Vegan Stuffed Peppers
By: Melissa Ann Maida
March 4, 2021
Italian flavored tempeh stuffed peppers.
Lentil Mushroom Stew
By: Melissa Ann Maida
February 20, 2021
Think deconstructed vegan Shepard's Pie!
10 Things That Surprised Me About Medellín
By: Melissa Ann Maida
February 13, 2021
I stayed in Medellín for over 10 months in 2020. While the vast majority of that time was spent in self-isolation, I still got to know the city, and culture, quite well. I have compiled this list of 10 things that surprised me about Medellín, and Colombia as a whole. Some are pleasant, others not so much.
Viral Tik-Tok Pasta Veganized
By: Melissa Ann Maida
February 6, 2021
Quick, simple, baked vegan feta pasta dish. The ultimate vegan comfort food.
Reflecting on 2020
By: Melissa Ann Maida
February 1, 2021
Am I the only person who feels like the New Year actually starts on February 1st? That January is a transition month, a limbo period, between the old and the new? 2020 is finally over and done with, but what does that even mean? I can appreciate that the New Year symbolizes hope and a fresh start for many, including myself. The start of 2021 also aligns with a huge life transition for me- I left Medellín and am back in Chicago. Before I can fully move into 2021 and open myself up to what it has to offer, I have to reflect on my 2020 experience.
Domicillio Vegano Medellín
By: Melissa Ann Maida
December 16, 2020
I have been self-isolating in Medellín since March 20, 2020. Over the past 4+ months, I have gotten very familiar with the domicillio vegano (vegan home delivery) options near me. Here are my favorite domicillio vegano options in Medellín.
Happy November: An Update
By: Melissa Ann Maida
November 1, 2020
Santa Marta, a beach town on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, was a nice change of scenery. The actual city center is a bit gritty and loud, and of course it’s unfathomably hot and humid there, but watching the sunset from the pier, Scuba diving for the first time and making new friends who invited me out for vegan food and to Afro-Caribbean dance classes was EXACTLY what I needed!
2020 Vision (Board)
By: Melissa Ann Maida
September 14, 2020
During Medellin’s 164 day self-isolation, which included many days where we weren’t even allowed to go outside to walk or exercise, I made a vision board. My vision board is the product of self-isolation induced free-time, a craving for creative expression and a desire to put together some sort of “life plan” amidst the chaos that is 2020.
Confronting Family and Friends Who Oppose Black Lives Matter
By: Melissa Ann Maida
September 2, 2020
I am not sure what to do with the feelings of confusion, anger, sadness, disbelief and loss that I am still sitting in. My hope is that writing about this situation will not only help me process the emotions it evoked, but will also help others who are confronting family and friends who oppose Black Lives Matter.
