My visit to Unity Diner

Unity Diner is London’s biggest 100% vegan diner and cocktail bar.

I finally got to visit Unity Diner in London, and my mum came with me! Unity Diner was founded in 2018 by vegan activist and speaker Ed Winters. It’s London’s biggest 100% vegan diner and cocktail bar. Unity Diner is also a non-profit, with all their profits going towards animal rights work. My mum isn’t vegan, but she is a good sport, and agreed to come and check the place out with me, as she knows I’ve been dying to go for some time!

You have to book your visit online in advance, but since we went on a weekday, it wasn’t too busy, and we were seated pretty much straight away. 

I ordered the Tofish and Chips. Of course I did, I’d seen other people’s photos and reviews of their famous “fish and chips”, and there was no doubt in my mind whatsoever that I wanted to try it! 

When they brought it to the table it came with a big lemon wedge, tar tar sauce, and an almost soup bowl sized bowl of hot mushy peas (I LOVE mushy peas)! I wasn’t disappointed in my selection, it tasted even better than it looked. It was hot and moreish, and really did have the taste and texture of fish. A huge shoutout to the chunky chips, too, which rounded this divine dish off so nicely!

My mum ordered the Lobster roll, which also looked very impressive. I had a little taste of it, and it was delicious, but to be honest, I was mostly too busy tackling my Tofish and Chips!

We both ordered a soft drink (with paper straws, yasss!), however there’s a gorgeous selection of vegan cocktails available at the bar, including a fabulous purple coloured cocktail called Piers Morgan’s Tears! I’m definitely going to try that at some point.

By the time we’d finished eating we were both absolutely stuffed! There really wasn’t any room for dessert, even though there are so many tempting ones on the menu, so that’s another thing for another day. 

The restaurant itself is designed to look like an American diner, and is interestingly decorated with vegan themes all around. There’s a big fluorescent sign by the entrance door that reads “the future is vegan” (OMG, all the feels!), there are murals all around the venue with vegan slogans, and even the bathroom boasts vegan wallpaper and wall art! 

All in all, I had a really lovely experience! I will absolutely be going there again.

Have you been to Unity Diner?

Mashala Shelter

Hey friends!

One of the things keeping busy lately is an animal shelter that I really love. I’m talking, of course, about Mashala Shelter, and if you follow me on social media, you’ll have seen me post about it quite a lot! Mashala Shelter is an animal shelter in the south of Lebanon, and it is home to over 300 animals, mostly dogs, but there are cats, birds, donkeys, rabbits, and other animals living there, too. It was founded in 2006 by one big-hearted man, Houssein Hamzeh, who works tirelessly every single day, to rescue as many animals as he can. He responds to calls concerning injured and abandoned animals, and his solitary mission takes him all over Lebanon.

I’ve been doing what little I can from my home in the UK, helping out with social media and some fundraising activities, and it’s been really exciting to watch the shelter’s Facebook and Instagram pages grow so much, as interest in the animal shelter continues to rise. One day, when travel restrictions are no longer an obstacle, I’ll go and volunteer my time there in a more hands on way, but I’m proud to be a tiny part of the effort now, too.

Although the shelter is definitely gaining a little attention, as it certainly deserves to, it’s a long way from being financially stable, and donations are always needed from animal lovers around the world. Those very people have risen to the occasion so admirably, and it is heart-warming to read some of the messages of encouragement and appreciation that people send. Every person that shares a post, comments, likes the page, or donates directly, is a part of keeping these animals safe and healthy, and I think that’s what makes this such a rewarding cause. One small act of kindness can produce a ripple effect, after all, and this is what I’m seeing here. It gives me hope, especially with all the heart-breaking things happening to animals every day, that in this small corner, these animals are loved, they are safe, and there are people that truly care.

Don’t take my word for it, though! Go and check out all the cool videos and content that are all available on Mashala Shelter’s social media pages. I put them all in a Linktree (I am obsessed with these! Everything in one neat little link? So organised!), along with donations links and so on: https://linktr.ee/MashalaShelter

Namaste,

Amanda x

Is “All Creatures Great And Small” my new favourite series? You bet!

Hello friends!

I had many, many favourite books growing up, and James Herriot’s books were always firmly on my list, along with Jane Austen, Roald Dahl, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charlotte Brontë, J. M. Barrie, C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, J. K. Rowling, and so many, many more. It was James Herriot, and the Animal Ark series by Lucy Daniels, which well and truly solidified my already strong love of animals. I adored James, but I also dearly loved his vet comrades, Siegfried, and Tristan, not to mention that crafty cartoony character, Tricky Woo. To say I love the new series “All Creatures Great And Small” based on James Herriot’s life and his books is no small feat. I’m very pernickety when it comes to onscreen adaptations of my favourite books, as I’m sure many bookworms are, because we guard these treasures fiercely. I can safely say, however, that I couldn’t have picked better actors, and every episode surpasses the other in sheer awesomeness. The series stays true to the books, and James’ characters is not only wonderfully kind, sincere, and benign, but also full of honesty and integrity, which I love.

James Herriot is played by newcomer Nicholas Ralph. Picture: Playground Television

The most emotional episode by far was Andante, where James’ diagnosis of a prize winning racehorse is questioned by what seems like every resident in the village. Siegfried remains loyal, however, and there’s a line dropped by both him and James that left me with all the feels. “We will never leave an animal in distress.” Because ultimately, that is what it’s all about.

Siegfried Farnon is played by Samuel West. Picture: Playground Television

The lack of cliff-hangers is a huge blessing, too, and yet every 45 minute episode will keep you hooked until the end, with plenty of tension and excitement thrown in for good measure. It is stories about a vet, and the animals he cares for, and the people around him, sure, but it’s also a story about fighting the good fight, and staying true to your morals. It’s heart-warmingly funny, fresh, feel good, and clever.

Now, let’s just address the Shorthorn cow in the room. Where can you watch it? Catch “All Creatures Great And Small” on Channel 5 every Tuesday at 9pm.

 

Namaste,

 

Amanda x

 

 

Beirut Explosion: How You Can Help

Hello friends!

As you may know, I am half Lebanese, and spent many years living in Lebanon on and off when I was younger. So when I heard about the awful explosion that ripped through its capital, Beirut, on the 4th August this year, killing over 170 people and injuring thousands, I was naturally very upset. It is a tragedy in so many ways. Known as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut is rich in history and culture, and truly a city like no other. It is easy to feel powerless and sad in situations like this, but there is always something you can do to help, even in a small way.

Raising awareness is a great way to help on social media, and there are many organisations actively working in Lebanon right now. I’ve made a list of some of the super awesome charities that I’ve chosen to support, and that are directly helping the people and animals of Beirut affected by the explosion. It’s very easy to donate, just follow the links to the pages where you’ll be guided to a donation page.

• Animals Lebanon
• Impact Lebanon
• Islamic Relief
• Lebanese Red Cross 
• BETA (Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
• Save The Children

And if you’re a music fan, the talented and wonderful Lebanese artist Mika is having a live stream concert on YouTube on the 19th of September to raise funds for the people of Beirut! You don’t want to miss it, it’s going to be awesome! You can get a ticket here: https://shops.ticketmasterpartners.com/mika-livestream

Namaste,

Amanda x

A Note From Frodo

Hello friends!

My majestic boy Frodo wishes to remind everyone, that bunnies don’t just eat carrots 🥕 Frodo enjoys carrots as a treat, but to stay healthy, a rabbit needs a balance of good quality hay, dry pellet rabbit food, fresh and varied fruit and vegetables, and clean drinking water available at all times. Frodo is clever and drinks his water from a bunny bottle, which keeps the water clean and avoids spills. He learned to use it as an adult, as the person he lived with previously gave him a bowl of water, which he would often spill. He enjoys all kinds of vegetables, including lettuce, corn, celery, radishes, and carrots. Fruit wise, he enjoys small amounts of banana, either fresh or as sugar free chips. He also enjoys dandelions, kale, parsley, mint, and coriander. All fruit and vegetables should be fed in small quantities. Rabbits need a diet of 80% hay, 10% fresh fruit or veg, and 10% pellets, ideally. Frodo enjoys a mixture of Timothy hay and meadow hay, which he has access to whenever he likes, be it out and about in the garden, where he runs around freely most days when the weather is nice, or tucked into bed in his large, indoor bunny cage for the night, where he sleeps on a bed of clean sawdust. In winter, and colder weather, he likes extra straw to keep him warm, but now that it’s warming up, sawdust is just fine (if he’s indoors, which he always is at night, anyway. I ain’t leaving my baby out there on his own! I’d have to camp out with him with a sleeping bag, and it’s just not ideal.) .

Namaste, Frodo x

Frodo in his bedroom

PS: A Rabbit is for up to 12 years, not just for Easter.

A Message From BETA

Hello friends!

This is an email I received from BETA a few days ago. It left me pretty chocked up. But imagine how they are feeling. Please read it, please consider helping if you can, and please share this.

Namaste,

Amanda x

Dear friends,

Over the past few weeks, the global pandemic has affected our lives greatly, but we are dedicated to continuing our mission and helping animals in need.

Lebanon is currently on a two-week medical lockdown, but the truth is, this country has been on a different kind of lockdown for months due to the economic crisis that has led to tens of thousands of people losing their income, limited access to personal cash, and various debilitating restrictions. 

This is an unprecedented challenge on many levels; Ensuring food for over 1,000 dogs and cats, as well as horses and donkeys has become almost impossible with the (unofficial) hyperinflation, therefore, inability to import, and local food providers demanding to be paid in advance. Moreover, dumping has at least tripled over the last period, reaching its all-time peak, first for socio-economic reasons, and now for medical ones, due to the COVID-19 panic.

Furthermore, our airport is closed and dogs who have found their forever homes abroad are currently stuck in the country, and to make matters worse, the dog shelter was severely damaged a few days ago, with parts of the roof completely collapsing, due to devastating strong winds. 

We are currently working far beyond our capacity, especially with the enforced curfew that is making our daily work even harder, and while prioritizing the health and safety of our volunteers, we are continuing our daily tasks to keep helping animals in need. 

International help is extremely vital for the continuation of our mission at the moment. Hope is what keeps us going, and we would like to thank all those who gave us a helping hand in the past few months, ensuring that wellbeing of over 1,000 animals. 

This is a plea of help to provide the basic needs, such as dog and cat food and medical care, and to carry out our daily mission.

This is a plea to come together from all around the world at this time of global crisis, as animal lovers who want to give animals a second chance at life. 

Please help them.

Please contribute to our rescue fund:
https://betalebanon.org/get-involved/donate/ 

The BETA team

10 Amazing Reasons To Become Vegetarian / Vegan Right Now

Hello friends!

The world is slowly waking up to the consequences of consuming meat and animal products, and vegetarianism / veganism has become much more than just a trend. It’s a movement. Maybe you are one of the many, maybe you’re still undecided.

Look, I totes get it, it’s not for everyone. However, having a couple of meat or dairy free days a week can also have such a positive impact. How about meat free Mondays? Choosing the vegetarian or vegan option when you’re eating out at a restaurant is also an awesome way to mix things up a little.

I stopped eating meat nearly 6 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made in my life. Honestly! A lot of people ask me why I don’t eat meat, and I usually simplify it to the one reason that I just don’t want to eat animals. There are many reasons, but that’s the main one, for me. If you need a little more than that, here are a few reasons why you should switch to this fabulous lifestyle, you lovely Earthling, you!

1. You’re saving animals. It’s gotta be the number one reason! Cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and turkeys are no less intelligent or capable of feeling pain than the pets we cherish as companions, and yet a whopping ten billion farm animals are murdered for human consumption each year.

2. It’s better for your health. Eating meat and animal products has been linked with obesity, high cholesterol, cancer, and high blood pressure, to name just a few things. 

3. Vegetarian and vegan food is delicious! Instead of cows milk, have you tried stirring coconut, oat, soya, hazelnut, cashew, or almond milk into your coffee? There are so many tasty options! I’ve yet to pick a favourite myself, but I looove me some coconut milk with my granola. You don’t even have to miss out on foods you love because you can get vegan and vegetarian substitutes for pretty much everything now, including ice cream and burgers.

4. You’ll live longer. Scientists have shown that a vegetable diet can actually prolong your lifespan. Win!

5. It can help you slim down. If losing weight and becoming healthier is your thing, a veggie diet can really help. You’ll still get all the necessary nutrients to be healthy, such as fibre, plant protein (yes, there’s a ton protein in plants!), and minerals, without all the icky stuff in animal meat that can make you ill and clog up your arteries, such as saturated animal fat and cholesterol. 

6. It’s cool to be kind! It’s basically the new black. Stars like Joaquin Phoenix, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mayim Bialik, Peter Dinklage, Natalie Portman, Joaquin Phoenix, Anthony Kiedis, Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Brand, Bryan Adams, and Woody Harrelson have all embraced the vegan diet, to name just a few people.

7. It opens you up to a whole new group of people. The veggie community is actually a really lovely one! They are so welcoming, kind, and open minded, and are usually more than happy to listen, exchange ideas, and of course, share recipes.

8. You’re helping to reduce famine. What I personally find mind blowing is that if all the grain that was grown to feed farm animals went towards feeing people, it would eliminate world hunger completely. 

9. Meat is kinda disgusting. Farm animals are constantly pumped full of chemicals to make them grow more quickly, as well as to keep them alive until they are killed. Not only that, animal meat is often contaminated with blood, faeces, and other bodily fluids. Yuck!

10. You’re saving the planet. Not only is meat production tremendously wasteful, factory farming alone is one of the main causes of global warming because livestock generate more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. It’s not worth it for that one cheeseburger, if you really think about it.

I hope you, dear reader, found this piece useful, and I really hope that just maybe you’ll be tempted to opt for the veggie burger the next time you’re grabbing a takeaway!

Namaste,

Amanda x

Meet the Familiars Part 3: Freya

Hello friends!

Meet Freya! She’s a Russian Blue cat. She just turned one year old on the 29th December. She shares her birthday with my sister.

Now, I’ve looked after a lot of cats. However, Freya is probably the naughtiest I’ve ever come across. Ever. She’s like Marley the dog, only the feline version.

When she was a kitten she would trash things. Massively. I’d come into a room and there would be upturned flower pots, shredded paper, chewed up soft toys, and general chaos. It was like having a puppy that could jump on things. She also steals things like hair bands and small toys. She has matured a little bit, now that she’s technically an adult cat, but not so much that I would trust her around my best China. I don’t have any China, let alone the best kind, but you know what I mean.

I’m her favourite. I say this rather smugly, I’ll admit, but the love of a cat, or any animal, is no small feat, and I appreciate it and treasure it endlessly. She loves hanging out with me, she will drape herself over my shoulder and snooze there quite happily. She also does this thing where she will jump into my arms from the ground. Sometimes she does this without any warning whatsoever, which has resulted in many spilled cups of coffee.

Freya came to us from a Russian Blue cat breeder. Let me explain, while I stress that I highly disapprove of breeders when there are so many cats in need of homes at animal shelters. This breeder, a friend of a friend, breeds Russian Blues and sells them for something like £800 each. Because Freya was born different, one of her front arms is small and differently shaped, they couldn’t sell her. So she needed a home and we adopted her. I would never buy a cat from a breeder.

Naturally, Fiibi and Freya didn’t like each other at all at first, but now they are the best of friends.

Namaste,

Amanda x

Meet the Familiars Part 2: Frodo

Hello friends!

This is my beautiful boy Frodo. He was originally our neighbour’s rabbit. They kept him in horrible conditions and fed him potato peels. One freezing day in November they build a makeshift cage for him outside and put him in it. When I questioned my neighbour and expressed my (huge!) concerns, she said she couldn’t be bothered to clean up after him anymore, and he’d be fine.

Yes, sometimes rabbits are kept outside in hutches, but with proper insulation, bedding, food, and water! Frodo was on the cold ground with no bedding whatsoever, scraps of potato, and sitting in his own faeces.

I was all for kidnapping him, but I knew the neighbours would just find out and there could be problems. So I reported it to the RSPCA. I kept harassing the neighbours, but they didn’t care. I kept sneaking him food out and going to talk to him. I promised him I would get him out of there, that I would save him.

This went on for some time, and I was often so anxious about him out in the cold that I could barely sleep. I was sick with worry. I soon wished I had just taken him without saying anything and found him a new home. By now, temperatures outside were below freeing.

Then one day, oh miracles, the horrible neighbour woman agreed to surrender Frodo to me. The good old RSPCA had paid them a visit. I almost cried with happiness. I immediately ordered him two storey hutch, and the biggest run I could find. I went and stocked up on proper rabbit food pellets, hay, straw, and sawdust.

Frodo is a very happy, loved, spoiled bunny now, and he will be for the rest of his life. He always has access to fresh, clean water, and as much hay as he likes. He gets the best rabbit food pellets, as well as fresh vegetables or fruit every single day. I keep his hutch clean and padded with sawdust and straw, and he has plenty of space to run around. He’s been properly vaccinated, and in winter he stays indoors in the warm where he gets plenty of cuddles, and he goes out daily for fresh air and exercise.

If you are thinking of getting a rabbit, please consider that they will need a lot of proper care and attention for the rest of their lives. Don’t take one on if you are not prepared to give them that.

Namaste,

Amanda x

Meet the Familiars Part 1: Fiibi

Hello friends!

Let me introduce you to my main girl Fiibi. I adore black cats, they are, in fact, my favourite! I got Fiibi as a kitten back in 2018. She was the last of a litter of kittens who needed homes and I was looking for a feline friend at the time, so I think it was meant to be!

Fiibi was born on the 22nd of April. She is a very polite, well behaved cat. She divides her time between family members, being sure to spend time with everyone, and making sure they are okay. She is probably the kindest cat I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, and she is my dear friend.

Also, black cats are magic, of course!

Namaste,

Amanda x