My year of less and more: month five

I’ve now completed 5 months without purchasing clothes, shoes, or accessories. It feels so normal that I’m wondering if I might do a second year. How long would it take me to use up everything in my wardrobe? Would I find myself wearing a bizarre collection of items?

My New Year Revolution targets for May were:

• Create a list of places to visit in Essex
• Make a button collar
• Come up with some ideas about developing Not the vegan police

I managed the list of places in Essex with no problems. I finished it ahead of schedule. However progress on the other two was shockingly bad. I found it hard to find the time to sit down and sew. I considered this fair enough as I would need to meet various criteria to carry out this task (i.e. be at home, daylight, capable of stitching).

It does occur to me that if I’d taken 10 minutes to select the buttons I wanted to use this would have been a portable project. Likewise there is no excuse for not even starting to brainstorm ideas around Not the Vegan police. Getting started does seem to be the issue here. With future targets I will tell myself to do 2 minutes just to get started and hope this gets the ball rolling.

June targets are:

• Keep a sugar diary – just to see if I am indulging too much
• Write a real wild biography
• Upcycle a raincoat

Let’s see how the 2 minute rule works with these. I can also apply it to my Forty for 40 project which seems to have slowed down. My only progress has been to read a book on wild swimming.

 

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Dash for coffee

I delighted to stumble across Dash while visiting Vegan X.

I was only looking for coffee so it was real bonus to find somewhere that offered excellent coffee, had friendly knowledgable staff, and who catered for vegans.

The he,pful chap who helped me decide which coffee to enjoy assured me that they were looking into getting some vegan cake. They hadn't found a supplier they liked yet (but it seems that they haven't met Ms a Cupcake either).

It's certainly nice to see another vegan place in that part of town, so I might be back for another loyalty card stamp!

 

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My year of less and more: month 4

Home made elephant costumes

I've now managed four months without purchasing new clothes, shoes or accessories. Last week was a bit of a struggle as I put together various costumes for Spring Fling. However as I was unable to buy clothes I had to make do with what I had or what I could borrow. As a result I had no purchases that I would wear only once, no panicked searches through the shops, and the chance to get innovative. I learnt how to make a beard from a ball of yarn; a skill I'm sure I'll find further use for.

Targets wise things went better in March then April, mainly because my goals got a bit woolly. So I completed March's tasks of garden clearance, creating a classics reading list, and organising a vegan meet up. While I did things in April the results weren't so clear cut.

My progress was as follows:

• Clear my sewing pile - it's smaller than it was. Three are still a number of items that need work, and a few are going to form monthly goals of their own.
• Learn about Triads - I now know what these are. A good opportunity to temping myself of the basics of the murky world of musical theory. Should a huge help next time I'm reading Bass a guitar magazine.
• Clear junk out at a car boot sale - I've set dates to do boot sales. I've made a huge pile of stuff to sell. I just need to. Ring the two together.

My 'challenges' for May are:

• Make a button collar necklace
• Make a plan for my sites Not The Vegan Police, and The Vegan Sandwich
• Create a list of places to visit in Essex

As the outcomes for these are more clear cut it should easier to know if I've done them.

 

I also need to up my game on 40 for forty.

Things that are the various of my list are:

• Making crumpets - crumpet rings have been purchased
• Read a book on wild swimming
• Find out what the a Shipping Forecast is all about
• Look up vegan food swaps

So another busy month beckons bringing an emptier house, a better used wardrobe, and an engaged brain.

 

Wishing you green ink and good food,

Annastasia

 

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Chelmsford Veg Up

Saturday saw the first meeting of the Chelmsford Veg Up group at the Ideas Hub.

I’d billed the event as a meet up, but quickly discovered the good people of Essex love a pun. So in order to avoid endless meet/meat jokes we’re embracing Veg Up.

I sat there just before noon wondering if I would get any takers so I was delighted when people began arriving, and after a moment of awkwardness the conversation vegan to flow.

Attendees quickly got to know each other as they shared the best vegan places in the area, and vividly described favourite dishes. Ideas for activities flowed, and included a Chelmsford vegan website, meals out, and a pot luck.

The group will be meeting again on 24 May from noon until 2pm at the Chelmsford Ideas hub. We also plan to visit Colchester Vegan Fair on 10^th May.

Why not come and join us? Vegans, and the vegan curious welcome.

 

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Vegan meet up in Chelmsford

Meeting other people is always fun. You never know what fascinating things you'll discover. Meeting others who share an interest with you can be be even more fun.

So if you'd like to meet other vegans in the Chelmsford area get yourself down to The Ideas Hub on Saturday 26 April between midday and 2.30 pm.

If you haven't visited The Ideas Hub before drop by in a virtual manner and look at their website or Facebook page. Then come and hang out the cafe in April. Let's start building a vegan community in Chelmsford.

The Hub is part of the High Chelmer shopping centre, and is located opposite the market at 1-4 Market Square.

See you there!

 

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My year of less and more: month 2

I’ve now completed my second month with no purchases of clothes, shoes, or accessories. It’s not been difficult. However I have noted the following:

• It seems odd when I do walk through a shop selling clothes – as if I’d forgotten such things existed.
• Sales still catch my eye – I had to remind myself that I had no need of more shoes when I spotted a shop with a closing down sale.
• I’m finding more satisfaction in wearing the stuff I do have.

I’ve been setting myself 3 goals each month using the New Year Revolution planner. My goals for March are:

• Organise a vegan meet up in Chelmsford - all welcome
• Create a classics reading list for myself - suggestions welcome
• Sort out the garden - good weather welcome

 

I’m rather nervous about the vegan meet up, and know that I need to take action on this sooner rather than later. Hence I’ve made my other goals easy to ensure that I have no excuse for not doing it.

Last month I got organised with forty for 40, and assigned a few tasks for each month. So during March I’ll be looking at:

• Making crumpets – need to buy cook’s rings
• Planning a visit to Veganz in Berlin
• Making a green cape
• Organising a boudoir photo shoot with Carla and my bass

 

Wishing you all things green,

Annastasia

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The sociable vegan

An arm injury (it involved a stool and momentarily forgetting where I was) curtailed my ability to get around at the end of October so I was happy to make up for it this week by attending two vegan events.

Vegan Pot Luck is something I've planned to attend for sometime. Alas as it's on a Wednesday evening it clashes with my Burlesque class. My injury is requiring me to take a little break, which has opened a window of opportunity.

Deciding what food to take was a dilemma but in the end I made these Broccoli tarts. What an event it was! The selection of food was great, and varied. In fact there was some serious impressive food including a zombie graveyard. It was a real pleasure to experience so much home cooked vegan food. It was also good for chatting to people I hadn't met before.

I meant to take loads of photos of the food but only remembered as plates started to be filled - too late you've gotta get in quick in a room full of vegans feeding! And new dishes kept appearing as latecomers added their contribution to the tables.

Saturday was the Brecknock Road vegan festival organised once again by that ever enthusiastic organiser of excellent events, Fat Gay Vegan. Various shops in Brecknock Road were taking part, Will's Vegan shoes were being launched at The Third Estate, and I'd volunteered to staff the Vegan Society stand for a couple of hours.

Despite the rain it was an excellent occasion. I kicked off with a hot dog from The Mighty Fork. The beer sauce kept me warm.

Then I got down the business of chatting to people, giving out Vegan Society material, and handing out goody bags. I was also pleased to find out that although the Vegan Society logo is being changed, the vegan symbol that appears on approved products isn't. That'll make my choice of tattoo easier then (see Forty for 40 - no.26).

 I was delighted to met a brewer of vegan beer who is based in Essex.

Andy, the head brewer, at Pitfield's was happy to tell us all about his beer. The Christmas brew involving cherries and dark chocolate sounds amazing, and with changes to CAMRA regulations his wares/brews are likely to be making an appearance at beer festivals.

I was reluctant to leave the stand after my stint (I do like to meet people and talk) but it was nice to go inside and defrost my feet while admiring the stock at The Third Estate, and the new shoe range.

Quite frankly The Third Estate is the best place to go in London for vegan shoes, and this addition just makes it even better.

I returned to Essex to rest my arm with a slice of chocolate cake and a feeling of optimism. When can I spend another day talking vegan, admiring shoes and buying cake?

Wishing you all things green,
Annastasia

What's in my lunchbox? Chew well

This was a fabulous lunch. A great mix of flavours and texture. I should warn anyone thinking of cooking along similar lines that it's advisable to chew the polenta fries well before swallowing. Failure to to do could put you in the same situation that I found myself in on Friday lunchtime. I'd decided, as part of my learning new things, to start attending the Friday lunchtime concerts at the Cathedral. I'm not into religion but appreciate the community aspect.

I was surprised by the large audience, but found a seat and began tucking into my lunch as I listened. Alas as I closed my eyes and tipped my head back in appreciation of the piano I began to choke. I tried to suppress it which seemed to make the jalapeños in the polenta burn more fiercely.

So either chew well or don't consume with live music.

Clockwise from bottom left:

• Plum cake - rather a lot of plums in this one resulting in a very soft texture
• Polenta fries - the recipe from The Vegan Lunchbox with added jalapeños.
• Bob the book by David Pratt
• Home made guacamole
• A fresh fig cut into quarters
• Shredded sweetheart cabbage

Learn something new for September

 

September is a month all about fresh starts, scanning for signs of autumn, and rediscovering a desire to learn.

Essentially it's a month to challenge yourself. To find out more. To take a look at where you are (after the distractions of summer) and see what you can do with those cliched winter evenings.

If you're looking inspiration, I have the perfect thing. I got chatting to Duncan from Noonesreadingme at carnival yesterday (a rather wonderful evening of leaping around to various bands) and he told me about a friend who had recorded an album. It's her and a piano. The 'feel inspired' bit is that a year ago she couldn't play a piano.

Of course, you don't have to go to such lengths. I've signed up for some courses with Futurelearn. These are free online course from UK universities. All kinds of things with varying time requirements are on offer. I'm going to be learning more about Richard III in November, and discovering the basics of Forensic Science in January.

So here's to an inspiring autumn where I discover all kinds of new and exciting things.

Wishing you all things green,

Annastasia

 

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Saturday adventure

Gosh, I hear you say, that looks a bit bleak. Not surprised that you've been worrying about September blues.

It may look a tad desolate but it was an excellent place to spend an afternoon, even with a bit of rain. I was visiting some family and they suggested an afternoon at Thames Chase community forest.

It's a fantastic site. The paths are wide and gravelled making it highly suitable for users of mobility scooters and wheelchairs as well as small children on bikes and scooters.

There are plenty of things, in additional to nature, to look around the trail. Excellent for encouraging said small children to keep moving ("we're nearly at the fort"). Great for acting as landmarks and ensuring one doesn't get lost. Oh, and rather good fun for climbing and frolicking whatever age you are.

They'd thoughtful labelled lots of the trees.

And there were no end of blackberry bushes. Which did lead to some discussion about why we felt ok picking blackberries as we walked but were hesitant about doing the same for apples or any other fruit.

The teepees are both fun, and slightly Blair witch.

Building your own is good exercise, although my technique needs some work.

There's a visitors centre with a cafe, crafts for sale, and various activities. Parking seemed plentiful. And there was a wonderful juxtaposition of untamed nature park and manicured golf course.

Definitely an excellent afternoon by my standards. It put a glow in my cheeks and left me more than ready for a cup of tea, and some dinner.

Wishing you all things green,

Annastasia

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What's in my lunch box? Post Reading

I was beautifully organised for the Reading Festival. I’d purchased my tickets well in advance. I’d coordinated transportation of the required camping equipment across our party. I'd bought Melissa boots in case the site was muddy. I’d washed my hoodie and dug out my ‘festival clothes’. I’d made a list of bands I wanted to see. I’d packed vegan food should the onsite offering disappointed (it didn’t but I never did find the vegan chocolate brownies which were supposed to be on offer).

So I had a splendid weekend watching bands I knew , discovering new ones, taking part in a mini remake of Back to the future with Videopia, drinking cups of tea under the stars, and noting with delight the makeover the female urinal area has been given (hello spotty curtains, fake grass, flowers and a general air of luxury). I delivered chums home on Monday. Ensured the tent was airing and got my kit put away in no time.

What I had totally failed to do in all my planning was make any arrangement for my lunchbox for the following week. In fact I patted myself on the back before leaving for running down supplies of fresh food.

But there’s always something lurking in my pantry, fridge or freezer. Plans to turn a stale baguette (I failed to put it in the freezer before departing) into vegan French toast reminded me of the wonder that is gram flour. So I grabbed a chunk of onion, rescued some wilting greens, dug out some recently frozen sweet corn, and stuck them in a frying pan with some oil (the dregs of various bottles – I really need to go shopping). Then I mixed some gram flour with water and salt and tipped it into the pan.

You never know quite how a batter with a random and unknown flour to liquid ratio will turn out. This wasn’t quite up to pancake standard but it did produce some chunks/balls. They worked perfectly well by themselves, but as the week has progressed I’ve also enjoyed them with pasta, and wrapped in Cos lettuce leaves. A handful of greengages followed up (finally made it to the market) and The Secret Rooms by Catherine Bailey (so gripping I couldn't sleep) went alongside.

I’ve added ‘food for return’ to my planning list for future festivals.

London Vegan Drinks invades Wholefoods Kensington

I really enjoy looking at food. Even if I have no plans to buy anything there’s a certain pleasure to be had in admiring produce of all kinds. As a vegan I’m always intrigued to go somewhere new and see if they have products I haven’t previously tried. So I was pretty excited to hear that the new home for London Vegan Drinks was going to be Wholefoods Market in Kensington. I’ve visited the Piccadilly store on a couple of occasions and was happy with some more time in a similar environment.

As LVD didn’t start until 6pm I had plenty of time to enjoy vegan goodies in Camden.

My first stop was Loving Hut for some stir fry and a vanilla milkshake.

The guys serving couldn’t have been more helpful. I also had a great chat with another customer who said the place had turned him vegan 3 and half years previously. He’d bought a bunch of work colleagues over for the buffet and been amazed at how good the food was. When he found out it was vegan he decided that he’d better become one.

I was too full for dessert but happily a stride around the market and stables area left me ready to enjoy some sweet treat at Cookies and Scream.

I turned up at Kensington Wholefoods market expecting a store similar in size to the Piccadilly Circus one. I had no idea that this was 3 floors of mega store. I could have spent hours browsing on the ground floor (vegetables without plastic packaging, open barrels of lentils, peanut butter grinders, vegan chocolates) but thought I should go and be social!

The second floor is perfect for London Vegan Drinks. The room with a view is glorious, and has the best fake grass I’ve ever come across. I must confess I did spend some time digging down trying to find the soil because I was convinced it couldn’t be fake. The food court has ample food and drink options, and plenty of seating. I had vegan beer and pizza but could see plenty of things to try in future months. Hey, they had root beer…

I was really impressed with how welcome Wholefoods made us. From goodie bags to menus to smiley staff, it was a really great experience. It’s clear that Wholefoods get that vegan like to eat and drink as much as anything else. Food is important to us and we like to enjoy a variety of food stuffs which don’t all have to be totally healthy. We love cake as much as the next person.

I couldn’t resist picking up some groceries before leaving and am determined to check out some of the other services on offer. I love the thought of taking my own bottle to fill with olive oil, and I’m sure I spotted a similar offering for wine.

So to sum up I’m really excited about what Wholefoods has to offer, and looking forward to the next London Vegan Drinks so I can explore more.

 

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2013 Mid year review

At the start of the year I made a list of things I wanted to do in 2013. I reviewed them recently and my performance has been mixed!

Definitely making progress

• Start a burlesque troupe and perform with them - a definite 'yes' following the formation of the Paper Dolls and The Fling festival.
• Develop different income streams - I've certainly put plenty of energy into this area! In addition to Ink Drops Boxes the stationery subscription service I run with Carla of Ducking Fabulous, I've also been experimenting with Etsy, Ebay, Flea markets, and am working on a car boot sale and the green shop.
• Engage with people more - I've met loads of interesting people this year and said yes to far more opportunities to connect.

Could try harder

• Explore geocaching - lost my vibe on this after several fails at finding my 2nd cache.
• Make pasties, knickers and garters - made paper pasties in April, but bit of a fail on the rest
• Spend less time doing unnecessary things - there still aren't enough hours in the day.

Things to read

• The Woman in white
• To kill a mocking bird
• Treasure Island
• Pride and prejudice
• something by Ford Maddox Ford read The good soldier in April
• Anna Karenina

So looking at what I need to do for the rest of the year it's go geocaching, make some stuff, read plenty, and do less!

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Presumed having a good time

 

I had a fantastic weekend. It started with lunch at Pogo café on Friday lunchtime. I was delighted by my first visit to this vegan café, run by very chilled out volunteers. A tofu burger and wedges, was thoroughly enjoyed. Desert followed in the form of gooey chocolate tart.

Then I headed into central London for the annual reception for Friendship and peace held at the Japanese embassy. Never mind the UK having a special relationship with the yanks; we’ve got one with Japan too. The Ambassador’s beautifully crafted speech touched on the five pioneers, and William Adams. I had a marvellous time reminiscing with other Pacific Venturers, and chatting with embassy staff about home-made tofu.

I spent Saturday with my burlesque troupe, The Paper Dolls, at the Fling festival in Chelmsford. We were hosting a tent with a mix of performances, crafts and opportunities to dress up. I also managed to wander round and spotted Juke Box Jenny, a beach, the Legs Akimbo sports day, a silent disco, trash to treasure craft (an opportunity to create fabulously crazy home made hats), and a cabaret tent (with performances from Helles Belles burlesque, and Ginger Blush). Happily we were right next to the acoustic stage so I got to enjoy live music throughout the day.

Late on Saturday night I waved goodbye to the fire garden, loaded the equipment into my car and drove back across the deserted park weaving between tents. It was eerie but beautiful.

I then proceeded to spend Sunday picking large quantities of allotment produce, making lots of jam, reading in the sun in the garden, and playing Bass in a hot attic.

And the only photo I took all weekend is the one at the top of this post which is my lunch on Friday. During the busiest and most exciting periods of my life I’ve often failed to keep a diary. Hence I can only assume that this weekend I was lost in the moment. Just too busy enjoying myself to record anything.

 

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Are you coming to the Fling?

My burlesque troupe, The Paper Dolls, were asked if we fancied doing our stuff at The Fling. As the Fling is a fabulous festival of music, arts and curiosities for over 18s we said 'yes', despite the rather tight time scale.

If you are going to the Fling do come and join us for some dance, crafts, and dressing up, and discover your inner showgirl or showboy.

I'm also massively excited because Leon's vegetarian food is going to be there. I love his food, and sure I'll need plenty to eat to keep up my strength for performing.

So see you at the Fling? I'll be the one in the green corset and matching top hat!

Wishing you green ink and good food,

Annastasia

 

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Things I love Thursday

• My new spectacles – great service from Braintree Specsavers, especially Julie. I've never enjoyed choosing glasses so much.
• Getting ready for The Paper Dolls to appear at the Fling – 59 and a half minutes of burlesque here we come.
• Fabulous produce from my allotment – strawberries, rocket, spinach, and oregano.
• Nettle and Plantain tea – still loving the taste and think it is helping with my hayfever.
• Mexican millet – another amazing recipe from Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Veganomicon.
• Reading in the sunshine – something I need to do more of (sunshine permitting).
• Being complimented - on my speed and efficiency at tyre pressure checks by another driver!
• Dark shadows - I found time to watch a little TV and this was a most amusing take on vampires (and it featured Alice Cooper).

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The 5:2 handbag challenge

My handbag has tendency to feel uncomfortably heavy. I seem to feel the need to carry ridiculous amounts of stuff around with me 'just in case'. Being prepared for every situation is never really going to be goer. There's no way I can be prepared for every scenario. And more to the point I'm perfectly capable of improvising. For example, in a hemline emergency a well placed staple is as good as a needle and thread.

Carrying a smaller bag doesn't help. I just overload the first bag, and add a secondary bag or two.

So I intend to try and wean myself off this habit. Inspired by the Guardian's recent application of the 5:2 diet for everything I'm going to use a simplified version on my handbag.

• Two days a week I will carry the bare minimum.
• I will go through subsections of my handbag such as my purse and make up bag with a view to ensuring these have the minimum.

In my head, I'm imagining a spring in my step to reflect the lighter load, and a Zen-like clarity in my head.

 

Wishing you green ink, and rather good food,

 

Annastasia

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Krazy Korean lunch club

The thing about vegans is that they like to eat. They appreciate good food and lots of it. Alas when eating away from one's home it's often the opposite - a single menu item (which probably involves roasted vegetables). And whether you're eating in a restaurant or at a friend's home there's always the slight fear that your idea of what's vegan friendly and theirs won't quite match.

Happily none of the above apply when attending The Vegan Ronin's underground supper club. My previous experiences of Korean food are somewhat limited, however I'm now inclined to think that it's a cuisine I can really get on with. There was plenty of heat, mushrooms and not a roasted vegetable in sight. I really liked that so much of the food used seasonal ingredients or items that store well (e.g. Dried fruit). And bizarrely in what I have written below I seem to think that many of the dishes are just what my Christmas dinner table needs.

Of course reviews generally are much easier to write if you didn't like something. You can pick at this and that. Instead you get a stream of photo and variations on yummy! If you want to get a proper idea of exactly what food was served I'd suggest reading the Vegan Ronin's write up of the day including the full menu.

I should also say that the atmosphere is fantastic. It was brilliant to meet some other vegans and chat about a whole variety of subjects. Jhenn and Ed were excellent hosts, happy to share their experiences of Japan.

To kick things off, bubble tea. This was my first experience of this beverage. It was slightly odd for the first few mouthfuls and then I decided that it's a drink and snack combined. I'm now wondering if I can make a Christmas pudding flavour version to serve at new year.

We then moved to spicy mushroom soup and fresh tofu. Fresh tofu! I don't think I've tasted tofu so good since I was in Japan and its a definite incentive to percivere with my efforts in this area.

This is apparently a Bibimbap and would usually be served in a fearfully hot stone bowl which would allow all the ingredients to cook together. Happily Jhenn has done some broiling thus removing the need for super hot bowls. The sauce however was wonderfully hot. The kind of heat that clears out your sinuses and makes you long for the next bite.

I absolutely loved the roasted cauliflower with sweet soy. It made my mouth sing in the way that cheddar cheese used to. I tried to express this coherently to the rest of the table but was unable to get much beyond "mmmmm,". I'm imaging serving these at Christmas along with roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts.The hot and spicy wings were fabulous. Something I've always wanted to try but felt my setian making skills just weren't up to it.

And finally dumplings. A definite for the Christmas table as alternative to the more traditional pudding. It was served with warm coconut cream (which reminded me of evaporated milk) and there was brown rice or jasmine tea.
Strangely I seem to have failed to snap any pictures of the Kimchi. This was a central feature of the meal and went with everything (except dessert).

So a fantastic meal, good people and lots of cooking inspiration. I now really want to attend one of the Japanese nights. It might even make onto my 40 for forty list.

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