Hello, my name is Christine and I’m a vegan living in Chicago, Illinois. I like to think of myself as the girl next door. Well, the vegan girl next door for the sake of this blog. From the time I learned about animal suffering from PETA as a naive 17 year old living in a small city in Indiana, it took me almost 20 years to make the change to veganism. I didn’t know anyone who was veg or anything about animal rights early on. This was before the internet, so access to information was limited. I grew up around hunters and meat-eaters. That was the norm and I feared being too different.
Luckily times have changed and I learned to be myself even if I was different from my family. It’s been a long journey to veganism. Initially I went vegetarian but even then was not consistent. Yes, I am guilty of eating fish and calling myself a vegetarian. As soon as I knew better, I stopped eating fish. But now as a happy and healthy vegan, I regret not making the change sooner. I love being vegan! (Why did I switch? Read the entry under Cheese: The end of cheese as you know it.)
Often I hear…”I use to be vegan but it’s too hard,” so I am here to offer tips for anyone who wants to make the change. It’s not hard to be vegan in this day and age. In fact, I don’t find it difficult at all and I completely love this lifestyle. There are so many great products available now both in terms of food and fashion. You can live anywhere in the world and buy it all on the internet if need be. So this blog is devoted to making it easier for others to switch to a plant-based diet and/or vegan lifestyle.
It is also intended to be a vegan informational clearinghouse for the Chicago area, since this is where I live. Chicago is a great place for vegans. I will be adding Chicago-related information regularly because there is a lot of great stuff happening in the Windy City for us vegans.
If you’re having a hard time switching or have a suggestion for the blog, send me your questions or comments via the Leave A Reply link. I look forward to hearing from you.
Christine
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Dear Christine,
Thanks for suggesting vegan cheese by Follow Your Heart. I love their Veganaisse so I can’t wait to try their cheese! I’ve been searching for a tasty vegan cheese that melts for the longest time. Your site is great.
Best,
Jana Kohl
Thanks, Jana!
Perhaps you could add a link to the Denver Veg Fest? First ever! (I think). Thanks, Christine! http://www.denvervegfest.org/
Hello, Christine —
I couldn’t find an e-mail address for you on your site, so I can’t send this to you privately, but I want to tell you that I very much appreciate that you’ve listed me on your website as a resource for vegan products. As you know and as I say on my website, my soaps are made with all vegetable oils and butters, and no animal products or by-products. (Not even milk or goats milk or honey or beeswax, all of which are frequently touted as fabulous by other soap makers. And maybe they are. But we’re about finding natural botanical or mineral sources for the same result.)
I would love to have you try a couple of my soaps just to see what you think of them. No charge. I think you’ll love them, but of course I am biased.
Regards,
David
Hi Christine,
My name is Donna Oakes and I own a vegan boutique (called Cow Jones Industrials) in Chatham, New York. In addition to the brands that are listed on the homepage of my website (this is just being developed), I will soon be carrying several styles of shoes from the new Cri de Coeur collection and some clothing from Prairie Underround. You have a great website - love all of the info and links!
Donna
Hi Christine, Like you, it took me a long time too to become a full-time vegan, even after reading extensively about animal cruelty. And I agree that once you have made the transition, it is really not difficult at all to maintain a vegan diet– I wish I had done it much sooner.
Although I don’t live in the Chicago area, I am glad I discovered your blog. Take care!
Thanks, Vaishali!
I just wanted to say ‘Hi’ from one Girl Next Door to another. I’m also in the Chicago area, so maybe we’ll run into each other sometime!
I was vegan for 8 years of my nonanimal eating diet, raw for 2. I never felt better, I’ve been thinking of going back to it.
Hi Christine,
I just discovered your blog and am thrilled with all the information you provide! Currently, my husband and I are learning how to maintain a vegan lifestyle. Our favorite food is Ethiopian and although, you have many terrific restaurants listed, I noticed that our favorite spot, Ethiopian Diamond, is not mentioned. Ethiopian Diamond is located in Chicago at 6120 North Broadway. The food is fresh and beautifully seasoned. Owner, Almaz Yigizaw makes everyone feel at home. She and her staff go above and beyond to create a real, neighborhood dynamic and to maintain top quality for her customers. Again, thanks for your insightful website and please, when you get a chance pop into Ethiopian Diamond…you won’t be disappointed! Cheers, Erika
Thanks, Erika, for your feedback. I have been to Ethiopian Diamond and enjoy it as well. I believe when I set up the restaurant links that I couldn’t find a website for ED. However, it looks like they now have a site and I have added it to my blog. Thanks!
Hi Christine, I find that your blog is very inspiring. I’m not vegan but I prefer vegan / vegetarian food when I’m dining out. I am thinking to switch to vegan slowly instead of going cold turkey. Discovering your blog has just made it much easier. Your blog is so cool, I decided to link it in my blogroll list. Hope you are ok with it.
keep on posting!
Thanks, Sofia. Let me know if you have any questions as you switch. Happy to help!