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
Posts Tagged vancouver
I will be back!!
Jan 8
Satisfying Saturday
Nov 19
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.
On My Mind
Oct 20
I had an opportunity to think about ‘hate’ the other day. To be specific it was about the hate and negativity some people carry around within them, for other people. Someone close to me was battling with the fact a person they once were somewhat close to, now seems to hate them. I thought to myself, ‘Is it really worth it to carry that weight around?’
I understand when it’s an intimate relationship involved the hurt can appear almost too much to handle. I know, I’ve been there. It may seem as if you could never look at that person again…but unless someone has done something really awful to me personally and it wasn’t just a relationship running its course…I could never hate, loathe or despise another human being. When the pain wears off from a relationship that didn’t work out, one can often understand WHY it failed and learn from it. That’s where the love (or like) you had for that person should re-surface. Are they really that bad? What does carrying that negativity around do to your Soul?
I may have been a late bloomer and maybe my past isn’t that colorful, but the men I have been in relationships with, I still talk to. It may not be daily, weekly or even monthly communication in some respects, but I know they’re close by in Spirit and would help me if I only asked. I look back with clarity that these relationships DID NOT work out, because they weren’t meant to…I wasn’t supposed to go that route. I would never be where I am, with My Guy now, if I’d stayed in a place I didn’t belong.
How can you hate when you look at this engineering marvel? The Falkirk Wheel. Google it. Photo by Chere Michelle.
In the case of the person I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I hope they realize it’s not their fault. They are not the one carrying the hatred and they must realize, you can’t force someone to change their ways. Hopefully, in time, the one who ‘hates’ will let their wounded Soul heal and open up.
We have too many burdens we put on ourselves every day already- do we need the extra weight of hate for ‘someone’ hanging around our shoulders?
Now kind of along the same lines as hate, but really not so strong, are pet peeves. We all got ‘em. I’m sure you know your partners, your best friends and your co-workers MANY pet peeves. I thought I’d share a few of mine:
- Motorists who leave their indicator lights on. Forever. It makes me wonder a) why they don’t hear the annoying clicking noise and b) why don’t they EVER glance at their dashboard? Even to check the speedometer or maybe the time? Don’t they see the light blinking on and off, on and off, on and off…
- Ball ‘ O Dish Cloth. Let me explain. I once had a roommate but I won’t name any names. As adorable as she was, she had a nasty little habit of wiping up the counters and table in the kitchen with a damp rag and then squeezing the ever-loving crap out of it and leaving the tight ball lying in the sink. It wasn’t rinsed out, OK? It was just wrapped up all nice, and tight, and damp….a perfect place for mold to grow and smells to start. *shudder*
- People stepping on bubble wrap makes me want to run out into traffic.
- Aimless Whistlers. They don’t have a tune in mind, they are just whistling to whistle and they usually can’t whistle that well. I understand it’s a form of expression and I just have to walk away…it’s no crime to whistle.
We all got ‘em and don’t you love ‘em? Pet peeves. We wouldn’t be who we are without them. What are yours?
Now give yourself a shake and let go of any negativity weighing you down…
In My Neighborhood…
Jul 20
I love Mount Pleasant. I truly do. Tonight on a walk back from the library I took a slight detour and noticed a little shop across the street on Broadway. The window proclaimed; mygoodnessglutenfree.com. I thought, ‘we have a gluten free place in the neighborhood? Huh. I never knew that.’ So yes, apparently we do and I checked out their website and wow- it’s JAM PACKED of goodness. I have met so many people lately who suffer from Celiac Disease and it pains me to hear the ordeals they go through to find quality, tasty food items. I haven’t gone in My Goodness yet…but trust me, I will. If the pics and descriptions on the website are anything to go by, I’m soooooo there.
I picked up a copy of the Diary of Anne Frank for Moops as well over at Pulpfiction Books tonight. We’ve been wanting her to read the story, and since she watched the made-for-TV movie, we think she’s ready. Pulpfiction is the kind of bookstore you can seriously get lost in. It does used and new, but it’s for serious book lovers only! You know those places with really high shelves stacked with so many books it makes your head spin? The scent of ink and paper in the air, the only sound is people turning pages…that kind of place.
When was the last time you explored YOUR neighborhood? Take a walk this weekend and look close because you never know the hidden gems you may find…
A “real” blog post to come soon…I promise 
Stuff I’m Excited About #8
Jun 29
Wow this is going to be a good one folks! My cup runneth over of things to talk about tonight (well really it’s just a full page of scribbles in the notebook I carry in my bag). Let’s get right to it, shall we?
Fairy Cakes is coming!! This is a local, soon to be open Vegan cupcake company here in Vancouver. There will be both traditional (sweet) treats and then even some savoury cupcakes too! This article in the Georgia Straight about sums it up.
Little Creek Salad Dressing. I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about this stuff yet. Where has my head been? There was a time when I used to put this stuff on EVERYTHING…This salad dressing is the only condiment you need. I think I’ve just taken it for granted over the past year or so and then I was reminded of it today by a good friend. We were exclaiming how awesome it tastes on potatoes! I first tried it on a baked potato and now I’ll put it on any potato really…I’m not picky. Point is, this bottle contains pure, organic heavenly sauce that tastes damn good. I can’t think of any other silly words to describe this dressing, it’s just plain yummy. I’m a purist and I like the Original Little Creek dressing more than the other flavours but that’s just me. Don’t get me wrong they’re all great…but I have a favourite for sure. I’m thinking the big head o’ lettuce in the back garden, the chives and strawberries beside it would look (and taste) divine smothered in this stuff. If you haven’t tried Little Creek yet then you don’t know what you’re missing. REALLY.
This company, Nutristart, followed me today on Twitter. First off, it’s a nutritional supplement company based in Victoria! These folks are local! I had no idea. I’ve never heard of Nutristart I’m sad to say; but I’ve looked through their product list and I’m pretty impressed. They offer vitamins, extracts, supplements for all sorts of conditions and it’s all wrapped up in a pretty sweet looking website too. It’s easy to navigate, colorful, modern and I don’t feel like any of it is being pushed on me…it looks wholesome. A few products that caught my eye were: Provide Smoothie with greens, fibre, berries and protein, Nutripods for Women, Quick B12 and Quick Green Tea Extract. They’re worth checking out if you’re into this sort of product.
I can’t get enough of this place: All India Sweets. I had the website up on my laptop the other day- the menu to be exact, and My Guy referred to it as Food Porn. Sigh. I just love the All Vegetarian Buffet. I would eat there every day if I could. The Mutter Paneer makes my head spin it’s so good; the chunks of paneer are HUGE. I sometimes think it’s tofu and then remember, wait, I’m stuffing so much cheese into my body in one sitting but I can’t stop! The Malai Kofta melts in my mouth and the rich and creamy sauce is something to behold. I just wanted to give a shout out to these folks. If you’re in Vancouver and you’re in the Main and 49th area of the city- stop in. You won’t be disappointed.
My garden is coming along nicely but it would come along even faster with, oh I don’t know…SOME SUNSHINE?? There are heads of lettuce ready…the zucchini has a way to go yet but the stalks are so thick and the leaves broad and heavy that I can tell already they are going to be beauties. My Guy and I split a strawberry…it was tiny but oh-so-sweet. So far the nasturtiums haven’t bloomed but I’m waiting in anticipation…I almost forgot about the cilantro! Already its getting the heady fragrance…so green and fresh!
I stumbled across this site last week: Cocoon Apothecary and I sorta fell in love. The name grabbed me…then the fact it’s all animal-friendly, local and luscious looking hooked me in. I think you can only order online but I’m not 100% sure on that. I have just been drooling over the lotions and creams and reading all about the company. I love how it’s organic, vegan, cruelty free and natural…good job Cocoon!
And finally, this is one other site I often hang around and dream about: Sevi, Eco Vegan Bodycare. Sevi means LOVE in Turkish. I can literally smell this site, I swear. I know in my gut these products smell good.
That’s it…it seemed like more on paper really. Hope you found something to check out!
NEW! Fairy Cakes!
Jun 23
New Vegan Cupcakes on the Horizon and I have the inside scoop! While the website may be under construction, Fairy Cakes is on Facebook with tons of amazing pics! The Owner, Master Baker and Creative Drive behind this enterprise is a Vegan with a passion to bring tasty sweet-treats to the masses. I’ve heard it a million times, people think if it’s Vegan it must taste like “crap”. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve tasted several of Fairy Cakes creations and while I’m always partial to the icing, I will say the cupcakes themselves are moist and DELISH. Watch my bog for more info on when the store front will open and if you need more details, email Cera at fairycakes@live.ca If you log on to Facebook and check out the Fairy Cakes page you can flip through about 50 gorgeous photo’s of cupcakes with more on the way. Trust me, they look as great in real life as they do online.
It’s a good thing I can’t lick the screen.
Fairy Cakes. Remember the name. Check back often
Now That Hockey is Over…
Jun 19
I have no excuses to NOT exercise and to not have these extra pounds come off. Ideally I’d love to drop the weight before My Guy and I go to the UK in September. That’s my goal and since it’s not a huge amount of weight, I feel it’s a realistic and attainable goal. You know, even when it’s not alot of weight, it’s enough that clothes don’t feel right on my body, my self esteem is lower and overall I don’t feel very positive. I try not to let it bother me and just let my mind settle on it late at night; usually when I’m in bed. I promise myself to be more comfortable in my own skin and to lose these extra pounds safely and intelligently. If you have a goal you can set, and join me in the journey, all the better! This is one task that’s better done with someone for sure…
Clockwise top left: Potato & Cauliflower Curry, Chana Masala, Mango Chutney, Roti, Vegetarian Tofu Chili and Rice with Cumin Seeds
Today My Guy dished up an amazing vegetarian meal before we headed to (how appropriate) VegFest! He started this food last night because curries and chili get better with time and he wanted them to sit. This my readers, is how I eat. My Guy is a genius with East Indian food which is fabulous because it happens to be MY COMFORT FOOD. I find Indian food soothing, warming, satisfying and the fact it’s mostly vegetarian makes my soul happy. I know the chili isn’t Indian but it happens to be something Moops thoroughly enjoys (as do I of course) so it was a welcome addition. All this food was completely vegan and cruelty free- and how good does that taste! The curry was thickened with coconut milk if you’re wondering why it’s so light coloured. All I can say is WOW. I am one lucky girl.
Once we stuffed our bellies we wandered over 2 blocks to VegFest and the Car Free Days on Main Street. Now I love the idea of car free days and letting people take over the streets….what I don’t love however is how 4 neighborhoods have them ON THE SAME DAY. What if I, who live in Mount Pleasant, want to take in Car Free Days in Kitsilano and maybe explore a new side of my city? I can’t unless I rush from one event across town to the other! It’s Sunday…it’s a car free day, I don’t want to rush. I also don’t want to be deprived of checking out the other local neighborhoods and what they have to offer. I’m sure there is a valid reason why they all occur on the same day; probably city permits, logistics and public transit play a role in the decision, but I don’t like. Not one bit.
My Guy and one of his bands (he’s in a few), called The Singles, performed at the Main Street Car Free Days. They are a Motown/Swing/Funk/Rock cover band with My Guy on the drums. They had people grooving and tapping thier toes all the while munching on top-notch vegetarian fare. The only thing that would have made it even better was if the sun made an appearance, but we saw not even the slightest glimpse all day. (If the link for The Singles doesn’t work, please let me know- here is the MySpace link…)
Of course today was Fathers Day. Moops and I took out My Guy for breakfast at dinner time, and now we’re just chilling out. As My Guy sat down on the couch he sighed and said, “Ah this is what it’s all about. Just relaxing at home with the people I love…” I couldn’t agree more! They’re watching a movie on Netflix while I try to write something that may appeal to some readers out there…My father lives far away so while I can’t spend time with him on this day, we have the phone and the computer. Unfortunately due to the damn postal strike my lovely hand made card is sitting God-knows-where waiting to be delivered…
Sleep well tonight my friends, hug your loved ones and be thankful for all you DO have. Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers!
Keep me updated if you’re joining me on shedding a few unwanted pounds…
Saturday Thoughts
May 7
I got up today to the rain. I wanted to go right back to bed and sleep the day away. In fact, as I type this I’m watching a hail storm out my living room window; the hail stones are bouncing up as they hit the ground and pummeling the window. Ah Spring, how lovely you are…
Instead of going back to bed this morning though I decided to walk to work. No, I don’t work Saturdays but I told myself awhile back that if the gas ever goes to $1.40/litre or above, I have to think of an alternative method of getting to work. Since I moved off of the North Shore where I work, getting there isn’t as easy on transit…but of course it’s do-able. I don’t want to take transit though because is that going to save me any money, really? I drive a VERY economical car and the price of a transit pass in this city is pretty high…so no, transit wasn’t what I was thinking.
I thought I could always walk. I love walking. I knew the driving time and distance, but had never tried to walk it so today was a test run of sorts. I only planned to walk to Stanley Park, not actually walk across the bridge today, just to see how long it would take me. My house to the park is almost 6 km and I got there in just over 56 minutes and there is still a long way to go. Realistically, if I walk to work it COULD take me awhile. Once I timed myself, I needed to walk home of course…so I cut through the West End and took the Seawall home. The scenic route so to speak…now I’m dead-tired.
These ridiculous gas prices make me so mad. There is no reason for it and yet we will keep paying it…there will always be a group of people who can afford the higher prices and will keep buying. I’m seriously not sure how long I can justify the purchase though.
I can bike to work too. That’s a possibility. Something about cycling through downtown scares me though and it’s a silly fear. This city is COVERED IN BIKE STREETS. I have options.
That’s what is on my mind this rainy Saturday. I’m staring out the window thinking how lucky I am not to have been caught in that downpour earlier…and how schizophrenic the weather here is. Hours ago the sun was shining through the clouds and I was walking without my coat. Now it’s stop and start hail…
Sunshine where are you?
30-Something Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian. Kind of BoHo. Tofu Eating. Animal Rights Supporter. Previous Fat Kid. Sarcastic. Red Wine Drinker. In Love w/ My Guy.
