Back For Summer: Thoughts and Cake Pops

College always has a way of zapping time, creating an inescapable vortex of homework, cramming, and exams.  But I'm finally finished [at least for now] until I decide my next move on this crazy pathway.  I picture mine to be littered with sand and seashells, perhaps a hermit crab crossing between my feet while cats frolic all around me.  I mean, I am the Vegetarian Cat after all, cats are everywhere in my perfect world.

 

I've formed and forgotten so many ideas, only to find myself at the keyboard, desperate to purge my mind of aching anxiety and pretty ponderings.  In my last post, I vented heavily about animal rights, a rant I plan to continue, but this time attacking with facts and figures, not raging emotion.  Despite my feelings being a great virtue to the cause, intense anger mostly leads to people thinking animal rights activists are lunatics without reason.  That's just not true.  Although my feelings and thoughts stem from my own sense of morality, I can also look at society and point out the flaws in the system, how animal cruelty simply adds to a decrease in overall happiness.  But this is for another blog entry, after I have enough time to completely research each of my arguments.  For now, I will continue to post yummy vegetarian recipes and cruelty-free products that I adore to hopefully amp up your recipe box and hygiene cabinet.

In the past few months, I have become addicted to couponing, donning another nickname: Coupon Cat.  As a [previous] college student, money tended to be tight, and my spending habits could have been a bit better.  But now, coupon binder safely tucked under my arm whenever I go to the store, I save a lot of money, averaging about 50% worth of savings every time.  And that's sticking to my vegetarian lifestyle!  An awesome place to start is at KCL, they have taught me so much about couponing.  Each week, I will share with you the best vegetarian deals around the country for all of the top stores, including Target [my favorite], Hy-Vee, Walgreens, and CVS.

 

Recently, I have been going through a lot of stress and anxiety.  A few weeks ago, I lost someone very close to me, an experience that continues to put tears in my eyes and a veil over my heart.  Dealing with loss is never easy, and the only comfort I find rests in the words of my mother, a permanent guiding light in my life.  The regret I have felt almost outweighed the sadness, wishing I would have been there more, asking myself why I didn't call more often or visit.  The constant rehash is deafening, a torture chamber of crying fits and urges to turn back time.  And despite now understanding more about life, about seizing the day and doing what you love every moment, I can't fill the empty space inside, not with anything.

Although minimal in comparison, my stress continued with moving out of my lovely little college apartment after 4 1/2 years.  For me, too much stress equates to a build-up of anxiety, which leads to tummy troubles and in this case, acid reflux.  I've researched a few ways of relieving stress, the number one result being exercise.  That means putting more miles on my bicycle [I am an ecogeek after all].  Taking proper vitamins, veggie ones of course, helps too, along with eating a proper diet full of greens and drinking about half of one's body weight in water per day.  Blogging also helps me relieve stress, because the words I write often express how I am feeling, definitely an outlet for negative and positive vibes alike.

Now, on to the recipe I cooked up last night and today.  I love sweets, perhaps a bit too much, and Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops are creamy, cute, and cookie doughy [yes, I know they are cakes].  So, I hunted around the web for a cake pop recipe and stumbled upon strawberry cake pops coated in chocolate.  I simply baked a strawberry cake mix according to the package, let it cool, mixed in one container of cream cheese frosting until it formed a dough, and chilled overnight.  The next morning, I rolled the dough in balls, chilled for about an hour in the refrigerator, and coated them in melted milk and white chocolate.  Sprinkles where then applied liberally before another trip to the fridge.  Most boxed cake mixes are already vegan, so using an egg substitute will keep the treats free of animal-derived ingredients.

The product I want to spotlight today is the vision enhancement vitamin by Gaia Herbs.  I tend to have higher pressure in my eyes, and this vitamin contains ingredients to benefit eye health, such as lutein and bilberry.  The capsule is derived from vegetable cellulose with vegetable glycerin inside.  I take one capsule per day along with my other veggie vitamins.

 

=^. .^= Critter Watch (* o *)

Polydactyl Cats!  My city's humane society randomly has a large number of polydactyl [extra-toed] cats up for adoption.  They are super adorable and just as lovable as any other feline.  Humane societies mostly run off of donations and thus depend on community support to feed, clean, and shelter these animals.  With my couponing, I have been able to get free pet supplies, including dog and cat food.  If you can, please donate to your local animal shelters; they really need and appreciate the help.

 

Time has a way of running from my fingertips, but I will try to keep this blog updated from now on.  Stay cruelty-free, animals need all the love they can get!

~The Vegetarian Cat

["When destiny calls you, you must be strong.  I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on.  You'll be here in my heart, always."  Always, Grandpa.]

Animal Rights Rant: Part I

The other night, I read something online and immediately cried before I finished the only sentence.  The picture was in reference to euthanizing pets when they become too sick.  At the veterinary hospital, the doctor will always give a choice to the owner about whether or not they want to be in the room when the shot is delivered.  In the picture were cats and dogs, each adorned with a halo and pair of wings.  The one sentence said, "Always choose to stay in the room, they look for you once you leave."  I couldn't stop my mind from jumping to those horrible scenes of saying goodbye to a pet.  A pet is never just an animal that's nice to have around - not to me.  They become part of me, another creature I can connect with and talk to just like I would with another person.  Except the bond between my pets and me is deeper, existing on a level that two people can never share.  I feel their absence all of the time, wishing I could hear their cute meows over and over.  But this image in my head traveled further, the image of sad animals looking around for someone to help them.  Many animals around the country, around the world, suffer alone and in pain.  The entire moment made me think about many things I have puzzled over before concerning animal rights and my vegetarianism.  Am I really doing enough in my life to benefit these suffering animals?

I can list off a huge number of industries destroying animals' lives and causing them pain worldwide: factory farming, the fur trade, testing laboratories. . . it goes on and on.  But my mind, my heart, can't handle all of it at once.  I can't face each day knowing that while I enjoy my morning bowl of cereal, puppies around the country go without food as they are imprisoned within puppy mills.  I can't focus during lecture when I picture the slaughterhouses where cows and pigs line up to die, the exact image of a concentration camp.  And I can't sleep at night if I even dare to ponder how many rabbits will be skinned and sliced in the name of science.  Well, it's not science - it's murder.  But like I said, I can't think about it all at once.  It's too heart wrenching, especially when I can't do anything about. . .

But then I thought, what can I do about all of this animal suffering?  I'm a vegetarian, that's enough, isn't it?  No, it's not.  It's really not.  Every time I purchase eggs or dairy or products from a company with their hands in the meat industry, I support their efforts.  It's the wrong message.  So why am I not vegan?  I'm not really sure.  I could take the easy way out and blame my diet on other people or say that it would be too expensive to purchase groceries for a vegan diet with a college student's budget.  Maybe that would be partially true, but in the end, I can only blame myself.  I do have to give myself some credit though, trying my best to buy only cruelty-free household products, ranging from shampoo to lip gloss.  Becoming a full-fledged vegan is my next step, but will that be enough?

I started this blog in hopes of alleviating the pressure on my chest, thinking that I alone have to be the savior of animals.  But the reality is that I can't complete such a huge task alone.  People have been fighting for animal rights for years, before I even thought about a vegetarian lifestyle.  So there is no reason to take the burden upon myself or expect everything to change even within my lifetime.  My dream would be a complete vegan world, but while I love to imagine that type of future, my realistic side knows how unrealistic of a goal that actually is when considering people.  Some cultures are so deeply rooted to ever change the food passed down through generations.  While the youth constantly shake things up with new ideas, some families will never change, no matter the nationality.  

While I can't change everything, there are some things I can do simply from my computer.  I have recently been researching past animal welfare bills, observing which were passed and recording those that were defeated.  The Puppy Protection Act of 2001 was first on my list, noticing that some Iowa senators and representatives actually co-sponsored the bill when it came to a vote.  So I emailed both senators and the district representatives about the Puppy Protection Act, urging them to reintroduce the bill.  And I will keep emailing, discussing defeated bills and other ideas for reform that I want to see completed in Iowa and on the national level.  They might not listen, but I will constantly have things to say, ideas to share, and eventually, someone will hear me out and fight for these causes with as much vigor as I wish I could right now.

I adore animals.  I respect and love them, never wanting to hurt a single paw, feather, or scale.  So it's very difficult for me to accept other people who don't share my point of view.  I'm the first one to think you are a hypocrite (although I probably won't say it) if you say you love animals, yet still choose to eat them.  I don't accept excuses like, "It tastes too good," or "I was raised that way."  Those are cop-out responses.  My boyfriend likes to say that makes me elitist, thinking my vegetarianism makes me better than other people.  But I honestly think it does.  I never want to put the importance of an animal's life above or below mine.  We both feel pain and have the right to our lives.  I have no right to take the natural right of life away from any animal, whether they are furry, feathered, or hominid.  My life is based on selflessness, not selfishness.

I don't aim to make enemies with what I believe, I just want honesty.  So I honestly do wonder if people know where their food comes from.  By now, it is well known the dangers of the popular food in America.  Fast food, processed sugar, trans-fats, MSG, and lists of chemically-concocted ingredients that I can barely decipher using my organic chemistry knowledge (however minuscule it may be).  But do people really know where their meat comes from?  Do they know that veal is made by placing calves in straight jackets and not letting them move their entire lives until they are slaughtered at the tender age of twelve months?  Would people eat chicken if they knew every bird carcass is allowed by USDA standards to have 15% of its weight made up of fecal soup?  (Chickens are dunked in a water bath during processing, allowing fecal matter, blood, and vomit to fall into the water.  The water is not changed between washings, and the next bird to get a bath then absorbs the water, creating a fecal soup).  Do families realize that gestation crates for female pigs raised on pork farms are barely large enough to fit the mother, let alone her new piglets?  Just imagine what it would be like to take the place of any of these animals.  If you honestly couldn't bare the conditions, how can you force this on another creature, fully capable of feeling pain?  And if you don't care at all, that makes you a horrible person, comparable to Hitler and slave owners.

Animals are what give my life meaning, inspiration, and hope.  My pets are my family, tied to me beyond a blood link or name.  I'm not perfect in my ventures toward improving animal rights, but this long road doesn't require perfection, only a caring heart and determined state of mind.  I'm also not asking for conversion, knowing that during my years of vegetarianism, I have not been able to convince anyone to uphold a cruelty-free lifestyle.  I just want people to listen, to give up the comfort of their ignorance and see the truth.  Once we identify all of the atrocities occurring within animal industries, maybe we can finally make the majors steps to eliminate the suffering of millions of animals.

For the love of animals,
~ The Vegetarian Cat

Hungry Cats of All Kinds

I get hungry a lot, anywhere from five to ten times a day.  Nothing really sticks (except hot, cheesy, pineapple pizza), so I often find myself snacking quite a bit.  It can be difficult to find so many different things to eat, especially those that are vegetarian friendly, but hopefully this list will generate some new ideas for daily snack attacks.

~ Apples & Peanut Butter - I know, it's not the most original idea, but the combination of sweet fruit and salty peanuts satisfies most of the time.  Try using Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter swirled with a little caramel for a delicious dip.

~ The Preston - Stolen from a childhood friend, this sandwich consists of a blueberry bagel, topped with a fried egg, slice of cheese, and a piece of veggie bacon (if you want a salty crunch).  This could easily be made using vegan ingredients, depending on what your local grocery store has in stock.  To make the snack healthier, use only egg whites and fry in non-stick spray.

~ Yogurt Smoothie - Your favorite yogurt + frozen fruit + a splash of juice = a vegetarian delight in a cup.  Make sure the yogurt is gelatin-free!  One of my faves: strawberry yogurt, frozen mango, and some orange juice.

~ Toast! - Bread can be combined with anything and be yummy.  Peanut butter pairs well with Nutella, mango jam, and bananas.  The salty route can lead to CLT's (cucumber, lettuce, and tomato), topped with a bit of mayo or mustard.

~ Pasta + Veggies + Sauce - With its quick cooking time, pasta can definitely be a snack, just watch portion size.  Penne with white sauce and broccoli can quickly become Alfredo, and marinara with mushrooms and mozzarella adds flavor and meatiness to spaghetti.

CRITTER WATCH =*_*=

 
Ocelots are small, spotted felines who typically dwell in South and Central America.  They are independent and territorial animals, congregating only to mate or possibly share a nice tree nook with a fellow ocelot of the same sex.  Body sizes range from 2.5 - 3 feet, while the tail adds another foot or so.  Ocelots' nocturnal nature give them an advantage over prey, especially with their keen odor tracking abilities and night vision.  While ocelots are known to eat deer, lizards, birds, and fish, most of their diet is comprised of small mammals.  Perhaps the most famous ocelot, Babou, belonged to Salvador Dali, the Spanish painter known for The Persistence of Memory, a painting featuring melting pocket watches.

Product of the Day  

Olive oil is great for cooking, but also acts as a moisturizer for dry skin and an efficient make-up remover.  I'm a fan of eyeliner (the darker, the better), which can be difficult to remove.  Simply dip a Q-tip into a small amount of olive oil, and swipe across any eye make-up for a clean skin.  Make sure not to get any oil in your eye.

As always, live cruelty-free and think about what you can do to make a difference in every animal's life.

~ The Vegetarian Cat

Back From Hibernation

Winter is unforgiving, especially in the Midwest, causing this vegetable-loving cat to hibernate as much as possible.  Cats are not known to hibernate, unlike the infamous bear, but members of the Ursidae family are not the only ones who lie dormant for a period of time during the year.  Many rodents, bats, and even the adorable platypus hibernate to conserve energy when food is scarce.

It can be difficult to eat out being a vegetarian or vegan.  I can ask about the ingredients of a dish, but I'm never certain if my food will be prepared in the same dishes as meat.  Many recipes on the Internet attempt to mimic restaurant items, and some are very close, if not exact to the original.  Tonight, I prepared one of my favorite meals from Chili's: the Fajita Pita (vegetarian style).  

Vegetable Fajita Pita

(For 1 person)

Small handful of fresh, steamed broccoli

1/4 each of 1 green and 1 red pepper

1/3 of an onion (purple or white)

5 baby Portabella mushrooms

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp. of butter

Handful of iceberg lettuce

1 piece of pita bread

1. Slice onion, peppers, and mushroom to similar sizes. 

2. Melt butter in sauté pan over medium heat and add onion.  Cook until soft.

3. Add peppers to pan, followed by mushrooms.

4. While the vegetables cook, place broccoli in microwave safe bowl with water until the broccoli is submerged.  Steam on high for 1 - 2 minutes.

5. Add salt and pepper to vegetable mixture and remove from heat when all of the vegetables are tender.

6. In the same pan, place one piece of pita and cook until warm and crispy on one side.

7. Fill warm pita with cooked vegetables, broccoli, and iceberg lettuce.

Note: For extra flavor, try making the sauce served with the pita.  The sauce has changed over the years, but the original version was similar to Thousand Island dressing or Bloomin' Onion sauce.  The basic idea is mixing ketchup with mayonnaise and adding some horseradish, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Also, I'm ecstatic to note that I have finally found TWO provolone cheeses that do not contain animal-derived enzymes.  Shullsburg and Crystal Farms Natural Cheeses both produce delicious sliced provolone that make me very happy.  A perfect mimic recipe with the cheese slices will be coming soon!

Products of the Day

Yes, plural.  The Body Shop sells amazing items free of meat industry by-products and made without the use of animal testing.  The company aims to help the planet in many ways: petitioning sex trafficking, supporting free-trade, and promoting green lifestyles.  Even now, The Body Shop is coming out with bottles and containers that are completely recyclable.

I've tried many of their lotions, soaps, body washes, and skin butters.  My favorites are the Vitamin E Cream Cleanser and Raspberry Body Butter.  While some of the products are a little expensive, the online shop constantly has deals and sales going on.  I'm a member of their Love Your Body Club, which gives 10% off of each purchase, plus more benefits.

Back to the warm den of my bed.  Spread the animal love!

- The Vegetarian Cat

Past Thoughts, Present Tips, and Future Tidings

The waning gibbous pulls me forward as I stand outside, staring at the moon.  I hide my frown in the darkness, the cold freezing the random tears stuck to my face.  I continue to watch the sky, the moon shrouded by concentric beams of light - a full spectrum cloak.  Graduation is over, and while one challenge has been tackled, more lurk under the mountains of snow covering the backyard, like landmines.  I try to think of nothing but the illuminated display reflected on the surrounding white.  But my mind wanders to those landmines, failures waiting to happen.  I hear noises from the nearby trees - a barred owl call and the sound of scampering across ice.  The deck is covered in snow.  I look back at my footsteps, small and barely pressing into the crusted slush.  Each step on the deck is glistening with ice, but I continue forward into the backyard.  I only look at the sky as I walk forward, feigning ignorance of the dangers underneath my boots.

I am now a college graduate, officially receiving my Bachelor's in Animal Ecology: Pre-Vet and Wildlife Care. Anything could be coming next: vet school, the MFA program for environmental writing, or rehabilitation internships, but I know every step will be toward saving animals.

There are a lot of things to remember when it comes to the holidays, including the safety of your pets.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind during your preparations:

- Carefully consider your decorations.  Tinsel is lethal to cats and dogs (as well as other pets) since it can cut the lining of the digestive system.  Pets will also play with ornaments, a possible hazard if hooks or sharp edges exist.  Remember to vacuum up loose pine needles that could become lodged in your pet's stomach.

- Although she hates the idea of people eating animals, especially on holidays, the Vegetarian Cat realizes many people serve meat at their family gatherings.  Try not to give leftover bones to any of your pets.  While they enjoy the treat, bone shards can get stuck in their throats.

- If there are a lot of trips in and out of the house, have someone keep an eye on your pet(s).  Many animals love to explore, and an open door is an invitation to use those traveling instincts.  

- I have a major chocolate obsession, so it's unnatural if I don't have the decadent sweet around the holidays (or any other day of the year).  Remember to keep the treats away from pets though, since chocolate makes cats and dogs sick.

- Even though they are pretty, keep pets away from winter plants like poinsettias.  The leaves can be toxic for cats and dogs.  Watch out for lilies too, a dangerous flower for felines.

While I'm watching blizzards with my orange tabby, laughing as my Dachpom romps through snow, or suspiciously eyeing my black Maine Coon under the tree, I always keep a refreshing drink by my side.  Hot chocolate, apple cider, or Tom and Jerry's - take your pick - all are my holiday favorites.  Each can be made vegetarian or vegan, and both are equally delicious.

Hot Chocolate
Single Serving

1. Mix 1 tbsp. cocoa powder with 2 tbsp. granulated sugar in a microwavable mug (6 - 8 oz. size).
2. Slowly pour in milk while stirring, stopping occasionally to combine ingredients.
3. Once a dark brown paste has formed, continue adding milk until about 1/2 inch below the rim.
4. Microwave 30 sec. and stir.  Repeat twice more.
5. When finished, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or vegan marshmallows.

Note - If making more than 1 serving, use the stove top instead when heating the hot cocoa.  Milk with higher fat content should be watched in the microwave as it heats up faster.  Soy milk can easily replace milk in the recipe.  Try Vanilla Silk for a yummy taste.  Adding extracts is a great idea for creating drinks for individual tastes.  Use 1/2 tsp. of peppermint extract for a delicious winter twist.

Nutella Hot Chocolate
Single Serving

(Many recipes specify the amount of milk and Nutella, but I use the guess and check method for the best taste.)

1. Pour the amount of milk you want into a small saucepan.  I use 1 c. of skim milk or Silk.
2. Whisk in 2 tbsp. of Nutella and taste.  If it's not chocolately enough, add another tbsp.
3. When heated through, poor into mug and enjoy with whipped cream.

Apple Cider 

1. Pour Simply Apple into a saucepan. 
2. Add cinnamon sticks and spices to taste.
3. Heat and serve.

Tom and Jerry's

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/tom-and-jerry-batter/Detail.aspx 

This recipe is what I remember from my childhood (of course mine were without alcohol back then).  Even today, I stay away from most alcohol, because not all brands are cruelty-free.  Many wines, beers, and liquors are purified using gelatin and fish bladder-derived film.  If you love a certain brand, but want to stay loyal to your morals, email or call the company and ask them how they purify their alcohol. 

Whatever you do this winter, whether it's opening presents by a tree or simply enjoying the snow, remember to make it a safe season full of animal-friendly meals and decor.

(To my Lucy and Simon - I will love you and miss you forever.)

~ The Vegetarian Cat 

Furry Friends and Tips to Healthy (Vegetarian) Living

The weather has been cold recently, frigid gales blowing across the campus.  Bundled in their winter coats, eastern fox squirrels frantically search the browning ground, digging for carefully placed caches of nuts.  The branches of a nearby walnut tree sway under the weight of a single squirrel as he jumps back and forth, awaiting his friends at the trunk of the tree.  They are at war - a ruthless battle of tag that will last until one bushy-tailed victor emerges.  When snow finally falls in this Midwestern college town, no longer will the fox squirrel be the mascot of livelihood, stealing the attention of students previously entranced by their cell phones and iPods.  Yet, with a trained eye, their presence can still be seen underneath those same walnut trees.  The lightest of tracks, barely gracing the surface of the solid white mounds, create looping trails from tree to tree.  The imprints are so small, delicate.  I watch the wisps of breath escaping my mouth, like steam rising from a winter lake.  It is cold.  Iowa winters are always cold.  But the harsh arctic will melt as fox squirrels return to continue their endless chasing games.

With graduation approaching rapidly, stress often finds a way of sneaking into every moment of my life.  I obsess and worry - enough to drive those around me insane.  I also tend to get sick, frequently, from the extra tension.  To stay healthy, I make sure to do a few things - vegetarian-friendly options of course.

1. Vegetarian vitamins - http://www.swansonvitamins.com/ has entire lines of vegetarian vitamins free of cruel ingredients like gelatin.

2. Eat enough protein - I'm not a huge fan of beans, so I get a lot of my protein from gelatin-free yogurt, organic milk, and peanut butter.

3. Try to have at least 3 balanced meals per day - I'm a tiny person, so I eat small portions often throughout the day.  Even if you don't have time for meals, a snack will perk up your metabolism.  Carrots and trail mix are nutritious and tasty options.

Mealtime can also be stressful for vegetarians, especially if there are picky eaters in the house.  Any recipe can be changed into a vegetarian delight though, using a quick switch of ingredients.  I love using pasta, because it's delicious, easy to incorporate into new dishes, and contains vital calories.  Vegetable lasagna, spaghetti, and stuffed shells are simple and inexpensive to create, and most of the time, you don't need a recipe.  Add carrots, zucchini, broccoli to sauces and fillings - whatever you want.  Remember, any recipe that calls for meat can be made with vegetables or soy proteins for a yummier, healthier, and animal-friendly feast.

Silent Flight

(Great Horned Owl)

The Great Horned Owl perched upon a naked maple branch, carefully watching the last of the autumn leaves fall and stick to the wet ground.  He was cold and hungry.  Stripped Skunks and Northern Short-tailed Shrews and Eastern Cottontails would soon vanish under powdered snow, caking the ground in a light glaze of white.  The owl called out (http://www.owlpages.com/sounds/Bubo-virginianus-6.mp3), vaguely attempting to attract a mate before the first snow.  Mating season would begin after the next two full moons, and the Great Horned Owl, undecided about raising offspring, wished for just one more lunar cycle.  He was tired, living for a decade in the wild and outliving most other owls from his generation.  Stealing a Red-Tailed Hawk nest for his eggs also did not bode well for his confidence toward fatherhood.  The decision was too much - at least for now.  At least a few elms and one birch he knew quite well still had a few leaves left on their branches.  So the Great Horned Owl flew silently into the forest, ignoring a nearby owl call to look for a Striped Skunk he knew would be hiding near the familiar birch tree.  What did he care of its foul odor?  He couldn't smell a thing.

 (Barred Owl)

I adore owls!  Barn, Barred, Eastern Screech, and Great Horned - it doesn't matter.  These birds of prey are the ultimate hunters, sporting serrated feathers that produce absolutely no sound during flight.  They mainly feast on rodents and small birds, but devour skunks whenever they find them.  Although they are beautiful birds, they are illegal to own unless a Rehabilitation or Falconry License is obtained.  But owls should not be considered cuddly pets to showcase to family and friends.  They are complex, wild animals demanding respect and dedication.  I'm lucky enough to volunteer at a wildlife care clinic where I work with different owls.  Even though they are captive birds, use to changing staff and volunteers, I still treat them as I would any other wildlife: with practiced caution and controlled reverence.

 (Eastern Screech Owl - Gray Phase)

 (Barn Owl)

 (Leopold - Long-Eared Owl)