Born into the Wrong Generation

 Hello Rehabbers! Again it has been a while but now we are back. I personally was in a funk that I am still trying to shake. In the meantime exciting things have been going on, case and point: Earth day was last week!
 For most that means nothing however to us in rehab it is a pretty big deal. We took two days to partake in various festivities! It was glorious.


 On the actual date of earth day Nikki and I joined forces for the first day of adventure. First thing on the list: Fill our Bellies!  We headed to Drunken Monkey to get lots of delicious food which included vegan pastries, hot dogs, wraps and beverages. Although Drunken Monkey is not a fully vegan establishment they do offer a ton of vegan options and an amazing atmosphere. For me personally it was love at first sight and bite. yum.
  After we stocked up on edible goods from that lovely establishment it was time to commence with phase two: a picnic in Mead Gardens. With lots of shade and places to explore Mead Gardens is an amazing place in Winter Park. With free admission it makes it even more desirable in my eyes. We sat at some picnic tables and took it all in. Like hippies we played guitar, took in the marvels of nature and hugged trees. I also got attacked by a beetle and we may or may not have gotten lost at one point in time as well. Ah fun times.
 On the second day of adventure was even more amazing in its earth day glory. On this day we journeyed to Central Florida Earth Day held on the 23rd of April. This event was held at Lake Eola and was a mash up of art, food, activism and music. There was so much to check out that it was hard to decide where to start.
  As always I started off with food munching on a cinnamon sugar doughnut from Babycakes. While eating that morsel from heaven we scoped out the lay of the land. The next stop was at the Orlando Food not Bombs table. By giving a donation to their work you could reap the benefits of your good deeds with a tasty treat. Mine was a PB&J Cuppy. So good and such a great cause.
 Nikki had already been at the fest for a while so she showed me the way to more amazing things. One of which included some great artist that where some really authentic people. At their table Nikki bought a print and got a bird on her neck done in Henna. I also had the pleasure of hearing a wonderful woman sing. Her name was Kaleigh Baker and I swear she is Janis Joplin in another form. Check her out here.
 As we explored some more the hunger for more delicious food became stronger. That's where the lovely ladies of Love is Love Collective come into play. Their tent was right next to Raphsodic's and full of wonderful aromas that pulled me in. Love is Love is known for their vegan soul food of which we had the Buffalo "chicken" panini with mac and cheese and sorrel. Also BBQ quesadilla was another  food option as well. If I were to have any children, I would name them after the ladies at Love is Love. The food was that good.
  As we enjoyed our spoils from the Love is Love tent we got one more treat. Another amazing singer, Ms. Dani Shay was brought to our attention. She shared with us her soul and we ate it up with each passing lyric. She was a truly fitting musician to close out our day two of our Earth Day adventures. Reminding us truly that everything we do is interconnected with the world around us.

VegFestasticness in O-town

        Hello Rehabbers! This past weekend was one of the biggest Vegan events to hit Orlando, VegFest 2010! As my first year going I was amazed at all the vendors and community support. There were some of the local vegan/vegetarian restaurants such as Ethos, Dandelion Communitea Cafe, and the Loving Hut along with Rhapsodic Cooperative Company. There were also places that I had never heard of such as Hoover's Health Market, The Health Nut and many others (and those were just food related).
        Other attractions at this cornucopia of vegan-y goodness were multiple pet rescues with dogs that were ready to be adopted. There was also yoga, and messages being dolled out as well. Due to the sheer volume of vendors and different happenings going on around the festival, and the unfortunateness of no camera, I am not able to name everyone and everything. On that note however, I am able to give my perspective on how the experience is for a first timer, and relatively new Vegan.
      One of the greatest things I observed was the atmosphere. From the vendors to the partakers everyone looked like they were having a great time. Almost everyone was smiling, with the excepting being those eating and that is in my opinion a huge factor on the smile-o-meter. Heck I was surrounded by food and that's what was making me smile.
    Another highlight was the diversity of the event. It was not just one group of people eating one type of food. There was a great many people from various backgrounds munching on some excellent eats. I myself wanted some fresh veggies so I got a wrap, but that was after almost 30 minutes of trying to decide what I wanted. So Much food! This diversity is also seen in the musical acts and artist at the event. Music ranging from a jazzy blues vibe to a laid back feel the music had it going on. As for the artists works they ranged from cute and whimsical to abstract. This diversity in the fest really was the icing on the cuppycake for me and I enjoyed every second I spent there, and I know that next year's will be even better. Now after typing all this goodness with a hefty portion of it being about good eats, I must bid you adieu, and my breakfast bonjour. - L