My daughter and I haven't eaten meat for 5 years now...and I recently decided to go vegan. Question though...what are your thoughts about having your own chickens? Or eggs from people where you know them, and their chickens (and are happy chickens). I know it wouldn't be 'vegan' for those who are into the label...but I'm just wondering what the general consensus is. I get the factory farming is bad part...but what if they live happy lives and aren't killed off when they don't produce anymore, but live out their lives in sunny spaces? I'm owned by two dogs and five guinea pigs (rescued)...so I'm not on the 'no animals in captivity' bandwagon. If they're happy and healthy...isn't that the point?

There's no way to keep cows happy, healthy and always pregnant (those poor mommas and baby cows). Milk is definitely off limits for me. I'm loving coconut milk in my coffee. At only 5 calories a tablespoon, I think, why didn't I do this sooner!? I want to find coconut milk (or almond milk) yogurt. Then my life will be complete! LOL

Almond Dream ice cream is my new favorite too... At that TOM chocolate ice cream is my best friend. That and those deliciously chocolate covered seeds/nuts from Vega. Wow, talk about alot of protein, omega 3's etc in one delicious crunchy bite!

I'm all about doing no harm to the animals, and being mindful, not necessarily perfect.

This journey presents so many thoughts, and insights. Being a mom to 4 kids and one very patient husband, I get much feedback... My youngest..."mom, lentils, really"? My husband "mmm...lentils...(eyes roll into back of head now)". The greatest affirmation is my older daughter who's loving all the gourmet vegan cooking I've been doing....she even liked the slow cooker veggie curry last night (wow). It looked like a pile of cow dung, but tasted divine!