Hello my long lost friends! This week has been pretty incredible and I feel like I have a lotta catching up to do. I’m not sure how or why all these life changing events got shuffled into one single month, but it’s been pretty wonderful, despite the deadlines and time constraints. But, happily because all these things are now checked off on my giant “to do” list, I’ll have a lot more time to dedicate to this here blog. Which I feel incredibly psyched about, as I have missed you all dearly.
First: I turned in my final cookbook manuscript for Great Gluten-Free Vegan Eats yesterday! All 100++ photos and recipes have flown off into cyberspace only to be seen again by me when my spectacular editor gives it a go. Man, you guys, writing a cookbook is tough stuff! I mean, a LOT of hard work. Next time you bust out one of your favorite cookbooks, know that the person/s who authored that book worked their tails off to bring it to you. I have a much deeper appreciation for cookbook authors now that I have officially authored my own book. Not that I didn’t think they were the most kickass people ever before, because I most certainly did. But holy vegan canoli… there is a lot more to writing a book than meets the reader’s eye. And, I cannot wait to jump in and do it all over again.
Anyways, I’m done! Mostly! Wooohooo!
Second: ♥ Philly! ♥
We arrived here earlier this week and are in LOVE. I can already tell that the amazing variety of foods and the fact that we have more than one grocery store to choose from is pretty much the best thing ever! The first day we got here we ate at Blackbird Pizzeria.
My hubs and kids shared a giant pie that made me insanely jealous. This pizza up there is the “South Philly”. I’m still searching for that pizza haven that offers both vegan and gluten free pie. Someday! I believe it will happen. At Blackbird, I opted for a Caesar and chickpea salad which were deeelish. I wanted some fries “with that”, but unfortunately their deep fryer was kaput so that didn’t happen. But, the potions were huge! My belly was happy and full, even without the fries.
The next day we had some crazy good Indian food (delivered! what?! I love the city. and yes, I was sheltered back in Ohio) and we have been grocery shopping like maniacs lately. I have to say, I am definitely in my element here. I love all the culture, all the pitbulls, all the everything. Speaking of dogs, our pup, Dot, has been pooped from all the doggy lovin’ in the hood.
She has never been in such a good mood. I’m pretty sure she’s a city dog at heart. Who knew? Her tail wags like crazy when we go out for our walks. And doesn’t stop until hours after we’ve arrived back at our pad. It makes my heart swell up huge to know she’s happy here. The kids and hubs seem to be adjusting well too. And by that I mean they all haven’t wiped the ginormous grins off their faces since we arrived. We love Philly!
Third: Have you guys seen the September/October issue of VegNews Magazine? I’m in it! Not once but twice… which is pretty rad. You can find my recipe for Gluten-Free Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnuts alongside a few other incredible pumpkin recipes–one of which, by one of my fave bloggers Kathy Patalsky, graces the cover of the issue. Go Kathy!
Also, my head is in a little bubble next to some of my favorite women ever as we talk about being new authors, and how our favorite cookbook authors have inspired us to get where we are today. It’s a great little write-up. You should check it out!
Finally: Give away! Normally I’m not too into giveaways, but I feel like I should give you guys a little summin’ summin’ since I’ve been so busy lately with all these happenings going on in my life. So, I’m giving away a kit that is a must have for all the baking that will be going on in the next few months: a Wilton 50 piece tool and caddy decorating kit! You can decorate cakes, cookies, and many other snazzy holiday foods with this thing. And, it’s my favorite color ever! Bonus!
Just leave a comment letting me know you wanna be entered in the giveaway and consider it done. I’ll end the contest and post the results one week from today… so that would be next Friday, September 9th. Let’s say around noon EST, shall we?
*open to all persons in every part of the world*
I’ll also be posting results on my twitter and facebook pages, so check those out too if you haven’t before!
Okay! Can’t wait to get my bloggy blog back on full force. I’ll have a recipe up for you guys next week. Until then, have a happy weekend!
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ahhh vegan gluten free pizza is hard to find! at least you left with a full happy tummy! and yay for giveaways! i hope i win :D have a great day!
I’d love to be entered in this giveaway! I’m just getting into desserts/baking and I’d love to have something other than a knife and spatula to decorate the baked goods with. :)
That decorating set would be like a dream to win! It’s so cute and opens up so many possibilities!
I would love to be entered in the giveaway. If I’m being honest I didn’t know cake decorating kits, got that serious and hardcore.
I would LOVE this kit! Looks like so much fun!
I would LOVE to have one of these kits so much. PLEASE enter me in your give away and thank you so much:)
Your dog is just precious :) I would love to be entered in your giveaway!
So I’m a vegan who just found out she’s gluten-intolerant, so this blog is such a blessing! I would love to be entered in the giveaway and am looking forward to trying the GF Cherry Brownies from the last blog post. :D
I really would like to decorate my cakes and be proud of my work! I hope I’m lucky for once in my life!
I’ve never been to Philly, but by the looks of things, I’m missing out! I’m glad your family is happy there.
awe, what a sweet thing to say. we LOVE it! <3 Philly is pretty rad!
Just can’t wait for your book!!!!!! And YES! Congrats on the VegNews issue-was OVERLY excited to see GF donuts!
<3 you are awesome, sweetie! many many thank yous.
I would love a shot at this gift! It’s such a unique giveaway…thank you! :)
I would love to be entered into the giveaway! Thank you so much!
i love your site and would also love to be in the giveaway! thanks!
How sweet! I would love that for making vegan cakes. Thanks for the rad giveaway!
Can we find your recipe for the vegan gf pumpkin doughnuts online too? Please?
I would love to be entered! I love making cakes and cupcakes and I also love Philly– my hubby’s from there! It’s great that you guys are enjoying things so much there. Have a great day!
thanks Kelsey!!!!!!
I’m hoping to go to Philly some day… It’s on my list of places I want to visit. And that is one cute dog! Nearly as cute as mine (;
oh thank you, she’s a sweetie. I am sure your pup is too! I’m such a sucker for doggies… aren’t they just the best? :)
I would love to win these because I am the ONLY vegan in a family of Midwestern meat and potato’s hunters. Every holiday I alaways try to bring a variety of really delicious and pretty vegan desserts to share with them, because dessert is easier to share with non vegans then any other kind of food! I would love to be able to make fabulous cupcakes and cookies and make them more accepting of me!
This is an awesome giveaway! I really hope I win. I love to bake, and always bake cakes or cupcakes for birthdays. I live in an apartment and with this grand recession, I can’t afford cake-bake decorating tools. I hope I win!
Congrats on the book, and VegNews! Very exciting! And thanks for all the info about Philly-who knew? Now I have yet another American city to add to my “must visit some day” list. . . :)
Ricki! I’d love to show you around the city if you ever make it here. <3 <3 and thank you, my dear.
Congrats on a successful mood and a blissful puppy! And, of course, I TOTALLY want to be entered in the giveaway. Now, off to try out those doughnuts. . .
Damn spellcheck – that was supposed to be “move,” and not “mood” :-)
:D love it!
I’m guessing I’m not eligble because I’m in Australia, but it’s worth a try, right?
I’m so looking forward to your cookbook coming out, finally a cookbook where I can eat every recipe without having to make it gf or vegan!
you are totally in, K!!!!! so excited you are looking forward to my book! :D
I would like to be entered, yay! But even more than that, I want to be travelling in America…
you should try and visit! Conversely, I’d LOVE to be traveling anywhere outside of the states, Hannah! ;) <3
please enter me! awesome brownies, btw.
<3 thank you
Oh my goodness! I want one of those. My mom has one, and they’re AMAZING! Decorating cakes is one of my passions!
Oh, cool! I would love to have one of those.
Congrats on the Cookbook & the move – change is good. And I’m definiteley going to check out VegNews :) I’ll take a gamble and enter the giveaway too – thanks Allyson.
Holy moly, I would love to enter the giveaway! Such an awesome prize!! :-)
I would love to be entered <3
Please enter me in the giveaway. I’d love to use this Wilton kit with my nephews!
Oh wow, I’ve had my eye on a Wilton cake decorating set for some time now! Count me in :)
I saw you in VegNews! How exciting. :) Awesome giveaway, too!
Yay! Thank you, Kelly! <3
That pizza looks so good! and congratulations on getting into Vegnews! I’ll definitelty have to check that issue out.
I would love to be entered into your giveaway too, if I may. I absolutely love cake decorating!
Ooooo, I would LOVE to win that!!!!!!:]
But is it just for those in the U.S?
Hey Elaine!!!
I’m updating it now to say it includes international entries. <3 <3
I would love to be entered into the give away. I love cake decorating but being a broke uni student, its hard to get the supplies! Btw, your dog is adorable and its good to hear your enjoying Philly :)
I’d like to be entered! :)
Wow, congrats on getting the book done! You are amazing! Thanks for the great giveaway!
<3 <3
Enter me, please! I’d love to win that caddy. Super fun, tasty and kid-friendly! :D Score.
Love it!
Manifest vegan! Your dog is so beautiful… I love her coloring and her patterns patches. So glad that she is happy in the city… Nothing warms the heart like a wagging tail. I just got back from the vida vegan con, and of course portland DOES have vegan and gluten free pizza. Sigh! They have everything there! Your giveaway is magical! What an amazing prize! I would love to enter. Also I love your giveaway ethics: open to all countries, and no need to tweet the world in order to enter. Thank you for that!
Amey! I loved your post on all the wonders of vidavegan (not to mention PORTLAND!)… so so so so so SO sad I missed it. :( I know I missed a blast of a time. And the vegan & gluten free pizza. gosh dammit. :)
I will definitely be making it to 2013. :) No doubt about that! Dot is giving you many tail wags and puppy kisses from the East Coast. <3
Hugs!
<3 allyson
I’m a recent xgfx transplant to Philly as well! I’m in love with this city already, not least for it’s abundance of vegan and gluten-free friendly restaurants. I love your blog, and I’m looking forward to seeing restaurant reviews for Philly restaurants! What’s your suggestion for good Indian food? That’s the one type of restaurant I haven’t tried here yet.
Also, I would like to be entered in the giveaway. Thanks!
Your pooch is soo cute :) Bet she is so happy having a new neighbourhood to scope out!
I’d love to win the competition- I do cupcakes on the side for a bit of extra cash at the moment but I’m taking the plunge in December this year to do it full time! Scary times but this would definitely help out :)
We have a place in town (OKC) that not only has a GF crust as the standard, but also has a cashew ricotta option! You should make a special trip :) I’d love to enter the giveaway, it’d make a great Christmas gift!!
Congratulations on the move to Philly and on the cookbook! Your blog is a favorite of mine! I would love to be entered in to win the wilton cake decorating kit! You are rad.
I’d love to be entered in the awesome giveaway! I love your blog!!
I’d love to have some real cake decorating tools! The few I’ve made for friends and family always taste great but they lack that professionalism of real decorating tools…
That decorating kit looks amazing! I’d love to be entered into the drawing. Thanks!
Would love to win the baking set– consider me entered! :)
This is my entry! Although the kit would go straight into the girlfriend’s hands, I would be sure to benefit.