Sunday's post interrupted by Irene!

The wind is howling the rain is pouring and Irene is on her way. I am sitting here feeling somewhat trapped. This is a ridiculous thing actually. It is Sunday and I would probably just be lounging around, getting caught up on laundry, cleaning and other such boring activities whether it was raining or not. I think it is just the feeling of experiencing the power of nature and possibly being without power for extended periods of time that leaves me with the trapped feeling. Nature is amazing and awe inspiring and we never should underestimate its power. I love the beauty, the strength and the power but I also love the power that comes from the electric company. We so often take for granted that the laundry will get done, dinner will be hot and ready when we are, the dishes will be cleaned and the computer will be there, in all it's connected glory whenever we press a button. When my boys were little they loved it when the power went out. It meant sitting around together and playing cards or boardgames, reading out loud, cooking on the gas grill outside in the snow and everyone sleeping in the living room together to keep warm by the kerosene heater. Of course there would be candles at night and heating water over the kerosene heater to make hot cocoa. When the power came back on my youngest always wanted to pretend it didn't and keep living without it. It does bring a closeness that you forget about during your busy, electrically powered life. That being said, we now have a generator and the boys have grown up so we will see how this storm plays out for this Vegan Goddess on this lazy Sunday afternoon. : )

As I write this it makes me think of some of my favorite things. I am talking about the things I love and would hate to be without. Things that make my life easier or just more pleasant or tasty. Here are a few...


Follow Your Heart Brand Mozzarella Cheese....Sorry Daiya fans, I think this is WAY better!

Vegenaise.....I use to be a hardcore nayonaise fan but veganiase has won me over.

Olivia's organic spring mix ....perfect for a quick delicious salad or topping to sandwich or burger.

Miso Master organic Mellow White Miso...this is my go to miso. I absolutely love it. It is the one that I use 90% of the time.

Lalibela Farm Organic Tempeh...organic, local, delicious, need I say more?

ShiKai Sandalwood Hand and Body Lotion and the Sandalwood Shower Gel plus the Color Reflect Shampoo and Conditioner....yes, I love this brand. The sandalwood fragrance smells so wonderful and the shampoo and conditioner work on my crazy ass hair!

Ecco Bella Natual Age Antidote Skin Cream...I don't like to admit it but yes I am there.

White Vinegar....no link because I am just talking about plain old fashion white vinegar. I use it to clean glass, chrome and add it to my laundry if I have a very stinky load. There are lots of uses for this stuff...google it!

Ecover cleaning products, including laundry detergent....I sometimes switch it up a bit with brands but I find the ecover brand to be cost effective and it does the job. I do not like the Dishwasher tablets though. They tend to not dissolve well and therefore not work well. : (

Kindle....I am a book-aholic! I love books and I love real books but this little device is wonderful for the books you want to read, maybe many times but don't want to save the actual book. I prefer my cookbooks, reference or text books in traditional form but every thing else can go on my kindle.

Toyota Prius....I seriously love my car. The gas milege is amazing, although when J drives it he gets better mpg than I do! It is cute as can be and has tons of room, which is deceiving by the look of the car. I have no doubt I will get another Prius when the time comes.

Well I guess that is it for now. I need to check on my laundry and prepare something for lunch. It has gotten so much more blustery just since I started typing this post. Tallulah is starting to get a little nervous. The lights have flickered a few times and I want to get things done while I can. If you are within Irene's striking zone...stay safe and be well.

***Edit*** We lost power directly before I pressed "publish." I didn't prepare anything for lunch nor finish my laundry. It has not been a fun experience. It is Tuesday evening and we are still without power. We have a generator that we can use for small things a little at a time and that is how I am posting this. It is inconvenient and annoying but we are all well and really the only hardship is the loss of power and because we have a well, the loss of water. (don't ever take your toilet for granted!) Hopefully we will get it back soon. I will post more then.

Summer Fresh Lasagne....Yum!

When your harvest basket is abundant with a variety of fresh and delicious things you can't help but get creative. The harvest basket was my inspiration for this fresh, light and delicious lasagne. I actually can't wait to have the leftovers for lunch today! The mojito cupcakes didn't happen last night. I spent a great deal of time talking with my husband and sons about all that has been going on lately. I think it was productive and hopefully healing for those that needed it. Lesson taught and learned- You are not responsible for the actions of another person....only your own. What they say or do is totally their responsibility. You absolutely cannot change a person, you can speak your truth and in the end they will do or say what they want. Thank you and much love Jeanie for helping me to remember these things. In the end, between the talking, work and dinner prep I was pooped last night and after dinner plopped my butt on the couch. Cupcakes were not on my radar. Sad but true. At about 8:30 Jim was sure wishing I had made them as he was craving something sweet and cupcakey. I will give it another shot tonight. : )




Garden Fresh Summer Lasagne

2 medium eggplants cut into 1/2" circles
1 good size zucchini cut into 1/2" circles, or 2 smaller ones (you want equal eggplant and zucchini)
4 large juicy tomatoes sliced into 1/4" slices
1 T olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, rolled and sliced into very thin strips
1 lb extra firm tofu
1 T mellow white miso
1/2 black pepper
1/2 block Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425f

Spray baking sheets with olive oil spray. Lay zucchini and eggplant in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes. Depending on the size of your baking sheets and oven you may have to do two batches. When done set aside. While veggies are cooking place skillet with olive oil over medium high heat, add onions and saute for about five minutes, add garlic and continue cooking for another couple of minutes. Remove from heat. Drain tofu and squeeze a bit with a towel or paper towel to remove excess water. With chunks at a time, squeeze the tofu between your fingers over the pan of onions and garlic. It should have the consistency of firm ricotta cheese. Add the miso and basil to the tofu, onion mixture and mix well. Add the black pepper to taste. Oil a lasagne pan or a large deep casserole. Place a layer of eggplant on the bottom of the pan, overlapping if necessary to make it fit. Then top eggplant with a layer of tomatoes. Next, add the tofu and onion mixture, then a layer of zucchini, again overlapping if necessary. Top zucchini with a layer of tomatoes and then finally cover with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 425 for about 20 minutes. Serve with some crusty bread, Molto Delicioso!