We were playing a game we sometimes play – the “Pretend You’re Not Vegan” game.





The “Pretend You’re Not Vegan” game is a great way for vegan children to experience what it feels like to talk about veganism with non-vegans. Essentially, you just assume the role of a curious omnivore, and the child practices answering your questions. It’s a safe way for vegan children to work through these difficult conversations, without the pressure of being on the spot in a real-life situation.

This game can also be a great way for children to explore their own feelings about veganism, but I really think the value is that it empowers vegan children by giving them the language and the confidence they’ll need in order to navigate the complicated and deeply personal conversations that they’re certain to encounter as they move through a non-vegan world.

As you assume the role of the omnivore, try to imagine the kinds of questions your child might be asked (which will probably depend on their age). Anything from “But what do you even eat then?” to “But where do you get your protein?” or even as straightforward as “What is a vegan?”

And that’s it! It’s just a simple, role-playing, conversational game. And it can be as silly or as serious as you (or your child) want it to be.

To all you vegan parents out there – do you play something similar to the “Pretend You’re Not Vegan” game?

Or do you have any other games that you play which incorporate veganism?

Or if not a game, how do you help your children to feel confident and capable when talking about their lifestyle?

Please share in the comments below – I know that we can all provide a wealth of ideas and inspiration for one another!

Cheers!
♥ ♥ ♥

It feels like every year vegan cheese just gets better and better, with more innovation, more creativity, and more variety. But despite the epic advancements made in meltiness, stretchiness, and salty savory deliciousness, there’s still one thing that’s been sorely missing from the vegan cheese scene.

Because aside from high-priced or homemade cultured nut cheeses, we’ve pretty much had to live without a cheese that could be eaten cold, straight from the package. Like, a fruit or crackers cheese. Like . . . something sharp and creamy to eat with baguette. Or a tangy provolone to pair with crisp, sweet apples. Simple. Easy.

You know what I’m talking about. That delightful experience of slicing cheese straight from the block, bit by bit . . . best when done with friends. And wine. I mean, amiright??

And that’s what’s been missing from our vegan cheese scene! Well, until now.




(There is some wind noise going on here, and I apologize for that. I’m still getting the hang of this whole video thing, and there’s a learning curve. I hope you enjoy it despite the background wind!)

Quick video recap –> THIS STUFF IS FANTASTIC!


There are four flavors in the new line: American, Provolone, Mozzarella, and Garden Herb. And honestly? *Creamy* was the word of the day when we tasted these cheeses. Like, we all just couldn’t believe how amazingly fantastic the texture was! I’ve never tasted a vegan cheese that was so delicious and delightful to eat without heating.

But also, in case you’re wondering how it melts . . .




KAPOW!

Vegan 4-cheese lasagna. Waits ate 2 giant platefuls of this. Big hit, haha. Big hit.

So the new line of Follow Your Heart vegan cheeses should be hitting the shelves of Whole Foods and health food stores nation-wide, like now. Keep an eye out for this stuff!

OH AND ALSO! The awesome folks at Follow Your Heart are giving away THE ENTIRE LINE OF CHEESES to one lucky Bonzai reader! All you have to do to enter is answer this question in the comments below:

What are you dying to make with this new vegan cheese???

And as always, your friendly reminder – I think “like-gating” / “fan-gating” is weird and insincere, and I’ll never make you guys do it.

That being said, the truth is that social media stats are pretty important these days, in blogging as well as in business. So no, I’m not going to require you to “like” me all over the Internet just to enter this giveaway. BUT, if you do like my blog and enjoy the work I do here, then liking my Facebook page, or following me on Instagram or on Twitter, or subscribing to my Youtube channel, is a great, easy way to help me out. Those numbers really do count for something.

But no coercion. ALL you have to do to enter to win this WHOLE line of vegan cheese, is just leave a comment here, on this post, answering that question above. That’s it!

This giveaway will end on Saturday 25 April at midnight PST. I’ll contact the winner the next day.

Good luck guys!

♥ ♥ ♥




Congratulations to Linda Fritz-Murphy, who said:

“First, cubed with crackers and vegan red wine, on the patio, with a friend. Then, creative quesadilla time – mushrooms, greens, cranberries and provolone on a whole wheat tortilla shell…thanks for this opportunity!”

Yay, look for an email from me!

A big thanks to Whitney for making this happen! I love sharing our family and our values, opening up about our experiences and waht we’ve learned. And of course, helping to show that vegan kids are just like any other kids. Remember – #vkidsdoittoo!

Hope you’re all having a fantastic weekend!

♥ ♥ ♥

Here’s what we found in our snack box this March:





So what do you think of the question I asked at the end (see how I did that there? now you HAVE to watch it, ha!). Yes? Or no? Lemme know in the comments below!

And if you’re interested in learning more about Vegan Cuts, I can tell you that they have a lot to offer!

As you already know, we get the monthly Snack Box Delivery, which we just adore.

There’s also a monthly (or one-time too, if you just want to try it) Beauty Box delivery service for makeup and body products.

Or, if you’re interested in easing into a plant-based lifestyle, they have a “Healthy Vegan Starter Kit” to kick off your adventure!

Maybe you have an awesome new mama in your life? The “Family Starter Kit” is perfect for the wee baby vegans (and the ones who love them!)

And just last week, Vegan Cuts released their brand new “Vegan Vitamins Essential Box“, which is a perfect spring pick-me-up if you’re wanting to shake off that winter slump.

In other words, SO MUCH GOOD STUFF! And just so you know, those are all affiliate links up there (ie, if you click through and buy, I’ll get a commission – a great way to support the site!). But if that makes you feel uncomfortable just skip these links and make your way to Vegan Cuts here <-- NOT an affiliate link. My intention is never to deceive you, so I'll always tell you when links are affiliates. Groovy?

Alright guys, so let me know! Yes? No? I can handle the truth! I really just want to give you what you want, so let me have it.

Thanks y’all! Happy Monday!

♥ ♥ ♥

Delivery boxes seem to be all the rage these days (um, because they’re RAD!) and I’ve gotten quite a few offers from quite a few companies asking me to sample their services. But the one that really caught my eye was Petit Vour, a little all-vegan company focused on bringing luxury makeup to conscientious, compassionate consumers.

I love the concept, especially as someone who likes makeup but knows very little about it and doesn’t necessarily have the time to thoroughly research every brand, but honestly, what I love most is the price! At $15 per box, this is an absolute beauty bargain. And I appreciate that!

Plus, the owner Madeline has an amazing eye for design. Everything about this company, from the website to the products to the box itself is aesthetically pleasing. It just makes you feel good! I don’t often get to feel like I’m being pampered, but getting this box totally did the trick.

So here’s how we do these things ’round here. I think “like-gating” / “fan-gating” is weird and insincere, and I’m not going to make you guys do it.

That said, the truth is that social media stats are pretty important these days, in blogging as well as in business. So no, I’m not going to require you to “like” me all over the Internet just to enter this giveaway. But, if you do like my blog and enjoy the work I do here – and this goes for any blog really – then liking my Facebook page, or following me on Instagram or on Twitter is a great, easy way to help me out. Those numbers really do count for something.

And that goes for Petit Vour as well. No, I won’t manipulate you into following them as a way to get more entries in this contest. But if you’d like to support an amazing, woman-owned, cruelty-free vegan company, a great way to show that support would be to like them on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram or on Twitter.

But you don’t have to! No coercion. Fair?

So, if you want to enter to win the May makeup box, all you have to do is leave a comment here, on this post. Tell us where you’d wear your new makeup!

This giveaway will end on Wednesday 21 May at midnight PST. I’ll contact the winner the next day. Good luck guys!

Congratulations Karoline! An awesome box full of luxury, cruelty-free beauty products is yours! Yay!

The contest is now closed.