Vegan menu at Vapiano, Glasgow

If there's a cuisine that boasts plenty of accidentally vegan food, it's Italian. While there's pepperoni pizza and meaty lasagnes, there's also arrabiata, pizza marinara, bruschetta and marinated olives (to name a few). So when I heard that Vapiano had added some vegan options to their menu I was slightly cynical about how exciting it would be.

If you're unfamiliar with Vapiano, it works a little differently from other restaurants. When I walked in I was greeted by a perky staff member in a pseudo-reception area who gave me my card and explained the self-service style of the place. Essentially you find a table, decide what you want from the menu and head up to the kitchen and they'll freshly prepare the dish right in front of you. Waiters came round the tables and took drinks orders. As you go, you swipe your card on a machine, which tallies everything up and you pay on the way out. It does make splitting the bill between friends a lot easier though I almost dropped my card a few times.

I did have a nosy at the menu before I visited, and it was your usual Italian-chain fare. The vegan options on the menu were:

• Aglio e Olio
• Arrabbiata 
• Funghi Bolognese
• Insalata Mista Piccola
• Bruschetta
• Lemon or Raspberry Sorbet 

I opted for the Funghi Bolognese, as it was the only thing that was a little different. It was also not until after I ordered that I noticed a vegan lasagne advertised in the restaurant itself (but not on the actual menu). I would have totally opted for this, as vegan lasagne is not something that is regularly available. Also...no vegan pizza despite the big pizza menu.

While you can probably sense my slight lack of disappoint at the creativity of the dishes, I was not let down by the quality. The Funghi Bolognese was flavoursome and the pasta was al dente. The chefs also have fresh herbs growing in the kitchen (there was also herb plants on the tables, but I can imagine children pouring Fanta in the soil). And while the sorbet I had for dessert was pre-packaged, it was creamy (instead of icy, which far too many sorbets are).

The drinks menu was impressive, though. There was a good selection of cocktails on the cheap, as well as a two page long wine list. If anything, I'd go back for the drinks alone.

While Vapiano certainly hadn't pushed out the boat in terms of imagination, it's not a bad effort. Would I recommend that the vegans of Glasgow rush out to try the menu? Not by any means, but it's great that another option exists of vegans trying to dine with non-vegan pals.

Have you been to Vapiano yet? What did you think of the vegan menu? 

Dear Vegan Nice Guys, I'll date a meat eater if I damn well please

We all probably know about the Nice Guy.

He's the sort of guy who is normally a pleasant person. Until a girl he fancies goes home with a dominant alpha male and he starts ranting about "girls only dating jerks" and "nice guys finish last" and "these girls ignore guys like me and then cry when the jerks they do date cheat on them". 

You know the type.

But if you're actively involved in the vegetarian/vegan community you'll have probably met this archetypes half-brother: the vegan nice guy.

The Vegan Nice Guy is the guy who believes that because he's woke on the realities of the meat industry, that vegan woman should fall at his feet. When they don't - or, god forbid, decide to date a meat eater because of female sexual agency - the hissy fit ensues.

This is where you imagine me falling off my chair from severe eye roll.

Here's just an example if what I've seen in the past:

Post after post and meme after meme saying "you're not a true vegan if you date a meat-eater". 

There was one disheartening story from a vegan male about a Tinder date with a meat-eater, where the girl mocked him. He was respectful about her but in the comments came "dude, the ratio of female to male vegans is high, you could just have your pick of vegan girls". 

There was once (many moons ago) a meme shared that said something along the lines of "Girls say there's no vegan men, but here we are". 

Plus, my personal favourite: "a vegan dating a meat-eater is like a feminist dating a misogynist". 

Oh, and this Reddit.

This is where you imagine me screaming into the void.

So Vegan Nice Guys (and people of all genders who support them) let's break it down!

Your dating priorities might not be the same as everyone elses

I have a small checklist of requirements that categorically need to be checked off before I enter a relationship. It's the big things: also doesn't want children/doesn't want any more if they are already a parent, also open to the idea of non-monogamy, stable job (or legitimate reason not to), politically/socially progressive and has their shit together. Then I have my strong preferences: doesn't smoke, geek, is also a city person, and won't roll-eye at my boyband obsession.

As far as my preferences go, vegan is a preference but not a strong one. Since going vegetarian I have only dated meat-eaters and very rarely has it been an issue. While most of my preferences listed above are built around things that did become issues in past relationships.

But that's the thing about dating preferences - they are personal. I don't force my preferences on other people. So I use as hell don't like it when others push their preferences on me.

Even if vegan is a preference, it won't be there only preference

If a vegan categorically won't date someone who eats meat that is their choice. However, it won't be the only thing they look for in a partner. So cut out the crap that vegan men should automatically get vegan girls for no other reason.

We all have gaps in our ethics

I do try and live as ethical a lifestyle as I can, but I have blind spots. I still buy my work clothes from Primark, I still prefer paper books to e-books, and I'm guilty of only focusing on social justice issues that effect me.

It's important to me that a serious romantic partner (more on that definition later!) tries to make the world a better place. But I'm not going to get uppity if their priorities are different to mine and if they have blind spots - as I'd want the same respect in return.

Not everyone is vegan for the same reasons

I went vegan for the animals - with the reduction of greenhouse gases being an added benefit. But my reasons weren't everyone's reasons - and these vegan women might be vegan for a reason that differs from yours.

There's a difference between a life partner and someone I might have a fling with

The non-negotiables and preferences I mentioned earlier are only applicable for serious relationships. If I'm just looking for a fun fling, the only real requirement is chemistry. I've had flings in the past where I don't think me being vegan even came up...

Not all women are into men

Just a reminder, y'all.

GIVEAWAY: 12-month subscription to Holistic Scotland Magazine

Veganism, eco-friendly living, cruelty-free beauty and personal wellness have all seen a massive increase over the last few years. So it's no surprise that the amount of resources available for newbies and experts alike has increased as more people gravitate towards these lifestyles.

Another new resource that is due to launch soon is Holistic Scotland Magazine. Each issue will be 82-pages long and will focus on natural health and beauty, but will also cover lifestyle topics like travel, free-from nutrition, wildlife and conservation, ethical business, energy-saving, sustainability, fitness, complementary therapies and the great outdoors. And as the name suggests: there will be a focus on Scotland, which is great given how many resources have an American or London-slant.

The first issue is due to land in April, and I've received a heads up to what will be in it. Celebrity presenter, author and nutritionist Amanda Hamilton will be gracing the cover and talking about gut health (not glamorous but essential). The importation topic of navigating allergies will also be covered - including the difference between an allergy and intolerance! Cooking with cocao and the benefits of intermittent fasting will also be within its pages.

On top of that, you will also have the chance to win a course of reflexology in South West Scotland, as well as a Miraclesuit from Figleaves, which can help to flatten bloated tummies.

Then after that, Issue 2 will be a glamping special and Issue 3 will be a vegan special (I, for one, cannot wait for this issue).

You will be able to find copies in selected spas, retreats, therapists and holistic retailers (as well as Scotland's main airports: Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen). Alternatively you can subscribe and have it delivered directly to your door throughout the year for £29.

OR...you can enter my giveaway below to win a 12-month subscription to Holistic Scotland Magazine delivered directly to your door (and the occasional free gift to boot!).

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Terms and Conditions

• This giveaway is open to UK entrants only
• One winner will be chosen at random via the Rafflecopter widget
• Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget above and the winner will receive a 12-month subscription to Holistic Scotland Magazine
• Entrants under 18 must seek parental permission before entering
• No purchase necessary
• I will pass your details onto Holistic Scotland Magazine, and they will be in charge of sending it
• Once drawn, the winner will be contacted via the email provided and have 7 days to respond
• All entries will be moderated and duplicate, false or incomplete entries will be deleted
• The giveaway will run until the 21st of March 2018

What's In My Shower #2

I don't know about you but I am fascinated by what people keep in their cupboards. Weekly food shop vlog? Love it. How make-up fiends store their lipsticks? Give it to me. Bookcase tour? My favourite!

And the same goes for shower tours.

I posted a shower tour way back in 2015, where I prattled on for ages about my love for fine-smelling soap. That was two years ago, and the odd cruelty-free-but-not-vegan product still hadn't yet been finished. But these days my shower products are 100% animal friendly, so it's about time we re-visited.

And yeah, I know my shower could do with a clean...this is a realistic vegan blog okay?

Superdrug Citrus Anti-Dandruff shampoo
This might not be the most exciting product in my shower, but this shampoo has been my daily go to for a year now (and I don't see that changing). While I do like to mix up my shampoos depending on what my hair needs that day, this is the one I always use as my 'first' wash before mixing it up for my second.

Superdrug Trichology Revitalising Scalp Shampoo 
If my hair is looking greasy and requires a deep cleanse, I reach for this as my second wash. It really works through the oil and removes any flakiness (but to be honest dandruff has never been a concern for me). If I'm heading on a night out or somewhere else special, this tends to be my shampoo of choice.

Noughty Rise & Shine
If my hair is looking relatively normal and just needs a gentle wash, this is the shampoo I reach for. It smells of rosemary and mint which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I personally think it's lovely and refreshing. It's meant for dry hair (which my locks definitely aren't!) but because my first wash is done with the Citrus shampoo it's a nice way to keep my balanced.

Superdrug Argan Hair Therapy Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment
I've only ever tried one other pre-shampoo treatment and it was the Philip Kingsley mask (which is cruelty-free, but not vegan). My review is the same for both of them: they give your hair more vitality for one wash, but there's no long lasting benefits to using them. So I use this when I'm away on a night out (or some other event where I want my hair looking bouncy).

Superdrug Hair Therapy Weightless Conditioner
I have mixed feeling on this one. For a start, the conditioner isn't than thin so "weightless" is a little misleading. But it does nourish my hair. While the Superdrug Extracts that you also see in the photo is my 'main' conditioner, I reach for this if my hair is looking frazzled and needs some TLC.

Superdrug Hair Therapy Deep Cleansing Shampoo
I bought this just a week ago and I'm not that keen on it. The texture is very thick, making it difficult to get out the bottle and spread through my hair. It's also more moisturising than it is deep cleansing. Honestly, out of three Superdrug Argan Oil products I own the only one I plan to re-purchase is the pre-shampoo treatment.

Superdrug Pink Fizz Body Wash
I love a sweet smelling shower gel - and this is my favourite if I'm looking to smell girly.

Original Source Sweet Apple and Vanilla
This is another shower gel that I reach for when I'm looking for a light but sweet scent.

Superdrug Almond and Avocado Shower Gel
This doesn't actually smell like much. I probably won't repurchase but it's soap and does it's job.

Outback Organics Face and Body Scrub
I reviewed this back in November, and you can read my post here. My opinion has remained the same: it is nice but I doubt I'll re-purchase.

Lush Herbalism Cleanser
This is my favourite cleanser of all time and I have been re-purchasing it since 2011! I have a shelf in my beauty cupboard (another blog entirely) that is dedicated to skincare where I keep my selection of "evening skincare" but this is my go-to cleanser in the morning.

Green People Foaming Face Cleanser*
I was sent this for review very recently and, as with all foaming cleansers, I found this worked really well on my back. I discovered years ago that foam cleansers don't work that well on my face - if you also have a spotty back give a foam cleanser a try!

What is currently in your shower?