My Secret Project

So I didn't tell you guys about this, because I wanted to see whether I'd actually stick to it. So far, I have, thus the Big Reveal:

Since the beginning of the year, I resolved not to buy anything new. If I could not find it used, and I really, really wanted it, I could only buy it if it was made in the USA. If I could not find it made in the USA, I had to buy it from a country with decent human rights and labor laws. Obviously, food doesn't apply, and I haven't checked where my toothpaste comes from, for instance.

This year, I have bought tons of stuff. But I have only bought a tiny number of new things, and all but one has been made in the USA: I bought a wood-bristled hairbrush made in Italy. (Amazing no US company manufactures a wood bristled brush!)

I'm still trying to find a used automatic guitar tuner, because no US company makes one. It's going to be hard to replace some things (like towels and sheets) once they wear out--but I am resolved to buy USA for these, even if it costs a ton--which it will.

I have not deprived myself at all, as you'll see from my list. Here are some of the things I've bought used this year:

1. Guitar and case.
2. Excalubur 9-tray dehydrator.
3. Chaco sandals.
4. Jeans.
5. A pizza stone.

And so on. It's absolutely amazing what you can buy on craigslist, ebay, and thrift stores. I really want to buy a kayak, and have been keeping my eye out.

Auto litter box

I'm thinking of getting an automated litter box. I tried one before, but the real Kipsy was bad about peeing on the edge of the box. The sweeper really only picks up clumps in the box away from the edge. I'm hoping it will work better with the current cohort if kitties. Anybody else tried one? Is it worth it?

Smoothies

I have found a blender that works for smoothies and has a cup attachment for drinking - the same one Kipsy has. I bought some spinach at Roothie's suggestion and added it to my frozen fruit and flax seed. Today I tried adding V8 juice - not a good idea. It looks like mud and the taste is not far from the looks.

Anyway, I am determined to loose 10 lbs. or more before the VegSummerfest. I have lost 3 in a week. I will add exercise after I reach my goal. I have found I tend to reward myself with food if I exercise so I will wait.

What clothes should we take besides exercise stuff? I sense that casual is the way to go. Roothie, will you be bringing your guitar?

Lose It app

I've been using an app called "Lose It" on my phone for several months now. It's kind of addictive. It's a food log and an exercise log. The coolest part is it keeps track not just of calories, but fat, fiber, protein, sodium, etc. I've learned I get TONS if fiber and enough protein. I am amazed at how much salt I eat. I still usually keep it below 2400 mg, but that's just if I stick to my fruit smoothy for breakfast and big salad for lunch. My low produce days are my high salt days. I'm not surprised the average American eats twice or more the recommended salt.

My sugar tends to be high, too, but it's mostly from fruit. My fat intake is pretty high for a vegan, but I eat nuts and nut butters every day. Tofu has tons of calories and fat! I wish I could cut it with something better for scrambled tofu. Or buy tofu in tubs smaller than a pound. I ate the whole thing in a day and a half, and I was trying to savor it. I sort of wish I'd never tried scrambled tofu...

Kale chips

Anybody had luck making baked kale chips? Mine didn't turn out quite like I hoped. Roothy, will you post that kale recipe we had at Thanksgiving?