Mr Hairy Pants goes to Paris!

mrhairypants

America is my country and Paris is my hometown. Gertrude Stein

From the moment I arrived in Paris for the first time, it felt like home. The seduction, the beauty, the magnitude. It was as though I was taken away to another life, another time and space that I inhabited and it was intriguing.  I couldn’t get enough. I could wander around the tree lined streets filled with people and their baguettes for hours.

There came a crossroads though, when it came to meal time. Not wanting to deviate from my glorious Vegan lifestyle, I had some tough choices to make. Fortunately, I found Paris’ only Vegan grocery store, Un Monde Vegan, and it was ON from there! My heart skipped a beat when I saw my choices of cheese!!

Goodies from Un Monde Vega

A picnic in Luxembourg Gardens is a MUST in my book! Surrounded by gorgeous gardens…

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Charlie was a sinner.

This was my third visit to Charlie Was and my favorite. Open since May of 2014, this swanky little spot never disappoints. From the green plush seating to the dark, woody bar this space is alluring and mysterious – just like the name. This time I was able to visit with my love which made it extra special.

We made it to Happy Hour (which made me happy) and ordered the black eyed pea sliders (I was so excited I took a bite before I snapped a shot!) and chorizo tacos. CWAS provides a seasonal menu featuring small plates and the tacos change daily. This was the second time I had the sliders and they were amazing.  And the tacos with the pickled carrot and radish were the perfect combination.

 

crunchy and tasty

warm and flavorful

Next up was the Confit Potato Cup & Mushroom. Artistic in appearance, the wild mushrooms lurking below melted in your mouth. When deciding between this and another potato dish, I asked the bartender which one and he didn’t hesitate suggesting this dish. Give it a try next time you’re in Philly. It’s  so deelish!!

 

creamy deliciousness

And for the finale ….Bucatini & Meatballs. This dish seems to be a favorite around here and on the menu since inception. Packed with a punch the sauce was spicy but not overwhelming and the meatballs were divine. Definitely would order this again.

 

spicy and savory

If you have had an experience at Charlie’s, I’d love to hear from you! Until next time remember….

 

Seabirds Kitchen

Next time you’re anywhere near Orange County (California) head straight to Seabirds Kitchen. You can thank me later.

Seabirds started out as a food truck and a couple  of years ago moved into their own space at the Lab in Costa Mesa. It’s an adorable little outdoor market they call an anti mall with cool artwork and shops.

One thing I appreciate about Seabirds is they create their menu using seasonal fruits and vegetables that are locally grown. Their food is very creative (hello artichoke drumsticks!) and flavorful. There is something on the menu for everyone.

 Artichoke Drumsticks and Old Town Grilled Cheese

Biscuits, Gravy & Crispy Tofu

Chorizo Tamales

Hands down I’ve been dreaming of the Artichoke Drumsticks since last week (sigh). Everything was delightful and Boyfriend approved! We took most of the tamale dish home and it was delicious a couple of days later.

Have you been to Seabirds? They’re located in Costa Mesa. I’d love to know what your favorite dishes are.

www.seabirdskitchen.com

Happy New Year!!

 

Building Blogs

  

Yesterday I had an amazing day building my brand and blog with Eco Vegan Gal, Whitney Lauritsen!

I was introduced to Whitney’s work a couple of years ago and she’s inspired me ever since. And, quite frankly, I can’t believe we got to share so much together yesterday!!

An important part of staying focused for me is to prioritize and make use of when I feel my most creative. 

Here’s a link to our discussion which you may find helpful if you too have hurdles staying focused!!

https://youtu.be/7C_LvEIOGgc

Coastal Clean Up, 9/19/15, Venice, CA

One of my favorite Vegan fashion labels, Vaute, is participating in Coastal Clean Up day tomorrow!! In case you didn’t know Vaute has a pop up store in Los Angeles right now!! You guys, they’re only here til October 21st so be sure and check them out ASAP!!!

One reason why I love them sooooo much is this: they put their money where their mouth is!! While in L.A. they’re getting involved by doing events like this that are SO important to all the wildlife who become entangled, trapped and lose their homes due to excessive litter and plastic.  And after the event everyone is invited back to the shop for vegan treats…how awesome is that?!?!

80% of ocean trash comes from land based sources like litter, industrial waste and garbage management. You can find out more by visiting http://www.coastal.ca.gov. 

Will I see you tomorrow?! Coastal clean up from 9-12 with vegan treats at Vaute at noon!!  I hope so!! 

Vaute, 1306 Abbott Kinney, Venice!

Coastal Clean Up, Tower Ave 21, 2100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90292

www.vautecouture.com 
Peace out✌🏼

Chickpea Salad

I make this at least once a week. It. Is. That. Damn. Good.

When I was a kid I loved tuna. But what I didn’t love was when I’d see little bones in my tuna. Gross. I’m so grateful I found this recipe that’s sans tuna, but has the familiar flavors that I love. Oh!… and it’s packed with protein cause lawd knows vegans need their protein!! 

• 1 can of rinsed garbanzo beans
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup of chopped celery
• 2-3 tbsp of Vegan mayo (I like Just Mayo)
• 1-2 tbsp of sweet relish
• Fresh or dried dill to taste
• Black pepper to taste

After rinsing the garbanzo beans, place them in a food processor and pulse just a few times to break them up. Then place in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients! 

   
    
 

Enjoy this on bread, crackers or use as a dip with carrots and celery!! Would love to hear your variations on this kind of salad!! Happy day😊

Vegan Ceviche

This beautiful array of colors is magic in your mouth!! The first time I made this I literally stood with bowl in hand and ate almost the whole thing with a fork!! And the longer it marinates, the more flavorful. Let’s get to the recipe….

• 1 jar of Hearts of Palm, drained & sliced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 diced jalapeño
• 1/4 cup diced tomato (red or yellow)
• 1 handful of chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lemon or lime juice
• 1 tbs olive oil
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all of the veggies in a bowl. Whisk together the lemon or lime juice and olive oil and pour over the vegetable mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.

As stated before, the longer this marinates the more incredible it gets! I suggest refrigerating for an hour before serving, if possible.

Serve with corn tortilla chips or crackers. Great addition to any kind of veggie taco. Or you can just eat it with fork like I do!! Enjoy!!

I’d love to hear from you!! Happy summer!

Grilled Pineapple & Black Rice Salad

Black rice (also known as the “Forbidden Rice”) is chock full of antioxidants including anthocyanins! What are those, you ask? They are the pretty purple and dark red pigments that color and add valuable nutrients found in blueberries, grapes, blackberries, dark cherries, raspberries and acai berries!! It’s also fiber-rich and lord knows we all need more fiber!

I tasted black rice for the first time recently in a delicious salad. This recipe is inspired by that dish and the taste of summer! I hope you enjoy!!

• 1 cup of black rice
• 4 – 5 cups of water
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 1/8 cup raw sugar
• 4 pineapple spears, grilled
• 2 diced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• Handful of raw cashews (optional)

Rinse and drain the rice, place in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover rice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until water is absorbed. If there is extra water, just drain it off.

Add coconut milk and sugar and continue to cook until rice has desired consistency and thickens.

Next, stir in the  grilled pineapple, jalapeños and cilantro and voila!!  Sprinkle raw cashews on top, if desired. This dish is delicious served warm or cold!!

My favorite skincare!

A favorite question I get is what skincare do I use? Currently, these are some of my favorites that won’t break the bank, don’t contain animal ingredients and are not tested on animals!  These products can be purchased at Whole Foods, Sprouts or online.

Cleansers

Right now I switch between the Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean face wash and the Acure cleansing gel. If I’m experiencing a few breakouts I use the Desert Essence. It seems to help with my acne prone skin. The Acure cleansing gel is so nice and cleans well without leaving you feeling dry.

Moisturizers

Loving the Acure Organics day cream! This gem has gotu kola stem cells shown to firm and help fight environmental damage.  It also contains 1% chlorella growth factor to support collagen and we all know collagen is our friend and helps give our skin strength and elasticity!

Lip care

At night I want a super moisturizing lip balm -something I can apply all around my lips not just on them. The Marine Lip treatment by Gabriel Cosmetics is my fav!! USDA Certified Organic, this treatment ensures I wake up with a beautiful pout👄!

Eye cream

I’ve always been super picky when it comes to eye cream. This is my first tube of Acure eye cream and I’m totally impressed! With line fighting ingredients such as edelweiss stem cell, chlorella growth factor and gojilift powder you’ll stave off lines, dark circles, and puffiness like a bad mama jama!!

Masks

The Acure cell stimulating facial mask is the bomb!! Boom!! There are so many amazing ingredients from Sea Buckthorn to Acai to Rosehips….you’ll thank me after you try this mask. Seriously.

And just in case you didn’t know…”cruelty free” means that products are not tested on animals (which is awesome) however, there may be animal ingredients in the products. I always look for the word “Vegan” when looking for skin care as I want to make sure there are no animal by-products going onto my skin😊.

This review is solely my opinion and I have not been paid to endorse any of these products. I simply like sharing my experience with others on products that have worked for me.

I would love to hear from you on your favorite skin care products!! Also, please email me at hairypantsvegan@gmail.com or comment below with any questions or just to say Hi!!

MrHairyPantsFindsLove

When it comes to love, it seems like there are varying degrees in which it is measured by people. For instance, some people love people. Some people love their house, others love music. Some love shopping or travel. I love animals. I mean really, really love animals, to the point that I don’t eat their flesh or secretions or wear their skin. Whoa!  Stop the press! When I speak of this kind of love and my passion starts to gain momentum, I occasionally get hit with what about people? What about them? Love is limitless for me. I love a lot of things simultaneously. It seems like when it comes to love for human animals and love for non human animals, we aren’t supposed to love them both at the same time with the same compassion. For example, someone may say I love my dog so much, but not more than my kids. Huh? I don’t say, I love hot chocolate, but not more than my kids. Or, I love your outfit, but not more than my kids. Limitless love is abound in most of us. Wouldn’t it be nice to honor that endless loving part of ourselves that knows no limits? If we did, we may see it more in others, and that would be a beautiful thing!

Mr. Hairy Pants Visits Philly, Part 2

I had an opportunity to explore Philly just a few short weeks after my last visit, so I took it! There is always something more to see and do and, more importantly, to eat! I headed to Blackbird Pizza, which is in Society Hill.

http://www.blackbirdpizza.com

 

Habanero Citrus Buffalo Wings

One of my most favorite foods is hot wings. And they are even more delicious now that I’m not gnawing meat off a bone (yuk!). The creamy cucumber dip that accompanied these delicious habanero spiced wings was a perfect match!

Seitan Cheesesteak

I’ve had many a cheesesteak in my previous life (before vegan) so I was a little reluctant to try a vegan one. It was incredible!!  Rosemary and garlic seared seitan, grilled onions and green bell peppers, melted daiya cheese on a hoagie. My mouth is watering just looking at the photo!

Liberty Bell

Now that my belly was full, I headed off to Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell. It’s free to get in, which is outstanding in this day and age. I think it’s symbolic that I happen to be finishing up this blog on Martin Luther King day. I am truly grateful for the liberties I have because of those that have gone before me.

I love this quote from abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, which is hanging in Independence Hall.

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, female, Native American, or recent immigrant, famously quoted as saying, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

On my way back to my hotel, I walked through Washington Square Park where I noticed a nice lady feeding the birds.

Nice lady feeding birds!

Then this happened!!

It made me chuckle! I hope you did too!! Good day!!

Above quote from Frederick Douglass taken from Wikipedia.

Mr Hairy Pants Visits Philly, Part 1

Nothing beats a chilly Fall morning like a workout followed by brunch at HipCityVeg! This little gem in Philly makes me smile every time!

HipCityVeg Fall Display

I had to start with the Groothie! It is the most amazing smoothie I’ve ever had!! I try to drink them slowly but it’s impossible!!

My Groothie!

Next, I decided to tackle the CrispyHipCityRanch sandwich. It was a m a z i n g!! Normally I would get a salad or something lighter, but this is one of their most popular items so I had to try it! It was deliciously filling and satisfying.  Will definitely get it again, plus I just worked out, right??!!

CrispyHipCityRanch

Next I noticed they had hot chocolate with home-made whip cream. I decided I would come back in a bit for that and forgo my usual Soy Latte from Starbucks. Off to find the LOVE park. I have been to Philly many times, but for some reason this park never crossed my path. Once I found it, I was thrilled.

LOVE Sculpture by Robert Indiana

“Located across the street from LOVE Park, Your Move transforms the Municipal Services Building plaza into a giant, fantastical game board. Scattered on the plaza are oversized game pieces, including dominoes, checkers, bingo chips, Monopoly and Parcheesi, all made of Fiberglas and steel. Installed in 1996, Your Move is meant to juxtapose childhood memories with adult responsibilities.”

Game pieces

Dominos and Chess game pieces

Game piece with City Hall in background

Walking amongst these game pieces made me feel like such a kid! I will always honor the “young” part of me, the youthful part that has a sense of adventure and optimism!

Back to HipCityVeg for my hot chocolate! It was delightful and I’ve been craving it ever since!!

Hot chocolate with my new T-shirt!!

I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite random pictures taken while walking around this glorious city! Until next time….

Beautiful Fall colors

Glorious Gold

Above quote on Your Move from visitphilly.com.

Mr Hairy Pants goes to Paris!

America is my country and Paris is my hometown. Gertrude Stein

From the moment I arrived in Paris for the first time, it felt like home. The seduction, the beauty, the magnitude. It was as though I was taken away to another life, another time and space that I inhabited and it was intriguing.  I couldn’t get enough. I could wander around the tree lined streets filled with people and their baguettes for hours.

There came a crossroads though, when it came to meal time. Not wanting to deviate from my glorious Vegan lifestyle, I had some tough choices to make. Fortunately, I found Paris’ only Vegan grocery store, Un Monde Vegan, and it was ON from there! My heart skipped a beat when I saw my choices of cheese!!

Goodies from Un Monde Vega

A picnic in Luxembourg Gardens is a MUST in my book! Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, the sound of chatter, vivid colors, it’s my personal paradise! I could spend hours lounging on the grass, drinking wine and taking it all in. I imagine I’m in a scene from a movie just watching the world go round.

Vivid flowers

Ancient fountain

Grounds at Luxembourg Gardens

On our last day, we headed to the Arc De Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in Paris,  to take in its awe and beauty.  Then we strolled down the glorious Champs Elysees feeling very glamorous! Ducking in and out of shops, people watching, and the hustle and bustle of it all was making me a little melancholy that this was our last night in this divine, delightful place on Earth.  And a little hungry!! So we stopped at Pizza Pino (not very French, but vegan friendly!) and I had the most delicious vegetable laden pasta!

Veggie Pasta at Pizza Pino

Arc De Triomphe

Until we meet again my beloved France, au revoir!