Playing Catch-Up Once Again!

Busy!  Busy!  Sorry for the silence!  I have a lot of back blogging to do!  With my photo heavy last post about my sisters baby shower I knew I was already behind on other happenings so I will start there!  Before I went to my sisters baby shower I volunteered at a local cafe that is operated by volunteers many of them from different churches and faiths.  I just like volunteering so I decided to start helping when they needed me!

They're operational/open for business many days during the week but one of their many outreach/ goals is to have a Community Breakfast that is FREE but some people drop in a donation from time to time.  My first volunteer attempt the weather was pretty bad and we had about 12 to 15 who came in for the breakfast which consisted of fruit, sausage, pancakes, juice, coffee, tea, etc.  The 2nd time I volunteered we had between 40 and 50 attendees. This upcoming weekend I'll be stopping by early to from about 8 to 10am before going to a vendor show for the rest of the day!

The 2nd photo I posted in this blog entry was the regular menu.  There are a few veg items present.  It's actually been a while since I have eaten there myself but I really like the eclectic atmosphere of the place.  As you can see from the first photo we had someone stop by and play his guitar for those who were there.  It was really nice.  All sorts of people in the community stop by - families - seniors looking for those to chat with - some people who are really in need of a meal - others who just want to see what is going on - and everyone in between!

In other news...since I live in a small, rural area I always like to point out when I see neat things happening!  A local store/Deli/Catering place recently added organic items to their shop!  I was thrilled!

Even more exciting was their price on Bragg's Drinks were cheaper than anywhere else I have seen around here!  YAY!

YEARS ago one of our local coffee shops was owned by a girl who had a near all veg menu.  I think she offered 1 tuna and 1 chicken option but everything else was vegetarian.  Unfortunately she sold the business and the coffee shop has since changed hands like 4 times.  BUT...this past year she and her family are back and owning and operating it again!  Here is the massive salad I got from them a while back!

In other shopping news - my parents are Piping Rock customers - and so am I!  Recently I purchased these items!  Hemp Seeds, Apple Cider Vinegar, Chlorella Tabs, and Pumpkin Seeds!  Their prices are SO LOW!!!  I couldn't help myself!     Since this post is one big blab I will be mentioning the local businesses by name at the close of this post!

Not too long ago I found this individual oatmeal bowl and thought I would try it.  It smelled wonderful and it tasted pretty darn good, too!  I bought this one and another one that happened to be vegan!  They are also Non-GMO, Gluten Free, etc.
I LOVE finding companies that are socially consensus and GIVING!  This company gives one when they sell one!  They even give you a sticker, too!

Below you can see a snapshot of what the finished product looked like!  Nom, nom, nom!

All I did was add hot water.  In 4 minutes of letting it sit I had a nice breakfast at work!

I have been finding a few new-to-me foods and brands and such and I have been SLACKING in the blogging department!  I will certainly try and be better about that.  I was able to find a new (to me) vegan pizza crust!  It was Trader Joe's!  I know I am late to the party - but still...

I have to say I was pretty impressed!  I added just the right amount of spaghetti sauce and Daiya Moz this time!  The secret to this one was the minced garlic and Wildtree seasonings I added!  YUM!

So note to self...every time I go to a Trader Joe's I need to remember their Pizza Dough/Crusts!  They are great!

I also saw another new one at our local Tops from the Brooklyn Brand I posted about not to long ago.  They were mush smaller than the long rectangle ones I blogged about but I haven't tried them - I hope them keep them in stock so I can purchase them soon!  I will let you know if I do!



So...as promised...these are the local businesses mentioned in this post....

* The Crossing in Warren, PA - check out their Facebook for more info!  It's a neat place!  LOTS happening!

* Kondak's Market & Catering in Clarendon, PA - check out the Facebook Page for the organics and other stuff!

* Arbor House Coffee Shop & Tea Room in Warren, PA - again Facebook is the way to go for info on them!

With Arbor House I would LOVE to get a VEGAN OPTIONS HERE Sticker over to them for their door!

Taste of India - Amherst, NY - Visit

Yes, once again I am behind on my blogging but I do have a lot in-store for this week so stay tuned.  I would like to thank everyone for the well wishes for our cat Charlie.  He's progressing with his recovery and I hope to post a progress report on that later this week. 

In the meantime...for today's post...a visit to A Taste of India in the Buffalo, NY, area a little over a week ago.

My husband and I took a day trip to a few places in the Buffalo area in the Abarth.  This is where we had lunch.  They have a HUGE menu and a nice vegetarian section.  I thought it was neat that you could 'name your heat level'.  I decided to choose Medium but next time I will be going with the Hot.  What did I have?  Well...off their vegetarian menu I chose the Chana Saag.  Curried Spinach with Chickpeas.  It came with Rice and in their white rice they added simple chunks of carrot for color.  I really enjoyed it. 

Along with my meal I had a large glass of straight-up Mango Juice.  Dale is somewhat hooked on Mango Lassi Drinks now.  I am going to start making them at home for him.

Because he's FAR FROM Vegetarian he chose one of the platters because he wanted to try a bunch of different things that they offered.  I believe there was Tandoori Chicken and Shrimp, Chicken Tikka, Boti Kebab, Naan, Sauteed Onions and Peppers, Beef Curry, and he had some of the white rice of mine because there was a huge plate of it and I thought he would enjoy it.  The location was on Sheridan Drive in Amherst but many people just say "Buffalo".  It's always FUN visiting the area I grew up and I think we will be doing it more often with the small cars and the Fiat Club.  Speaking of which - we hope the weather holds for this Saturday because it is the first time we hope to meet up with them.  We are planning on visiting the Zippo Factory and Museum in Bradford, PA with a few other stops along the way.  More on that next week, tho!