Choose Bravery: Face the Storm...and Bark at It?

Rocky & Shirley

Today's post is about being brave. Rocky was never scared of thunder and lightening, storms, or fireworks. Not until he met his late friend Sammy. Sammy was scared of those things. She was also big, strong, and tough. Rocky knew it. My guess is that if Sammy was so brave and still afraid of those noises, that Rocky should be too, because the noises must be a big deal. Rocky started fearing storms and fireworks.

A few years after Sammy passed, as you know, we decided to adopt a pup from a shelter. The tragedy of Sammy's passing hadn't left us, but we felt as people who have the means to rescue another animal, we should do it. Nine year old Rocky started becoming a chipper young pup again with the new addition to our family. We met her at her foster home, the next morning after her shelter transfer. They called her Shirley. Her sister named Laverne. Laverne was already adopted. Knowing us, we would adopt them both not to separate the sisters. Shirley seemed like she was doing just fine, however. Brave little girl.

She was this little ball of fur, but very muscular with big paws. Shirley is the toughest pup I've ever met (so tough that when she was only about 40 lbs she sent me to the hospital with a contusion - almost broken nose - during "play" - but thats a story for another post). 

Spring approached, Shirley's first spring, and accompanying it was the first big thunder storm of the season. Living in the countryside, I now get a taste of storms in a much different way than when I lived in the city. It brings me back to my childhood, the nature that I thought was long gone (global warming, I assumed). In the city, in a third story apartment, you do not get to experience seasons the same way as when you live in the country. This spring storm's thunder rocked the house. I was pretty frightened. Rocky was shaking and I pulled him up onto the chair to sit with me. We both looked at Shirley, who was standing guard. The first thunder boom looked like it gave her a scare. She studied Rocky and me. The next thunder boom happened, now sounding louder than before. Shirley ran off the couch, onto the chair at the window, puffed her chest out, and barked at the storm. She let out a booming thunder of her own, a bark so terrifying that the neighbors might have thought my companion animal is a T-Rex! 

Shirley could have chosen to feed off Rocky (the way he did from Sammy) and be afraid of the storm. Instead she chose to be protective; she chose to be brave. She chose to suck it up and fight the thunder. Today's lesson is about bravery. No matter what life throws your way or how many people tell you that you should be cowering from it, choose to face your fears and be brave. Puff up your chest and stand tall. You are tougher than you think. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

Shirley - one tough broad

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Vegan & Eco-Friendly Mineral Make-up

Picture taken from Mixology's website - look at that stunning look created with mineral make-up!

We've talked about vegan beauty products before (here and here about Tarte). Today I wanted to talk specifically about mineral makeup. I received some samples from Mixology Makeup to try out. Their mineral makeup is all vegan, all natural, and eco-friendly (they were voted Best Green Make-up in the 2009 Beauty Olympics); I just adore Mixology! Their products are free of chemicals, dyes, and any other harsh ingredients that are responsible for causing breakouts or allergic reactions. I love that their stuff is vegan friendly. That makes it easy because you don't have to seek out what is and what isn't vegan, you can shop with peace of mind. Please keep in mind that this is my very first time using loose mineral makeup like this. I didn't know what to expect whatsoever.

The same look in artificial (indoors) light

Mineral makeup look in natural light

As you can see, this look is very light and pretty.

So here is what I did with Mixology to achieve this flawless yet natural, beachy, and fun look!

Once cleansed and moisturized, I applied my first Mixology sample, which was their Mineral Foundation called Sand Girl. A little bit goes a very long way with this. I used a complexion brush (E.L.F's Studio Complexion Brush - and I love how on their website you can search "vegan" or research brushes and it says "vegan" if the brush is - amazing!) and lightly dipped it into the foundation. It's buildable coverage, but I found I didn't need much at all! After trying the product it really justifies the price - if something is quality and goes a long way, I think it is totally worth it. This foundation felt weightless on my skin and almost like my skin felt better after putting it on.

Next, I used their Paste Eye Primer on my lid. I used my finger and it definitely feels like paste. It went on well and was sticky at first, but I think that helps the shadow stick better. I found that I used too much on the first lid. A tiny amount definitely can go a very long way with this also.

Then I used Dune shadow (a pretty light sandy color - pigmented with a slight iridescent sheen) all over the eyelid, building more color on the lower lid and inner corner. I used Parlay shadow (a brown with a little plum or purple - very pigmented with a little shimmer) in the crease and blended that in. The two colors complimented each other beautifully and created a gorgeous natural beachy look that can be kept light or made glam by adding more Parlay and lots of liner.

I used their Jet Liner with a liner brush and smudged it into the top and bottom lash lines. It created a very natural look on my dark eyes, accentuating features without looking too dramatic. The liner has a little sparkle to it when you look closely, which I like for twinkly looking eyes.

Last out of my Mixology samples was the Rosy Cheeks Blush in color Rosy Cheeks. This was also buildable and a little bit on my blush brush went a long way. You can use a little on your apples for some rosiness or build the color on your cheekbones. This can also be used very lightly on the face to add warmth and color. A very beautiful blush.

I really like mineral make-up! For my first time using it, I felt it was easy to use. I can't believe how much of the samples I have left, really demonstrating that a little does go a very long way. I would say it is worth it when you find a product like this that you like, since it will probably last you a long time. I love the way the make-up felt on my face after wearing it for a long period of time. It felt almost like I had no make-up on and somehow made my face feel enriched. I think I just found my new fave make-up! Thank you Mixology, I'm sure I will be ordering in the future (it may not be anytime soon since it seems I can use what I have from these samples for a while)! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Spread Peace!

If every single one of us who are not being abused took a stand and fought to help those victims who are being abused, this whole world would become a better place a lot faster. Everyone has problems, or issues, or annoyances, or stressors. But there are those that are being agonized day in and day out. Maybe someone is being bullied or picked on in school. They feel emotional pain, or even physical hurt. They cry, they wonder why these things are happening to them, they feel awful. Maybe someone has found the love of their life and are so excited! They want to tell the world. They want to shout it from the rooftops! But they can't. People look at them the wrong way, people tell them they cannot marry or have the same rights as heterosexual couples just because they are woman and woman, or man and man. Maybe you're a baby animal being born with optimism and hope for a comfortable future as your instinct would first lead you to believe. Then you are treated with violence and disrespect. Ripped from your mother, not feeling comfortable at all or clean. You don't get the things your body and instincts need. You are hit, ripped apart, altered, sexually abused, all while still being alive - thinking "why me?", then finally you're spared with death, and they call you food!

All these victims were not regarded as special beings - but they are so special, so wonderful. There are so many more instances of victims being abused right this very minute. You might be reading this from work. Your boss may be riding you to get a report or project done - or anything/ anywhere else. But let me assure you as big as our problems may seem to us, there are others out there suffering much worse. If we have the means to help, we better help them. You don't always need money to donate, while its a great help, your voice is big and its beautiful and its powerful. Use that strong voice of yours to make phone-calls, to spread the word, to write letters. Pick a cause(s) and help victims. If every single person reading this today helps someone, then tells another, and another, we can make caring viral! We can spread peace like crazy and others can live good lives - everyone can live a good life.

If you can do something today to help another, please do. Sign a petition, write a letter, make a phone-call, choose kinder food and lifestyle choices - do it! I hope all of the victims hang in there. I feel so much empathy for those animals and people being treated cruelly. They are more loved than they know. There are lots of activists out there doing the same, fighting for good, and doing the right thing. Thank you to all the kind hearts. Some people may say that "the right thing" can be interpreted differently and why is my "right thing" the right thing. Well I define the right thing as helping to free others of suffering. If someone is physically or mentally in pain and I can do something to stop it from happening, that to me, is doing the right thing.

Let's all stand up and make a difference in someone's life today. Let's do it peacefully, but with strength and purpose. Use the most important things - your voice and your dollar. Do not purchase from cruelty. Speak up about cruelty. This is the Land of the Free - not the Land of the Free if Society Says You Are Allowed To Be Free. Everyone deserves the right to be happy; to feel peace and comfort. Let's change the way society views things. I know we can do it.

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Vegan Balls of Fury!

I wanted to do a slightly different, even better, version of my protein balls recipe that I originally adapted from Zuzana and Freddie's balls (my balls, your balls, everybody's balls!). This can be eaten as a large lunch-size ball or made into two or three snack portions, like in the first recipe.

I used Maranatha's peanut butter, which is rich in Omega-3 Chia seeds. Also, this peanut butter has as much Calcium per serving as a glass of dairy milk (which is only 10% by the way, but a lot for PB) - why not get your peanut butter mustache on instead, and ditch the dairy!

I also used Eden Organic barley malt syrup which is low in calorie and the sprouting of this product created enzymes that convert starch to sugar. Low in sugar (about 4g in this recipe), this is as good as agave, or maybe even better since it contains a little protein. Barley malt syrup or agave nectar are both great vegan substitutes for honey. Now onto the balls...

Work It With This 'Vegan Energy Balls II' Recipe


1.5 tbsp peanut butter (preferably the Chia kind for added Omegas)
1 tsp barley malt syrup
2 tbsp ground flax seed
2 tbsp almond slices/ slivers
2 tbsp raisins
1 tsp shredded coconut


Combine first 5 ingredients. Roll ball in coconut (last ingredient), to coat. Due to consistency, you can eat them right away with no need to refrigerate or set. You can also store them in a container in the refrigerator or pack them in your lunch. These make great take-alongs. Enjoy these tasty power balls - now go conquer the day!

Holy Balls!

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Easy Crockpot Thai Food!

"Anyone who tells a lie has not a pure heart, and cannot make a good soup." -Ludwig van Beethoven 

Luckily, we are all honest people here and this soup is amazingly delicious! You will love it!

Enjoy My Flavorful 'Crockpot Thai Coconut Vegetable Soup' Recipe


1/2 onion, chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
1.5 cup frozen broccoli
1 block tofu, drained & cubed
2 portobello mushroom caps, cut in chunks
1 can coconut milk
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp Bragg's Herb & Spice Seasoning (or other mixed seasonings)
1 tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or soy/ shoyu/ tamari sauce)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp agave nectar
sea salt & pepper to taste


Place all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on High for 4 hours. Serve in a bowl alone, over rice/ noodles, or with crusty bread. Enjoy!

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Mister Winky's Sweet Giveaway: Announcing the WINNER!

The last blog post introduced Mister Winky and his super sweet giveaway. I am excited to announce the winner in today's post. We asked you guys to be creative with a photo with Mister Winky for a chance to win $30 worth of Dirty Vegan Foods goodies. This was such a hard decision to make; all of the entries were so good, funny, and imaginative! The chosen winner is the entry we felt to be the most original in use and creativity. Thank you D.J. Hops for this awesome picture and Congratulations! Please e-mail your mailing address and we will send out your prize! info@dirtyveganfoods.com

Again, thank you everyone for your entries; they were so all amazing! And don't worry, there will be more fun and exciting giveaways to come very soon! Don't forget that for the rest of May, if you order $30 or more of product (before tax and shipping) from www.dirtyveganfoods.com/ you will receive $5 off!

And for now, Mister Winky the Dirty Vegan is signing off!

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Mister Winky's Sweet Giveaway!

Introducing Mister Winky! This adorable and creme-filled cartoon wants to make your acquaintance in style - by giving you free dessert! The Dirty Vegan and Dirty Vegan Foods are announcing Mister Winky's Giveaway! Please read on to find out how you can win a box of sweet goodies from www.dirtyveganfoods.com!

Dirty Vegan Foods - Home of the Original Winky!

The Prize: 

Sweet treats from Dirty Vegan Foods!

HOW TO ENTER

Send me a picture of you and Mister Winky (using the above picture) or show me the funniest, coolest, unique Mr. Winky somewhere (click on the picture of Mister Winky to print him out). The chosen winner will be the one with the most creative and original photo. You can send the photo to me:

Via E-mail: thedirtyvegan.blogspot@gmail.com OR info@dirtyveganfoods.com

Via Twitter for ex. by Twitpic: @theDirtyVegan and/or @DirtyVeganFoods (don't forget to follow us!)

Via Facebook wall: The Dirty Vegan Facebook Page OR Dirty Vegan Foods Facebook Page (and don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!)

DEADLINE TO ENTER: Entries must be received by Thursday, May 19th at 9:00 PM EST.

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AND ANNOUNCED ON Friday, May 20th!

*by entering you are agreeing that we can announce your name and share your photo if you win* the Dirty Vegan reserves the right to change the prize in the unlikely event that the prize is no longer available* - Good luck!

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