Vegan Girl Scout Cookies

Guess what?! Vegan Girl Scout cookies may be available in your area!

As reported earlier this month by the always informed quarrygirl, the ABC Bakery used by some chapters of the Girl Scouts of America has four varieties of cookies that are vegan (Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Lemonades and Thanks-a-Lots). Woo hoo!

Be careful, though, because some Girl Scout chapters use a different bakery (Little Brownie Bakers) that has NO vegan cookie options. The only vegan cookies are the four varieties mentioned above IF they are made by ABC Bakery.. 

I know the vegan Girl Scout cookies are available in my 'hood of Orange County (the Girl Scout chapter here uses ABC Bakery), but if you are in Los Angeles you are outta luck since the other bakery is used. I think these are the only two bakeries the Girl Scouts uses countrywide, but I am not 100% sure on this, so always do your research before buying!

To find out if your local Girl Scouts carry the vegan cookies, you can look for the ABC Bakery logo on the cookie boxes or look up cookie selling locations by zip code here! You can also check the ingredient list - the non-vegan bakery uses dairy in all their cookies (boo.).

I was able to buy some cookies from a co-worker whose daughter was selling the vegan varieties and I was so excited! I can't tell you the last time I was able to enjoy Thin Mints...they tasted delicious, just how I remember! I also got some Peanut Butter Patties and they were pretty much to die for as well!

Vegan Donuts at The Donuttery in Huntington Beach, CA

The Donuttery's vegan donuts 

(don't mind the bite taken out of one...I couldn't wait!)

Two words - vegan donuts!!

This little hole-in-the-wall donut shop off Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach now carries vegan cake donuts (and raised donuts as of February 2015), woo hoo! I can't remember the last time I had a donut, so as soon as I heard this place was carrying vegan donuts I hightailed it over there to get my paws on some cakey deliciousness.

As soon as I walked in to the establishment I was greeted by the lovely sight of a sign that read "We now serve Vegan donuts" and rows and rows of vegan donuts. Woo hoo!

The Donuttery's vegan donut selection

I chose three cake donuts to try - a lemon-glazed one with sprinkles (please see the update below - the sprinkles used at The Donuttery are NOT vegan!), maple-glazed one sprinkled with nuts and a chocolate glazed one. I am not sure what I was expecting, but certainly not the deliciousness my mouth was greeted with! All the donuts had the perfect cake-like consistency and the glazes were divine. They were sweet without being overpowering and they tasted just like I remember donuts tasting. My favorite was the lemon-glaze one because it was sweet and tangy. Mmmm mmmmmm mmmm!!

The Donuttery is open 24 hours a day, so if you are in the mood for vegan donuts at 3 AM and live around Huntington Beach you can get them! Score!

The Donuttery is located at Beach Boulevard and Slater Avenue and also carries a variety of non-vegan donuts, coffee drinks, salads and sandwiches (I didn't see anything vegan-friendly on their food menu, though).

UPDATE #1: Someone has brought to my attention that the sprinkles used on the vegan donuts ARE NOT vegan! The sprinkles contain confectioners glaze (i.e. crushed up bugs) and therefore are not vegan. The donuts themselves are vegan, though, so you could order the ones without sprinkles.

UPDATE #2: The Donuttery no longer uses non-vegan sprinkles on their vegan donuts and has better educated themselves on vegan ingredients, so you are free to enjoy all their vegan donuts! They now also carry RAISED vegan donuts, vegan donut holes and vegan bars! 

Restaurant Review: Tacos Cancun in Costa Mesa, CA

Tacos Cancun - vegan Cancun Combo with 

two tacos, pinto beans and potatoes

This small restaurant is located on the busy hub of Harbor and 19th in Costa Mesa, just a block from the end of the 55 freeway. I discovered it by chance while searching for new food places and since it was so close to our house Mister Spooky and I decided to give it the old college try.

Though the restaurant serves standard meat- and cheese-filled burritos, tacos, etc., I was delighted to find that Tacos Cancun is vegan-friendly and even serves Soyrizo, soy ground “beef” and Daiya cheese! So Mister Spooky (who is not vegan) and I (vegan, obviously), could eat at the same place and both be happy!

One chilly evening we arrived at the cozy restaurant and were greeted like family. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the vegan options. Menu items were also marked with a “V” if they could be made vegan. Basically, you could replace the meat protein with a plant-based protein in most of the taco and burrito dishes and the dairy cheese would be substituted with Daiya. They also have the option of subbing veggies or potatoes for the protein. Other veganizable dishes include their enchiladas, tortas, quesadillas and salads.

In chatting up the friendly woman behind the counter I learned that the chef was vegan and insisted on providing vegan-options to his guests. It is so rare to find someone from Central America (where the chef is from) that is vegan so I was mightily impressed and very thankful he decided to open a restaurant with vegan options!

Tacos Cancun's vegan sign

I ended up ordering a Cancun Combo that came with two tacos (I replaced the meat with Soyrizo and the dairy cheese with Daiya cheese), a side of pinto beans (vegan!) and crispy potatoes (the rice is not vegan). The tacos were double-wrapped in tortillas and stacked high with Soyrizo, pico de gallo, lettuce and two types of Daiya. OMG…they were seriously heavenly. The tortillas were warm and soft, and the toppings had just the right amount of spice to them. I also loved the sides of pinto beans (I can’t remember the last time I was able to eat pinto beans in a restaurant…thank goodness Tacos Cancun has some sense and doesn’t use nasty lard!) and the potatoes! I would have been full on one taco plus the sides, but I cleaned my plate – that’s how good it was!

Mister Spooky went a little nuts and ordered the asada fries, cheeseburger, and street tacos. Yes, he is a big dude. The asada fries were HUGE and he could have easily been satisfied with those! He plowed through the fries and loved them! He said the street tacos were also really good. He was so full he had to take the cheeseburger to go. It’s a rare thing he can leave a restaurant completely full and satisfied (and with leftovers!), but Tacos Cancun was able to accomplish this!

One thing to note – space is limited and there are only about five tables in the joint, so keep that in mind if you go during peak hours. Other than that, it is a neat, clean space with an inviting atmosphere and awesome staff!

When we left we profusely thanked the chef and his staff since we had such a great experience here. We will definitely be back…I want to try everything that can be made vegan!

If you are in the Orange County area, I highly recommend checking out Tacos Cancun!

Tacos Cancun - vegan Cancun Torta

UPDATE: I went back and tried the vegan Cancun Torta. I had never had a torta, but it’s kinda like a Mexican sloppy Joe…beans, veggies, Soyrizo, guacamole in a hamburger-like bun. It was only $5, but it was so big I could only eat half of it! Plus, it was delicious!

Horror Movies I'm Most Looking Forward to in 2013

At the beginning of every year I like to make a list of upcoming horror movies I'm looking forward to that year. I'm a bit forgetful, so a list is essential for me to stay on top of new releases! I'm a little late in making a list this year (I blame it on a crazy January full of traveling, illness, birthday celebrations and playing catch-up at work), but I made one nonetheless to keep me on track this year.

There are plenty of upcoming horror movies in 2013 I'm looking forward to and it seems like it is going to be a very decent year for horror fans! Of course, there are some movies I'm looking forward to more than others, which is why I've given a bit of an explanation as to why I'm looking forward to each film (or a reason why I'm only tentatively looking forward to a movie).

Please note that I've grouped films by release month, but that these are only approximate and may change. I've also seen some films already released this year (like Mama - which was a solid effort but missing something I can't quite put my finger on), so I have not listed these below. 

JANUARY:

John Dies at the End - "Just so you know...

they're sorry for everything that's about to

happen"

John Dies at the End (limited theatrical run/VOD release) - I absolutely loved the trippy book (read my review on my archive blog) and I've been looking forward to this film for quite some time, especially since Don Coscarelli (Bubba Ho-Tep, Phantasm) wrote and directed. Can't wait to take this trip!

ABCs of Death - "26 directors 26 ways to die"

The ABCs of Death (VOD release, will be released theatrically in March 2013) - 26 short horror films by 26 different directors from around the world...how can a horror fan NOT be interested in this anthology?! I've been waiting for this one to be released for a loooong time and really cannot wait to watch it. Though I might hold out until it is released theatrically in March so I can see it on the big screen!

Citadel - "They see your fear"

Citadel (DVD and VOD release) - This film finally got a U.S. DVD/VOD release this January. I have been hearing good things about it for a while now, but truth be told the trailer doesn't make it look like anything special. I'm hoping the good buzz pans out and my perceptions based on the trailer turn out to be wrong.

FEBRUARY:

Warm Bodies - "Zombies need love 2"

Warm Bodies (theatrical release) - At first I was not interested in this film at all. The trailers made it look ok, but I still wasn't convinced. However, once I heard some positive reviews from people I trust, my interest was piqued. I've heard it is a fun, quirky film that offers a different perspective on the zombie subgenre. Hmmmm...may have to check it out now!

Dark Skies - "Once you've been chosen, you

belong to them"

Dark Skies (theatrical release) - I don't really like Keri Russell, and the trailer makes it look a little ho-hum, but I have to admit I'm still kinda intrigued by this movie. It looks like it could be creepy...but then on the other hand it looks like it could be lame and generic. Trying to stay cautiously optimistic for this one.

MARCH:

Stoker

Stoker (theatrical release) - Not too sure if this is considered “horror”, but nonetheless it looks like a beautifully dark movie full of mystery, murder and intrigue. Plus, it is directed by Park Chan-wook, who has directed Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Lady Vengeance and Thirst – all movies I've loved. If nothing else I expect a solid psychological thriller.

The Last Exorcism Part II - "The second coming"

The Last Exorcism Part 2 (theatrical release) - For the most part I enjoyed The Last Exorcism and judging from the trailers I like where they are taking the story for Part II. I like how for the second installment they are ditching the handheld cameras and following the lead character (it still freaks me out how much she looks like Michael Cera with a wig) as she tries (and fails) to adjust to “normal” life after her ordeal.

Room 237 - "Some movies stay with you 

forever...and ever...and ever"

Room 237 (DVD) - This is a documentary examining the hidden meanings in Kubrick’s The Shining. I remember discussing The Shining’s motifs, editing “mistakes”, structure and what Kubrick meant by all of it in film class, so the film nerd in me is eagerly awaiting this documentary that examines several theories about one of my favorite horror films. 

APRIL:

Evil Dead

Evil Dead (theatrical release) - I was pretty much opposed to this remake when I first heard about it, but after seeing the trailers I've changed my mind and actually WANT to see it (despite the poster's rather pompous proclamation that it is "the most terrifying film you will ever experience"). I also appreciate that the filmmakers have stated that practical effects are used instead of CGI in keeping with the original’s DIY attitude. Now if only it would be released with its originally-awarded NC-17 rating instead of chopping it down to an R-rating (I'm hopeful the uncut version will be eventually released on Blu-ray/DVD)!

The Lords of Salem - "We've been waiting...

we've always been waiting"

The Lords of Salem (theatrical release) - I am not one of those people that love Rob Zombie movies just cuz they are Rob Zombie movies. In fact, I think the only film from him I really like is The Devil’s Rejects. However, The Lords of Salem looks right up my alley. Witches, curses and satanic pandemonium, oh my!

JULY:

Still from The Conjuring with Patrick Wilson

and Vera Farmiga

The Conjuring (theatrical release) - I am a sucker for anything ghost/haunted house/paranormal related and James Wan directed (since his slam-dunk Insidious), so I'm looking forward to this flick, about paranormal investigators called to help a family in a secluded farmhouse who are being terrorized by a dark presence.

AUGUST:

You're Next - "His pack versus yours"

You're Next (unknown release format) - This 2011 film is FINALLY getting a proper release (though I'm unsure whether it is limited theatrical or DVD/VOD)! Director Adam Wingard directed Pop Skull and A Horrible Way to Die, both of which I enjoyed, so I am looking forward the the home-invasion horror of You're Next.

First still from Insidious Chapter 2, courtesy of 

director James Wan's Instagram (check out the lady in

the background, who I missed when I first saw this!!)

Insidious: Chapter 2 (theatrical release) - I absolutely adored Insidious (see "slam-dunk" comment above), so I am very, very excited for Chapter 2, which picks up right after the first film ends. 

Release Month Unknown:

S-VHS

S-VHS - I was a fan of V/H/S despite some of its segments falling flat, so I am readily looking forward to its "sequel", which will again boast various shorts for different filmmakers, including Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard, Gareth Evans, Eduardo Sanchez, Gregg Hale, Jason Eisener and Timo Tjahjanto. I'm hoping S-VHS will be full of the same WTF craziness, fun and variety as V/H/S.

Katherine Isabelle in American Mary

American Mary - The Soska twins (Dead Hooker in a Trunk) are doing amazing things in the horror genre, so I am very excited to check out American Mary, which stars the stunning Katherine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps) as a disenchanted medical student. The film was already released on DVD in the UK (lucky bastards), but for us here in the U.S. no release date has been announced yet.

I know I've probably missed a few horror films in this list and I've no doubt that this list will grow as we move further into 2013 and more films' release dates are announced.

What horror films are you looking forward to in 2013?

Beauty Review: ColorProof SuperRich Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

I am always on the lookout for new (or new-to-me) vegan beauty product to try, so imagine my delight when I did a search for “vegan shampoo” on Amazon.com and ColorProof popped up! A vegan shampoo and conditioner that also protects color-treated hair?! Sign me up!

I had never heard of ColorProof, so after checking out their website to ensure their products really were vegan and cruelty-free, I gleefully added their SuperRich Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner to my wish list.

I received the shampoo and conditioner for Christmas (yippee!!) and I was excited to try it! I have been using it since the beginning of January and so far I absolutely love it! The shampoo is rich and nourishing and reminds me of Pureology’s NanoWorks shampoo, which I used to buy until I learned they were owned by L’Oreal (who tests on animals – so even though Pureology products themselves are vegan I don’t buy them since the $$ would go to L’Oreal). The SuperRich Moisture Shampoo lathers up well and just a little goes a long way! I have tons of  thick, coarse, dry and damaged hair and a quarter-sized amount is more than necessary even for me! The smell of the shampoo is kind of bland, but I don’t mind since the smell of the conditioner more than makes up for it (more on that later). My hair feels so much plumper and more moisturized after using the SuperRich Moisture Shampoo!

The conditioner also works wonders…instead of it being overly thick and heavy, it actually feels silky and luxurious…plus my scalp tingles pleasantly from the peppermint it contains! After leaving it on a few minutes in the shower my hair feels more manageable and smooth, plus I love how it leaves my hair smelling like candy canes!

More added bonuses:

This product really does help retain my red hair color (one of the toughest colors to maintain) and I find I haven’t had to dye it as much since I started using ColorProof products. Plus, all of ColorProof’s products are:

• Sulfate-free
• Salt-free
• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free
• Phthalate-free
• PABA-free
• Carcinogen-free
• MEA & DEA-free
• Biodegradable formulas
• Recyclable packaging wherever possible
• 100% vegan
• Never tested on animals
• Keratin-free

The price might be a little expensive to some, but I think it is well worth it! Each 10.1 oz bottle of shampoo runs around $25 on Amazon.com and the price is about the same for conditioner. However, it does last a long time (I've only used about ½ a bottle in 4 weeks…I estimate I’ll have to buy it every 1 ½ to 2 months) and it just leaves my hair looking/feeling gorgeous!

If you are looking for a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that improves your hair’s appearance, doesn't have a lot of nasty ingredients in it and preserves your hair color, I would highly recommend checking out ColorProof!

I am so impressed by their SuperRich Moisture system that I look forward to trying their other products!

Food Review: Lilly's Hummus

Four flavors of Lilly's Hummus - Roasted Garlic, Roasted

Jalapeno, Smoked Tomato and Basil, Kalamata Olive with

some pita bread (devoured after this photo!)

The good folks over at the Oregon-based Lilly's Hummus contacted me about reviewing some of their hummus and I gleefully accepted (I am a hummus addict)...little did I know that these generous folks would be sending me full tubs of seven varieties of their lip-smackin' hummus!

I received the hummus about a week ago and have been snacking on all the flavors for the past week. If this proves anything, it's that I don't get sick of hummus, like, ever!! I received all their flavors (except the Cracked Black Pepper), which are:

• Plain (Original)
• Smoked Tomato and Basil
• Roasted Garlic
• Roasted Jalapeno
• Kalamata Olive
• Roasted Red Pepper
• Black Bean Hummus

Lilly's Hummus uses fresh, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients to make their delectable hummus. Their hummus has a rustic, homemade quality that you just don't get with mass-produced hummus. Lilly's has more texture and natural flavor than regular store-bought hummus and the quality of ingredients really shines through!

I enjoyed all their flavors, but I did have a few favorites. I fell head-over-heels in love with their Smoked Tomato and Basil Hummus! The smoky tomato flavor combined with the crisp taste of basil had me coming back for more...and more. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I inhaled half the tub before forcing myself to stop!

I also loved the Roasted Garlic, Roasted Jalapeno and Kalamata Olive flavors. I liked that the flavors never felt overpowering or processed, instead they tasted subtle and natural. Lilly's never uses fillers, imitation flavors or hydrogenated oils, and I think that really shows in the final product!

Lilly's Hummus cares about their product and consumers - which is evident from the final, delicious product! I also like that this company uses locally-sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible, doesn't use preservatives or weird ingredients in their hummus, and is an eco-friendly company, recycling and composting at their facility whenever possible.

I would definitely buy Lilly's Hummus and wholeheartedly recommend it! Next time I am out I plan on seeing if my local health food store, Mother's Market, has any in stock.

Lilly's Hummus is sold at select natural/health food stores...for locations of those in your area and for more info on Lilly's, check their website!

Beauty Review: 100% Pure Eucalyptus Seafoam Facial Cleanser

My lovely friend introduced me to 100% Pure Cosmetics, a (mostly) vegan* (see note below) line of beauty products made from the purest ingredients. 100% Pure products do not contain harsh detergents, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, toxins or animal products (except some products contain honey...which I discovered after writing this review; more on this below). Of course I immediately wanted to try all their products, but the Eucalyptus Seafoam Facial Cleanser caught my eye since it is made for oily skin (which unfortunately I have).

I was lucky enough to receive it for my birthday and just couldn't wait to try it. I mean, just take a look at the plant-based ingredient list:

Organic Seaweeds (Kelp, Sea Lettuce, Spirulina), Green Tea (Organic), French Green Sea Clay, Coco Betaine (gentle coconut cleanser), Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Di Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Seed Oil, Extracts of, Pomegranate (Organic), Grapefruit Seed (Organic), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract (Organic), Essential Oil of Organic Tea Tree, Organic Eucalyptus and Organic Peppermint, Extracts of Cinnamon, Thyme, Goldenseal and Oregano

Sounds delightful, does it not?! I tried it for the first time after a long, hard day and immediately found its pepperminty eucalyptus scent invigorating and uplifting. My face tingled (in a good way) when I massaged it into my skin, as if my very skin cells were perking up! After rinsing I noticed it took off all my makeup no problem! My skin felt smooth, soft, refreshed and clean! It really felt like it cleared my pores out and that they could “breathe”.

It also doesn't dry out my skin like most cleansers made for oily skin, but instead leaves it feeling nourished. I didn't even need to put on any moisturizer after washing my face with this cleanser!

I will mention that if you get it near your eyes that they will tingle…it doesn't sting like soap but it is an odd feeling, so I recommend washing your eye makeup off first before using the 100% Pure Eucalyptus Seafoam cleanser.

I love 100% Pure’s philosophy on natural ingredients, commitment to being (mostly) vegan and cruelty-free and using quality ingredients to create wonderful products such as their Eucalyptus Seafoam Facial Cleanser.

Based on how much I love this product I can’t wait to try other 100% Pure items!

*A word of warning: after initially writing this review I discovered that though their products are listed as being "vegan", be aware that some products contain honey. So far I found beeswax in some of their lip products, but it could also pop up in other products. 

The company says they use "cruelty-free" honey, which is a bunch of BS in my opinion. This is pretty shady to call yourself "vegan" but include honey in your products! It makes me NOT want to try any other products from 100% Pure.

Please make sure to check the ingredient lists before purchasing any products! 

Vegan Cuts January 2013 Box Review

January 2013 Vegan Cuts Box

I love monthly subscription boxes! I tried the Lollihop snack box (review) until they shut down, and for the past year I've been receiving Conscious Box. I had a few problem with Conscious Box, like receiving the wrong box (I got their "classic" box instead of their vegan box), missing items in my boxes, and even receiving items in their "vegan" box that weren't vegan. Their customer service was quick to address my concerns, but nonetheless when my subscription was up I opted to cancel and try something new!

I opted for Vegan Cuts because I already adore their vegan coupon service, the price seemed fair and with them I knew all products would be 100% vegan. I signed up and received my first box towards the end of January.

From other people's photos I've seen, not all boxes are the same and there is quite some variety to what products come in your monthly box. Below is a list of what I received in my January 2013 Vegan Cuts Box:

• Beanfields Pico de Gallo chips
• Beanfields Nacho chips
• Surf Sweets Sour Berry Bears
• PUR Wintergreen Gum
• Nutcase Crunch
• Berry Plus Laundry Soap
• Cuppow lid for extra-wide Mason jars
• Simply Straws clear glass straw
• Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil 
• Organic Freekeh Roasted Green Wheat

I LOVE Beanfields chips, so I was very excited to try these flavors, which I've never had before! I also had never tried Surf Sweets, PUR gum or Freekeh wheat, so I was very pleased to receive these high-quality items. I love Cuppow lids and Simply Straws and glad to add these to my collection. I had previously received Nutcase Crunch, Berry Plus Laundry Soap and Kelapo Coconut Oil in a Conscious Box, so I knew these were good items as well!

I have to be honest - at first I wasn't too impressed with the Vegan Cuts box, especially looking at the different items in other people's boxes...however, after giving it some thought I've changed my opinion and am quite content with the items contained in the January box. 

If you are looking for a box that allows you to try a variety of vegan products and is a good value, I definitely encourage you to check out Vegan Cuts!

If interested in signing up for a Vegan Cuts box, please use my referral link by clicking HERE!

I'm Back with Vacation Photos!

Hi boils and ghouls! I know, I know...long time no post. So much stuff to catch up on! I apologize for my absence...I was on vacation the first week of January (during which I had my birthday...yay!), but when I got back home I came down with the death flu that's going around and was pretty much out of commission for a week and a half. Then I had my belated birthday party to host and lots of work at my jobby-job to catch up on...leaving not much time for blogging!

I'm back now, and will definitely be posting more often in the coming weeks!

For my first post of the new year, I wanted to share some photos with you of my trip up to Northern California. Mister Spooky and I headed up there to visit my family and have a second Christmas. We headed up the 101 Highway early, early one rainy morning and got up to Napa County early afternoon. During our week stay we ate awesome food, hung out with my family, went on hikes, visited tons of old cemeteries and even did a day trip out to Bodega Bay.

Here are a few pics of the trip (if you follow me on Instagram - thespookyvegan - many of these may look familiar)!

Sunrise on the road

The beautiful tree (and presents) at my parent's house! They 

postponed Christmas so we could spend it together :)

 Cutest owl gift tag / wrapping paper from my sister

 Squeeeeeeee....got the Trick or Treat book!

Some more neat books I picked up on the trip.

 Creepy angel in a mausoleum - Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

 Sunset in the cemetery - Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

Gorgeous monument at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, CA 

Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

Annnnnnd this is how I spent NYE...wearing my old dinosaur

costume from when I was a kid! RAWR!

 We went to the Petrified Forest near Calistoga, CA (I had lived in the 

area for years and had never been) and it was pretty cool!

This area had been excavated to uncover the massive petrified tree

to the left in the photo.

Awesome found graffiti at the Petrified Forest - Go Vegan!

 1800s Pioneer Cemetery at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

 1800s Pioneer Cemetery at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

On the trail at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

In honor of my birthday, I share with you this pic of me on my 2nd bday :)

 Finally made it to Ike's Place (Santa Rosa location)! Got their 

Vegan Ugly Owl sammie and OMG it was soooooooo delicious!

 Also tried this at Ike's...it was like drinking a peppermint stick! NOM!

Old abandoned Haunted House (or what's left of it) - somewhere

on the road to Bodega Bay

Old cemetery we found on the way to Bodega Bay

Had an amazing four-course fancy dinner at Jole in Calistoga, CA.

Jole isn't a vegan restaurant, but their chef created a custom vegan

four-course menu for me! It was so delicious!

 The view from this place was unreal! I could see all of the valley!

Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA

 Old Pioneer Cemetery in Calistoga, CA 

I had never been to this cemetery, so I was excited I finally went! 

Lots of old, old tombstones that you could barely read anymore.

 Oh hi there! Me in the Old Pioneer Cemetery in Calistoga, CA

 Still my favorite grave...."Darling" in St. Helena Cemetery - 

St. Helena, CA

It was a much needed getaway for both me and Mister Spooky and I'm so glad I was able to see my family and just relax!