Lucky Winners!

Update: A week has gone by and I did not hear from the winners below. (Bummer!) So the next two winners are LCSmolcha and Sara. Congratulations! Leave me your email (the one where you'd like the subscription sent) in the comments section below or, if you prefer, you can email me your email address at suburbansnowwhite at gmail dot com.

Short post.

I enjoyed two lovely weekend mornings full of laziness and then brisk, long walks. Then there was mowing endless leaves into mulch to fertilize the grass. Add to that one intense yoga session that reminded me what happens when you blow off yoga for too long. And the cherry on top: one estrogen-filled evening seeing the new Twilight flick with a dear friend.

Sergio, me, and Kaci enjoying morning sunshine. I am reading one of my Sookie Stackhouse books and loving every second.  I have a vampire thing, following the lead of almost every teenage girl in the United States. (I never said I was deep.)

I continue to work on my book. Mornings in my pj's with coffee seem to produce the most results. Kaci supervises to make sure I don't slack off.

But this isn't why you tuned in, is it?

It's time to announce our two winners, each of whom will receive one online subscription to Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's 30-Day Vegan Challenge! Once again, I love having giveaways, but I despise not being able to give everyone the prize. I really get bummed out that not everyone wins.

Ryan did the honors of picking out two names (printed on paint sample papers) out of one of his funky hats.

He kind of has that John Edwards mystical look going (the medium, not the politician.)

And the winners are ...

Forgive me, Lessley. I missed the second "s" the first time around.

Congratulations Kara and Lessley! Please send me your email addresses to suburbansnowwhite at gmail dot com so I can forward it to Compassionate Cook. (Be sure to get back to me by next Sunday! If winners don't respond within one week, I'll open the subscription to the next guy/gal pulled out of the hat.)

Thanks to everyone for entering! And for a little while longer you can get a permanent online subscription to the 30-Day Vegan Challenge for $20. (It's going to go up $35 soon.)

Giveaway! Subscription to 30-Day Vegan Challenge. (squeal!)

Update: See below in giveaway offer!

First off, I have been a very lame Snow White. I did not finish my Vegan Mofo by reaching my goal of 10 posts in one month. (sigh)

And yet, I don't feel too guilty. It's been a chaotic little autumn and one that Mr. Snow White and I were not looking forward to, due in great part to full-blown ninny-ness of forces that have wanted to do us harm. Hopefully this will resolve itself very shortly. (Sorry, can't go into it more than that.) But it's all been stuff that, in the big scheme, really doesn't matter. We have each other, everyone's healthy, Kaci does NOT have cancer, as our new vet suggested she might (the vet was thrilled as were we), we are both employed, we have a wonderful support system, and we both have good skin.

While going through this tumultuous time, though, I recalled some supportive words that had floated from the Facebook status of one Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. After having no luck retracing those pearls of wisdom, I wrote to Colleen, asking if she'd share them with me. Her husband had spoken them to her when they were facing similar ninny-like forces. Just seeing these words calms my heart (which has been beating much too quickly for my own good.)

"Keep breathing. Tell the truth. Be fearless. Choose love. Embrace mystery."

Beautiful, no? I feel so grateful to her and her husband David for sharing that calming mantra with the world. It's done wonders for my mindset.

And speaking of Ms. Colleen ...

She's got an incredible new online program called The 30-Day Vegan Challenge. I heard about it on her podcast and initially thought it wouldn't apply to me, since 1) I was a regular listener of the podcast, 2)  I had all her books, and 3) I had already been vegan for a while. How much new stuff could it offer someone like me?

A lot, it turns out.

The program only cost $20 and I originally decided to sign up so I could review it here for any folks here who wanted to try cutting meat, dairy, and eggs from their diet for just thirty days. I didn't anticipate how much I'd get from the experience.

The whole thing is designed to take you from day one, when you have no idea yet how you're going to pull this off, to the last day, when you realize how flippin' easy it is to eat without hurting anyone. You get one email per day, which opens up new parts of the program to you, step by step. I like this, because I tend to be an all-or-nothing gal who reads ahead, jumps in with both feet, and then often burns out. (Hello knitting.)  This way forces you to take it slow. The great part is that after that day's content becomes available, you keep it forever and can go back to it whenever you like. (Think of it as an online book you purchased. But a book with videos, podcasts, etc.)

The video section includes the following subjects: Stocking a Healthy Vegan Kitchen, Reading Labels, Getting to Know the  Grocery Store, Choosing the Proper Knife, Using the Proper Cutting Board, Tempeh Bacon Cooking Demonstration, Making the Time to Cook, Eating Out and Speaking Up, Rethinking Meat Cravings, Discovering That There is Life After Cheese, Kale Chips and Kale Salad, Plant-Based Milks, Better Baking without Eggs, Drop Biscuits, Green Smoothies, Finding Abundant Food Options While Traveling, Demystifying Tofu: It's Just a Bean, Eating by Color, Black Olive Bruschetta with Cashew Cream, Compassionate Fashion: It's Cool to be Kind, and A Vegan Thanksgiving. As a more seasoned vegan, I was amazed at how much these videos helped me, particularly the ones that addressed the interesting social issues that seem to arise.

There is a whole Audio Podcast section that is separate from her original podcasts on itunes. Like the videos, they cover a wide range of topics.

The Resource Section is a great go-to place for hardcore information, including Finding Vegan Food in Non-Vegan Restaurants, Restaurant and Travel Websites and Apps, and Tips for Making Travel Stress-Free and Fun. She delves into those often asked questions regarding protein, calcium, vitamins D and B12, and iron.

There are oodles of recipes, most of which I have not tried yet. (Did I mention it's been a stressful autumn?) But they sound delicious. Among them are the following: Coconut Red Lentil Dahl, Soba Verde Salad, Truffle Popcorn (!!), Lemon Artichoke Tapenade, and Mexican Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Cinnamon. Yes. Yes to all of that.

And finally, there is a community aspect to the website as well. You can log on to ask questions to other folks. Or you can simply read the online discussions and learn from the expertise (and humor) of others.

Compassionate Cooks was kind enough to offer a free subscription to one lucky Suburban Snow White reader. This, my friends, is where you squeal. UPDATE: They have offered SSW not one, but TWO free subscriptions to The 30-Day Vegan Challenge.    Fainting.

 

If you've ever wondered if Ellen or Bill Clinton were on to something, but don't want to declare you're "going vegan," this is right up your alley. (And if you are totally on board, it's up your alley too.) If you merely want recipes on hand because you have a couple of vegan friends and always panic when they're coming over, wondering "What on earth do we make?" then this is a great chance to get some terrific ideas. Though truthfully, you'll end up wanting to hoard the food for yourself. Maybe you're just plain curious about veganism but have no intention to eat that way. You will learn a ton! So there's no pressure for the person who wins this to commit to an animal-free menu. I promise not to stalk you and peek into your windows to see what you're making. Unless, of course, you want to become my full-time chef.

Colleen is a super relaxed gal who explains things in a very common sense way. You don't feel preached at or guilted into anything. She just shares the information and lets you make up your own mind.  But I'm warning you -- you'll want her to be your new best friend. I'm JUST saying.

If you'd like to win this, simply write a comment below. You could explain why you'd like to win the subscription. Or share a tongue twister. Or send a message to Kaci telling her how pretty she is. Whatever. Be creative and have fun. Just be sure to leave an email address where I can reach you!

The Giveaway ends November 18, 2012 (Sunday night). Good luck! (I should mention that I'm not making a dime off of this. Just spreading the love.)

Admit it -- you're intrigued

Skipping products that are made of (or came from) an animal. You hear about the benefits. You've heard people talk about the movie Forks over Knives. **  You're a little shocked that Bill Clinton is vegan. As soon as someone mentions what the animals go through in the meat/dairy/egg industries, you feel awful and try to focus on something else as it's just too painful to contemplate. You suspect there's a lot of good in this kind of lifestyle. But man -- it just seems so extreme! And what about eating out? How would you even explain this to your family and friends? What about Thanksgiving and other special holidays? Wouldn't it ruin everything? Can you possibly give up bacon? Or cheese?

The Making of Forks Over Knives

Here's my advice. Just try it for thirty days. That's it. Then, if it's too hard or if it's not working for you, you can go back. 30 days goes by so fast. (You know it's true. Doesn't it always feel like you just paid your mortgage or rent and then it's suddenly due again?)

In the end, it is just about changing habits. Initially it feels odd to be doing something different. And it can even feel a little scary, deviating from what people describe as "the norm." But studies show it takes about three weeks to change a habit. Add a few days on there for good measure, and you're on your way.

When I started out last April, I was determined to change my habits but was admittedly very nervous about how people would perceive me. (I always like to think others' opinions of me don't matter. But dang it, sometimes they just do!) After my first month, I noticed a big difference in my energy level. I didn't get my weird 3 pm I-need-sugar-and-salt attacks. I didn't feel "stuffed" after eating. (I didn't feel deprived and hungry at all, just perfectly satiated.) And I thought, "You're kidding me. I would have done this ages ago if I'd known how easy it was!"

I wish wish wish I'd had the book The 30-Day Vegan Challenge when I'd started out. The author (whom I've mentioned enough times to probably annoy you) touches on everything you would want to know. I even left a review for the book on amazon:

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've never used this hackneyed phrase before, but this book is worth its weight in gold. More than gold, actually., August 25, 2011

By 

Katrina Donovan (Belmont, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 30-Day Vegan Challenge: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cleaner, Getting Leaner, and Living Compassionately (Paperback)

If you asked me 6 months ago if I'd ever go vegan, I'd have told you that you were off your rocker. Give up meat? Maybe. Give up butter, eggs, cheese, and cream? Nope. No way.

Long story short, five months ago I watched a video showing what animals went through in the meat, dairy, and egg industries. My world changed instantly and I knew I'd never touch another animal product again. So I was left to fumble about a bit on my own and gradually educate myself on how to do this healthfully and sanely, all while hearing dire warnings from well-meaning family and friends. Luckily, I discovered this author's podcast pretty early on in the process (Vegetarian Food for Thought at compassionatecooks.com), so that helped me enormously. (She has, however, ruined other podcasts for me, as hers are so good.) I have never been happier. That sounds trite, but I could not put it any simpler. I am a very happy person now. (And much much healthier!) But I really wished I had had this book five months ago. How lucky are you, soon-to-be-reader?

It is amazing on many counts, but I'll narrow it to four:

1) The chapters in this book hit all the points a person in transition would ask or be asked. All the nutritional aspects are covered. Types of products are covered. Tips on making cooking easier, quicker, and more enjoyable are covered. But just as important, the social aspects are covered. In fact, the advice about social situations may be one of the ways this book is most helpful. It's hard to put into words, but she has a way of explaining things that makes you really understand where your concerned loved ones are coming from. Her words can help you toe the fine line between speaking your truth and being compassionate to all people in a very non-kumbayah-way; no drumming circles or tie-dye necessary. :) I've benefited from following her advice -- my family and friends have relaxed and are even trying my (her) recipes. Which is a good segue to point number 2.

2) The recipes are incredible. My husband, a former big animal-meat-eater is addicted to the Better-than-Tuna salad. And they're very do-able. The ingredients can be found in any supermarket. I've never had to scurry to find that elusive (and expensive) ingredient that I'll never use again. (We've all been there, right?)

3) The whole tone is very non-judgmental. You never feel bullied or guilted into making these changes. I got quite excited, in fact, to change. Moreover, I know that I (one little person on this vast planet) am making a remarkable difference in the world. I see it every day.

4) It's extremely organized, gorgeous, and easy to use. No fluff here. This book is such a bargain for what you are getting. I actually feel a little guilty -- like I should have paid much more.

So that's it in a nutshell. If you aren't sure if going vegan is for you, look at it this way: It's just 30 days. And you're paying the same price you'd pay for one month at a really cheap gym.

Go for it. You will be amazed. 

So there it is! I'd be curious to hear from some of you. If you are vegan or vegetarian, what was your transition like? If you are neither, what kinds of things are holding you back?


** Forks over Knives is getting MAJOR buzz...Ryan heard a bunch of non-vegan folk at work discussing it just this week. We watched it the other night on Instant View with our Netflix and it was incredible. No gore -- just incredible medical proof from respected scientists that animal protein is wreaking havoc on our bodies. In fact, we'd ordered the DVD on Netflix and, even though it was #1 on our queue for weeks, it kept not showing up in our mailbox. Confused and a little annoyed, I looked at our queue and saw some notes in red next to the title that said "Very long wait." I've never had that happen before with Netflix. Maybe that's why they put it on Instant View?   

The Big Giveaway with a Surprise Twist!

Yay! We hit 10 followers! Let the wild rumpus begin ...

So the Great Giveaway I announced before was Colleen Patrick Goudreau's book The 30-Day Vegan Challenge: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cleaner, Getting Leaner, and Living Compassionately.   I haven't read this book, as it has yet to be released, but since all of her other books are wonderful and her podcast is amazing, I'm sure this book will also knock your socks off.

I've actually decided to make things more interesting by giving you a choice of Colleen's books, should you be the winner! What prompted this change was the realization that not everyone wants to make the commitment to eat only plant-based foods. Most of us love a new cookbook, though, to expand our repertoire, and that's not a major commitment if a plant-based diet isn't your cup of tea (yet). :)  So the books to choose from are the following:

Color Me Vegan (Everything I've made from this has been superb. My omnivore guinea pigs have raved about the food)

 The Vegan Table (I just got this and haven't cooked from it yet, but like her other books it's absolutely lovely inside.)

The Joy of Vegan Baking (I just got this one too. I'm not a big baker but will be drawing on the recipes for special occasions. Friends rave about this one, though.)

 and finally

The Vegan's Daily Companion (Gorgeous book. I'm not joking -- this thing is stunning. Granted it's not solely a cookbook, but there are many recipes in there and sweet, inspiring stories.)

As the new book is being released August 23, the winner will be randomly picked on that evening! The winner has 48 hours to respond. If s/he doesn't respond, another winner will be chosen.  (So keep your eye on the date!) :)

To get your first entry ( you must do this one before you do the optional ones that follow):

• Write a comment below about which book you'd like to win and why. (I know! It's tough to choose!) If you win and you change your mind on the book you want, that's fine!

To get three additional entries

•  "Like" Suburban Snow White on Facebook.

• Sign up as a follower to the right. (If you already did, then that's three additional entries already for you! Way to go!)

• Get a friend to become a follower or to "like" Suburban Snow White on Facebook, and then have them email me your name as the "recommender" 

•  Add a permanent link to Suburban Snow White on your blog, then email me the link to your blog.

To get ten additional entries

• Post the contest on your own blog/website with a link to this post and then email me a link to your post.

My email is donovank02339@yahoo.com.


Sadly, spouses of Suburban Snow White cannot enter (sorry Ry). How weird would it be to have Ryan win and then announce, "The book goes to .... US! Better luck next time, suckahs!" :)

I'm really excited to do this giveaway. I've entered many blog giveaways myself and I get embarrassingly excited.

That's all for now. I just harvested all my garlic today and may do a post soon on that as it's so flippin' cool to dig these bulbs out of the ground!

Good luck everyone!