Happy World Vegan Month!

Have a Magical Halloween!

Adopt A Black Cat - Bring Luck To Your Family!

Morticia enjoying the outdoors

Miss Morticia asked that I write this post on her behalf.  She wants to banish the superstitious myth that black cats are bad luck and help out her furry brothers & sisters confined to shelters across the land.

We've all heard the warning that it's bad luck for a black cat to cross your path.  Morticia says talk to the paw!

Morticia makes a point to cross my path everyday and I'm all the better for it!

Sadly this stereotyping causes many black cats to be put down as they tend to take longer to adopt out and simply run out of time.

In reality, it's actually good luck if a black cat chooses to live with you.  Morticia has been with me for more than 16 years and my life is all the better for it!

And if that's not a good enough reason, check out this list of
Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat courtesy of SFGate:

1. We are always sleek, stylish and elegant looking.
2. You’ll never lose us in a snowstorm.
3. Black fur won’t show up on your [chic] black clothing. (SO TRUE!!!)
4. Statistically speaking, we are friendlier than other cats.
5. We are happier because we look thinner!
6. In many cultures, we are considered GOOD luck.
7. We can be slimming when draped over your lap.
8. We can easily accessorize our collars because everything goes with black.
9. We are always appropriately dressed at cocktail parties.
10. We take the longest to get adopted and need your help the most!!!

I can personally attest that black cats make awesome additions to the family - especially rescued ones.

Pets Are Good For You!

Pets, not just cats are very beneficial to our overall health.  Pets naturally make us feel less stressed & anxious.  They cause us to have lower blood pressure & lower heart rates.  Pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure.  A pet's unconditional love helps to combat depression. Pets bring us out of our shell & help us to socialize.  Kids growing up with a pet in the house tend to have fewer allergies.  In fact kids at risk for asthma, who grow up with a cat, are less likely to develop asthma.  Cat owners tend to have fewer strokes as cats have a greater calming effect than other animals. 

Now that you realize what's missing in your life, check out PetFinder to find the black kitty of your dreams!

meow.
Morticia


Sources:
http://blog.sfgate.com/pets/2009/09/17/top-10-reasons-to-adopt-a-black-cat/
http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health

VegGala Awesome Success!!!

October 14, 2012 marked the first annual Cleveland VegGala!  And it was amazing!!!  Four hundred hungry people came out to show local restaurant owners that there is a market for vegan food in Northeast Ohio! 

A night filled with eating, music, mingling and a lot more eating!   All the vendors were sooooo friendly and super knowledgeable!  It was so freeing not to have to ask about ingredients!  As a vegan, this evening was a dream come true!  Nothing was off limits - quite a break from the norm!

Over 20 local businesses participated:

Aladdin’s                                                  Mo Bite Products

Bon Vivant                                               Nature's Bin
Carriage House Bakery                            The Olive and The Grape     

Chop It Salad Co.                                     Orale! Mexican Cuisine
Clifton Martini & Wine Bar                     Pura Vida Restaurant
Dandy Blend Instand Herbal Beverage    Root Cafe

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar                           The Sweet Spot
Earth Fare                                                 Tommy’s Restaurant
Flaming Ice Cube                                     Tough Cookie Bakery
Green Kitchen                                          Treehugger's Cafe
Grovewood Tavern                                  Tremont Scoops
India Garden                                            Umami Moto
Lion on Lorain Bar and Grill                   Vegan Sweet Tooth
Luxe Kitchen and Lounge                       Village Martini & Wine Bar

I took my mother, who has been on-again, off-again vegan for the past year.  At this time, she's off the wagon, but despite that, she loved the food as well!  I also met a few friends there, one of which won the 50/50 raffle (Hi Jill!).  I'll let it go that I bought my 50/50 tickets right after her...

If you missed it, because they SOLD OUT - mark your calendars, as the proceeds from this event are going to support Cleveland's first ever VegFest on June 1, 2013 at Cleveland State University!  You know I'll be posting details as soon as they are available.

Personally, I can't wait until the second annual Cleveland VegGala!  Big thanks to The Cleveland Vegan Society for hosting this much needed event.

Till Next Year!
The Hoff

70,000 Page Views & Still Going!!!

Event: Vegan Cooking Class

Cooking with C.A.R.E presents Eat Well, Live Well Cooking Series

When: Thursday, November 6, 2012
Where: Mandel Jewish Community Center: 26001 South Woodland Rd. Beachwood, OH 44122
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $5 members & $15 guests
Registration Required: Call 216/593-0448 or 216/831-0770

More info!

Hoff's Pumpkin Pancakes

Hoff's Pumpkin Pancakes
Yields: 8-10 pancakes
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Start with Hoff's Bulk Pancake Mix.


Ingredients:

• 1 cup Mix
• 1 cup "Milk"
• 1/2 cup canned Pumpkin
• 1/2 cup Apple Sauce
• 1/2 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips
• 1 tbsp Chia Seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl
2. Cook like any other pancake, but on a non-stick pan, using no oil