Bajo Wedding Bells!!

This week I got to attend the first ever Bajo wedding, or at least first among my group of friends from university. We all headed to Elderslie to watch the beautiful Jen Black marry Danny and become Mrs Devlin. Once they had official tied the knot, it was time for Zee, Jenn and me to pile into Jayne's car and take a road trip to Brig o' Doon for the reception.

The Brig o' Doon house hotel was set in the most beautiful grounds you could wish for, especially with the sun shinning like it did all day. We got a chance to walk down by the river as we enjoyed some champagne and took photographs before the meal was served. This was my third wedding, but first being vegan and not really knowing what kind of food would be served. I didn't take any photos of the food but I ended up eating melon for starter followed by potato and leek soup (turns out I do like soup after all). The main course was a huge salad filled with peppers, asparagus, and orange, and then for dessert I had a selection of fruit sorbet.

We didn't stay too long since it was a two hour drive home, and some of us were up stupidly early for work but it was an amazing day surrounded by some of my favourite people who I don't get to see often enough.

Best. News. Ever.

This is David. He's my little brother, but most of all he's one of my best friends. It's 6 years this week since he was admitted to Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow. I still remember the first time the c word was mentioned. Despite knowing there was a mass in his chest when I arrived on his ward, it hadn't quite sunk in that it was cancer. The next 12 months were a complete blur. I remember the good days when we would watch a DVD together and even laugh. However it's the bad days that stick in my mind more. The days when we didn't think he would get any better. The weeks he spent on a ventilator in ICU when I wasn't even sure if he could hear me talking to him, and the times he was so weak he couldn't even move. 

He was finally well enough to leave the hospital in June 2009. I remember thinking everything would be fine when he was released, but it was a still roller coaster ride that involved hospital appointments, operations and lots of physiotherapy so he could learn to walk again. He also started high school over a year after all his friends did. For the first few months he was only able to go for a couple of hours a week, and didn't really start full time until third year. In total, he missed about two years of high school. He never complained or moaned about catching up at school, he just got on with it. 

Today he got accepted to Stirling Uni and I can't even put into words how proud I am. He's faced more in his short life than I ever imagined was even possible, and he's braver than I could ever hope to be. The next chapter of his life is just around the corner, and I can't wait to watch him enjoy every step of it. 

Fringe Times: Week One

So I guess the Fringe is finally here. After three years working non-stop during it, I can actually spend some time seeing shows, drinking, and hanging out with friends this year. 

Since I couldn't really go to The Stand launch party this year, I went to catch up with some people I haven't seen in a while before it. I went to have a look round the new Stand 5 venue before visiting with some of the guys at Stand 3 and 4. Then I went for some tea (or juice if you don't like tea) and catch up with Seymour, Gavin and Kate. 

I'd managed to get some free tickets through work for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo so I spent Thursday night there. I'd never actually been before, but it was easily one of the best shows I've ever seen. It was press night, so it was a little ruined by the photographers running around and getting in the way of the performers. At some points the dancers couldn't do their routine properly because they just stood in their way. The whole thing made me feel really proud to be Scottish. If Alex Salmond wants to get more yes votes, then he really should do some campaigning when people are leaving the show. 

Despite my reservations about the big firework display at the end of the night, it was actually a really great show. I don't think i'll be rushing out to see any again soon, but maybe next time I see some I won't be having an anxiety attack about fireworks next time I see some.

On Friday I finished work at 5 and went to meet up with Cara and Emma for our first night of proper Fringe shows. We went to Espionage first to catch a free show before going up to the BBC village and then onto see The Axis of Awesome. 

Cara and Emma have been fans of them for years now, and they really didn't disappoint at all. It's weird how much you miss when you're working so much. I did feel like a bit of a traitor for hanging out at other venues, but it's also nice to actually explore the Fringe a bit more. 

On Sunday I headed back to The Stand to hide out in the tech box with Will and watch a couple of shows. Stephen K Amos was fantastic and I would recommend him to anyone who hasn't seen him before. I also stuck around to watch Rob Rouse for the first time. He was great too, but I really wish there had been more people in to watch his show.

Next week I'm planning to see lots more shows including Buffer, Simon Munnery, Seymour Mace, Bridget Christie, Simon Amstell, Damian Clark, Tony Law and then dance the night away in The Jazz Bar for the first time.

I'm also planning to sleep for more than three hours a night. Bring on week 2! 

Run, Run, Run

I guess the advantage of not sleeping is that I didn't need to drag myself out of bed this morning to go for a run. I spent the night alternating between staring at the ceiling, crying and sitting on the sofa. None of it mounted to anything close to sleep, so I was out the door before the clock even struck 6am. 

Wedding Bells

It's hard to believe that it's probably been ten years since we were last in a photograph together. These are the girls who I spent all my school years with. I remember the school discos, our high school crushes, and that time we got drunk on Smirnoff Ice before going on school bowling night. It's strange to think how time passes and you just grow apart from people. I just hope another ten years don't go past before i see them again. 

London Times!

On Monday, I headed down to London with Jenn for a few days of musicals, drinks, sun and adventures.

I was looking to try as many new vegan places as possible, so we went to Vitao on Oxford Street to get some dinner. It was really small place with a choice of organic juices, salads and hot dishes. I ended up with a bit of everything includes noodles, broccoli and a tomato and chickpea tagine.

The best of all though was the selection of raw cakes and cookies they had. I opted for a coconut apple tart and Jenn picked some chocolate cake.

After we ate it was time to go see Billy Elliot. It was never a musical that was high up my list of things I wanted to see, but going on a recommendation from someone at the Edinburgh Playhouse, I figured it had to be good. It wasn't just good though, it was one of the best musicals I've ever seen. If you've not seen it yet, then I really recommend it. The dancing was fantastic, and some parts were a lot darker and emotional than I ever really expected it to be. I'm just hoping it goes on tour soon so it come up to Edinburgh. 

We decided to go experience some culture on Tuesday with a trip to the British Museum. Obviously the first stop inside was the gift shop, and then we just spent a couple of hours walking around all the exhibitions. 

We spent Tuesday afternoon watching Jersey Boys. I managed to get us a couple of complimentary tickets through work as the show is coming up to the Edinburgh Playhouse in October. Our seats ended up being just a few rows from the front, so we really couldn't have asked for a better place to watch the show. The story of Frankie Valli isn't one that i really knew, but with songs that are instantly recognisable it was a great show. 

After Jersey Boys it was time to go to the IceBar for the first time. For someone who is cold all the time, i found it freezing even with the giant cape and gloves on. Still, it was one of the best bars I've ever been too, especially since they served you cocktails in giant ice cubes.

We had a few hours on Wednesday before the train ride home. It was just enough time to go to the British Library and have a walk around Camden.

I took Jenn to my favourite Brazilian bar for cocktails, and then we obviously had to make a stop by the best vegan bakery I've come across called Cookies and Scream. I've been there four times this year already, but this was the first time I tried an ice cream sandwich and it was definitely worth the wait.

HAPPY SIX MONTHS VEGAN BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

If you haven't guessed it already, this week marks six months since I decided to change my eating habits and become vegan. I made the decision from the start that I wasn't going to commit myself to it forever. These days forever is something that almost never exists, and the last thing  I want to be known for is quitting the choices I have shouted about for months on end. The thing is, right now I honestly can't see myself going back to how I was before.

My dad was concerned that I was making it socially awkward for myself, but i'm managed to pass the major eating hurdles without any problems at all. If i'm eating out then I take my friends to vegan friendly restaurants like Henderson's in Edinburgh or Stereo in Glasgow. If we go to a normal restaurant then i'll find something to eat. It might not be my first choice, but I can always find something on the menu. I went away for a hen party and the restaurant we went to was able to adapt everything so I could have soup without cream, pasta without cheese and even something sweet to finish it off. I've got two weddings this year and both brides to be have said they can supply a vegan option for the meal. The only downside is i'll miss out on the wedding cake, but at least i can eat myself full at dinner.

My dad wasn't the only one who raised concerns back in January when I started to tell people what I was doing. Some people just simply didn't understand. I should probably point out that these were the people who had a diet that consisted of junk food, takeaways, cigarettes and a lot of alcohol. But of course, it would be rude of me to comment on their diet. Others seemed worried about how I would ever manage to get my daily intake of protein. It just so happens that one cup of pinto or kidney beans gives you 15 grams of protein, so really there's no need for people to be too concerned.

The best thing about it all is how healthy I've felt. I don't get that horrible bloated feeling you get after eating lots of junk food. I still feel a bit tired, but that's due to my over thinking mind keeping me awake than anything else. I've not had a proper cold, a sore throat or any sort of flu related illness in months. I don't feel run down at all, in fact i feel better than I've felt in years.

I know this kind of diet isn't for everyone and i'm sure people will continue to question me whenever I tell them about it. But instead of asking stupid questions (i'm happy to answer serious ones) i wish people would look into it a bit more. It's an incredibly healthy way to live, and i'm pretty sure i'll be feeling even better in another six months time.

Classic Waffles

Most people seemed pretty surprised when I got a waffle maker for my birthday back in January, but it turns out there's plenty of ways to make waffles without using any animal products. I ran out of sugar when i made these, so ended up using agave syrup instead and it ended up making them a lot fluffier than usual. 

This is the recipe I use to make classic waffles, but you can easily add coconut or frozen blueberries to the mixture to make it a bit different.

Ingredients
1 cup organic flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1  tbsp egg replacer
1 cup coconut milk
2  tbsp agave syrup
3 tbsp melted vegan margarine
A pinch of salt
3 tbsp vegan cream cheese
2 tbsp icing sugar

1. Preheat the waffle maker

2. Mix the vegan soft cheese and icing sugar together until smooth.

3 In a bowl mix the flour, agave syrup, salt, egg replacer and baking powder together.

4. Whisk in the coconut milk.

5. Melt the butter in a pan and whisk into the mixture.

6. Pour the mixture into the waffle maker for two minutes.

7. Remove and add toppings! I personally think cream cheese is the best with some frozen blueberries, fresh berries and chia seeds.

Enjoy! 

A Weekend of Adventures

I seem to have got into the habit of going away at the weekend, but also not posting about it when i get back. I spent this weekend up north visiting my best friend Cara in Arbroath. We walked along the beach, visited Pleasureland, drank frozen cocktails, watched The Little Mermaid and caught up on everything that's been happening. I also got over my fear of dodgems. I think in itself that's a big achievement for someone who has been scared to go on them since she was 8 years old.

The weekend before last i went down to London to visit an old friend. It was a really impulsive Friday night decision, but one that was worth it even if a round of two drinks cost me over £10. We spent Saturday afternoon getting drunk in Camden, and drinking passion and mango caipiroska in my favourite Brazilian bar. We spent the night watching the football at an apartment with an amazing rooftop terrace, and I also discovered i'm actually pretty great at pool. On Sunday morning i managed to sneak in a visit to my favourite vegan bakery before the long journey home.

I guess now i just need to decide where to go on my next adventure! 

National Blood Week: Why We Should All Be Donating Now

I was 25 years old when I stepped into the Glasgow Blood Donor centre to give blood for the first time. It had always been something I had thought about doing, but like most of the population I'd just never really got round to it. In Scotland, only 5% of us are active donors meaning National Blood Week is more important than ever.

I should probably point out that not everyone who wants to donate is a suitable donor. That's why it's vital that if you are eligible, then you do give blood on a regular basis. I have friends who have lived abroad or take certain medications that prevent them from being able to donate. I have other friends who are gay or who frequently get tattoos, and this means they also fall into categories that don't allow them to do it. If you're one of the unlucky ones (or I guess lucky if you're scared of needles) who can't give blood, then you'll probably be able to talk a family member or work colleague who can. After all, you do have 95% of the Scottish population to choose from.

Growing up as a fan of a certain Dr Ross in ER, I saw my fair share of patients being given blood on TV. But it wasn't until I was 21 that I actually saw first-hand how vital blood donations are for the people who need them. I had just graduated from university and thought my world was pretty invincible when my brother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He didn't just need one transfusion, he had regular blood and platelet transfusions during his 12 month stay in hospital. Like most cancer patients, it's a normal part of their treatment and they wouldn't be able to undergo chemotherapy without it.

Both my siblings have spent time in hospital with serious illnesses, but somehow I manage to pull a lucky card because I've never really been sick. I endured the playground fun of wearing glasses and braces at the same time, but I've never spent any time in hospital. I haven't had to rely on other people giving blood in order to live to like my brother did when he was just 11 years old. Other members of my family need to take medication every day which makes them unable to donate. It means I've somehow ended up flying the solo flag for blood donations in the Moyes household, and I'm determined to convince others to join me.

If you're someone who has given blood before, then maybe it's time to take the next step and think about giving platelets. The small cells are what help our blood to clot, and they're vital for people undergoing cancer treatment. And with a shelf-life of just a few days, it's essential that donations are continually coming in. Due to my weight, I've not yet be able to donate platelets. My brother seems to think a good sister would gain 21 pounds so she could do it, but instead I've tried to convince the nurse at my local centre that I'd be a suitable donor. Unfortunately after several attempts, I've still had no luck.

The truth of the matter is that at one point or another, either you or someone close to you is going to need a blood transfusion. It might not be today, and it might not happen for another 10 years. But how would you feel if the doctors turned around and told you that supplies were too low? It might seem like an extreme scenario right now, but it might just happen if more of us don't understand how important it is to start donating blood.

The Fringe List: Comedy Edition

For the first time in three years I won't be working during the Fringe in Edinburgh. This means i have weekends off, only have to work eight hours a day, and I can see as many shows as I can blag/afford to go to. Sure there's a few shows at The Playhouse, but there's only five different shows all month and not the usual 40 shows a day i was used to at The Stand.

So this morning I made some vegan waffles and sat down with the Fringe brochure. I went straight to the comedy section and highlighted all the shows below. There's people I've seen before, people i know from The Stand, and others like B.J Novak that I've never seen.

I still have to work my way through the other sections of the brochure, but after some of the listings for the Traverse and Summerhall i'm pretty sure i'll be adding lots to it.

Alfie Brown: Divorced from Reality (and My Wife)
The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society
The Axis of Awesome: Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas
Aye Right? How No? The Comedy Countdown to the Referendum with Vladimir McTavish & Keir McAllister
Barbara Nice: Squirrel Proof
B.J NOVAK: ONE MORE TIME (clearly this is the show i'm most excited about)
Bridget Christie: An Ungrateful Woman
Cardinal Burns
Damian Clark: Go Ahead, Make My Damo
David Kay
David O'Doherty Has Checked Everything
Eleanor Morton: Lollipop
Fred MacAulay: The Frederendum
Frisky and Mannish: Just Too Much
Gary Little: The Thing Is
Henning Wehn: Eins, Zwei, DIY
Jack Dee's Help Desk
Joel Dommett: Finding Emo
Josie Long: Cara Josephine
Katie Mulgrew: Happily Ever After
Kerry Godliman: Face Time
Kraken
Lloyd Langford: Old Fashioned
Lost Voice Guy: Laughter Is The Worst Medicine
Robert Newman's New Theory of Evolution
Seymour Mace presents Questionable Time
Tony Jameson: The Rules of Engagement
Simon Amstell: Tour Previews
Stewart Lee: A Room With a Stew (Work In Progress)
Tony Law: Enter the Tonezone
Zoe Lyons: Mustard Cutter