Meatless Mondays

photo credit: Meatless Mondays

For starters, what is this "Meatless Monday" phenomenon about? Well, simply, it's about consuming less animal products - specifically meat. Although it is not Monday, I will be posting every Monday about Meatless Monday. My goal is to provide encouragement, to be a resource, provide recipes and general information about meat consumption as a whole. I decided to speak about this because I myself am a "flexitarian" meaning I rarely consume meat. This is important to me because beyond the issue of animal rights, I believe it is important we are aware of the effects of the products we consume. Veggies and animals alike.
According to The Wall Street Journal, in 2012 the average per capita meat consumption was 132lbs (this includes all meat sources from cow to fish). This number is devastating, hence the birth of the Reducetarian Movement. This is a international movement to encourage us to be more cognitive of the products we are consuming, better, the animals we are consuming.
The practice of reducing your meat consumption may be rather difficult at first if you have never tried it, or you are one of the lucky ones that this doesn't phase you. Our diets are fundamentally constructed around having a rather large meat source with vegetables on the side, although we do need protein, meat is not the only source of it! Serious Eats has an amazing list of oh-so delicious vegetarian options for your next Meatless Monday. My favorite is the Buffalo Fried Cauliflower (yum!).
So, why participate? Because not only is it healthy for you, but our beautiful planet too! Finally, because Paul McCartney participates too! You can find his promotional site here. How groovy is that?

Preparation

image credit: jesuscm

Initially the hardest part about traveling, for me, was the planning. I’m the type of individual that likes to just wing it. My most used quote is, “we’ll cross that bridge once we get there,” however, as I have come to find out through my travels, this is not always the best route. It never hurts to have a plan B, C, or even D.

The initial step in planning any trip is designating your mode of transportation. It’s best to make this decision early, because if you decide to fly, you’re likely to find more favorable pricing the earlier you look. Second important in my list is lodging, whether you decide to sleep in the car or a 5-star hotel. The Cheat Sheet has assembled a great list that allows you to explore both travel and lodging options and prices. If looking to travel abroad, I highly suggest using Skyscanner, as a personal, non-paid testimony, I LOVE THIS SITE. I have used it for numerous trips.

Depending on your travel time, your check-list prior to your trip will very. If you’re similar to me, you enjoy having a physical list (I’m a mess without it). Extra Pack of Peanuts provides a great Pre-TravelChecklist with a concentration of abroad traveling; nonetheless it is the Holy Grail for list makers alike no matter the distance or timing of your trip!

Again, the crucial part of traveling is the preparation. At times you’ll be lucky and not have to plan anything, better yet; you’ll veer from your plans and have an amazing, impromptu adventure. I, myself, now enjoy having an outline or tentative itinerary after several “we’ll cross that bridge once we get there” mishaps. 

About This Blog

image credit: my photo (Morocco)

I can't remember a time when I wasn't traveling. My father traveled a lot for his career in my primary and adolescent years and I always had the pleasure of going along during summer breaks. I believe this is where I got the first bite of the "travel bug."
In my early teens I was afforded many opportunities to travel to see distant family members, and when I turned 18 - I chose traveling over college. I began working seasonally and discovered even more of my passion to keep moving.
All of this lead to me eventually returning to college to receive my degree - because of which I was recently able to study abroad at the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo in Santander, Spain. I lived there for 5 months and it was the time of my life. I utilized every spare hour I had for traveling. My boyfriend and I were going to new countries nearly every weekend!
As romantic as this sounds, there were failures. Many failures. For this I believe I have a bit of an edge to speak of this topic and to share my insight with the rest of you.
There's nothing I am more passionate about in the world than traveling. I think it is vital to enjoy life. We all need to get out of our comfort zones occasionally!
I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling domestically or abroad or studying abroad. I had amazing resources when deciding where I wanted to study and travel and I simply want to share this experience.