It's funny how the build up for Christmas all too easily takes on a life of its own, even for those of us who don't feel particularly strongly about this festival. Expectations mount; things must be just so. I had been moaning a little about Christmas this year: my first vegetarian Christmas with my own... Continue Reading →
Flotsam
I went to my local supermarket today and turned up the usual aisle for veggies, salads and what-not and instead found myself surrounded by endless packets of meat. Of course, they've rearranged again! And because it's nearing Christmas all the meaty stuff has made its way nearer the front of the store. Curiously I felt... Continue Reading →
Vegan diet, vegan life
When I was in bi-lingual Montréal recently I quickly figured out the difference between végétarien (vegatarian) and végétalien (vegan) on menus. Except that I then realised it's not quite that simple and there is also a French word végan. I think I'm right in saying that végan goes beyond diet and refers more to lifestyle, avoiding... Continue Reading →
At whose convenience?
As well as adapting my yoga practice to travelling, I'm also adapting other behaviours. Diet is of course an area for compromise. In the city the veggie options were great, and I totally fell in love with one local restaurant in Vancouver. It had two versions of everything: one vegetarian, one full-on vegan. I'm hoping... Continue Reading →
Food on the go
Readers who know me in real life often ask me about what I'm eating now. I've written now and then about the shifts in eating habits that are occurring, and I know this intrigues them (as well as making socialising a little more difficult!). In the last 18 months I've gone from being staunchly omnivore,... Continue Reading →
Cheese melt down
We've just passed the anniversary of my last proper Greek moussaka — what used to be my fave food. The dish for my last meal request, perhaps. I loved eating it, I loved making it. Three hours in the kitchen — bechamel sauce, fried aubergines, meat sauce with a hint of cinnamon (since I was taught... Continue Reading →
Springtime — the start of something
Spring is a great time of year for new beginnings. So much more so than the start of the calendar year, I think. New Year with its traditional guilt trip of resolution-making and self-improvement seems serious; springtime by contrast feels fun and optimistic. Turning over a new leaf in various ways (no pun intended) simply feels... Continue Reading →
Mandolines and Tiggers
I just bought a mandoline (not a mandolin -- though Hubby does own a bouzouki, if you wanted a random fact of the day!). I mean the tool for slicing veggies (and fingers too if you don't concentrate well). Somehow I've gone four decades without needing one, but now my moment has come since I'm eating more... Continue Reading →
Eyes on me
I realised this week that I really, really don't like being in the spotlight. I'm not talking hostile interrogation, actually kindly attention -- and even attention that I've invited. But I find it almost unbearable. A private session recently with my yoga teacher, whom I should know well enough to feel comfortable with, induced a state... Continue Reading →
He calls me Pesky
Hubby has many terms of endearment for me, which I won't share. It would embarrass us all! Recently he's started referring to me as 'Pesky'! I don't think he's falling out of love with me, I don't think I'm being particularly annoying (though I have my moments!) -- it's just short for 'pescetarian'. I increasingly... Continue Reading →