Take my sinuses... please?!? (aka It must be the time of year, or is it the time of "man")

Yeah, sinus infection came back.
And by looking at my Timehop posts, it seems it must be this time of year...
Stress can also make one more likely to get sick, whether it's a cold or sinus infection or something worse. But I'm not letting this one take control. While we cannot control everything in our lives, it's great to be able to take control of those things that we can.
And I do.
As often as possible.
Just a quick post today. Time for that allergy shot!

Ps Hugs & Kisses.

Happy Monday! (see, it's not so bad)

Things have felt quite hectic lately, and I'm not sure if it's the time of year or weather or what's going on but -according to my Facebook feed - I'm not the only one feeling it.
I wish I could fix it for all my loved ones, do something to make it better. But there are things even I cannot do... and it's weighing on me. Some call it sensitive, some say empath... whatever it is it's getting annoying and I'd like it to stop. It's difficult to keep both feet on the ground when my head is trying to fly away.
But it's ok.
This will pass.
Things always do.
Right?
Right...

The little thing that turned into a big thing that happened recently was that I tried to be ok while being around someone that once hurt me very very bad. He was emotionally abusive, and I'm very glad to be out of that situation. It's definitely further affected my ability to trust others, which may be a good thing... keeping me from rushing into things I shouldn't.
But a very dear friend is very close with this person, and he is a great friend/person in their eyes.
So I tried.
And I freaked out.
But it seems I'm good at keeping that in. Which isn't good after all because stress is never healthy...
I finally let this dear friend know the story, I got it all out, and while I don't want it to affect their friendship I thought she should know the truth about why I cannot do it... I cannot be around someone who was so determined to make me hate myself as much as they hate themselves... and physically scared me.

So I've spent this past weekend sick with a sore throat, fever, body aches, nasal congestion... all that fun stuff that goes along with my allergies. No, I can't just take a claritin or zyrtec and be done with it. First, they're crap. Second, a lot of those meds use lactose as a filler/binder which not only is a no no for vegans but I'm also allergic to... yeah. Allergic! So taking those things would just be stupid. Lots of hot tea.... lots of rest... feeling better today for sure.

If bad things didn't happen in life, we'd never get to appreciate the good.
And there is so much good. So much...

PS:
A HUGE thank you for those who have been asking about me, to see if I'm ok. No, I'm not... but I will be ;)
Thanks again <3 It helps more than you know to know people care.


And don't forget..

Kris DuVall, Arbonne Independent Consultant... Yes, I am!

I've really got to start posting more often...
So here I go!

Shortly after my last post, forever ago, I became an Arbonne Independent Consultant. "What is that?" you ask.. Arbonne is a 34 year old health, wellness, and beauty company. All of the products are botanically based, cruelty-free (not tested on animals), vegan (yup, that's right!), toxin free, phthalate free, gluten free (something most, even those avoiding gluten, don't even think about), mineral oil free, and so on.
Seriously, I'm in love.
And I was in love even before I tried the products.
I met my sponsor, Clara, via a Facebook group (Vegansaurus, which is a pretty cool group and you all should check it out). They had posted something for her basically offering an entrepreneurship opportunity and included her email address to reply to. I usually didn't check my Facebook before work (at the JAY OH BEE) back then, but I'm so glad that I did that day. I emailed her right away expressing interest... and here I am today, an Arbonne Independent Consultant. Yes, it was that easy to get started.
See, I had been looking for something like Arbonne for a while. I looked around and realized that here I was, at 34, basically in the same situation I was in ten years ago... at 24 (I just have less dogs and a better car now, lol) and that just didn't sit well for me. I was tired of settling, thinking that this was as good as it would get and that I just needed to get over it. I deserve better. I am better! And yes I can make a better life for myself and those around me. I refuse to be in the same place in 5 years... even 1 year...
If nothing changes, nothing changes!
And in the blink of an eye, the little that I do have could so easily be taken away from me.
This is no way to live. It won't be easy... but this is not living. It's barely surviving. Medical bills piling up, being grown and still dependent on my mom and grandparents to help me even live paycheck to paycheck? No. Not acceptable. This has been going on too long, and I'm done.

But I'm not only doing this for myself. So many others that I know, some I even love (yeah, you :)) are also settling. Not only for what life gives you, but these products that claim to improve your life but are actually poisoning you and your families. Years ago a famous baby care brand had a huge lawsuit against them because it was found that they all contained formaldehyde. Yup, that's right. And the FDA just let them. Even if you don't care about all the artificial crap and animal garbage they put into your stuff, straight up poisons should never be acceptable. And don't forget about the ingredient in most deodorants that causes breast cancer (yes, in men too).
Instead of paying and marching and fighting to find cures, why don't we just cut them off at the start and don't allow them in our homes and lives? Ingredients in hand sanitizer that cause cancer, non-food ingredients in our foods, and artificial dyes that make us go crazy.... not just for us adults but children, too.
Not acceptable.
You deserve better! You are better!

Now here's one of the best parts; it's all done with network marketing. That means there is no middle man. You find a consultant (like me :D), do some consulting with them, and order online. Things can be shipped directly to your home. No commercials, huge magazine adds, or lies being thrown in our faces with claims of miracles when you know that famous person's face (or other body part) has been airbrushed. This means all funds can go back into thorough research for the products instead into the bank accounts of the already rich and famous. This means that any claims are made by those of us that actually use the product and can attest to the reality of the results.
And this stuff ain't no joke.

So... if you wonder what I've been up to, this is it. Doing my regular thing, spending time with my pups and family and friends, and building my Arbonne business so not only can I have the freedom, peace of mind, and control in my life but also can help others find theirs, too.

..... if nothing changes, nothing changes...

Are you ready?

Comments and Questions About Explaining Oneself...

Wow... holidays were pretty crazy, huh? Time definitely gets away from me during the rest of the year, but during the holidays it seems worse.
So here I am, forever since my last post, making updates/changes to my blog and stuff... and finally posting a new entry.
Here it goes...

Yesterday Mother Dearest came over and we partook in some retail therapy as we usually do. We started our day at a used and new furniture store near my home, then visited a new local organic shop that is super close to my house (they have a pretty good start, but it's slow going... will have to post more about them later). Next we finally got to our main destination: Costco. Yes, that's right. Costco. I've heard they treat their employees wonderfully (an employee confirmed that, they start off making more than most make now after working somewhere for several years), have some great organic produce, and many vegan friendly foods one can buy in bulk. Since my mom and I and my grandparents can benefit from sharing bulk goods it seemed like a great idea. Of course they let us walk around to see what was going on and we were pretty impressed. All the employees were super nice, which is a rarity in this day in age, and they had those sample tables out and ready.
This is where the uncomfortable part starts...
Many of the sample items weren't vegan. I expected this. Some obviously, some not so much. I'm at a point where when I'm offered something non vegan friendly I just say "No, thank you" and go about my business (although I did get snooty about them serving hot tea in styrofoam cups... seriously, how is this crap still allowed like this, ugh). My mom, though, felt the need to tell everyone "Oh, no, she's vegan. She doesn't eat anything from an animal" or something of that sort in a way that seemed a bit much to me. I even responded once or twice with a "she doesn't care, so she'll eat whatever" response. She would also tell them all we hadn't joined yet and were just looking around, which I felt was unnecessary (especially when it would send most of them into a long story about how awesome they were, which was annoying just because I was already sold, lol).
But why did this bother me, and why did she feel the need to explain what felt like everything to everyone (especially when we had other things to do that day)?
At some point I just lost the need to explain myself,  and just about being vegan. I think it actually started once at Earth Fare when I was offered a sample of filet mignon and I just told the guy no thank you. And I kept rolling my buggy on. In other situations I've gotten a "What, are you vegetarian?" which I will quickly correct to say I'm actually vegan... and if they have other questions I will always gladly answer. Once there was even one deli counter worker who decided to question me on my reason for being vegan like she was a teacher looking for a correct answer ("The animals, my health, and the planet" is a quick answer, and a lot of times I'll just state that animal products are gross... all depends on the situation).
But why do I have to explain myself if I really don't want to? In a lot of situations most people don't care (like those sample folks just doing their jobs, handing out samples of whatever they are to push that day) or it's just not the place or time. Maybe I'm just tired of explaining myself. If I don't want some burnt animal flesh, I don't want it. I don't owe anyone an explanation.
See, I've never been good with confrontation and sometimes a simple comment can make things go not so good. Like with that coworker that thinks buying bottled water that has a stamp telling you the bottle is recycled (instead of using a reusable bottle) is doing this huge great thing or that date that won't shut up about the great deal they got on a new leather coat they insist on shoving in your face, sometimes you just gotta smile and move on (and make a mental note for no second date, ew). Sure, I enjoy sharing how awesome being vegan is... but sometimes I get so tired of explaining myself, especially when any response I give is matched with what I can only assume the other person thinks is a joke or just a lame attempt at being funny. And it's so not funny.... it's actually pretty sad.

For my fellow veghead friends, how do you handle these situations? Do you explain yourself, or just move on? Please respond in the comments!

Hello everyone!
Lots has happened since my last post.

I had some surgery, but that story is for another time & another post.

I got a bad haircut.

I got it fixed, with pink (thanks Becky!!!).

I met my future baby daddy. ;)

Twice (winkwink).

Teehee... just kidding (maybe).


And I even had a birthday.

But one thing has stayed the same: I'm still vegan (duh)!

So, I was thinking... how about we sort of start at the beginning with what it means to be vegan?
The actual definition of a vegan is someone who does not use animal products in any way, food or otherwise. For me it's someone who lives the most cruelty free live possible (both definitions mean the same to me), and it is an ongoing transition into that lifestyle... the learning never ends (my fave part!).
Then what is the next step?
Honestly, I'm not sure...

They say to do what you love and you will always love what you do. While I actually do love being a customer service representative (it's my nature to help other's in some way) I do want more out of life. And who wouldn't want to combine their passion with their source of income? Add that to how tired I am of health issues and others' negativity keeping me from what I want and...well...

I guess that is my next step.
And blogging more would be part of it.

Look for my next post, it should be coming soon.

On the search for organic produce...

This weekend/week has already started off pretty busy, so while I had a second I wanted to post a quick update.
Sure, I can get some organic produce at some of our local grocery stores... but sometimes it's just lacking or not the quality I would hope for. To be completely honest about it, the quality of all of the produce at my main grocery store has declined so much in the past year that I'm surprised they don't know me by name from all the emails I have sent about it. So I finally did something I've been meaning to do for quite some time, I went to our local Saturday morning market.
Here is the link: http://www.theaugustamarket.com/
I ended up spending less money than I thought I would, and I was a bit disappointed in the lack of healthy meal/snack vendor options, but I did see a couple of local booths that offered organic veggies & fruits. I even scored some homemade salsa, pickles, and the last of this years blueberries from one stand.
Tomorrow I'm taking the girls (that means my dogs, including LilBit who I'm puppysitting for) to my moms for some fun play time at their nana's house (and a vet visit so Kalifornia can finally get her teeth cleaned) and plan on bringing a lot of the veggies over there... especially the pesticide free ears of corn I got.
Yes, I very much love corn.
Now that my fridge's veggie bin is all but overflowing I need to figure out what I want to do with all the yumminess. Can't let that goodness go to waste! This may be easier if I had a grill....
Next time I make it to the market I will take some pics to post. I love picking out the produce or asking the stand owner to pick out a "good one" for me...lol. Spending the time outside is great, too. Some people did bring their dogs, even had a rescue group with some of their pups there, but I'm not sure if they are ready for these three crazy canine girls...

PS
I've also discovered that I love hemp milk so much more than soy milk!!!! Wonder what will be next on my new stuff to try list... (Vegan Cuts seem to have some great subscription boxes...).

Vegan Tip of the Week (VTOTW): How to get started...? (AKA Written for another)

This was originally written for a vegan website whose owner was looking for guest writers/admins on their facebook page. I was give free range to post about anything, with it being under a "tip of the week topic". Long story short, this didn't quite fit what that owner was looking for it seems (I didn't stick to one tip, and I honestly have forgotten the other complaint) and I wasn't asked to write another post. I saved it just in case, and thought I might as well share it with you guys. Not only does it give some tips on how to get started, but it also gives insight into how I started on my cruelty free lifestyle. So... here ya go!

Vegan Tip of the Week: How to get started…?

My first step was kind of an accident. I was tired of the small container of cows' milk expiring before I could finish it, and a friend recommended soy milk. I wasn't a fan at first, but per her instructions I began using the vanilla soy milk in my cereal and just like that I was hooked. Keep in mind that at this point I had no idea that the word vegan even existed. Most start by giving up some form of meat, like most of my vegan friends. One of them, Michael, decided to give up veal and other young flesh back in the early 1980’s after learning about the horrific treatment they go through. Ten years later he was vegetarian, but after learning the truth behind milk and egg productions he realized going vegan was the only way to be intellectually honest with himself and also at peace with his conscience. No matter what it is, that first small step may be one of the biggest in your life.

Giving up dairy and eggs was my next step, but I was still feeling not so great and was ready for more.  Thanks to the great and wonderful internet, I found some support and the most amazing book: Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. It’s a no nonsense book that tells you that if you don’t want to feel like crap then stop eating it. Skinny Bitch in the Kitch was my first vegan cookbook, and they have expanded their series. They even have Skinny Bastard just for the guys. Another book I’m madly in love with is The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone (huge fan, love this woman!). It includes 3 different steps to living a plant based life and she has created The Kind Life, a great online community for support and information. I didn't know any vegans in person when I started on this lifestyle, so this community really helped get personal tips instead of online reviews on almost every and any aspect of life.

These books aren't it, either. There are so many more out there, something for everyone. I can’t even begin to count the number of vegan cookbooks on the market. This leads us to another important step: cooking. Anyone can cook, no matter what you've been told. I still wouldn't say I’m a great cook, but I am pretty darn good when it comes to some bbq tofu and sweet carrots! Find a cookbook that fits your needs, and just follow the recipes. I like to take my cookbooks grocery shopping with me and use them instead of making out grocery lists for ingredients. Soon you will learn what you really need and don’t need, what you really like and don’t like, and it will all become second nature. This may take time, but it will happen. There are also books about veganism (like Becoming Vegan) that can help as a guide into a plant based lifestyle without focusing on just cooking.

Need some real life interaction? Check out Meetup.com and search for a local vegetarian/vegan group. They also have many groups for other things (gaming, yoga, even saw one for board games and puzzles once) that will meet in person. No matter what the interest is, I think it always helps you to grow as a person to be around others that share that interest with you. Life is for learning, and learning does help us grow no matter how old or young we are.

The main thing to remember is that living a cruelty free, vegan, plant based, or whatever you call it lifestyle is also about being kind to yourself. Do not expect things to change overnight. Just like anything else in life this is a process and can take time. Making mistakes, having slip ups… this happens even to some seasoned vegans. Accept it happened, learn from it (and how to avoid it next time), and move on. If I can do this, I know that you can.