On December 11th 2012 former participants of the Ghost-Free Journey reunited on Facebook with our Ghost-Free Co-Coaches Donna Oakes and Rosemary Tarentino Foos and fellow Facebook users to discuss their experiences and where they find themselves today. Shared below is their conversation and remember to check out our Facebook page and like us today!
Today is our GHOST-FREE JOURNEY REUNION. Former participants of the GFJ will share with us where they are at today with their veg journey. Our Ghost-Free Journey is supported by LUSH and VegFund. Join the conversation!
Like · · Share – 16 people like this.
Rosemary Tarentino Foos WELCOME GFJ participants and the community to a Reunion Day! Donna and I would love to start out by thanking each and everyone for participating in the GFJ these past 18months. It has been an honor and pleasure to join you on your path. Let’s start today, with asking *where are you on your GFJ, and how is it going so far? Yesterday at 9:20am · Like · 3
Donna Oakes It’s amazing to realize that there are 11 people already who have taken the journey. It has been such a fantastic experience – and we are so grateful to everyone in the Ghosts community who has given support, encouragement, tips and love. Yesterday at 9:24am · Like · 2
Danielle Legg Can I speak for my mum here, until she can join? (I’m totally going to) It’s honestly been amazing to see my mom grow. Although likely not her favorite, I actually like to share in her frustration that some restaurants are SO behind the times by way of having veg options. It’s something she didn’t really seem to get before, and I quite love that not only does she get it now, she gets as frustrated as I do She’s creative, and plans ahead. The best thing, for me, was when we went shopping and she motioned at the dish soaps and said “Are any of these NOT tested on animals?” My heart soared, and I said “no” So when we went to the grocery, I showed her all her options there. She’s shifting to cruelty free, not just in her food, and clothing (and accesories too!) to cleaning products and other household stuffs! AND she’s learning about it on her own. She’s curious, and really wants to make these amazing changes. I love you both for giving me this amazing mom (she was amazing before, so I mean amazing-ER mom) Who’s sharing this fight with me. Yesterday at 9:25am · Like · 6
Donna Oakes that is so beautiful, Danielle! It must be a wonderful experience to go shopping together, eat together, spend time together. All of the things that are always beautiful to do with our moms – but now enhanced by a common belief system. Your mom has come a long way – looking forward to later today when she can fill us in on her past year. Yesterday at 9:30am · Like · 2
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Danielle, your Mom has come a long way in just a year. I vividly recall your Mom saying she would wait for you to come home to cook for her because she was so intimidated by cooking vegan food. You have been so loving to her by showing her a different way of life, and now she’s on her way, forging her own path. It’s so wonderful, and I was so happy to be a small part of her shift. Go Cheryl Legg Yesterday at 9:30am · Like · 3
Nina Beveridge Hi everyone, I have to go to work, so I wanted to pipe in and say that ever since my experience with the ‘prototype’ version of the GFJ in summer 2011, I have continuously pursued change around creating a vegan lifestyle-not always easy with a family that has not yet embraced the change alongside me-I cannot wait until the film is ready to show my children and see how that realization washes over them, and that as consumers they can make a difference! Yesterday at 9:39am · Like · 4
Catherine Cappelletti I love following other people’s journeys while I.com very slowly, travel a similar path. Yesterday at 9:39am · Like · 3
Donna Oakes You were #2 Nina – and I belive that at the time, Rosemary and Doh Driver wre your coaches. I remember the wonderful photos ofmeals that you prepared – I used to salivate. I think that the film will have a major impact on your family – on everyone really.
Catherine Cappelletti I LOVE how you are pursuing on your own!! Yesterday at 9:44am · Like · 1
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Nina , maybe you can join in later to share your experience, as there are many who live with non-veg family members? Catherine Cappelletti, can you share a bit about your journey? We would love to hear from anyone in TIOM community about their process as well! Yesterday at 9:48am · Like · 2
Nina Beveridge All I can say is this Christmas will be interesting. My brother and I alternate hosting a family Christmas brunch each year-this year it is my turn. The menu will be veeerrrryyy different! I am looking for a vegan mushroom risotto recipe to add to the mix, if anyone has any suggestions! Yesterday at 9:53am · Like · 2
Rosemary Tarentino Foos I have made a mushroom risotto, and it was wonderful. Just substituted veg broth, non-dairy butter, and added my own cashew parmesan. If you want the details, I’ll find the recipe! You got this Yesterday at 9:55am · Like · 2
Nina Beveridge yum! Yesterday at 9:56am · Like · 2
Donna Oakes I want that recipe too!! Yesterday at 9:58am · Like · 1
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Actually, there’s a photo of it in the “montage of food” photo shot. I used three different mushrooms for texture and taste. For a brunch, you can also try a recipe for deviled “eggs”. Happy Herbivore just posted this am. Danielle raves about VEGG product, but I haven’t tried it yet. What else are you thinking about preparing? So many of us have to think about enticing recipes for our guests. Yesterday at 10:01am · Like · 3
Rosemary Tarentino Foos https://happyherbivore.com/2012/12/vegan-deviled-eggs-recipe/
Fat-Free Vegan Deviled Eggs Recipe happyherbivore.comAnn Esselstyn taught me how to make these eggs. Her recipe was simple: hummus, D…See More Yesterday at 10:05am · Like · 1
Donna Oakes Here is a link to a recipe for vegan deviled eggs – posted on the blog of Lagusta Umami – vegan chocolates maker extraordinaire!!
Maresa’s vegan deviled eggs. Vegan. Deviled. Eggs!!! That taste and look like….EGGS! lagustasluscious.wordpress.comMy BFF/right-hand-chocolatier Maresa and I have been talking about making vegan …See More Yesterday at 10:05am · Like · 2
Rosemary Tarentino Foos https://www.vegangela.com/2010/10/21/vegan-mushroom-risotto/
Vegan Gourmet Mushroom Risotto www.vegangela.com< p>It’s 3AM here in Sydney. I just got off a conference call with Toronto and I…See More Yesterday at 10:06am · Like · 3
Nina Beveridge Wow – yummy! Plus with that lemon asparagus in pastry! I am not much of a pastry chef but I can see lemon asparagus being a delectable companion to the earthy richness of the risotto. Must – test – on – family – first! Thanks! Yesterday at 10:10am · Like · 2
Nina Beveridge Also I have to prepare something with beets-not too far from the basics of the beet-my brother loves beets. Yesterday at 10:13am · Like · 1
Donna Oakes Aside from the food issue of what to make for family and friends get togethers (especially at holiday times), many of us struggle with the social issues of these get togethers. That was a common theme during the journeys – lots of great discussions.
Is thre anybody who has questions for the past participants or for the Ghosts FB community about this? Yesterday at 10:13am · Like · 2
Nina Beveridge I have found it hard to broach the subject of my recent veganism without turning the conversation to a serious note – e.g. more serious than a light hearted gathering wants to be. Hard to find that balance sometimes. Yesterday at 10:21am · Like · 2
Donna Oakes Definitely it is especially difficult to talk about while at the dinner table. Sometimes just by saying that we are vegetarian/vegan/don’t eat such and such, others might feel quite defensive – creates quite a silence in the room sometimes. How do others deal with this? Yesterday at 10:28am · Like · 1
Donna Oakes Not all of the previous participants will be able to join us today. We wanted to make sure that they know how much we loved taking the journey with them. Here is a list of all those who took part – whether it was early on during the FB Journey – or later, on the new website. We love you all!
Mélanie Dion Eadon, Nina Beveridge, Neener Beaner, Cheryl Legg, Abigail Doan, Bonnie Anderson, Yesterday at 11:14am · Like · 2
Donna Oakes Judy Hurst, Marsha L. Miranda, Kelly Davidson, Davis Dunavin and Simonee Chichester!! Yesterday at 11:17am · Like · 1
Abigail Doan Good morning, everyone: So great to read all of these comments and supportive words. I just returned from Bulgaria where I did my GFJ last November. I just wanted to say that in the year since, my diet has definitely been more conscious … even with life in the Balkans where vegan options are there but not marketed perhaps in the same manner or rather as readily available. I think for me, the food choices themselves are something that I am always considering, weighing with my family, etc. but I guess that the overall scope for me is really about the cycle of materials in and out of the home and all of the animal-based products that the masses are expected to consume. It is shocking and this, for starters, is what I am researching a lot of the time. Industrialized goods, the machine, the horrors that are packaged as something that we need as basics. Yesterday at 11:20am · Like · 2
Abigail Doan Also, with two small children (age 5 actually) I am amazed by how natural its is for little ones to be indoctrinated into a world where animals are there to serve, entertain, be consumed, and basically are assessed as raw materials for product and amusement. Kindness is not a given. Yesterday at 11:24am · Like · 2
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Abigail, your points about the extreme consumption of animals and animal products is so important. It’s daunting as I notice this more in my own vegan journey…it’s hard to turn away and not notice anymore. We’re all indoctrinated into this way of thinking and living…a machine for sure! So glad you have been able to continue on your quest for information; you’re so thoughtful and insightful about topics so few people consider. Thank you for opening my eyes. Yesterday at 11:31am · Like · 3
Abigail Doan I also wanted to add … and this is perhaps more personal in terms of how a vegan diet simply makes me “feel” that there is no disputing that eating as a vegan makes you feel so much healthier and clear. It is not something that everyone is willing to try as culturally some view food as a treat, an escape, a reward, even a vehicle for power perhaps, and I think that this is why people cannot let go of animal-based diets and the control they think that they have. Obviously, there is a lot written about some of these dynamics. Yesterday at 11:33am · Like · 3
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Do you mean people feel a lack of control in their food choices ? Yesterday at 11:36am · Like · 1
Abigail Doan Well, I guess that I meant that oddly I think that people somehow relish this notion that they are dominating “the other” by actually consuming or enslaving, and this is a form of empowerment for some. Similar to “controlling” nature and natural resources. What I mean is, societally we are addicted to controlling the weaker and/or consuming what we think has little value or can easily be replaced. OK … I digress. Yesterday at 11:42am · Like · 4
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Thank you for clarifying; I wasn’t sure exactly what you meant, because some of our participants have expressed that it’s difficult to have “control” over what their choices are. However, your perspective is another aspect of this same issue, perhaps. I can see how some people do approach eating/using animals as our “right” because we’re the dominant species…for sure. There has been thousands of years going into this, so it’s difficult to navigate sometimes. I think Will Tuttle and his book, The World Peace Diet, does a remarkable job at explaining this phenomena. Yesterday at 11:51am · Like · 3
Abigail Doan Exactly Yesterday at 11:51am · Like · 1
Judy Hurst Hello all! I wanted to say that since my GFJ I have embraced a whole new challenge of moving to a rural area without many of the resources that cities have when it comes to vegan foods. But I have begun to make inroads with the local grocery store to special order my tofutti, daiya, and any other stuff that is hard to come by. I’m opening a restaurant with my husband and we are compromising right now and offering animal products, but they have to pass my standards before we select a particular farms products. But I have been getting feedback from the community and many are excited by the fact that I will have vegan foods! Who knows, down the line, we may be a fully vegan resto, we’ll see. Yesterday at 11:53am · Like · 1
Judy Hurst I’m hosting family this year at Christmas and my mom is bringing turkey, and I won’t forbid her to bring it into the house, but you can be pretty sure that I will be spending my time making the tastiest vegan food she has ever seen! I love a challenge. I’ll check in again later when I get another break at work. Yesterday at 11:54am · Like · 2
Donna Oakes Judy – we are looking forward to hearing more – especially about the ability to compromise with other family members while still maintaining your beliefs. That is a topic many people struggle with. Yesterday at 11:59am · Like · 1
Donna Oakes Abigail – your thoughts about these issues are so deep – I would never say that you digress. Being aware of what food and choices about food means to others helps us to remember and recognize what approach might work in trying to engage somebody in conversation. Food means so many different things to people – I know that in my Italian family – it meant comfort. I still remember so clearly being 15 years old, stood up by a boy who never showed up for our date, crying in the kitchen and having my poor father trying to comfort me – hoiw about some ice cream – some pizza? Yesterday at 12:03pm · Like · 1
Abigail Doan That is an amazing story, Donna, and I so understand what you are describing … on multiple levels. Perhaps one way to look at vegan living and diet specifically is that it does empower you to feel stronger and more fortified about how one truly feels, and in turn we have the “energy” to feel more for others, including the ghosts and animals. Yesterday at 12:07pm · Like · 1
Abigail Doan Otherwise, we are heavier with emotion and illness and not as free to share and do the work. Do not mean to be preachy but rather understand why the diet itself does allow you to keep doing and feeling more … because one must. Yesterday at 12:08pm · Like · 1
Donna Oakes Yes – the diet helps us to feel that we embody what we believe. I would love to hear more about your investigations into the material world. Yesterday at 12:15pm · Like · 1
Rosemary Tarentino Foos When we’re in alignment, we feel better and balanced Yesterday at 12:15pm · Like · 2
Mélanie Dion Eadon Hello everyone!!!! There are already some amazing stories, comments and recipes on here… unfortunately, i’m at work & on lunch, so not much time… my journey started on July 7th, 2011 and has been an amazing “journey” ever since… my husband, who’s a die hard “meat & potatoes” guy has not completely taken the journey, however, he’s make some amazing changes and has even been surprized by many dished i’ve made. OMG!!!!there’s just so much too say…i do have days where i struggle, but he’s a great support to me! and altho we live in Hamilton, we’ve found several amazing little vegetarian restaurants that have also wet his appetite! ;o) as for work, well, i managed to convince our cafeteria to switch to a vegan gravy (one of the things i found hard to give up, but can eat with no guilt anymore – YEAH!) and am trying to get them to switch their cheeses over… i really love cheese!!!! i’m not vegan, but not vegetarian, but i don’t eat meat (chicken, beek, pork), wont touch dairy or eggs what so ever but will periodically eat some fish… so? what does that make me? this is where i struggles with explaining “what i am” to ppl when they ask… but, i’m trying to give it up and slowly go vegan… almost there!!! all in all, i would say that this has just become part of me and my beliefs and i could never go back and can’t wait for the day where we’re all equals with our four legged friends! Yesterday at 12:38pm · Like · 1
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Hi Melanie! This makes “you” a wonderful and loving woman who is peeling back the layers and finding your way along the vegan path. Remember, we’re here to lend our support you anytime. Yesterday at 12:56pm · Like · 2
Donna Oakes Mélanie – what amazing strides you have made since you started your journey!! Talking to the people at the cafeteria and getting them to switch to a vegan gravy is a major accomplishment. How wonderful too that your husband is so supportive and enjoying the vegetarians foods with you. You have a lot to be proud of. Yesterday at 1:20pm · Like · 1
Nina Beveridge There is an article in the Globe and other publications today about a well-to-do neighborhood in Mumbai where the home owners are forcing the local vendors to go wholly vegetarian! That is why I often buy India products. The insidious culture of animal testing is not integrated into their system. Check this out! If only…https://toronto.cityandpress.com/node/5573376
Vegetarian in Mumbai? Welcome to the meat-free neighbourhood | Sports | Toronto City And Press toronto.cityandpress.comThey live in tony areas and their militant insistence on a meat-free life has forced landlords, home sellers, restaurants and shops to take heed. 23 hours ago · Like · 2
Donna Oakes “I don’t want to go into a supermarket and see these things displayed on the shelves. It is abhorrent to me,” said Rupika Jain, a Kemps Corner resident.” WOW!!!!!!!
amazing!!! thanls for posting, Nina~!! 23 hours ago · Like
Cheryl Legg Hello everyone!!
I just got out of work and it’s been a long and very busy 10 hours!! I’m trying to read all the comments so far. I began my journey in September, 2011 and everything is going fine. Like some of you others, my husband has not completely taken the journey but will eat whatever I make him, however, he still asks me to make other things for him and I do…but do not eat them myself. And then I make him do the dishes so I feel I won something out of the deal. Both of our dogs are also vegan They are both very healthy and happy pups and our little babies – Atticus is 2 and Chloe is 12.
Melanie, I read that you talked your cafeteria into using vegan gravy, that is great! If I went into the office every day, I would ask them to make at least the black bean burgers which are my favorite! We had a banquet to go to in November at a Country Club and I saw the menu so I called the Chef and asked if he could make a pasta with marinara sauce and some vegetables and even asked if he would cook my Gardien Chicken and he agreed. The dinner was a buffet and I wasn’t sure how they were going to handle it. The called each table up and then the waitress came and delivered me my dinner while everyone was up at the buffet so it wasn’t uncomfortable. They were very accommodating. I thanked the chef over and over…and saying “hey, she bought the food – all I did was cook it” but it was well worth it and I could enjoy a meal rather than watching everyone else eat.
I have started looking at cleaning products, dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoos and body washes too. Danielle told me that if it doesn’t say “not tested on animals” then most likely it is. She has been my rock…she is very knowledgeable. I get really ticked when I buy something, she looks at it for one second and says “Mom, this isn’t vegan” and I’m “WHAT???” But all is well – I donate it to our local food pantry.
I’m going to go in and read some of the other comments…I’ve only gotten through the first one! 22 hours ago · Like · 2
Cheryl Legg Oh, and Danielle…I didn’t know you were ‘bribed’ but it was worth every penny of it!!! Thanks Donna!!!! 22 hours ago · Like · 2
Donna Oakes I didn’t bribe!!! Of course, that doesn’ mean that I wouldn’t consider it
Cheryl – you have gone many many miles in your journey. Steadfast, curious, determined – I so love reading about how things have been going for you. Hurray for you – asking for a special meal to be made shows incredible initiative and in doing so, you not only get what you need but you are a voice for the animals. Every time that someone gets a special request for something ‘vegan’ the word is there – the concept is there – the ghosts are made more visible. 21 hours ago · Like · 1
Cheryl Legg You know, ideally, I would love it if my husband would go all the way with this but I don’t think that will ever happen. I am happy with what he is doing. Doing the journey seemed easy for me because I wasn’t nuts about meat to begin with, but I have found that it goes farther than that. I never gave a thought about the testing of animals or the brutality. That was a real eye opener to me. 19 hours ago · Like · 2
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Cheryl, you’ve come a long way….remember going to Wegman’s and looking at all the vegan choices? I should find that video! haha 19 hours ago · Like · 2
Donna Oakes Cheryl, the poor animals are so embedded in the machinery, that even though I have been at this for a long time, it seems that I have an eye-opener every day. It is wonderful that you are shaking those blinders off! 18 hours ago · Like · 1
Rosemary Tarentino Foos This has been a wonderful GFJ Reunion Day! Thank you all for showing up, sharing, and doing all you can to live a Ghost-Free lifestyle. Each step of the way, your efforts count and contribute to a compassionate world for all. For the Ghosts, Rosemary and Donna 17 hours ago · Like · 1
Danielle Legg Cheryl Legg (mom) I love reading your comments! I didn’t bribe you, I just thought if you thought I couldn’t help with The Ghosts, you’d be more likely to do this, so I went with it It made me cry reading that you’d never given a thought to the test…See More 15 hours ago · Like · 1
The former participants of our GHOST-FREE JOURNEY are talking about what it means to continue with a Ghost-Free (vegan) lifestyle: Is it sustainable? Do you feel healthier? Is it liberating? What are the challenges? Pipe in. Like · · Share 9 people like this.
Kelly Davidson Good morning! A lot has changed for me since taking my Ghost Free Journey back in July. I have struggled at times with the eating portion, especially when I am away from home (which is a lot). I have never gone back to eating meat but some of the other vegetarian options have tempted me back at times. I am back on track now! I am cooking more and went on a grocery store tour to find vegan easy options. It is really helping. It makes me feel great, with tons of energy. Yesterday at 11:41am · Like · 6
Kelly Davidson The biggest change for me has been seeing the ghosts in other products. I will not buy leather, will not buy animal tested products. I feel what I am buying is thought out and there are a lot less frivilous things ending up in my house. Yesterday at 11:44am · Like · 8
Donna Oakes Hi Kelly!!! It is great to hear from you. I think that many people struggle – especially in the beginning. Congratulations for being back on track! What have you been cooking – and what easy vegan options have you found ? Yesterday at 11:46am · Like · 1
Tamara Grignon I have felt the healthiest I have ever been since going vegan! I never eat meat, but do struggle from time to time with a little dairy. I had some stomach issues after going vegan, and my doctor told me I needed a little dairy because it’s a protein that takes longer to digest, so acid isn’t such a problem. I added a little dairy back in but have never felt right about it at all. I just recently found out the stomach issues where from ibuprofin, so I don’t take that and am now fine. The problem is, now I am having a hard time getting back off the dairy – it seems like it is in almost everything. Yesterday at 11:47am · Like · 3
Donna Oakes Tamara, dairy ingredients do seem to sneak themselves into so many foods – even items marked as non-dairy often have casein in them. Are you having a had time getting off the dairy now because you can’t find certain foods – or because you find yourself craving dairy? Yesterday at 11:51am · Like · 2
Kelly Davidson I found some organic frozen grains, beans, and vegetables. I just throw a mixture into a container with some soup and take it to work. Heat it up for instant stew. I try to buy all whole foods, can’t go wrong with that. I have been cooking curries or chili’s when I have time too. I just throw everything into a crockpot and freeze the left overs. I am going to do some baking this week to bring to work, so there are vegan options there as well. I am not a big cook so finding things that I can make in 15 minutes and that are tasty were super important to me. I highly recommend doing a grocery store tour if you have a store that does them. Yesterday at 11:51am · Like · 3
Debra Roppolo You’ve got to work to find those substitutes! What in particular do you need help with? Yesterday at 11:53am · Like · 2
Davis Dunavin Good morning all… I guess I’m still in the “occasionally tempted” phase. When I cook at home, I cook vegan, and when I go out… I usually eat vegan. I agree with Kelly about not buying leather — that was hard (so I just started wearing Converse shoes, which are cloth and rubber, all the time!) Yesterday at 12:12pm · Like · 5
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Kelly! Your comment about finding Ghost-Free products resulting in purchasing less frivolous items is brilliant! Yesterday at 12:21pm · Like · 3
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Hi Davis! So glad to hear from you and appreciate an update about how you’re doing. Do you find it difficult to find non-leather items for men? Yesterday at 12:24pm · Like · 1
Donna Oakes Hi Davis!!! “Occasionally tempted” might very well be one of the trickiest phases – are there specific times or occasions when you feel this way? Also – do you need any help or suggestions for finding men’s non-leather shoes? Yesterday at 12:25pm · Like
Kelly Davidson Shoes were tough for me too! I think I have it down pat now though… (not that I needed to replace shoes for quite a while. ) Yesterday at 12:29pm · Like · 2
Rosemary Tarentino Foos What are you doing for shoes, Kelly? How did you go about finding non-leather shoes? Yesterday at 12:30pm · Like · 1
Kelly Davidson Finding work shoes were the toughest for me. I am on my feet for 9 hours a day and it can be sore! I found Crocs. Now I though I would never wear crocs in my life but there are some ballet flats that are cute and SUPER comfy. I have also checked out some vegan shoe stores on line and we have one in town. Most brands that are socially conscious have vegan options these days so we are lucky. Yesterday at 12:34pm · Like · 1
Davis Dunavin I’ve found a few good places to get men’s non-leather shoes for dress occasions and I have one good pair of non-leather dress shoes (I’m pretty set on shoes for now!) When I’m out and about, I’m mostly wearing Converse. Stylish! Yesterday at 12:37pm · Like · 1
Donna Oakes How wonderful that you have a shop in town!!! Did you find ballet flats that are made by Croc? Yesterday at 12:37pm · Like
Donna Oakes Davis, when I first became a vegan I used to wear black Converse high-tops all the time – even with suits to work! I was lucky – I had very understanding bosses. There really were few options back then. Yesterday at 12:41pm · Like
Rosemary Tarentino Foos Kelly, have you tried Dansko’s or Jambu’s for work? They are not high fashion options, (and Donna is probably cringing at the thought), but they are vegan and made for walking and being on your feet for long periods. I walked 5 miles a day in the Jambu’s while vacationing in the UK walking the city streets. Yesterday at 12:41pm · Like
Donna Oakes Rosemary, I no longer cringe at that thought(now I crings with foot pain!). I have been working a few days here and there at a home furnishings shop and I am on my feet non-stop for up to 10 hours, so I sympathize, Kelly. I too am looking for super comfortable shoes. I ordered a pair of Melissa’s ballet flats – they should arrive in a few days – and I will let you know. Yesterday at 12:47pm · Like
Tamara Grignon Donna Oakes: I am trying to remember the things I used to eat that were dairy free. I don’t really “crave” dairy, but I have had to go back to reading labels again which can be time consuming. My biggest challenge as a vegan is living with an omnivore family. It would be easier if none of the bad stuff was in the house – but it is always there. So when I can’t figure out what to cook that’s vegan, the dairy is sitting there starring me in the face. I am working on it though. By the New Year, I want to bee 100% vegan again. Yesterday at 12:48pm · Like · 1
Sharon Naipaul If anyone had suggestions for vegan dress shoes and dress boots I would really appreciate it. I’ve been vegan for two years now but I haven’t thrown out the leather shoes I previously had. They will need replacing though and I want to replace with vegan shoes but crocs and cons are not an option where I work. Yesterday at 12:57pm via mobile · Like · 2
Leah Peralta Sharon have you looked at olsenhaus, alternative outfitters, or moo shoes? Yesterday at 1:03pm via mobile · Like · 2
Donna Oakes Hi Shannon – here is a list of some resources-
https://www.theghostsinourmachine.com/ghost-free-fashion-resources/
Ghost-Free Fashion Resources | The Ghosts In Our Machine www.theghostsinourmachine.comThe Ghosts are everywhere – including in our closets. Leading a Ghost-Free life …See More Yesterday at 1:12pm · Like
Donna Oakes also – I just got an e-mail from Olsenhaus- Pure Vegan! This is a great time to check out her shoes:
“Receive 40% off all inventory from our online shop to find conscious gifts for you or others.
Enter the code “PURELOVETOYOU” at checkout. Yesterday at 1:14pm · Like · 1
Kelly Davidson Donna the ballet flats are crocs and you can’t even tell, they look dressy and my feet don’t hurt one bit. Speaking of standing on my feet… Time to start a busy lush day! Will pop in later this evening! Yesterday at 1:29pm via mobile · Like · 3
Donna Oakes Thanks, Kelly!!! We’ll talk more later! Yesterday at 1:44pm · Like
Cheryl Legg I’m going to check check out the shoes. I don’t have dress shoes and will not wear leather ones. I had a bunion removed last year. For home I found a nice pair of shoes by Skeechers GoWalk brand. They are so light I don’t even realize I have them on and I don’t have to wear my orthotics in them. They are very cushiony. You have to be careful though because some of them do have leather. Yesterday at 4:26pm · Like · 2
Marsha L. Miranda I understand where Tamara is coming from. Dairy has been really hard for me as well–based on convenience. Because life is hectic, I sometimes find myself eating egg-whites for dinner. So, planning things BETTER is priority. 22 hours ago · Like · 1
Donna Oakes I know that you have a very busy work schedule, Marsha. Are you ever able to make big post of soup or chili so that you can freeze some for future nights? 22 hours ago · Like · 1
Marsha L. Miranda Yes, Donna Oakes! Lentil soups are my friend. I sometimes make 4 different soups in a day, and freeze…my “issue” has been consistency. I have to reserve, and commit one day of a week to it. Especially in the winter, it is a pleasure to have a warm bowl of soup for lunch & dinner. 22 hours ago · Like · 1
Donna Oakes I love that phrase “Lentil soups are my friend” !!!! I so agree with you. My issue about making a big batch and freezing is that somehow, no matter how much I make, most of it seems to get eaten that night!
Have you tried any of the packaged foods out there – Amy’s for example? 22 hours ago · Like
Marsha L. Miranda No I haven’t trued packaged foods. What is Amy’s? 22 hours ago · Like
Donna Oakes Amy’s is a company that makes a lot of different vegetarian and vegan options – frozen burritos, pizzas, tv dinner like meals, etc – also lots of canned soups (most are vegan). Vegan is always clearly marked in the beginning of the ingredients list – so you don’t have to sift through!! 22 hours ago · Like · 1
Rosemary Tarentino Foos It’s so wonderful hearing from so many GFJ alumni! You are all doing so well and continuing to forge ahead, even with challenges. 19 hours ago · Like · 2
Danielle Legg I love that my mom is SO much more conscious about her purchases with shoes. Leather wasn’t something that she really thought about, and seeing her seeking out veg options is just amazing! Those Sketchers are REALLY nice! (I wish I had a pair-hint mother, hint Cheryl)
Davis! I wear the converse too! haha. They’re comfy AND I can get colors to match the mood, or what have you 15 hours ago · Edited · Like · 1.
Comments are closed.