Just a quick post to introduce you to my lovely new blog design which was created by the very talented Steph :)
If you fancy getting a makeover for your blog you can do so here: http://bonjourbelledesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
What do you think of my new look?
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Why Veganism isn't About Being Perfect
During my years as a vegetarian, I often thought about going vegan. However, like many people, I had this vision of vegans being perfect, über strict police-types who would hurl abuse at you if you accidentally put a foot wrong. When I finally decided to go for it, I joined a few vegan Facebook groups and online forums, and I have to say I was really surprised. Vegans are actually a pretty friendly bunch!
Now, going back to the title of this post. You might think I'm trying to say that you can still be vegan and eat 'free-range eggs from your auntie's organic farm' or 'the occasional bowl of dairy ice cream when you need cheering up'. That is not what I'm saying at all. By all means, if you want to abstain from eating most animal products but still eat one or two things then that is entirely up to you, just maybe don't call yourself a vegan (or you will only add to the confusion of what vegans actually eat!).
What I am saying is, being vegan doesn't mean you are only allowed to shop from vegan supermarkets, buy clothes from super-ethical businesses, grow your own vegetables, buy cosmetics from independent vegan companies, or only eat at vegan restaurants. As ideal as that would be, it is just not currently possible in a non-vegan world (hopefully this will change in the future as veganism becomes more mainstream).
Of course, there is often much debate in these vegan groups, which does bring up some good points. For example, people regularly show off their 'vegan finds' (such as accidentally vegan biscuits or cakes etc.) that they found in the supermarket. Some vegans will say that they don't shop in supermarkets as they sell meat and dairy products, and therefore by buying other products from them, you are funding the very thing that vegans are against. This is a very good point. Which brings us onto the other debatable topic of buying cosmetics from cruelty-free brands whose parent companies test on animals (such as The Body Shop being owned by L'Oreal). Some of the vegans who say they avoid supermarkets may buy from the likes of the Body Shop, and vice-versa. But is there really any difference between the two?
One interesting argument for not boycotting supermarkets or cosmetics companies is that if the demand for vegan products dies down, these products may stop being produced or become difficult to get hold of, which would be a great shame after having so little choice for vegans for many years. One prime example is vegan alternatives to dairy products, such as Alpro and Vitalite, both of which are ironically owned by dairy companies. Buying these products may mean some of your money inevitably goes into the dairy industry, but on the other hand boycotting them may mean no more vegan margarine, yogurt or milk.
If you are thinking of becoming vegan but are worried that it will be difficult, my advice would be to just give it a try - it really is easy. As long as you do not eat any animal products, do not wear leather, suede, fur or silk, and only purchase products that you believe to be cruelty-free, then you can call yourself a vegan. Anything else you do, be it continuing to feed your pets meat, visiting zoos, or going horse-riding (all of which some vegans avoid), is your personal decision. As long as you are happy that you do as much as you possibly can to avoid supporting animal cruelty (which is, after all, what being vegan is all about), then don't let others judge you, when they are probably not 'perfect' themselves.
Now, going back to the title of this post. You might think I'm trying to say that you can still be vegan and eat 'free-range eggs from your auntie's organic farm' or 'the occasional bowl of dairy ice cream when you need cheering up'. That is not what I'm saying at all. By all means, if you want to abstain from eating most animal products but still eat one or two things then that is entirely up to you, just maybe don't call yourself a vegan (or you will only add to the confusion of what vegans actually eat!).
What I am saying is, being vegan doesn't mean you are only allowed to shop from vegan supermarkets, buy clothes from super-ethical businesses, grow your own vegetables, buy cosmetics from independent vegan companies, or only eat at vegan restaurants. As ideal as that would be, it is just not currently possible in a non-vegan world (hopefully this will change in the future as veganism becomes more mainstream).
Of course, there is often much debate in these vegan groups, which does bring up some good points. For example, people regularly show off their 'vegan finds' (such as accidentally vegan biscuits or cakes etc.) that they found in the supermarket. Some vegans will say that they don't shop in supermarkets as they sell meat and dairy products, and therefore by buying other products from them, you are funding the very thing that vegans are against. This is a very good point. Which brings us onto the other debatable topic of buying cosmetics from cruelty-free brands whose parent companies test on animals (such as The Body Shop being owned by L'Oreal). Some of the vegans who say they avoid supermarkets may buy from the likes of the Body Shop, and vice-versa. But is there really any difference between the two?
One interesting argument for not boycotting supermarkets or cosmetics companies is that if the demand for vegan products dies down, these products may stop being produced or become difficult to get hold of, which would be a great shame after having so little choice for vegans for many years. One prime example is vegan alternatives to dairy products, such as Alpro and Vitalite, both of which are ironically owned by dairy companies. Buying these products may mean some of your money inevitably goes into the dairy industry, but on the other hand boycotting them may mean no more vegan margarine, yogurt or milk.
If you are thinking of becoming vegan but are worried that it will be difficult, my advice would be to just give it a try - it really is easy. As long as you do not eat any animal products, do not wear leather, suede, fur or silk, and only purchase products that you believe to be cruelty-free, then you can call yourself a vegan. Anything else you do, be it continuing to feed your pets meat, visiting zoos, or going horse-riding (all of which some vegans avoid), is your personal decision. As long as you are happy that you do as much as you possibly can to avoid supporting animal cruelty (which is, after all, what being vegan is all about), then don't let others judge you, when they are probably not 'perfect' themselves.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Collective Haul: Primark, New Look & Select
Whenever I go up to Birmingham I always sneak in a little shopping trip (although this time I did actually need to buy clothes; Jamie's birthday presents took up all the space in my little suitcase so I couldn't take much with me!). I was particularly after some new summer dresses and was really pleased with everything I managed to pick up.
I was so happy that these maxi dresses weren't too long on me (I'm only 5'3). They are really comfy, there were loads of other prints and colours too.
Have you bought anything nice recently?
I was so happy that these maxi dresses weren't too long on me (I'm only 5'3). They are really comfy, there were loads of other prints and colours too.
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| Aztec Print Maxi Dress, £10 - Primark |
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| Floral Print Maxi Dress, £10 - Primark |
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| Paisley Print Maxi Dress, £15 - Primark |
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| Heart Stud Pack, £2, Large Oval Earrings, £1.50 - Primark |
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| Lace Hair Bow, £1.50, Floral Hair Bow, £1.50, Hair Donut, £1 - Primark |
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| Bird Print Dress, £12.99 - New Look |
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| Faux-Suede Diamante Sandals, £9.99 - New Look |
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| Faux-Leather Cross Body Bag, £7.99 - New Look |
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| Bow Print Tea Dress, £14 - Select |
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| Aztec Print Midi Skirt, £8 - Select |
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| Nude Faux-Leather Patent Heels, £14 - Select |
Have you bought anything nice recently?
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Restaurant Review: The Warehouse Cafe Birmingham
A couple of weeks ago I went up to Birmingham for my boyfriend's birthday. We did lots of fun things during the week, including going to lunch at the Warehouse Cafe. The Warehouse Cafe is completely vegetarian with most things on the menu suitable, or adaptable, for vegans. The cafe is located on a quiet street not too far from the Bullring shopping centre. It is next door to a vegan store, the One Earth Shop, which has lots of lovely goodies. We popped in there after our meal but I was too full up to think about food, so I just bought some Moo Free honeycomb bars (which were very nice!).
Everything on the lunchtime menu is very reasonably priced. I decided to go for the original burger with triple cooked wedges and a salad garnish. It was really tasty and packed with different flavours.
Jamie has decided to give vegetarianism a go, and so far he is really enjoying it. He went for the open enchilada with wedges and salad, which he said was very tasty and filling.
For dessert we both had the vegan chocolate brownie with ice cream. I cannot describe how delicious it was! It came with cherry sauce too, so it was very Black Forest gateau-like. The brownie was very rich and I couldn't eat another thing afterwards (though I probably wouldn't have said no to another one!).
The Warehouse Cafe is a cosy little place with a relaxed atmosphere. The staff were very friendly, the service was excellent and I would highly recommend it. We can't wait to go again!
Everything on the lunchtime menu is very reasonably priced. I decided to go for the original burger with triple cooked wedges and a salad garnish. It was really tasty and packed with different flavours.
Jamie has decided to give vegetarianism a go, and so far he is really enjoying it. He went for the open enchilada with wedges and salad, which he said was very tasty and filling.
For dessert we both had the vegan chocolate brownie with ice cream. I cannot describe how delicious it was! It came with cherry sauce too, so it was very Black Forest gateau-like. The brownie was very rich and I couldn't eat another thing afterwards (though I probably wouldn't have said no to another one!).
The Warehouse Cafe is a cosy little place with a relaxed atmosphere. The staff were very friendly, the service was excellent and I would highly recommend it. We can't wait to go again!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Real Foods Tasting Campaign
Real Foods, an online health food store (that also has two shops in Edinburgh) recently advertised for bloggers to review some of their new products. I applied, detailing my diet and any allergies, and was chosen to pick a product from a list. I decided to go for The Raw Chocolate Co raw chocolate mulberries.
I generally eat very healthily, although I do not deny myself anything and if I want a piece of cake or some ice cream then I will have it! However, sometimes if I am a little peckish between meals I will choose biscuits over fruit or nuts, so I was really pleased to find a healthier sweet snack.
I have never tried mulberries before, either fresh or dried. I thought the chocolate mulberries looked very appetising; they reminded me of the chocolate caramel clusters I used to eat years before becoming vegan. I was amazed to find that they tasted very similar to them too! The mulberries (which are 74% cacao) are full of rich, cocoa flavour with a hint of caramel, and have a crunchy, chewy texture. I offered some to my mum (who is an omni) and she loved them too. I only had a few but I did not feel hungry or feel the urge to snack again before my next meal, and I didn't get a sugar rush and its dreary come-down either.
The raw chocolate mulberries are Vegan Society registered, Fairtrade and organic. They contain iron, magnesium, calcium, and are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants (chemicals that protect the body from damaging oxidative stress).
I can't get enough of the mulberries and will definitely be stocking up on them!
I generally eat very healthily, although I do not deny myself anything and if I want a piece of cake or some ice cream then I will have it! However, sometimes if I am a little peckish between meals I will choose biscuits over fruit or nuts, so I was really pleased to find a healthier sweet snack.
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| Jack found his way into my photos as usual |
I have never tried mulberries before, either fresh or dried. I thought the chocolate mulberries looked very appetising; they reminded me of the chocolate caramel clusters I used to eat years before becoming vegan. I was amazed to find that they tasted very similar to them too! The mulberries (which are 74% cacao) are full of rich, cocoa flavour with a hint of caramel, and have a crunchy, chewy texture. I offered some to my mum (who is an omni) and she loved them too. I only had a few but I did not feel hungry or feel the urge to snack again before my next meal, and I didn't get a sugar rush and its dreary come-down either.
The raw chocolate mulberries are Vegan Society registered, Fairtrade and organic. They contain iron, magnesium, calcium, and are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants (chemicals that protect the body from damaging oxidative stress).
Nutritional Information
Typical Value | 100g | % 100g |
| Energy (kJ) | 2296.0 | |
| Kcal | 548.7 | 27.4% |
| Protein | 8.8g | 17.5% |
| Carbohydrate | 60.0g | 20.0g |
| Fat | 23.9g | 34.2% |
| Fibre | 7.8g | 31.1% |
| Iron | 2.0mg | 11.4% |
| Magnesium | 134.4mg | 33.6% |
| Calcium | 62.9mg | 6.3% |
% recommended daily allowance based upon a 2000 kcal diet
I can't get enough of the mulberries and will definitely be stocking up on them!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
My New Handbag: Designer-Look Satchel
I haven't blogged in what feels like ages! I have been so busy that I haven't really had time, but I've got a few posts planned so keep an eye out!
I thought I'd ease myself back into blogging by doing a short post on my new handbag, which I absolutely love. I have quite a few bags, but I tend to hate them after a while and wonder why I ever bought them. A few months ago I kept seeing celebrities with what I later learned to be the Mulberry Alexa (whilst I love fashion, I don't really follow the industry!). Of course the Alexa bag - as well as being overly expensive - is obviously made of leather, therefore I eagerly searched for a cruelty-free dupe. I stumbled upon a website called a-shu.co.uk which stocked a faux-leather lookalike version of the bag in several colours (A-shu also sell loads of other cruelty-free bags in designer styles). But when I eventually got round to buying the bag, they had sold out! Luckily I found the same bag on Ebay; there are a few different sellers but I purchased mine from this one, which is a very affordable £16.95.
A couple of days after ordering, my gorgeous new bag arrived and I couldn't wait to use it. I opted for a neutral tan coloured bag so that it will go with most outfits. It has a very pretty floral design on the inside, and a few handy compartments to store your phone and keys etc.
I already have a wishlist of other bags that I hope to buy :) What do you think of this one?
I thought I'd ease myself back into blogging by doing a short post on my new handbag, which I absolutely love. I have quite a few bags, but I tend to hate them after a while and wonder why I ever bought them. A few months ago I kept seeing celebrities with what I later learned to be the Mulberry Alexa (whilst I love fashion, I don't really follow the industry!). Of course the Alexa bag - as well as being overly expensive - is obviously made of leather, therefore I eagerly searched for a cruelty-free dupe. I stumbled upon a website called a-shu.co.uk which stocked a faux-leather lookalike version of the bag in several colours (A-shu also sell loads of other cruelty-free bags in designer styles). But when I eventually got round to buying the bag, they had sold out! Luckily I found the same bag on Ebay; there are a few different sellers but I purchased mine from this one, which is a very affordable £16.95.
A couple of days after ordering, my gorgeous new bag arrived and I couldn't wait to use it. I opted for a neutral tan coloured bag so that it will go with most outfits. It has a very pretty floral design on the inside, and a few handy compartments to store your phone and keys etc.
I already have a wishlist of other bags that I hope to buy :) What do you think of this one?
Saturday, March 23, 2013
OOTD - Shoebou Heels
I was recently offered a pair of shoes from Shoebou, an online shoe shop that offers a wide range of styles at affordable prices. There were so many gorgeous pairs of shoes to choose from, and the great thing is, they are all made of cruelty-free materials such as faux-leather and faux-suede! I eventually decided on this leopard print satin pair.
I wore them on a recent night out when some friends and I ventured into the big city (Truro!). Despite having a heel height of 6 inches, they weren't that bad to walk in, except when on the street as Truro is all cobbles! I did a lot of dancing and my feet didn't ache too much.
I wore my new shoes with a black dress that I picked up in the sales in New Look, and teamed them with my faux-leather clutch that I found in the sales in Peacocks.
I am really impressed that all the shoes from Shoebou appear to be cruelty-free, so I will definitely be ordering from them in the future!
I wore them on a recent night out when some friends and I ventured into the big city (Truro!). Despite having a heel height of 6 inches, they weren't that bad to walk in, except when on the street as Truro is all cobbles! I did a lot of dancing and my feet didn't ache too much.
I wore my new shoes with a black dress that I picked up in the sales in New Look, and teamed them with my faux-leather clutch that I found in the sales in Peacocks.
I am really impressed that all the shoes from Shoebou appear to be cruelty-free, so I will definitely be ordering from them in the future!
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