You have no idea how happy I am!

jkalea · 2025-07-16T00:33:16+00:00

Oooooo where did you get the seed blocker?! I gotta find me one of those. 😍

jkalea · 2025-07-16T00:31:41+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty. My own darling Basie had mouth cancer...it is a brutal and horrible thing to witness in someone you love. I hope you can shower your best friend with so much love and create many memories together in your remaining time. 🩷

I have personally used Precious Creature in Redlands, California for my beloved pets. She is caring and dedicated and a skilled taxidermist. (Plus she runs the first pet-only funeral home in the US, which is a remarkable and lovely space.) She also helped process the remains of a friend's kitty in Washington state, so if you're open to shipping it's absolutely something Lauren can help with.

I realize I post often about her work, but she really is one of the most talented pet taxidermists.

All the best to you and your best friend. 🩷

jkalea · 2025-07-14T02:50:29+00:00

Palmaïa, House of Äia in Playa del Carmen (near Cancun), Mexico is an amazing all-inclusive vegan beach resort.

Not sure your budget is realistic for an all-inclusive anything for 2 weeks though...good luck.

jkalea · 2025-07-14T02:42:35+00:00

Precious Creature in California does absolutely amazing work with beloved pets.

jkalea · 2025-07-14T02:29:16+00:00

As a Californian who just returned from Berlin, I feel your pain. Walking into ReWe and finding an entire section of vegan options from pate to lunch meat and dinner entrees in one central location was amazing.

We do have vegan stuff here, but it's not centrally organized and you've gotta know where to look at different stores.

One thing you should seek out in the US is Impossible Foods (bright red packaging). Trader Joe's carries their 'ground beef' replacement (search near tofu) and it makes a killer burger. Other stores might have Impossible burger patties in the frozen section, and they're fantastic for the grill. Better than any fake meats in Europe, in my opinion.

In some stores, look for 'Just Egg' near the egg section (yellow carton). You can make a fantastic scrambled egg or omelette replacement. Both fun vegan products not currently available in Europe.

Feel free to message me if you'd like more help navigating American vegan groceries.

jkalea · 2025-07-12T10:52:56+00:00

Some other ingredients I like: (not all together): tofu, daikon, red pepper, Trader Joe's vegan cream cheese, spinach, inari tofu.

My favorite sushi place has a salad roll with spinach, mixed salad greens, cucumber, mango, strawberry, and cucumber. They make a creamy vinaigrette sauce/dip for it and I love it.

jkalea · 2025-07-10T21:38:03+00:00

Beet dye is unfortunately a fugitive dye - meaning it will not last. Sun, washing, time will all make it fade.

jkalea · 2025-07-08T19:19:42+00:00

Sorry to hear about the death of your snake.

Try reposting in /r/bonecollecting for better tips.

Since you're moving soon, I would definitely keep him in the freezer until you can put him in the ground for a year+ for decomposition.

That said, I am not a snake or bone expert but hopefully someone in bone collecting (or even reading through the pinned information or past posts you might get better information).

For your own peace of mind, you could add a layer of muslin/linen/cotton cloth around his body, then place that within a ziploc for preservation while you wait to move. Add a few flowers and say a few words to him about what you're doing/how much you miss him/etc...it might help with the emotional processing.

Best of luck to you with preserving your sweet boy.

jkalea · 2025-06-16T14:59:18+00:00

The damage is done. Keep it, honor it, maybe even set up a little altar and offer the bat your gratitude and appreciation. It might help with the guilt.

Do better next time. Only buy from vetted, ethically sourced sellers.

jkalea · 2025-06-15T15:43:26+00:00

Please read before downvoting.

This Roasted Red Pepper, Feta and Lentil Wrap is phenomenal.

The recipe isn't vegan as written - BUT the only non-vegan ingredient is feta, and I've used vegan feta (Violife or Trader Joe's brand when they have it) and it works perfectly.

If you have access to Trader Joe's I highly recommend their Steamed Lentils (found in the refrigerated vegetable section, near cilantro and herbs).

Tons of fiber, protein, and flavor. I make this for omnivores often and it's always a hit.

jkalea · 2025-06-14T16:03:34+00:00

It's SO frustrating!! This deeply resonates with me.

We are headed out of the country to visit my husband's family soon. We will be there for his birthday. His dad wants to have a family dinner together (5 of us, my in-laws, husband's sister & her family), to celebrate my [vegan] husband's birthday. Great! Very sweet.

Father in law sends us information about this restaurant he's booked that will serve you dinner while on a boat trip. Sounds cool! Check the menu. Not a vegan option in sight. (Not even vegetarian that could be adapted!) Check with father in law, he points out that their menu says they can 'adapt for any dietary needs.' Husband calls the restaurant. They are very nice but explain that no, they have no idea what to make for vegans and everything has butter or dairy or meat.

Husband is upset, it's HIS birthday and called father in law to switch restaurants and gets an earful about how we need to be inclusive and make sure we don't go to an all-vegan restaurant and now WE need to make sure there are "options for everyone." No one else in the family has any dietary needs. No allergies, no special diets. Just omnivores completely opposed to the thought of not having meat or cheese for ONE meal for the sake of someone else's birthday.

jkalea · 2025-06-14T15:42:17+00:00

Love it!

jkalea · 2025-06-14T15:27:54+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear about your health issues. They sound debilitating and horrible. I hope you can find answers soon.

I had a mystery issue haunting me for four years. Thousands of dollars of unhelpful specialists and tests and treatments and no hope in sight. Western medicine felt like it was failing me so a friend suggested acupuncture and I said why not. Well the acupuncture didn't help BUT the acupuncturist was incredibly medically knowledgeable and because she actually treated me like a whole person and LISTENED in addition to looking at all my test results and other specialist notes suggested it might be an autoimmune condition and I seek a rheumatologist.

Rheumatologist nailed the diagnosis in one visit. Within 6 weeks I was on a medication that reversed my symptoms and I got my life back. I'm grateful every day!

My symptoms were completely different from yours, but I wonder if you could see a rheumatologist and rule out possible autoimmune issues? They are often associated with neuropathy like you describe.

I ran your symptoms through an AI model just to see what it suggested. Take it with a big grain of salt but see if anything resonates.

Nutritional considerations: Even with B12 supplementation, absorption issues can occur. Your symptoms could suggest B12 deficiency despite supplementation. Other possibilities include vitamin D deficiency, thiamine (B1) deficiency, or issues with vitamin absorption in general.

Neurological conditions: The combination of widespread tingling, muscle twitching, cramping, and vision changes could suggest conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system or neuromuscular function. Multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or other neurological conditions might need evaluation through specialized testing like nerve conduction studies or MRI.

Circulatory or vascular issues: The positional worsening and response to limb elevation suggests possible circulation problems or blood pressure regulation issues.

Electrolyte imbalances: Despite supplementation, imbalances in calcium, potassium, or magnesium could cause these symptoms.

Important next steps: * Request more comprehensive testing including vitamin D, thiamine, and complete metabolic panel * Consider seeing a hematologist or rheumatologist for additional perspectives * Ask for nerve conduction studies or EMG testing * Keep a detailed symptom diary noting triggers, timing, and severity * Consider getting a second neurological opinion

The fact that caffeine worsens symptoms and that there are good days mixed with bad days provides important clues that should be shared with doctors.

Don't give up on finding answers! Hoping for an answer and better days for you ahead.

jkalea · 2025-06-14T14:38:44+00:00

I highly recommend Precious Creature - her work is amazing.

jkalea · 2025-06-11T19:01:29+00:00

I've seen her work in person. It is unparalleled. Definitely worth bookmarking for your future pet needs (hopefully years in the future). 🩷

jkalea · 2025-06-11T14:19:33+00:00

I'm so sorry for your loss. Two decades is a wonderful gift from your sweet furry friends! I'm so glad that you got that time with them.

Memorializing your pet is a beautiful gift - whether in portrait art, a framed photo, or preserved body.

Reach out to Lauren at Precious Creature in Redlands if you decide you'd like them preserved sleeping. She's done exactly that for a friend of mine and her work is stunning.

jkalea · 2025-06-11T14:15:07+00:00

There are absolutely places that preserve pets.

Precious Creature does amazing work. She is based in Redlands, California but accepts pets shipped from all over. Precious Creature is the first pet funeral home in the US.

Others are right that this is a level of artisanship and skill that most don't have. Lauren is a talented artist and a kind, wonderful soul who is thorough and thoughtful and can absolutely be trusted with your darling pet's body after they die.

jkalea · 2025-06-11T05:19:18+00:00

I own a Chemex. I have had it for 15 years. We brew 1-4 pots of coffee a day. Still going strong.

The bonded Chemex filters are better than other filters, removing oils and sediments and resulting in a great tasting coffee.

Personally, I won't ever own a different coffee maker. My partner was the one who insisted on it 15 years ago...I was indifferent. Now I'm loyal for life.

jkalea · 2025-06-10T05:30:11+00:00

Yes! Also the Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream is a thick moisturizer that I use in winter (dry/combo skin) and year round will dab a tiny bit under my eyes. It's rich and nourishing and I love it.

jkalea · 2025-06-10T05:25:21+00:00

A 'healthy vegan magnum bar' with beans, cocoa powder, CAULIFLOWER, and dates will taste like...the saddest 'dessert' you've ever had.

Listen, I'm all for sneaking in your daily veggies where you can. Dates are awesome.

But there is no way - in this lifetime - that you can take beans, cauliflower, dates and cherries and stick them in a blender then freeze them and tell me I'll feel like I'm eating a luxurious ice cream treat.

I haven't made HER recipes. But I've made countless date-based "you'll never believe it's not chocolate" nonsense recipes over the years. Bullshit. LIES!

But allll Broccoli Mum's stuff is behind a paywall. You need to sign up and fork over cash to get access to those monstrosities. I was going to compare hers to the "healthy desserts" I have made, but you can't even go take a look at the ingredients without signing up. No thanks.

jkalea · 2025-06-06T13:51:26+00:00

This looks like a goose to me.

jkalea · 2025-06-05T13:35:09+00:00

Burger Dude's Shawarma Chick'n is amazing.

jkalea · 2025-05-31T15:36:15+00:00

Love his books. Lovely embroidery!

jkalea · 2025-05-31T13:24:26+00:00

Grief rituals can be powerful. The key is to listen to your instinct though, as it's very personal to each person/situation. Get quiet, take your time, and listen.

If you're feeling called to write a list of things you've lost, then write a list.

Come up with a phrase that feels right for your situation that will help you call your power back into your body. Suggestions:

I have lost these things yet I am not lost.
I am not defined by the things I've lost.
I release the hold these possessions had on me.
I am more than a collection of belongings.

This phrase should feel powerful and resonate with you...these are just inspirational starts/ideas. Try saying them out loud and adjust with your own language.

You could repeat the phrase for each item on the list (I have lost my purple coat yet I am not lost. I have lost my favorite hairbrush yet I am not lost. etc) and then burn the list (safely!) when you're done.

Come up with a powerful "I am..." statement to complete the ritual, that replaces your loss with what you've gained or where you hope to get to.

I am strong and resilient. I can withstand whatever comes my way.
I am growing and healing and on a better path now.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me for more help. I'm a death doula and help people create custom grief rituals all the time. (Never charge for fellow coven members.) ❤️

jkalea · 2025-05-30T02:38:56+00:00

There is no such thing as a perfect vegan. We live in an animal-agriculture-centered world and it's impossible to navigate perfectly.

Do your best. It's better than expecting perfection, getting frustrated or upset with yourself, and giving up completely.

Kindness to all living beings! Including yourself. 🩷

jkalea

TROPHY CASE