Five Years Later and A Few Changes

November 21, 2023 by Catherine Thompson

Holy smokes its been a minute.

How do I even start when there have been so many changes since I last wrote. I mean I can start with the two most drastic. The emergence of Miss Emily into this wild world, and the fact that we are no longer, “border line Vegans”. I know, I’m shocked. But maybe not. Well not shocked about Emily but I was in it for the long haul with the no meat, no cheese, no dairy, etc., but as with the seasons (so cliché), we change, we ebb and flow, and now we are here.

So lets see. Miss Emily joined our crew back in 2019, before the madness that ensued. She is exactly what I always hoped for in a daughter. Tough exterior, soft and sweet in the middle. She is a leader…well I don’t know if anyone is following her, but she certainly isn’t following anyone else, not her friends, not her teachers and not her mom. We try to drum it in her that while we love her independence, following directions helps with making things move along. She is funny and very animated when she speaks. Her relationship with her brother is as you would imagine, sour patch kids all the way. She loves to cuddle, won’t let me not read her a book EVERY night, and if I claim I have stuff to do, well, then she will wait. Even if that means waiting until 10:30pm. I can see our future clearly, and while I know there will be headaches and frustrations, I immediately tear up with happiness knowing how much love and fun there will be.

And so lets talk about the Vegan no more life style. Everything changed just a few months after Emily was born. I was getting bored with our meals, and while it was still all whole foods (none of the pre-made junk they push now), it was just not as rich with variety. Plus, the reason we started also had a lot to do with Andrew and his health issues, and after seven years he hadn’t see much of a difference. And honestly, looking back, my husband was gaunt. I mean people would comment that he was skinny, but only since he has gained back 20 pounds, do we we see the difference. I took to steak like it was a long lost friend (we weren’t really that close pre-veganism). I ended up easily falling into an almost carnivore lifestyle, which may or may not have caused me some health issues that I am still trying to workout (but more on that another day), but now it seems I’ve balanced out with including more vegetables to my meals. Wyatt enjoys meat but also will gladly devour a block of uncooked tofu. Emily once she had some teeth would steal steak hot off the grill and house it. Andrew seems to do best on a carnivore diet, both mentally and physically. Do I miss being Vegan? No, but I do know that it gave me a greater capacity for what I can drum up in the kitchen.

So now I guess the next thing is to figure out if I’m back. And if I am back, how can I contribute. Maybe I just talk about life. Maybe I talk about my health issues. Or just give a glimpse of a day in the life of someone who homeschools and still eats 95% homemade whole food meals and drives to all the afterschool activities. Who knows. Till next time.

Exercise: Making it Work and Not Feeling Bad about It

April 15, 2018 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Baby, Fitness, Health, Personal

Typically at 7:00am I throw on a workout and go at it for 30 minutes. Without fail every time I am exercising I have two thoughts running through my head.

A. Am I being Selfish?

B. Moms can totally get a workout in every day if they wanted to.

So, first let’s get to me feeling guilty about working out. While I am working out Wyatt is awake, so I am not engaging in his play time unless he asks, and even when he does I tell him, “Mom is exercising, I can read with you after,” (woof, I always feel bad putting off a book). To be honest though, I stopped working out when he sleeps because I felt that was precious time when I could be doing something he wouldn’t normally let me do, like a more than 30 second shower or do something on the computer (he climbs onto my lap and touches EVERYTHING). So, now I workout in the morning while Wyatt is awake. I have to stop for a few moments when he tells me he is hungry, or when my workout takes me to the floor and Wyatt decides he wants to take a nap on me or use me as a highway for his cars. In the past I would quickly take him off and tell him I need to finish, but now I just give it a few minutes. Why? Because workouts are going to be imperfect. Plus, how long is his desire to cuddle on me going to last? A couple more years? And let’s face it, I am not working out for a competition. I am working out because it makes me feel good and it is one thing I can pretty much say I have completed every day (because I NEED to feel like I accomplished something everyday in its entirety). I don’t need a super sweaty/perfect 30 minutes workout. I need a smart workout that hits the spots. To make sure I get this done everyday, it is something I need to figure out how to incorporate into my life when Wyatt is awake. So, am I being selfish? No, I am being smart with my time. Wyatt doesn’t need my constant attention and I personally think this gets him to understand sometimes he just needs to entertain himself. Plus, a finished workout makes me happy.

So, after I am done justifying why I am not being selfish, I always get to thinking about how really any mom can get this done. Yes, it’s definitely harder if you have a full-time job, or if your kid craves constant attention, but again, we can all come up with various excuses why it is hard or why we don’t have time (I mean I do this for a number of other things in my life). But, if you are willing to have a workout that is going to be interrupted every so often in the beginning, I am sure it can turn into an almost complete workout eventually. It is all just about being realistic with what your life is now. When I first started I had to stop a lot because Wyatt always wanted something or would get himself into a pickle (I started this when he was 7 months and was beginning to pull himself up/walk). Now in the morning I say, “Wyatt, what times is it?” and he says something that sounds like “exercise”. He then points to where my mat is tucked away behind the couch and when I roll it out he likes to run across it or bring some trucks. His interest fades quickly, so by the time I actually need the mat, I can push the trucks to the side. So really after some time I have been able to, “train”, Wyatt into understanding that exercise for Mom is part of the morning routine and so he plays on his own. Make no mistake, there are have been only a handful of perfect 30 minute workouts. If he is cranky, which he is 4 out of 7 days, I will setup a breakfast snack which includes some fruit or his chia bowl, or I will throw on some PBS and chat to him about what he is watching (since my workout is taking place in the kitchen/living room anyway). I know society toots that workouts should be a “me” time activity so you can be mindful of your workout, but let’s face it, “me time" is a precious commodity. Working out is honestly something that just needs to get done. Save the "me time" for something that is actually fun, like drinks with a girl friend, or a getting your nails done, or a solo trip to the coffee shop to read a book. Don't glorify exercising...its not that awesome. Just incorporate exercise into your daily family time. Again, unless you are training Let exercise be something your kids get into or simply have it be something they understand is part of a daily schedule. And you might feel guilty you are not engaging with you kids, but guess what, chances are that half hour you wouldn’t have been engaging with them the whole time anyway. You would be cleaning, or puttering around, or scrolling through Instagram, or something else that really could wait. Plus, exercise is the easiest thing for us to say, "no", to. You aren’t going to say “no” to a pile of dirty dishes, or a full laundry hamper that has all your underwear in it. Those things you “have” to do, save for the end of the day because you know you will get it done no matter what.

Because a bent leg turns into the best bridge

So be flexible. Literally and figuratively. Adjust. Make it work. Exercising isn't really fun (maybe if you are comparing it to cleaning your bathroom). But fitting into your clothes and feeling good in them is really nice. Plus, you can eat a treat every so often and not even feel guilty about it. Just make it happen Mama. You will feel so much better. Promise.

Mission Accomplished

And just like that we are at the end of February. Last time I was writing, I was three days into the 21 Day Fix, and now I am one week post. Day 21 felt a million days away, but now I feel like its been a million days since I did the program. Thankfully I timed it perfectly, as last week was certainly not filled with good eating habits (*my mom came to visit and brought donuts, and other "bad" stuff*). But, even though I have been treating myself, I also am consciously steaming most of my dishes and making sure my portions are more in line with one serving *(not my usual two/three servings*). I am happy to say there was only one cheat day, and that was because we went to Vermont where I couldn't pass up eating at a few different Vegan spots I otherwise never go to. I am not sure I can tell you there are any obvious changes other than I can handle waking up at 6am, without being tired at 6:10am.

21 Day Fix Complete

February 19, 2018 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Dinner, Food, Fitness, Health, Personal, Vegan, Toddler

I was really hungry!

Mentally. Not actually hungry. In my last week I easily was spending the last 15 minutes of my day before bed looking at food on Instagram. I actually spent a full 10 minutes looking at cupcakes that were from a bakery in Wilmington, North Carolina, which lead me to another 5 minutes on donuts in North Carolina. WTF? I mean at the very least I should look at food I can get my hands on locally. And even better, as I was falling asleep, I would mentally go through the Bakeries in NYC that I like, and my favorite desserts from their shops. Again, WTF? I told Andrew the next day. He said I have a problem. An addiction. But let's leave that conversation for another day.

But really, other than having to tag vegan recipes to try later, it wasn't bad at all. I ate a ton of veggies. Yes, if you can imagine, more than usual. I only had, "the bad carb," when we did Pizza night on Friday (which resulted in leftovers for Saturday because I was only allowed to eat one slice as opposed to my regular two). The most annoying part was having to whip out the measuring cups and spoons to make sure I wasn't crossing my limits. I do recommend cooking up some lentils and beans at the start of the week and also cutting up some veggies, that way you can just throw them together. I would steam the veggies on a pan or pot on a pan with some water and steam them when its time to eat. On a regular basis I used red onions, carrots, olives, lentils, tomatoes, beets and broccoli.

Easy workouts.

I mean easy as in anyone can do them. Yes, some days felt harder and involved more sweat, but overall very manageable. The last week when I was doing the two a day schedule I was definitely feeling tired/sore in my second workouts, so I would recommend not doing them back to back, but instead later in the day (this wasn't really an option for me). I would do them first thing in the morning at 7:00 am in the kitchen (they are 30 minutes each). Wyatt of course would try to get involved. I had to keep the floor workouts (pilates, abs & yoga) for when he was napping because anytime he saw me on the floor he would back into me with a book in hand or try to lay on my chest pretending to need a nap.

We got results!

While I am happy I did get results, I wish I hadn't, so I could discredit the process. But, let's face it, when eating appropriate for your body portions and adding daily workouts, TADA, there will be results. I started at 138-140 and got to 132-134. So, a solid 6 pounds. I also ended up losing an inch off my derriere and two inches off my waist. The weight loss mainly happened the first week. And the last two weeks I was still losing inches, but on the scale it was just a couple of pounds. I am including pictures only because me saying it worked usually doesn't make people a believer. I should have worn a better outfit to start the pictures, but I didn't think of that, so a comfortable and easily accessible bra for breast feeding (Wyatt, not Andrew), is what you see. My photographer was awesome.....

Will I do it again?

Yes, the plan is to do it 4 times a year. Not sure if I will be as strict with the food portions, but if I am, I will probably stick to two weeks and ease back in to my usual the third week. Why? I dunno. Because I am a rebel and I am the boss of this program. That's a lie. The program is designed to be followed. I will follow the program...otherwise the guilt will be too much for me. And yes, I should have this be a lifestyle change, but.....I can't, nor do I want to limit myself to 1 cup of fruit a day. That is just asking too much. THAT is where I draw the line.

Wyatt helping with workouts.

Day 2 of the 21 Day Fix got me feeling like a Gazelle

January 24, 2018 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Dinner, Food, Personal, Recipes, Snack, Vegan, Fitness, Health

So today is obviously Day 3, but I have included a review and approximate calories below of what I had yesterday. I am probably going to have something similar over the next few days so I won't bore you with my eating habits. But, I will tell you I have wanted to quit at least 10 times today. I ate breakfast at 8:30am and it's hitting 11:00am now and I am starving!! I just made some tea and I ate three cashews (I normally would eat a toast of some sort, or a fruit something if I wasn't tracking my consumption). But, the plus side was today I definitely felt like a gazelle getting out of bed. Not like weight wise (although that has dropped already), but like this weird airy (not gassy) feeling.

Here's to hoping I stick this out for 21 days....but my first goal is to get through 7 days. The weekend will be the big test. I am already scheming how to get those pancakes on my plate. Andrew and I had quinoa pancakes this past week (exactly as boring as they sound), and so with the right amount of fruit, it should settle any cravings or fomo.

BREAKFAST

1/3 cup Oatmeal in water, 1/2 frozen berries & 1 teaspoon peanut butter (164 calories)

LUNCH

I ended up making 5 veggie patties, and I ate two. So it averaged out to roughly 1/2 cup of pinto beans, 1/3 cup quinoa, 2/5 cup of carrots and sauteed red onion & broccoli, which was cooked in 2/5 tsp of coconut oil. I had these on a bed of spinach (1 cup) with 3 slices of eggplant and 2 cherry tomatoes. The dressing was just balsamic vinegar and mustard. (315 calories)

DINNER 1

House Salad from the Good Bite Kitchen. 1 1/2 cups of spring mix, 1/2 cup of roasted red peppers 1/4 cup of chick peas, avocado & pine nuts with 2 tsp of Maple Vinaigrette (260 calories)

DINNER 2

1/2 cup of quinoa. 1/2 cup of chickpea pasta. Oven roasted a cup of cauliflower, 1/4 cup of tofu and 1/4 of sweet potato with some spices. Added a red wine vinegar and mustard sauce. (421 calories)

Note: These sauces I am adding are just to get some extra flavor since salt is a no no. Everything I cook normally has salt...plus Andrew loves his salt so it gets added double time. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt if you are wondering.

SNACK

1/2 small grapefruit (52 calories)

BEVERAGES

2 8oz of coffee with 1 tsp honey (45 calories)
3 cups of Tea
8 cups of water

Review of Day 1 of the 21 Day Fix

January 23, 2018 by Catherine Thompson

Okay, so day 1 is over....

In order to have zero chances for an excuse to not be able to get in a workout, I am going to try to do them first thing in the morning. Typically Wyatt can keep himself occupied, and I can re-direct him to playing on his own. So, by 7:00 am I had the workout streaming on my phone and was done by 7:40 am. A couple of interruptions with a snack request, asking to read some books and climbing on me while doing abs was what added on the extra 10 minutes.

So this is what I ate:

BREAKFAST:

1/2 cup cooked oatmeal in water, 1/2 cup of frozen berries & 1 teaspoon of peanut butter.

*I stared at my pitiful bowl and was done in no time. I felt sad and gypped...especially because Wyatt ate an entire Chia Bowl, which used to be half mine!*

Drank a cup (8oz) coffee with a teaspoon of honey...which according to the book is okay. Also drank a cup of echinacea tea.

LUNCH:

1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 2 cups of a mix of steamed broccoli, carrots & beets, 1 cup spinach & 1 cup of pinto beans, plus a dressing that consisted of mustard, lemon juice and balsamic vinaigrette.

*Surprisingly this was a bigger bowl than I initially expected when I measured out that first bit of quinoa.*

SNACK: 3 cashews (laugh...I did...so sad and should not even be considered a snack)

Drank 1/2 of my second 8oz cup of coffee with a teaspoon of honey.

DINNER:

1 cup of steamed Kale, 1 cup of tofu cooked with chopped garlic, some spices and on 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil, plus 1/2 cup of steamed sweet potatoes. I then still needed some more veggies so I added some yellow bell peppers and 1/3 cup of avocado and some hot sauce.

Snack: 1/2 small grapefruit & Herbal Tea

HOW DO I FEEL:

How do I feel? Like I should have dropped 10 pounds. No, just kidding I feel fine. I wasn't starving but I wasn't full. I was fine (like when a girl says she's fine but she really wants to eat 100 more things because it looks so good kind of fine). To be honest what I was pleasantly surprised about is that I could still spend my time cooking pretty much like I normally would. I had mentioned to Andrew that was what I would miss and I would be bored not being able to do so. I think I got so wrapped up in the pictures of everyone meal prepping the same food everyday that I thought that would be me. But, being a SAHM, I can cook whatever I want. I know you might say it saves time to meal prep and do other stuff, but Cooking is my therapy, so, I don't want to do other stuff. What was annoying was that it took me longer than normal to make food because I kept having to whip out the measuring spoons so I knew how much I could eat.

Do I have more energy? I wouldn't even know how to measure that. I believe you have the energy you create. You want to be lazy and nap and relax, you do that. You want to get stuff done, you do it. Its all in our head. Well, actually let me rephrase that. For ME personally I can't measure it because all I have done is eat less. I still eat healthy. If an individual eats junk and then adjusts to eat healthy, yes you probably have more energy. Whether you feed yourself mental or actual garbage, you are going to not want to do stuff and feel blah. That is science.....and the honest truth.

RESET

January 22, 2018 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Food, Personal, Vegan

So we are 22 days into the New Year and nothing has really gone as planned.

First Andrew started off the New Year with a 36 hour bug/flu thing. Which he graciously gave to me. No worries, Wyatt is apparently healthy as an Ox and he got away scot-free. Thank goodness!

Shortly after getting over the flu, I was running after Andrew and boom, I jammed my toe. But this wasn't your regular, "break your toes kind of feeling but nothing is really broken kind of jam". No, the next morning I couldn't set my foot down to put pressure, so after taping some toes together and an ibuprofen, I hopped around the house and then watched as my toe became black and blue. That took care of my dreams to work out and made me slightly miserable. Yeay!

So into week three of the new year and I went to the dentist where I got a couple fillings put in. The next day, an ache in my tooth settled in on my other side. This pain came once or twice before, but during my pregnancy. Of course I couldn't take medicine then, so instead I endured the mind numbing pain and didn't sleep, but it was traumatizing (I would say worse than 39 hours of labor, but Andrew thinks I blacked out and that I don't really know what I am talking about). This time I took medicine, but it really isn't working to its full capacity, so I believe a root canal is in the future. Oh, and I have cold, that irritates my throat and the ear on the side of the pain, so it's been hunky-dory.

ANYWAYS. Starting week four and we have pressed reset. Because really, you can press re-set whenever you want. So in no particular order or importance, my goals are:

Heading to bed at 9:30pm, with lights out at 10:00pm.
Starting the 21 Day Fix Beach body program again, but this time actually following the food rules.
Spending an hour each evening on some watercolor work.
Getting our ideas folder for the renovation together so Andrew knows what to set where.
Plan a vacation.
Get Wyatt to expand his eating palate and actually keep track of some of his recipes.
No face picking.

Okay. That's all for now. Nothing crazy, but you know setting and writing these goals just has me feeling all kinds of ready to tackle the year.

I have been most eager/hesitant about the 21 Day Fix Beachbody food program. I am fine with keeping to the workout, which I have done already a few times over, but never the food. I hate limiting my food intake. I already did a conscious portion control on my own since I have always had a tendency to over eat. But I know my portions are still at least double what they, "should" be, if I am expecting for any weight/body mass loss. Do I feel I need to lose it? Honestly, yes and no. Yes, because I know I overeat, which means I do add more to my body than it probably (definitely) needs. But then no I don't feel I need to, because I know even though I over eat, I am still not putting garbage in my mouth. Except when I go on vacation. Then I am capable (meaning I just did it on my last vacation), eat 12 cupcakes in 9 days, and that's not counting the vegan donuts or chocolate bars. Vegan or not, even I know I was being a glutton. So, I have challenged myself to stick to it. Day 1 almost complete and I am rewarding myself with a banana cream pie when I am done. Haven't decided if that is breakfast, lunch and dinner or just dessert. Andrew is probably shaking his head, but hey, I need to know I am working towards something.

Since I know you want to know what I will be eating over these next few weeks. I will keep track. Or try to at least.

O and here are some pictures. None if it has to do with what I just wrote about. And no I have no photographic evidence of my cupcakes, donuts, junk binge (even though I wish I did because it was so good....says the old me...like yesterday me). Happy 2018!

Andrew is fasting, so bring on the cookies!

November 09, 2017 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Dessert, Food, Homemade, Minimalist Baker, Personal, Recipes, Snack, Toddler, Vegan

Andrew is on a fast (not for the faint of heart, but if you want a better understanding as to why he is doing it, check out this documentary), which means I should be happy eating all my delectable dishes with leftovers to spare. But sadly I am not. I am actually lost. The fridge looks like it is going on a fast since I have not purchased anything with a clear goal as to how I will use it.

Snow on Halloween is what Soup is on a Cold Day....expected

October 31, 2017 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Adventures, Baby, Dinner, Food, Homemade, Lake Placid, Organic, Personal, Recipes, Toddler, Soup, Vegetable, Vegan, Vegetarian

Quiet small town living means I truly rely on the posts I see on facebook in my various "mom" groups to know what is taking place in and around the area. While there were a number of Halloween festivities taking place, I knew our little guy was probably not ready for them (even the pumpkin patch ride a couple weeks ago was too dusty and long). We did take him on a late night walk this past weekend, with my plan being the lit up Halloween decorations as the main attraction, but as it turned out, after we pointed out the creepy moon behind the clouds, that was all he pointed to and cared for the rest of the walk. I thought he might get scared of some of the decorations, but he just looked at them, pointed out the witches and pumpkins and that was the end of that. Move it along mom.

Is Honesty the Best Policy? No, but I honestly love Cauliflower Wings & Veggie Pizza

October 27, 2017 by Catherine Thompson in Food, Homemade, Personal, Recipes, Spicy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Williamsburg

The other day as we were going to bed, I was brushing my hair and I said aloud that I was a little sad that my hair was growing out the blonde I put in it back in early July but happy it would be growing out so I wouldn't have the obvious root difference or dry hair. Andrew looked at me and asked if I wanted his opinion. His honest opinion he clarified. I looked at him with daggers because I knew I was not going to like what he had to say.

Being a SAHM & Pumpkin Spice Lattes

October 20, 2017 by Catherine Thompson in Adulting, Baby, Dessert, Drinks, Homemade, Personal, Recipes, Snack, Vegan

I can't tell you how it grates on my nerves when I have the following conversation:

Typical Person: "Congratulations on retiring!".

Me: "Thanks."

Typical Person: "So what are you going to do now?"

Me: Um. .."Stay at home with Wyatt and enjoy this time I have with him".

Typical Person: Blank stare. With an unsaid......."and?".

337 Days later ...

October 12, 2017 by Catherine Thompson in Adirondack, Adventures, Lake Placid, Personal, Food, Baby, Brooklyn

O hi there.

So it's been a while. I have stayed away both intentionally and unintentionally. I have had days where I wanted to sit and provide an update (even just so I had life documented), or share some yummy recipes, but then of course our little human needed my attention, and he wins, every time.

One year later...

November 09, 2016 by Catherine Thompson in Adventures, Personal, Pregnancy, Baby

I was recently going through an old blog post to retrieve a recipe and as it turns out in the same post I spoke about my fear of having a baby. That was exactly one year ago today.

I guess I got over it.

Back in the Kitchen with Crispy Peanut Tofu Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry

April 06, 2016 by Catherine Thompson in Food, Homemade, Organic, Personal, Recipes, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dessert, Chinese, Minimalist Baker

Like the boss I used to be pre-pregnancy, Andrew and I killed it in the kitchen Monday evening. Partially fueled by a comment Andrew made a week or so ago that he thought we might be in meal rut (cough, code for make something new please). So, I accepted the challenge and found not one, not two but three new recipes (I actually found four but two had sweet potatoes so I chose one)!

Planning and Executing (the 1st step of this pregnancy)

April 03, 2016 by Catherine Thompson in Adventures, Personal, Pregnancy

Andrew and I started talking seriously about when we should have kids in August of last year. At first we were honestly going to plan in such a way to guarantee a Capricorn baby. Why? Well for the obvious reason. We are Capricorns and we are awesome.

Guess who's back? (back again)

March 30, 2016 by Catherine Thompson in Adventures, Personal, Pregnancy

Four months.

Four months it has taken me to get my act together.

Four months I have not even logged onto this website.

Four months of feeling like doing nothing.

Happy Birthday, Dad. Enjoy the Chocolate Pie!

November 22, 2015 by Catherine Thompson in Food, Homemade, Personal, Recipes, Vegan, Dessert

So I almost forgot what today was.

No, that's not true. I was ready for today all week. Even had it written in my calendar with a cupcake and birthday candle. But it wasn't my first thought when I woke up.

The Perfect Bridal Shower and an Orzo Salad

November 19, 2015 by Catherine Thompson in Brides, Brooklyn, Drinks, Food, Homemade, Recipes, Personal, Vegetarian, Vegan, Weddings

As I find myself once again thrust into coordinating Weddings at work, I get nostalgic thinking about all the Wedding related events these brides will take part in. My own Bridal shower was a pinterest worthy event. It was an intimate affair at my mother’s house and the personal touches the girls and my mom added were perfect.

Babies, Voicemails & Olives

November 09, 2015 by Catherine Thompson in Food, Homemade, Organic, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pregnancy, Personal, Pasta, Dinner

Current Fears: Having a baby

Fears I have recently overcome: Listening to old voicemails from my dad & eating olives

California = Mexican Inspiration = Cheese Nachos

October 19, 2015 by Catherine Thompson in Adventures, Drinks, Food, Homemade, Organic, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Vegetarian, Vegan, Spicy, Mexican, Snack

The biggest takeaway from our recent trip to California was that we needed to get beans back into our lives and we (I) needed to start experimenting with making my own Vegan Cheese. This was a direct result of a fantastic dining experience we had at Gracias Madres, a beyond delicious joint we ate at not once but twice (so typical of us). Located in the Mission District, we stuck to going there in the daylight hours, but it is conveniently located only two blocks from the BART and if you head towards 17th street there are tons of cute Hipster Shops/Eats (not so scary).

Restaurant Review: The Plant | Cafe Organic - Pier 3

October 12, 2015 by Catherine Thompson in Adventures, Food, Drinks, Restaurants, California, Organic, Vegetarian, Vegan

I kid you not, we legitimately hit up The Plant 5 times in the 4 days we were in San Francisco. Waste of a trip to spend it at the same joint? Maybe. But, how I see it is that I have every intention to be back in the Bay Area again, whether it is for vacation or to move, so I have time to try other spots. Can we help it that once we find a spot that caters to our lifestyle we go back repeatedly? I mean, we are pretty picky eaters, and with Andrew trying to avoid consuming cow dairy, the option narrow drastically. So, what did we eat? Oh let me tell you.