OK, I’m seriously almost overflowing with news to tell you! I’ve got lots of stuff I’m super excited about today!

Fairy Cakes just announced their grand opening! Actually, as their Facebook page states, it’s a SPECTACULAR OPENING. Not just grand. Mark down March 10/11 on your calendar Vancouverites and come down to 3586 Fraser Street. Or you can always call them at 604-442-9866. If you read my blog regularly you know I’m not a stranger to these vegan cupcakes; I’ve had the privilege of trying them several times. If you’re not a vegetarian or a vegan and you don’t believe cupcakes made like this can taste good- I challenge you to try one on March 10th or 11th. I guarantee you will NOT miss what isn’t there. Moist. Sweet. Fluffy.

I just had a very exciting new follower on Twitter. Name? The Simply Bar. It’s quite simply a high protein, low sugar, vegan protein bar. I’ve just read through the whole website and I’m really curious. One thing I’ve always hated about most protein bars is the crazy-high amount of calories packed into each little bar. I sometimes feel it defeats the purpose. Yes I need a snack, yes I need some protein but do I want that to come from sugars and carbs with a little extra good stuff thrown in? I’d rather see the sugar content under 5 grams personally and these bars are exactly that. They all boast high fiber, high protein and low sugars…I have GOT TO TRY THESE. Funny thing is, I can’t recall seeing them while out and about shopping. My interest is piqued folks and once I get my hands on some, I’ll be back with a full report.

Harmless Innovations is a site I’ve been meaning to mention for some time now on my blog. It took a little kick in the butt today by the prospect of winning free donuts that reminded me! Checkout the Monday Blues Contest to see what I’m talking about. I only know these amazing ladies via Facebook and the many great posts they put on regarding animal rights and going vegan, but I love what I know so far. Smart duo, cool tasty treats and a wealth of valuable information.

Good article here on what the labels on products stating “not tested on animals” really means. Bottom line is if you’re confused if a company does or doesn’t test, then go to the people who know: The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (Leaping Bunny). It’s all in there. *this just in: 3 companies recently booted off the list are Avon, Estee Lauder and Mary Kay*

I found the most amazing ideas for gardening today while looking around Facebook. I stumbled up on page for Novos Rurais- Farming Culture and started flipping through all the photos on file. I was presented with so many amazing ideas for gardening, but particularly in an Eco-friendly and sustainable way. It was also full of ideas for gardening in small spaces and my mind instantly thought of small condo owners, or those in apartments with a small rooftop spot. The pic  below is from the page and you can see how this idea in particular would be beneficial to those with a small patio that received sun for a good portion of the day! Herbs, lettuces, you name it…They have a website here but alas it’s in Portuguese and I’m not exactly fluent…but you can still look at the pics and come up with your own ideas!

Space Saver! For herbs maybe...

Spinach Dip!

I like to dabble in the kitchen. I’m by no means a Julia Child; I have my fair share of failures, but I like to keep my eyes open for new recipes for sure. I’ve got a food processor and if you don’t have one- get one. It’s the ultimate in 1-pot magic! OK so maybe you can’t whip up a gourmet feast in one, but you can make some really great sauces and dips for starters. Just the other night I made a Parmesan Spinach Dip and it was a complete success! Although the recipe doesn’t suggest warming the dip, I prefer it that way…just a little warmed in the oven and served with some pita chips. I don’t usually cook with fat-free or reduced fat varieties of things because I’ve found they affect the taste too much, but I did opt for low-fat mayo AND reduced fat sour cream. Notice I didn’t say FAT-FREE. I looked at the other ingredients and figured there was enough flavor to carry the dip nicely. This dip isn’t your traditional spinach dip- it’s got lemon and it is literally bursting with a fresh, lively taste.

1/2 sweet onion, chopped finely

1 clove garlic, smashed

Grated zest of 1 large lemon

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained well

1/2 cup reduced-fat mayo

1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream

1/2 cup FRESH Parmesan cheese (I used Parmiagano-Reggiano)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

- Process onion, garlic and lemon zest until finely minced.

- Add spinach and pulse several times until finely chopped.

- Add mayo, sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, S & P.

- Process just until the dip is well mixed but not pureed smooth.

Serve at room temperature or warm in oven.

Do you know the facts about this practice? Go to reliable resources to learn more. I found this picture on Facebook (sometimes a good resource) and had to post it.

Sharkwater- the Truth will Surface

Humane Society International

Toronto bans shark fin soup- news story

Richmond Review: Contest urges weddings to go fin-free

It IS possible to go gluten free (referred to as GF for rest of post) in this town, and to do it in style. More and more GF options are popping up all over the place from indie shops baking their own goodies to larger retail giants simply offering ‘more’ selection. I personally do partake in gluten (oh seitan, I’m not ready to give up on you yet!) but know several other people- mostly women who suffer from chronic intestinal issues ranging from IBD, to colitis and of course the mother of all gluten-triggered ailments, Celiacs disease. Obviously there is a market for these products as more and more items are becoming available AND going down in price.

I blogged about MyGoodness! awhile back as I was exploring my old Mount Pleasant ‘hood one summer evening. I was amazed at not only the selection, but the quality and craftsmanship that went into the entire production from the storefront to the final product. The fact that this was in MY backyard and available for the masses made me proud to be a Vancouverite and supporting local. If you like baking with different flours and are interested in what’s beyond the normal and every day (ho-hum) white flour, check this joint out.

In the same neck of the woods, up Main Street into the Riley Park area is Quejo’s (pronounced Kay Joes) Cheesebuns; home of the ‘wholesome delicious Brazilian-style bun’. We’re not talking regular cheese buns here, it’s more intricate than that…how does sun-dried tomato and basil sound? Or extra cheese? Spice things up with Jalapeno maybe? Or maybe you’re more earthy and the flax-seed and almond floats your boat. Whatever your craving, whatever your desire I’m sure there’s a flavor here at Quejos for you. Trust me, this isn’t some boring-old-run-of-the-mill cheesebun. It’s on another level.

A place I’ve never been is Ed’s Gluten Free Specialty Inc on Arbutus Street. Word around town is this is THE place to go for gluten free bagels, of which a good majority are also dairy, nut and soy free too! Looks like there’s alot to choose from here and I promise to check it out soon! This just in…I was on their Twitter page moments ago and Silver Hills Gluten Free Chia bread has arrived in store!! Do I have to say more?

So staying on the west side of the city, there’s also Panne Rizo on Cornwall Avenue to check out. They are a GF bakery and cafe that’s been around since 1998. In a city like Vancouver where new cafes pop up every minute, that’s a long time so they MUST be doing it right. Again, I’ve not had the pleasure of visiting this stop for a bite, but I’ve talked to people who live in the area and it comes highly praised.

If you’re living GF in Vancouver, or suspect you might have allergies and just want more information, visit Gluten Free Vancouver at the new online digs. There is a wealth of information and resources here for everyone no matter what you’re looking for…more specific information of course can be found at the Vancouver Celiac as well.

As if you would…but some people have been known to frequent McDonald’s when traveling; usually because it’s cheap or they’re too frustrated to find something local.

How does a paneer wrap sound? Pretty cool except for fact it would be processed-crap that probably in no way resembled paneer…

Check out this link and make a promise. When you go traveling to new and exotic places, find local COOL EATERIES. If you don’t know where to look, ASK A LOCAL!

Yes it’s really that simple.

McDonald’s? I’m hatin’ it.

Currently at Nice Shoes munching on sweets from Fairy Cakes! Got a new wallet and My Guy got awesome shoes by Keep! 3568 Fraser Street. Hurry!!! It’s nice and dry in here…

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…

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

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…

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!