When decided to become vegan I did some extra research on the dairy industry. Not only was I shocked by the cruelty that many people don't know about, but I'm also so grossed out by the thought of drinking milk or using it in any kind of food. It would be more natural to drink human breast milk. Atleast it would be from the same species, but even that would still be gross. If you were to offer someone milk from you dog or cat for their coffee they'd be repulsed. Yet offer them cow or goat milk and they're ok with it. Whats the difference? I can't believe I used to drink milk!

Toothpaste!!!

I was having trouble finding toothpaste that wasn't made by a company that tests on animals. My mom suggested making my own toothpaste so I did! I used 3 parts baking soda (the cleanser and sweetener) with one part salt (the abrasive). I then added a touch of vegetable based glycerin (3 tsp for every one cup of powder) and a little water and vuala, toothpaste. I didn't have anything in my house to flavour it (peppermint, etc) except coconut extract so I used that. I smells soooo yummy but tastes terrible. I've never put something so salty in my mouth before. My mom keeps telling me you get used to the flavour but so far I don't believe her (sorry Mom). But its either have a salty flavoured mouth that smells like coconuts, or have fuzzy teeth and gross morning breath for the rest of my life. I think I'll go with the salty coconut.

MY ORDER FINALLY ARRIVED!

MY ORDER FINALLY ARRIVED!!! I was very excited when I opened my mailbox to find a delivery notice telling me my parcel was waiting for me at the post office. I ordered a few pins and a necklace from peta which were all much nicer then I expected. The bunny necklace is my favourite; I wear it everywhere I go. The pins I stuck onto my backpack as I'm always wearing it and I wanted to make sure the pins would be seen by others. Even little things like a pin on your bag can spark someones curiosity, sometimes enough that they'll want to know more. Who knows, maybe that one pin will get someone thinking and start them on a path to a cruelty free lifestyle (I know that sounded cheesy).

It Got Me Thinking...

I found this quote somewhere on the internet:

" we can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals".

-Immanuel Kant

At first I really liked the sound of it but the more I thought about it, the sadder it started to sound. I think about how cruel and uncaring people can be towards animals and how easy it is for them to turn a blind eye to the suffering of other creatures. If there are other worlds out there, they must look at our planet with disgust.

I'd like to think that someday things will change. I try to stay positive but when you look around and see people eating bigmacs and having eggs for breakfest when they know full well where it came from, it can make you loose all hope. When I'm feeling down about it I like to visit Peta's website and read their success stories. It helps remind me that there are things we can do to help. If some things are changing now, no matter how big or small, then maybe there is hope for the future. Maybe, someday, this planet might be cruelty free.

WHY WON'T IT RISE?!?!

I've started baking my own bread which I find tastes so much better then store bought bread. When I first decided to become a vegan I was surprised to learn that quite a few breads contain dairy products. That was one of the reasons I decided to bake my own. I even managed to find a great recipe for vegan bread at http://spoofygirl.blogspot.com/2007/02/honey-wheat-bread-recipe-vegan.html . I am having one problem though, my bread doesn't seem to want to rise enough. This is my first loaf which so far is my best. They seem to be getting flatter and more dense the more I bake. They still taste great but it's hard to make a sandwhich when you bread loaf is only 3" high.

My First Post

First things first, I want to dedicate this blog to my mom. She is the most loving, strong (no dad, not strong smelling) brilliant, and most importantly compassionate women I have ever known (I'm not just saying that because she's my mom). She has guided and supported me and given me the strength to live as a vegan in a non-vegan world (dad, hand mom a tissue, she's probably getting teary-eyed).

Now that the sappy stuff is out of the way...

This is my first and only blog and with so many other blogs out there these days, I will be surprised if anyone actually reads it. But in the rare case that someone does, I hope you enjoy it. But be warned, I'm not a great writer, so don't expect to find any wise and witty comments on here... unless someone else has written them.