The Vegan Abundance Festival

The Vegan Abundance Festival at Hulme Community Garden Centre was by far my favourite vegan event this year. It was at the stunning Garden Centre in Hulme just a short 10 minute walk away from Oxford Road station but you feel as if you have been transported to the countryside. I have never been here before but will definitely visit again. The centre had been transformed into a festival with stalls dotted around the venue in between rows of plants. There was vegan pizzas being cooked in a stone oven, plenty of burgers, cake and ice cream for sale and art, jewellery and cosmetics as well as organic fruit and vegetables. The festival was organised by the Vegan Organic Network and there was a romantic and relaxing feel to the event. Highlights of the show was the impressive musicians playing and amazing poetry by Dominic Berry. It was nice to be able to walk around a vegan festival as some are so busy and packed you can hardly move or breathe. Plus it was a nice, rain free day which you have to make the most of in Manchester. When this festival is back I will definitely go again as it is the perfect location to find exciting vegan products and sample all the delicious food.  

I also reviewed this event for Weekend Notes, make sure you visit the page and like the article to spread the Vegan message: http://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/hulme-community-garden-centre/

Such an interesting location- lots of stalls in between the plants. 

A real community garden. Selling bargain plants and running community events.

Taste testing- for research purposes

The perfect lunch spot

Amazing lunch from Tea Time Collective- A great vegan cafe also based in Hulme

Morning Fuel Food

Porridge is becoming my favourite breakfast food at the minute. It is easy to make, delicious and most importantly filling. When you are busy in the day at work, university or school you need a hearty breakfast which will set you up for the day. 

Porridge is perfect because oats are naturally filling but also really healthy. I cook mine with almond milk, it gives it a delicious creamy flavour and I often add a splash more on top when it is done. For the topping I love adding chia seeds as these are also filling and full of nutrients. Another favourite topping is banana as it will add some sweetness while giving you an energy boost and not to mention adding some peanut butter, which is a good source of protein and an even better source of deliciousness. 

With the autumn mornings starting this could be the perfect warming breakfast to fill you up and keep you going until lunch, it will also stop the need to snack throughout the morning. It is also quick to make which is important on busy days. This breakfast was made using Organic oats from Tesco which are well worth trying. 

Kallo Organic Vegetable Cubes

My journey for a more organic lifestyle continues with these organic stock cubes from Kallo. These were recommended to me and I thought I would try them when I found them on offer. 

They are full of flavour and in nice packaging. So far I have used them in soup and in a curry. They are very versatile and are a great organic option. 

These Kallo cubes have no artificial flavours or colours and are also gluten free making them a healthier alternative for many people with many dietary requirements. 

I love these stock cubes in soup as they enhance the flavour of the vegetables. I will definitely continue to use these products. 

Find out more here: http://www.kallo.com/things-we-make/stocks-gravies/organic-vegetable/

Vegan Lunch Idea- Houmous, falafel bagels

It can be hard to think of new and exciting lunch ideas. This is one of my favourites. Toasted houmous bagels are lovely on their own, but it can be nice to add an extra flavour and these pre-made falafels from Cauldron foods take the hassle out of making your own. This is the ultimate fast food if you don't feel like preparing a big lunch. I am enjoying using the organic houmous, I haven't noticed any change in flavour but I prefer eating organic as I know it is healthier. The New York Backery Co are a company which labels their products vegan which is great and they have a great range of bagels. Try this quick, tasty lunch and save money on eating cafe versions of this meal. 

Organic Homous

It's great to see Tesco embracing the organic food world. On a recent trip into the supermarket I couldn't believe how many organic items there were. They are clearly labelled with cream packaging and green writing. There were so many options in all parts of the shops. It was nice to see more organic fruit and vegetable options. This organic houmous was a great option as it was the same price as other versions. This is unusual as you usually have to pay more for organic products, hopefully this is the start of these options becoming more cost effective. I will definitely be buying more organic options soon and hopefully more supermarkets will follow suit. 

Eating Organic for Less

Aldi are continuing to provide more organic food, these banana's are the latest product I have discovered. This whole bunch of fairtrade and organic bananas were only £1.08. They are priced based on weight so all the bunches were different prices but they were all around this price. I think this is so reasonable as it is a similar price to buying non-organic bananas in other supermarkets. I really welcome the bargain stores like Aldi starting to stock organic food as it means living an organic lifestyle is becoming more doable on a budget. Taste wise these bananas are lovely, fresh and sweet tasting, I do think they taste better than the non organic version although this may be because I know they are healthier and better for me as well as better for the environment. I also like that they are fairtrade as I like supporting ethical products. With items like this in shops eating organic for less is easier than ever. 

Why I am slowly changing to an organic lifestlye

Every time I shop I'm looking for organic options and if I can afford them I buy them. I would love everything I buy to be organic but at the moment it is a slow process. 

The main reason I want to go organic is for my health, in my opinion organic food is healthier and better for your body, how can it not be when it doesn't contain pesticides and is GMO free. Organic food is often fresher as well and the way it is farmed is better for the environment. 

One of the great things about organic food is that it is traceable to the farm where it was grown, you know exactly where your food has come from and what has gone into making it. The farming practises of organic food also follow legal rules meaning you can trust in the process. 

Organic food is also scientifically proven to be better for you. Organic crops contain 68% more antioxidants than non organic and organic fruit and vegetables contain less pesticides and less toxic metals. 

To find out more about the benefits of organic food check out: https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/why-organic/

The problem with organic food is the cost, it is more expensive than none organic food. This is usually the case, when something is healthier it tends to be more expensive. However I believe that good food and your health is something worth investing in and hopefully an organic lifestyle will become cheaper as stores like Aldi are introducing more organic food into the stores. Having budget stores like this sell organic food at prices similar to standard fruit and vegetables at other shops finally means a fully organic lifestyle is manageable. 

I personally find that the organic food I have tried is tastier and fresher. It also feels good knowing that you are not filling your body with toxins. I am slowly learning where to buy organic products from and trying new foods all the time. It is also a good idea to look out for reduced organic food in supermarkets, because the products are more expensive they often don't get sold quickly so products nearing their sell buy date are frequently marked down. This is one way to shop organic on a budget and try these foods to see if you can taste the difference. 

To find out more about Aldi's organic products click here: https://corporate.aldi.co.uk/en/responsibility/resources-for-our-products/organic/

I will also be reviewing more organic food in the future so stay tuned and try organic! 

Heavenly Organics- Vegan, Natural, Handmade Skincare

At the Northern Vegan festival last October I bought lots of random products to test and try. There were companies I had never heard of, brands that only sell on-line and lots of independent sellers. 

My favourite find was definitely Heavenly Organics. Bought on a whim because I needed a new lip balm I purchased the lip balm with a hint of orange and a solid hand balm in Lavender because I liked the smell. 

The products are organic, handmade and have minimal ingredients. 

I liked the smell of the lip balm, they come in different flavours such as mint and orange. The products also have the vegan logo and are made by a vegan. I like this as you support someone who also follows a vegan lifestyle and she will obviously know what ingredients are safe to use. 

The solid hand balm was by far the best purchase I made at the festival. Not only does it look amazing, it smells great is a handy size perfect for keeping with you at all times and is a lot more convenient that using a moisturiser that takes time to soak into your hands. 

The packaging is also lovely. Plus when you are finished with the balm you can -purchase re-fills rather than having to buy a new tin which is better for the environment and more cost effective. 

The solid balm looks great and the best part about it is after using it for a few weeks it has massively improved my eczema to the point where my hands which have been sore for years are nearly completely healed. I have never found a product which has cleared my skin so well! I had actually given up trying and this natural balm has helped so much I will definitely be buying again. 

I would recommend these products to anyone. They are organic and don't contain chemicals and ingredients you have never heard of meaning it is better for your skin and if you suffer from eczema give it a try and hopefully it will work for you too.   

Shop on-line at http://www.heavenly-organics.com/shop/4558241444 

Vivani- Vegan Chocolate

This is yet another brand find from the Northern Vegan festival, Vivani are a premium chocolate brand- not all their range is vegan but they have a great selection. The white chocolate nougat bar is delicious, it's made with rice drink powder instead of milk. Other vegan options include dark nougat, orange and cherry. The whole range is also organic meaning it is a healthier option. 

Whole Earth- Healthy Fizzy Drinks

If you are looking for a healthier version to most fizzy drinks Whole Earth is a great brand. Their drinks are made with sparkling water and natural ingredients. They are certified organic and suitable for vegans! So there's no need to give up fizzy drinks but instead switch to a healthier brand. 

Vego Mini Bar- Product Review

I picked this up at the Northern Vegan Festival as part of the Vegan tuck box sample bag and I was excited to try it as I've only heard positive reviews. 

I was pleasantly surprised with the chocolate and hazelnut bar, not being the biggest fan of hazelnuts I was dubious as to whether I would enjoy it but the chocolate is delicious- smooth and creamy which complements the crunchy hazelnuts. I had the mini bar which was filling enough but a full size bar is 150 grams which would be more than enough to satisfy even the biggest chocoholics cravings. It's also fair-trade, vegan, uses organic ingredients and is gluten free you can't really ask for more in a snack. 

Ethical Fashion

A vegan lifestyle isn't just about the food you eat, the same ethics should be applied to all areas of life such as the clothes you choose to buy. Avoiding products which use animal skin and fur is one obvious way to do this. Another is to buy from ethical companies which aim to make sustainable clothing rather than the fast fashion of many high street brands. 

One company which is ethical, sustainable and vegan is Monkee Genes which make affordable jeans in a range of materials and are approved by Peta. 



This company started in 2006 and is a great choice for anyone wishing to buy Eco friendly clothing. They also raise awareness of the environmental and human cost to buying cheap fashion. Knowing where your clothes come from is as important as knowing where your food comes from. No animal should be killed for a meal just as no human should suffer terrible conditions making cheap throw away clothes. 

The charitable side of the company started in 2013 after the Rana Plaza disaster. It aims to educate people on the reality of how clothes are made and invest in communities. The idea is to show people the true cost of clothing in the hopes that more people will be willing to buy from a company which chooses not to put fashion before human life. 

Ethical clothing is not always the most fashionable but this is one brand which matches style with compassion. Here are some great choices from the website: 


Berry Organic Chinos £50 


Skinny jeans £35


Dusky Denim skinny jeans £34 


Men's skinny jeans £55

 Visit http://www.monkeegenes.com/ to see the great range. 

Rawr Chocolate

Another day, another post about vegan chocolate. These raw chocolate bars are from the cleverly named company Rawr. They sell raw, dairy free, fairtrade and organic chocolate bars in many different flavours. 

What really makes these bars different is that they are produced raw- which means it is made at low temperatures to preserve the enzymes and nutrients in the ingredients which makes it a healthier alternative to highly processed chocolate bars which are treated with chemicals. 

This isn't only a guilt free chocolate choice the company itself is also one of the most ethical around. The ingredients used are certified by the soil association, ethically sourced and organic. All the packaging is made from recycled material, is recyclable itself and only minimal packaging is used. One amazing thing about the packaging is 10% of it is made out of recycled cocoa shells meaning nothing is going to waste and you are eating chocolate wrapped in chocolate which is an amazing idea. 

Check out the amazing range of flavours here: www.rawrchoc.com