Veganism Debunked :)

I'm putting this on Veganista, so I thought I'd share with you, too!

Sometimes Matt and I catch flack for our diet choices.  When most people find out that we eat a plant-based whole foods diet, they think we're stinky hippies.  That, and they don't understand why we do what we do.  But always, there is the inevitable question that makes me want to scream: "But, if you don't eat meat, how do you get enough protein?".  It's not their fault, they have bought into what years of Western overeating has preached.  This is extremely annoying to Matthew and me.

I was told by someone who had never researched or done so much as to read one article about plant-based diets that I was unhealthy.  Really?  Every time my blood pressure is taken people are astonished, I'm not skin and bones, heck, I eat a TON, and my body glows from the inside out.  I'm perfectly fine.  Maybe you should read a little more...

And there is always the, "What are you going to do when you get pregnant?".  Ummm, DUH.  If I think this diet is best for me, and I want the best for my child, I'm going to continue eating healthy.  Maybe a little more soy ice cream than normal, but what gives?  Vegan moms produce healthier birthweight babies and typically have an easier birth (especially if moderate exercise was included during pregnancy).

As for my children, ah, yes.  This is tricky.  You want the best for your kids, right?  But you also want them to make their own choices.  So we've decided on raising our children as vegans.  When they procure their own money they may spend it on whatever they want.  If it's a cholesterol filled burger, so be it.  That's their money, not mine.  They are affecting their own health, not mine.

My Twink, aka Sarah Flory, recently posted this infographic on Pinterest, and it actually led me to the post.  Click HERE!

A big shout out to my parents who laughed when I became a vegetarian in high school, rolled their eyes when I joined PETA, but always supported my decision.  Thanks for putting up with me when I won't eat things you labored over (the roast and veggies looked and smelled great, but they were marinated with the meat...sorry!), and for listening to me when I rag you about a plant-based diet (Dad).  But most of all, thanks for being proud of me for daring to be a little out there.  LOVE YOU!

Derby Pie!

So my mother and mother-in-law make this FANTASTIC dessert called a Derby or Kentucky Derby Pie. It is basically a chocolate chip pecan pie, and tis the best thing that ever came out of the South (besides collard greens, of course).

Most desserts I try to veganize fail the first few times. I often give up or just wait a few months to try it again because I'm not a dessert person, and if I have sweets lying around, I or my darling sweet tooth of a Hubby will devour them within a couple of days.

This confection, however, is a family favorite. And because it's been so long since we've had one of mom's famous Derby pies, we decided to make one ourselves.

I cannot give out our family's secret recipe, but if you are interested, I'm sure Google can appease you.

To veganize, simply substitute Ener-G for eggs and Smart Balance vegan substitute for margarine.

We started with dry...

Added in the wet ingredients...

Baked...

And ATE!

Current Obsessions

I have a few current obsessions, so I figured I'd share.

1) Kimora Lee Simmons, more specifically "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane"

She started out modeling for Chanel when she was 13, and then she married Russell Simmons in 1998, and has since developed Baby Phat and KLS (Kimora Lee Simmons) fashion lines.  She is a model (um, gorgeous!), author, and most importantly, a mother.  And I love her show!  Side note, Matt compares her show to listening to nails run down a chalkboard.  But what does he know?

2) Everything Kardashian

This obsession has been full blown for quite some time.  It's getting a little ridiculous.  Matt doesn't mind this one so much because he's in love with Kourtney (far right).  These women are the daughters of the late Robert Kardashian, best known for being OJ Simpson's attorney during the Nicole Brown murder case.  Their mom, Kris, now married to Olympian Bruce Jenner, was actually best friends with Nicole, and this caused a bit of drama.
Khloe (left) is married to Lamar Odom of the LA Lakers, Kim (center) dated Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints for a while, and Kourtney is just fabulous.  They own a boutique called "Dash" with stores in Calabasas, Miami and now, New York City.
I'm pretty sure if we met, we'd be the best of friends.  Especially Khloe, Kourtney, and me :)  And I consider Kourtney my fashion icon.  Matt likes that ;)

3) Patton and Matt in Argyle

Argyle was made for my males.  Patton has a collar just like the one here, but without the pink, and it is smashing!  And you should see my hubby in this pattern...flawless.  I love it!

4) Vegan Makeovers
I don't have a picture for this, but I love taking traditional homemade and many times Southern dishes, and making them into vegan meals.  So far we've done stuffed bell peppers, sloppy joes, shepards pie, and cherry cobbler :)  YUMSIES!

5) Christian Louboutin

Oh. My. God.  His shoes make me SO happy!  I don't own a pair, and have yet to find any sans leather, but they are stunning to look at.  Plus, they are lots and lots o' money, and I refuse to pay $500 + for a pair of shoes.  But I do like to find lookalikes :)  Gorgeous, gorgeous footwear!

6) Buddha

We have a few Buddha pieces in our house, and I love them for intrinsic value alone.  But then I started reading proverbs from Buddha, and found them quite insightful .  I was recently asked by someone how I have an optimistic outlook on life.  I contribute it to my diet, my very supportive and adorable husband, as well as positive readings, from those like Buddha.  You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the quotes, just like you don't have to be a Christian to appreciate Proverbs and Psalms. And to be honest, they are very similar.
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned" -Buddha 
See what I mean?  Woosa.


7) Wax Seals

If you have received a letter from me lately, chances are it had a "C" wax seal on it.  I have always loved wax seals, and since many letters have been leaving the Cole household, I thought it would be nice to get a personalized wax seal.  Wax seals have been used for centuries,  and I first became smitten when I learned William Shakespeare used them.  Not that our letters are comparable to those of The Bard, but you can see why I would be inspired (Willy Shakes is my longest running obsession. Ask my parents).

And it seems that is it for now. Have a fabulous day!

Sir Patton Pup

So, just in case you didn't know, Matt and I have the most precious pup in all of the world! Patton Jefferson was my inspiration to become a vegan, and he validates that every day with his snuggles and downright cuteness.

I haven't posted enough pictures of him, so here are a few I found on my iPhone (I take at least one photo of him every day).







Scarfing down mashed banana while helping me bake banana bread







Playing soccer with daddy. I LOVE this one!







Begging us to snuggle for a few minutes before bedtime.







Patton loves to see what's going on in the neighborhood! He was watching the recycling guys in this one.







And as always, being a snuggle buggle with pops.

Love on your pets today and every day! They can teach us so much about unconditional love.