Vegan Brunch & Making Decisions

I'm not a shy person, but I have a hard time putting myself out there to meet new people...especially in a group setting.  My palms get sweaty, my heart starts to pound, and I talk faster than normal (is that even possible? lol).

Anilia, Tambira,  Rosetta, Wilma, Me

A couple of weeks ago, Rosetta invited me to her place for brunch with her and three other ladies. Instead of talking myself out of the invite (like I usually do when invited anywhere) I pushed passed my anxiety and accepted.

We had an amazing time! Lots of food, music, wine, and discussions about business and life. I'm sooo glad I didn't miss out on this opportunity to hang with Rosetta again and meet some other amazing women.

Let's talk about the food! I never expect people to cater to my vegan diet but it warms my heart when they do.

We started off with a cheese platter, but Rosetta made sure to put almonds, grapes and  dates on it for me.  

Then we cooked (mostly Rosetta lol) fried potatoes, greens and grits. Yummers! The other ladies also had salmon and Rosetta added cheese to their grits after serving mine.

We had a vegan apple pie from Whole Foods and So Delicious ice cream for dessert. OMG!

No one thought it was vegan! :-) 

It's funny how making the decision to get uncomfortable is helping me come out of this self-imposed anxiety bubble. I've been saying I want to change for a long time, but making the decision is what led me to actually stepping out there and doing it.

I know we're talking about anxiety in this post, but this same decision principle applies to everything else in life, too. With food, if you really want to be a vegan make the decision.  Then spend some time researching vegansim, cooking and experimenting. :-)

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Where's the Food? Vegan While Out

Hey! I hope you're having a great week.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Eatonsville restaurant to hang with Rosetta and 50 other women for her happy hour event. Social events usually give me a lot of anxiety (even family stuff), so I'm learning to put myself out there more to move past those feelings.

I was elated to see my boo, Lisa! She's one of the most positive and beautiful women I know. I can't wait to do more vegan cooking (and wine drinking) with her.  We did videos together here and here.

I also saw my girl, Ronnet, who inspired my in person cooking classes when she emailed and requested it last year. :-) 

I knew there would be complimentary food at the event, but I wasn't sure whether or not there would be vegan options.

I arrived about 40 minutes early and went across the street to Busboys & Poets and shared a plate of vegan nachos with Eric.  

Black-eyed peas on nachos? Yes! I will have to recreate this one! So delicious :-) 

Once at the event, I did spot a fruit and cracker tray. I don't see crackers and fruit as a meal but sometimes that's the only option available. I've been to places where it's much less than that. lol

I had such an amazing time! Rosetta did a speed date type set up, where we discussed our dreams and goals with complete strangers. lol It was sooo out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I did it because I actually found the editor for my upcoming vegan guide!

Afterwards, I met back up with Eric and we shared a veggie burger and fries for a late night date.

This burger wasn't very good and actually tasted like raisins. Ummm, I like raisins but not in a burger. No thanks! 

Anywho, Eric and I laughed a lot, chatted about the event, and even had our own dream session. Good times!

A couple of vegan tips for your next social event:

*Change your mindset-I know we're conditioned to see social events as an opportunity to eat lots of food, but try to see as a way to make genuine connections.

*Eat before and after you attend the event. :-)

The hardest part of being a vegan is usually the planning. Once you have that part down, things usually become a lot easier.

Thanks for reading!