original photo courtesy of Sally House
wordless wednesday: marshall's muffs
the no bull burger is changing the way we think about veggie burgers
photo source: nobullburger.com
Let's review: I call myself a flexitarian. I cook mostly vegan for the family, sometimes vegetarian, and, on occasion, I partake in a juicy burger, because I just simply can't help myself. I love burgers, and choose to violate my vegan tendencies in order to satisfy my cravings when they come, which, I think, helps me keep on track in the long run.
Veggie burgers, in general, are okay. I just can't think of them as burgers. They just don't compare. So they are good in their own right, but if I think of them as a substitute for their meat counterpart, they fall short.
I recently tried the NoBull Burger, and it doesn't fall short. It's not meat, but it's just as good, only different. But not that different! The texture and juiciness are spot on. They're not meat, but they're the real deal among veggie burgers, better than any I've had. The burgers are described by the No Bull peeps as a "revolutionary food that will change the way you crave a burger." I'm counting on it!
NoBull Burger is a small business. Their Web site tells us:
photo source: nobullburger.com
Oh My Gosh...Yum! (Because that is what everyone says after they eat these burgers) is a locally owned and operated family business that is bringing you fabulous tasting, extraordinary, healthy, gourmet veggie burgers right into your kitchen. NoBull Burger originated many years ago when chef/caterer, Chrissanne Raymond, was looking for a better veggie burger that tasted yummy (and was good for you, too). NoBull Burger became a big hit with family, friends and clients. Over the years many folks craved these burgers compelling Crissanne and her two daughters, Heather and Elisabeth, to set up shop in Charlottesville, VA, where Oh My Gosh...Yum!, home of the revolutionary NoBull Burger was born.
The NoBull Burgers are organic, non-GMO, and contain no soy. They are high in protein, whole grain fiber, and nutrients, and are "not meant to be meat imitation, but a bold flavor, whole food, true veggie burger." They are recommended not only as a burger, but can be served over baby greens or inside stuffed peppers, or in chili or spaghetti sauce. Great ideas, but I don't know if I'll be pulled away from chomping on them, burger-style.
My NoBull Burgers came!
The burgers come in three flavors: Original, Savory Mushroom & Roasted Garlic, and Sun-dried Tomato & Spinach. The latter is their newest creation and is gluten free and vegan.
I was bummed when I realized they are not for sale here in Arizona, but soon learned that I could order them on the NoBull Burger website. My burgers arrived on my doorstep completely frozen with some kind of magic cold pack. I didn't ask questions. I just dug in.
If you're looking for an easy beginner Meatless Monday meal, or if you're an experienced vegetarian, NoBull Burgers are for you. Seriously, try these burgers! So yummy! And you'll save a bull in the process.
Disclaimer: I got the hook-up. Because I have connections through a friend of a friend, they sent me some complimentary NoBull Burgers. NoBull didn't know I would review their product, and all opinions are my own.
a delightful family day with Childsplay and The Velveteen Rabbit
When you were a child, which of your stuffed animals was "real"?
I remember my special relationship with "Dancing Bunny," who was named that because it was printed across his chest until it was loved off. He started out with erect ears, and was rather stout, even though he was a professional dancer. He had open fluff surgery–twice–and was squished into a suitcase for all family adventures. He is now protected in a box in the garage, his sticker eyes halfway peeled off, much thinner, and more grayish and flat-coated than fluffy white. My best childhood companions were animals, and he was just as real to me as any of them.
This memory came to the surface when my family attended a spectacular Childsplay production of "The Velveteen Rabbit" this past weekend. Our family had heard that Childsplay productions were fabulous, but we'd never been, partially due to the fact that my kids went berserk during the last live production we tried to attend, and we had to leave during intermission.
"The Velveteen Rabbit" is a sweet holiday tale based on Margery Williams' classic children's book. It is perfect for the holidays because it is all about love and the magic of imagination–the possibility of the impossible. Childsplay is celebrating it's 25th anniversary of the production that has become a holiday tradition for so many and will, now, for us.
I loved it, as did my husband (shhh, don't tell), but, more importantly, it captivated my kids, Porter (6) and Campbell (4) as they sat riveted in their theater-provided booster seats. I truly couldn't believe that they stayed still and engaged throughout the entire performance. There were no ill-timed trips to the restroom or begging for snacks. They simply loved it. I loved watching their smiles just as much as I enjoyed watching the play!
The actors were fabulous. I anticipated that they might be sub-par, seeing as this was a theater company geared toward kids, but they were as professional as I've ever seen. Kaleena Newman as the boy and Eric Boudreau as Nana carried the "human" aspect of the show and captivated the audience, young and old alike. Despite playing roles as the opposite genders, they were completely believable–what talents!
Kaleena Newman takes flight with The Velveteen Rabbit. Photo courtesy of Childsplay.
The puppeteers and set interacted in a way that made the magic of the story come to life. Our favorite part–SPOILER ALERT–was when the boy and the Velveteen Rabbit were pretending to be pilots. The nursery bed sprouted a propeller, emitted smoke, and even lifted right up off the stage! "Whoa!" said Porter, amazed. Who knew such a quiet, sweet story could be so exciting?
After the actors took their final bows, they talked to the audience about the production and gave the children a chance to answer questions about what they like to pretend to be when they are playing. Porter said "a superhero!" They gave the children the opportunity to ask any question they wanted about the production. Some asked about how the toys moved, and some asked about the story. What a great chance for these new theater-goers to connect with the actors and better understand all that goes into a professional live production. The actors even invited the children to come up to the stage and meet them!
Getting some energy out next to the theater.
The fun spilled out into the lobby and beyond, and the Tempe Center for the Arts was the perfect venue. The kids had a chance to write to the Nursery Fairy about which toy they would love to have come alive. There was a small gift-shop at which you could purchase books and other Velveteen Rabbit souvenirs. There is an outdoor area overlooking Tempe beach, so the kids could run around and get their wiggles out before and after the show. There is an art gallery to explore, and an outdoor sculpture garden to round out the experience.
If you are looking for a unique holiday event for the whole family, I would highly recommend Childsplay's production of "The Velveteen Rabbit," which runs on weekends through December 22nd.
Disclaimer: I am a Childsplay Mom2Mom Blogger. My family and I were provided tickets to this performance in exchange for my honest opinion. This review was also posted on Childsplay's Mom2Mom Blog.
silly state law saturday: georgia
state image source: poshgirlandtheonesheloves.blogspot
Appropriately timed for Thanksgiving weekend, Georgia seems to have quite a few bird issues.
In Columbus, you can't cut off a chicken's head on Sunday. But what about Sunday dinner with the fam?
In Dublin, a person must obtain a permit to spread rat poison. How about we just outlaw rat poison all together and call it a day?
In Atlanta, it is against the law to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp. You'll have to find a bike rack, or something.
Donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs. Dirty donkeys! We've seen this law in another state.
Goldfish may not be given away to entice someone to enter a game of bingo. Oh, Grandma. You and your goldfish. And your bingo.
In Quitman, It is illegal for a chicken to cross the road. But how do they get to the other side? (I know, you saw that one coming.)
In Columbus, it is illegal to carry a chicken by its feet down Broadway on Sunday. It's much more Godly to carry them by the neck, don't you know?
In Athens, owners of mules may not allow their animal to roam around Athens unsupervised. You know mules. They can be such troublemakers.
In Dublin, rocks may not be thrown at birds. How kind. Unless you are armed with a slingshot.
In Conyers, one may not place a dead bird on a neighbor's lawn. But what if you're just being neighborly by dropping off Thanksgiving leftovers?
Law information source: stupidlaws.com and dumblaws.com.
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Happy Holidays from Well Minded and Pet360.com, kicking off the holiday shopping season right!
Disclaimer: Well Minded is an affiliate of Pet360.com, but all opinions are my own. Well Minded does not promote products or services that we would not use, ourselves. Shopping through the Pet360 links on this site will provide you access to the same great prices, but you'll also be supporting this blog, so, thank you!