up in one of my My Guy’s legendary stir-fry’s. Stay tuned.

Last weekend I tried a ‘new to me’ snack. I think the product itself is relatively new however and it’s called popchips. The tag line states, ‘think popped. Never fried. Never baked.’ The website states fried is fattening and baked is tasteless. How true. Anyway I scored a sample of the plain popchips and have to admit I was very impressed, and very intrigued to try more. A regular potato chip it’s not and I don’t think it will really satisfy that craving we sometimes desire….BUT it did satisfy my need to snack. It was a new sensation and not at all a bad one! The chips were light, really crunchy and airy (without being fluffy and empty!). I only had a tiny bag and was sad when it came to the end. I easily could have eaten more. I know what you’re thinking- what about the label?? I had the single serving packet and that came in at just 100 calories! I’m always looking for 100 calorie snacks because it’s a nice round number to track calories by. If you have snacks that equal 100 calories each, you can easily monitor what you’re eating between meals. The flavours available are amazing too! Chili Lime, Parmesan & Garlic and Cheddar to name a few. Check out popchips for your next snack.

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Satisfying Saturday

Nov 19

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Nutrition | 2 Comments

Sneaker Love

Today was what a Saturday should be. It started with a sleep in, a good cuppa Joe, then a trip to the library for some much-needed new reading material and followed up with some always exciting second-hand store shopping! I love bargains and usually My Guy has all the  shoe luck between us but today was my turn to shine. I walked out with a practically new pair of royal blue converse high-tops and a pair of low tops in red. Pure heaven and Lady Luck was on my side today for once! My Guy found no footwear but did come away with some pretty sweet deals nevertheless.

As you know, shopping makes a person hungry. Our cravings led us once again to Hon’s Wun Tun Housedowntown where the plan was to have vegetarian pot stickers (pan-fried of course). But once presented with the monster sized veggie menu, we decided to add Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Pork because on our last visit it was HIGHLY recommended. As soon as it was brought to our table I knew we were in for a treat. The sauce was so thick and rich and for once, there were red and yellow peppers mixed in with the green! So many places throw only green peppers in sweet and sour dishes because they’re cheap and plentiful. Another bonus? Fresh pineapple. This was not pineapple from a can- no way. It had that fresh ‘bite’ to it. I thought the dish looked more like Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls and still feel in my heart, it should be called that…but it doesn’t matter what they’re called. I couldn’t care less. This dish was so amazingly tasty. The ‘pork’ had the chewiness (is this even a word?) that only a gluten mock meat can have but it surprised me in the sense it wasn’t super chewy, it was tender and spiced really nicely. I guess what I’m trying to say is it wasn’t like my attempts into the world of ‘make your own wheat meat’…it was great! My Guy was equally impressed and said it was freaking delicious and gave it 2 chopsticks up! I love being vegetarian in a world of so much choice and flavour.

Vegetarian Sweet and Sour “Pork” from Hons

Hon’s has such a diverse menu for both omni’s and veggies alike. If you’re in the Vancouver area I highly suggest you visit this place. You will not be disappointed. The menu is extensive, there’s a separate vegetarian kitchen, the service is speedy and the restaurant itself is quite spotless. Fine dining it’s not, but if you’re looking for variety, taste and more for your buck, this is the place to try.

Our night will finish off with a movie and some drinks. Aren’t weekends the best? No rushing around, no schedules…just time to “be” and enjoy.

Take a look around you right now. Enjoy.

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Is There Such a Thing as Healthy Sins?

Nov 16

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living | 1 Comment

"Not tonight honey, I have a headache" doesn't cut it anymore...

Last weekends Vancouver Sun had a huge article titled, “7 Healthy Sins”- Some of those bad things you’ve been warned about may actually be good for you. It lists the following sins: anger, red wine, sloth, red meat, sex, marijuana and chocolate.

I think we can all agree we’ve heard a TON in the news and various health reports lately that yes eating chocolate CAN be good for you and red wine cures everything! I won’t touch upon those 2, but I will explore the others a bit more…

Let’s start first with anger shall we? We need to remember ‘everything in moderation here’ because it doesn’t just apply to food. It applies to emotional outbursts in public too. Holding in anger isn’t good for you, we know that. We also know it causes more strain and stress to carry about negativity, than it does positive energy. It’s always a good thing to control your anger of course; anger directed in the wrong way can be very scary. So with that said, go ahead and have a mini-tantrum.

Next up is sloth. And no, the article isn’t referring to that adorable, dim-witted mammal that has algae growing on its fur. Sloth is all about doing nothing, being lazy and feeling no guilt as a result. Don’t take this to mean you don’t need to hold down a job and sleeping until 2 pm every day is cool, ’cause it’s not! It means take it easy. Enjoy life. Have a pajama day one Sunday and read in bed with a coffee…why not?

I’m not touching upon red meat. Enough said.

Marijuana? I’ve known several people in my life who partake but the article actually goes on to explain this little herb may prevent Alzheimer’s! Who knew? The supposed study doesn’t look too concrete or convincing so I think I’ll reserve judgement until I see some evidence…

And then there was sex. S. E. X. The whole “not tonight honey, I have a headache” thing is a complete lie. Famous rag-mag Cosmo has been telling us an orgasm releases all those endorphins that flood the brain with delicious waves of ecstasy are guaranteed to blast a migraine to Timbuktu. Sad thing is, Cosmo got it right. An orgasm CAN take a headache away…and we all know it just plain feels good. So how can something that makes you feel good, be a sin? Enjoyed responsibly or ‘everything in moderation’ as the Sun article suggests, is all we need to remember.

So take a look at some healthy sins in your life. Shoot me an email or leave a comment.

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Things I’m Excited About #10

Nov 11

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | No Comments

Wow. Big #10. You would think I’d have an actual plan of what I was going to talk about, rather than a few scribbles in the notebook I keep in my purse.

- Carageenan: Or the lack of it in my diet…this is an additive in tons of foods, particularly sauces, ice creams and gels. It could even be in, *GASP* beer. It’s also been linked quite extensively to affecting those who suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, quite adversely! A friend of mine who has UC, eliminated it from her diet and quickly saw some positive changes in the pain and discomfort she experienced on a daily basis. I figure it can’t hurt to knock this thing out of me…I don’t NEED it, I don’t WANT it…and if it’s possibly affecting my tummy I want it gone from my life. I did email the awesome folks at Sleemans Brewery because my heart skipped a beat the other day at work…when I realized, “Oh my…The Honey Brown Ale I adore *could* have this in it!” I panicked. I was running around like a crazy woman and decided to take matters into my own hands. I rapidly fired off an email and the response back made my heart sing. ‘Sleemans does not use any additives or preservatives in our beer. We hope this news makes you happy.’ Happy?? Happy? I’m ecstatic! Now if only Granville Island Brewery would get back to me so quickly… 

Summer Coaster Series...a la Perler Beads

 - Perler Beads are cool: Moops and I are slightly addicted to these little things. If you don’t know the name ‘perler’ maybe you remember those tiny, colored beads from elementary school you laid out in designs on a plastic pegboard, and then ironed…does that sound familiar? Check out the official Perler Beads site for more info, or just google images. The possibilities are endless! It’s easy, silly, crazy-fun and we can’t get enough of it. Thanks to my dear Mom who was the one who sent the original Perler Beads kit out for Christmas 2010. That was what started it all and we’ve been Perlering ever since. And yeah, I know ‘perlering’ isn’t a real word.

- Today, November 11, is Remembrance Day in Canada. It’s a time to remember, reflect and be thankful to those citizens who fought for our amazing country. My Guy, Moops and I went to the Cenotaph in Victory Square today for the ceremony. It was a somber and tranquil event that had thousands in attendance all there for the same reason: to remember. The Vancouver Bach Youth Choir was absolutely stunning to listen to; like the voices of angels. To hear those voices while staring at the Cenotaph, the grey day simply slid away from me and I felt warm and content. Together with our many Canadian Forces, the Russian Navy was also standing proudly beside them, an integral part of the ceremony. There was much to take in and absorb but above all, the crowd was respectful and filled with pride for the people who serve our country.

- Civic Elections are next week and personally speaking, I’m doing my homework! How many times do we grumble about our city? The increasing traffic? The transit system…how many times do we say “If I was mayor I would…” So maybe I’m not running for mayor (yet), I do have a say in who does get to run my city. I have a voice and if I don’t speak up, I lose the right to complain and ask why. Some people say it’s only one vote- does it really matter? What if 100 people said that? It is only ONE vote, yes, but it’s YOUR vote and we can all vote together to make a difference. As each day goes by in this city of mine, I feel more and more distanced from it. It’s not the Vancouver I know and love. It’s not the Vancouver I remember. It seems it’s getting bigger and bigger, being built higher and higher…and the middle guy is left hanging. This isn’t the city I want to be in without some major changes. For those of you in Vancouver too, and still not sure who is running in your area check out the Vancouver Votes site.

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