Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Recipe Books - Veganomicon

I probably don't need an entire blog post to talk about the book Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moscowitz.  But I am doing one anyway.  That's okay!

So, if you've heard of and have this book - awesome!  And if you don't have it, you need to get it.  If you've never heard of it, I am glad to open your eyes, because this book is amazing.

If you've ever passed by this book at a library or bookstore, you've probably noticed that it looks rather big.  Don't be fooled, all that bigness is worth it.  This book is full of crazy good, awesome recipes that every person, whether they are vegan or not, should have at their disposal.  And the way that Isa writes is just awesome!

So, if you are looking for a good book full of great recipes, get out and get this one - you won't regret it.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Some of you may have noticed that I changed the name of this blog from The Thrifty Vegans to The Vegan Life.  Well, here's why.

I like the idea of being able to help people save a little money while being vegan.  But, we all know that there is so much more to the vegan lifestyle than just saving money.  So, I changed the name of this blog in order to better represent everything that comes with being vegan.  I will still talk about money saving tips for vegans, but will also be blogging about shopping tips, holiday feast tips, and so much more.  I hope that you enjoy the vegan journey with me, and if there is ever any topic you would like to see me blog about or any questions you have, please share them!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The V Word

Hi everyone!  It's time for a lesson.  This lesson is not for the vegans.  This is for the people who think they are vegan even though they aren't.  I am sure I am not the only person who has written a blog post about what a vegan is.  And I am sure I won't be the last.  But here it is: my talk about what it is to be a vegan.

Here's the reason for the lesson on what a vegan is: over the past few years, there have been an increasing number of people who say they are vegan, but then say that they eat eggs or wear leather, etc.  I have even heard of people saying they are vegan part time, but then eat meat on the weekends.  But here's the thing - if you are engaging in any of those activities, you are not a vegan.  In the last case, you aren't even a vegetarian.

Let's break down some things:

Vegetarian: A vegetarian is one who doesn't eat meat.  Yes, that includes chicken, fish, turkey and shellfish.  If it was at one point an animal, vegetarians don't eat it.  If you eat eggs, milk or dairy you are still a vegetarian.

Strict vegetarian (also called plant-based diet): A strict vegetarian, or person who follows a plant based diet, does not eat any meat, eggs, dairy, or other animal ingredients in any way shape or form.  Their diet revolves around fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and other plant based foods.  However, they will still use animal products in their clothes, makeup, hair care products and other aspects of daily life.

Vegan: Simply put, a vegan is one who does not eat any animal products and doesn't wear fur or leather or any other item made out of animals.  They use makeup, hair care products and other items that are free from animal products and that are not tested on animals.  Vegans are ethically opposed to the use of animals in the forms of circuses, zoos and other areas where animals are seen as property instead of sentient beings.  Vegans believe that all non-human animals deserve to be treated with love, respect and dignity.


So, if you are reading this post and wondering what a vegan is, hopefully that clears it up.  If not, talk to me.  Ask me questions.  I want to help people learn everything they can about being vegan, and hopefully educate people enough that they wish to transition to veganism.  Because, really, the more vegans there are in the world, the better.