One thing I'm guilty of is covering very little of what San Francisco has to offer for vegans. While this post isn't 100% SF, in my next two posts I'm going to show you what I ate in my last 2 weeks in California. So, let's start with a weekend jaunt to LA to say goodbye to family. Once again Ryan I had went to Pizza Guru in Santa Barbara, as we couldn't resist another round of personal pizzas. This time I opted for Caramelized Pears and Garlic, while Ryan went for a Veggie combo with vegan Pepperoni, both topped with perfectly cooked Daiya. If you find yourself driving the 101, Pizza Guru is most certainly worth a stop!

That night I met up with my long time friend Jessica and her boyfriend at Pure Luck in Los Angeles. I was all ready for Jackfruit Tacos, like the ones I often make, but to my dismay, they were out of tortillas! Nooooo! This isn't how my final LA meals were supposed go to. Instead I got a side of Jackfruit, fried Plantains, and Potato Pals, which are fried gnocchi. Luckily the Potato Pals were delicious, as I was otherwise underwhelmed. Hopefully, they'll have tortillas next time. By the way, Scoops is across the street and they have vegan ice cream, except when I'm in town! DOH. Once again, they were out, so I was SOL for dessert. This seems to happen there a lot, so I think Scoops needs to get in the game and step it up with the vegan flavors. Add one more, please!

Luckily, the next day more than made up for all the slip ups, as I went to Madeleine Bistro for brunch! I was lucky enough to be joined by a crew of awesome friends including Polly from Veggywood, Adriana from Anarchy in the Garden and her husband Hector, Erika from Purrfect Pineapples, Britt from The Fakery Bakery, Gary and Kezia from Evolotus PR, and Kim and Ryan from C'est La Vegan! (QuarryGirl, we missed you!) Needless to say, Chef Dave and Molly spoiled us immobile, starting us off with Donuts and Onion Rings. After we ordered, we were also treated to the most delicious Strawberry milkshake, THEN I was brought my own Chocolate Souffle, one of their most famous desserts and a serious case of, "how did they do that?!". As if I wasn't stuffed already, my Seitan Chicken and Waffles arrived with mashed Potatoes and their always impressive gravy. I was never a gravy person growing up, but this hearty brown gravy is amazingly delicious. I could drink it! Next I had to try something I was SUPER intrigued by, a vegan Egg in a Hole! I used to eat these from time to time before I was vegan, so I had to see what a vegan sunny side up egg would look like. WHOA, realistic! It was pretty tasty too. Finally, as if I wasn't about to burst, we were brought a new dessert on the menu, S'mores! I love all things marshmallow and this was toasted marshmallow fluff with chocolate mousse pieces, graham crackers, and a scoop of chocolate ice cream, all made in house! I managed to get a few bites in before I was ready to collapse, hahaha. Madeleine Bistro always thrills me and this was no exception! Thanks Dave and Molly!

Okay, a little San Francisco bite! Ike's Place be closed down any day due to landlord problems, but they've been the stronghold for the best vegan sandwiches and the location of the SF Vegan Bakesale for ages. Hopefully, they'll be open in a new location in San Francisco soon, and they have a few other Bay Area locations. My favorite sandwich was the once called Vegan Backstabber, which was Vegan Turkey, Soy Cheese, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Garlic & Herb Sauce, Dirty Sauce, and Veggies on a Sourdough Roll - yum! These days it's called the Vegan Brutus and instead comes with Vegan Breaded Chicken, which I'm sure is also delicious. If you find yourself near an Ike's location, check them out! It's certainly not health food and you should be prepared for a long wait, but it's a great indulgence from time to time!

Another spot I liked to dine at in the rare times I wasn't cooking was Gracias Madre. An all vegan Mexican joint from the hippies who brought you Cafe Gratitude, their tortillas and beans were worth the price of admission alone! While the dish shown here is the Enchiladas con Mole Poblano, which is solid, but nothing amazing, my jam is the Platillo de Legumbres with Greens and Platanos. It also comes with served with rice, beans and tortillas, so it's a ton of food and super delicious. Gracias Madre also has a dessert selection with items like Key Lime Pie and Mexican Wedding Cookies with ice cream, but the Flan is where it's at! I never found myself to be a flan lover in the past, but this is awesome AND soy free. In fact, Gracias Madre is a great place to go for a gluten or soy free meal!

Okay, next week I'll have my final days in San Francisco. In the meantime, don't forget to vote in the VegNews Magazine 2010 Veggie Awards! VOTING ENDS TODAY!! (so I won't bug you anymore.)  The Urban Housewife is up for "Favorite Blog" and Cruelty Free Face is up for "Favorite Website". Voting means you could win awesome prizes!
(Thanks Polly for the banner!)

The outside of our new home!

My favorite organic stall at Naschmarkt!

Two of my favorite buildings!

Spontaneous rain showers means Strummer has to suit up!

Marijke came to visit me from Hamburg! This is St. Stephens cathedral in the 1st district. (We were headed to ice cream!)

The infamous MOZART BALLS I kept hearing about. I found some vegan ones.. they're pistachio marzipan filled!

Scurvy is settling in well!

And finally..

Yes, these places are right across from each other! hehe.

By the way, don't forget to vote in the VegNews Magazine 2010 Veggie Awards! The Urban Housewife is up for "Favorite Blog" and Cruelty Free Face is up for "Favorite Website", voting ends soon!
(Thanks Polly for the banner!)

As you may know, my book, The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life comes out November 1st! In honor of the book release, I've decided I want to get out there and meet the people interested in the book, shake hands and give hugs, plus discover new cities, so I'm going to do a BOOK TOUR!

It all starts on November 6th in Jacksonville, FL! I will be speaking at the Northeast Florida VegFest on "The Vegan Passport; tips and tricks for vegan travel". Please let me know if you're attending, I would love to see you there!

Guess what? That's where my plans end. I would love to go to Atlanta next to do a signing at Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe, but I am lacking a ride. Unfortunately, the trip is entirely DIY- all funding will come from my pockets and hopefully be recouped via book sales. That means I am looking for cheap transportation and couches to crash on! I can pay gas money, of course, but plane tickets are mainly out of the question.

Can you help me fill in the blanks? Leave a comment or email me!

• November 6th- Jacksonville, FL
• November 8th & 9th- Atlanta? (ride needed!)
• November 10th & 11th- Washington DC (can fly from ATL to DC, then need to get to NYC)
• November 12th - 18th- NYC! Syracuse? Boston? Philly? Tell me where to go!

I will be flying home from NYC, so I just have to get back there to get home. I am totally open to cities on the East Coast as long as they have a fun venue with a local vegan scene (venue suggestions PLEASE!) where I can do a signing, it's easy to get there via a ride or a cheap bus, and I have a place to crash!

Yes, it's like a band is going on tour, but instead it's me and my book! Don't worry West Coast, I'm aiming for you in January! Europe, we can make this happen too, likely in late November / early December (I'm speaking at Paris Vegan Day.) Midwest, I want to see you too! So, can you help a vegan gal out? Get in touch ASAP, so I can buy my plane ticket and make it happen! woo.

If you love all things food, you should check out the little feature on Girlie Girl Army called "The Best Vegan Thing I Ever Ate"! Who needs the Food Network version when you can read about cruelty free eats? This month I'm giving much love to Lula's Sweet Apothecary, and they were cool enough to share a recipe for coconut ice cream! If you like the article, leave a comment and let them know you'd like to see more from author Kathryn Hostettler!

Finally, don't forget to vote in the VegNews Magazine 2010 Veggie Awards! The Urban Housewife is up for "Favorite Blog" and Cruelty Free Face is up for "Favorite Website". Of course, I would love if you voted for me, but you can also just vote to win awesome prizes!
(Thanks Polly for the banner!)

So, VegNews Magazine just announced the nominees for the 2010 Veggie Awards! I am thrilled to once again be nominated, this time in TWO categories- Favorite Blog for The Urban Housewife, and Best Website for Cruelty Free Face! I would love it if you would consider voting for me in either (or both) of these categories. You can win awesome prizes like a Veg Voyages trip just for filling out the survey, so get to it!
(Thanks Polly for the banner!)




So, I am writing this on my final night in San Francisco. While we are very excited to move to Vienna, it is bittersweet, as I love San Francisco with all my heart and will truly miss the all little things I adore. It's tough to leave close friends, familiar streets, and our brightly painted flat, hidden from the world, where I could hang out in the front yard in my pajamas with Strummer in (mostly) peace. I suspect I will be back someday, after all I tattooed this fine city on my arm, but it doesn't make leaving any easier. As if I wasn't already a blubbering mess, my bro-tatted BFF from the Windy City and my favorite Food Network personality, Natalie Slater posted a tribute piece to our friendship on her blog, Bake and Destroy. Heartstrings, tugged!

To all of my friends throughout the States, this is not goodbye, it is until next time! I have some fun plans coming up with book tours for The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life on the East Coast in November and the West Coast in January! I can't wait to see you all again soon! My next post will be from my new home in Vienna, so until then.. xo!

So, you like dessert, right? (What the hell kind of question is that?) How about Apple Fritter Doughnuts, Caramel Peanut Brownies,  Triple Berry Cheese Danish, and Butterscotch Blondies? (Yes, I really asked that.) Bakesalery is your home for 100% vegan treats, available through Etsy, shipped directly to your mouth! Everything is made in a commercial kitchen in Queens, NYC, with certified vegan chocolates and marshmallows, so you know you're getting the good stuff.

Would you like to win a sampler pack from Bakesalery? (This is the last stupid question, I swear!) Then enter to win, right here!

To enter: go to Bakesalery and tell me in the comments which item is your dream dessert (don't forget you can look through past items sold). You have until next Monday, August 2nd to enter, the winner will be announced Tuesday. If you win, Amy of Bakesalery will select a sample pack of treats to send you! My guess is you're not going to want to wait, so scoot on over to Bakesalery and order today, then get super stoked when you win and get even more goodness delivered to your door! GOOD LUCK.

On the way South, we stopped in Santa Barbara at a place with a bit of controversy surrounding it called Pizza Guru. Ryan loves pizza and they have a great vegan selection and personal sized pies, so we had to check it out. I went with my stand-by of garlic, pineapple, and black olives, while Ryan had a peppers, olives, and veggie pepperoni combo. Despite Daiya not being our vegan cheese of choice, the pizza didn't disappoint and we were both happy with our selections. Next time we're driving the California coast, Pizza Guru will likely be a stop along the way!

The next day I was able to meet up with QuarryGirl and Ms. Veggywood, along with my long time friend Jeanine at one of my favorite spots, The Veggie Grill. While I know I should branch out to the plethora of options in Los Angeles, I can't seem to stray from the VG, as it never disappoints! I went for one of their giant salads, the Baja Fiesta, and added blackened tempeh. Yep, The Veggie Grill rules and I can't foresee skipping a chance to go there any time soon.

For my last stop in LA, Jeanine and I went to the new dairy free ice cream shop Kind Kreme. While a few flavors have honey, they are clearly marked and most everything is vegan. I decided to go for a soft serve with Newman O's and Caramel syrup, which was mighty tasty. Since Jeanine is a photographer and I needed a photo for one of the crafts in The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life, we decided to take photos at Kind Kreme, ice cream in hand and all! You'll have to look out for it when it hits shelves in November.

Speaking of The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life, I just had an envelope of promotional postcards arrived on my doorstep today. Do you have a vegan-friendly place to put a stack in your town? I'm looking for a few people, especially in cities with large veg communities, to drop off postcards at local hot spots. Ideally, you'll have a few local places they could go and enough of an audience that they won't just collect dust. If you fit the bill, please send me an email at melisser AT theurbanhousewife.com, so I can send you a stack. Let me know where you live, so I don't send them all to the same city! THANK YOU!

Finally, I'm doing a giveaway over at Cruelty Free Face for an eyeshadow trio by Smashbox Cosmetics. Don't know how to apply eyeshadow? There's a video tutorial on how to apply the very trio of shades I'm giving away! Head on over to Cruelty Free Face to win this fabulous prize!

Sounds good to me. Congratulations Karen, send me an email, so we can get you shopping for makeup at iHerb.com. May I suggest CrueltyFreeFace.com for product ideas?

Speaking of CrueltyFreeFace.com, I just posted my 1st makeup tutorial, "Quick Tips for Long Lasting Lips". Now you can find out how to get lipstick that stays on all day, using cruelty free cosmetics. GO CHECK IT OUT!

First, they let me select some items for myself. I opted for mainly beauty products, like Beauty Without Cruelty blush in Rosetta and Moisturizing Lipstick in Soft Pink and Red Red, and Shikai Shower Gel in Yuzu (a staple around here). The Beauty Without Cruelty Red Red is a GREAT shade and I've been having fun wearing it. I also decided to try out Amazing Grass Green Superfood Drink Powder, but after two tries, I forgot about it and it ended up in the back of the refrigerator.

Now it's YOUR turn to spend $50 at iHerb.com! This contest is open to everyone around the world and the winner will have to register at iHerb to select their items. (International winners are responsible for any additional customs fees, duties and taxes.)

Here's now to enter:
Leave a comment letting me know what you would order with $50 from iHerb.com! Keep it vegan kids, we're strictly cruelty free up in this piece! A winner will be selected next Tuesday, so get your entry in by Monday, July 5th at Midnight PST.

Don't want to wait to see if you won? New customers can use the code IVI541 for $5 off their order! iHerb offers FREE Domestic UPS Ground Shipping for Orders over $40 and there's a 99% Chance of Same Day Shipping for Orders Placed before 1 pm, PST. My order arrived FAST and I was smothered in Red Red lipstick in no time!

Speaking of lipstick, I just launched a new webpage called Cruelty Free Face!
What you may not know is I've been a makeup artist for 10 years and when I went vegan, I found it difficult to find cruelty free cosmetics. I thought I should share my findings with others, so they can make an ethical choice, and Cruelty Free Face was born!

Cruelty Free Face is your resource for compassionate cosmetics without animal testing or animal ingredients. Everything on the site is vegan friendly, animal friendlier! Not only will there be product reviews, beauty news, and makeup tutorials, but the cruelty free cosmetics database will constantly be updated in the “Companies” section.

Whether you're a makeup junkie or just need some new eyeliner, Cruelty Free Face is the place to be! In fact, if you need makeup, it's a good place to cross reference the items at iHerb.com, so you're not putting carmine on your face, ick! Don't forget to follow Cruelty Free Face on twitter @crueltyfreeface.

Sunday was the day of the Veggie Pride Parade with 1,000 vegetarians and vegans marching on the streets of NYC! People in costumes of all shapes, sizes, and species wielding pro-veg signs made their way to Union Square for a day of speakers, food, and fun! I was happy to meet up with VKO from Lifestyles of the Chic and Vegan, Dynise, author of The Urban Vegan, and new friends from Vegan Good Things and Brazil Nut and walk the route.

The parade was a blast, I met lots of amazing people, and heard great speakers, which worked up an appetite! Lindsay from Happy Herbivore, her husband, Dayna from Seitan Said Dance and I headed over to Viva Herbal, home of a plethora of vegan options. Once there, we ran in to Sara Sohn from Sweet and Sara Marshmallows (& more!) and friend Ethan! Like last time, I went for the Santa Rosa slice with its crispy whole wheat crust, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, mushrooms, and miso tofu. I made sure to leave room for dessert, especially since it was a hot day, so we all headed to Lula's!

After hearing good things about S'Mac, aka Sarita's Mac and Cheese from friends on Twitter, I decided to check it out with Evan. They recently added vegan mac and cheese with a creamy "cheese" sauce, which they bake in a cast iron skillet and bring to you. I was under the impression they had vegan cheese like Daiya, but nope, it's house made and seems to have some coconut milk in it.  The breadcrumbs are a must, but they also offer vegetables to mix-in, if your heart desires. I opted for the small size and it was good, but overall I found it to be a bit pricey. If you LOVE Mac 'n' Cheese, check it out, friends have been raving about it.

On my final day in NYC, Lan Cafe once again foiled my plans to eat there, so we switched it up and Terry, Paula, and I headed to Souen Organic Ramen, a macrobiotic spot in the East Village. They have locations in Soho and Union Square as well, but this is their noodle house. We started off with Seitan Dumplings that were a bit mushy, but not too bad. After that, it was ramen time! I opted for the Tahini Ramen with added Yuba, while Terry had the Sesame Ramen, and Paula had the Ramen Salad. Everything was fresh and tasty and the company was excellent, making for a great final meal in NYC.

Well, that's it for NYC this time! I'm sure I'll be back there soon and have the scoop on more delicious food. Next week I should have a fun giveaway or some news in store for you, so stay tuned!