Holiday Wish List

by Rose Bruno Bailey

OChristmas tree! O Christmas tree! I started getting into the Christmas spirit back in July, when The Hallmark Channel did their month of Christmas Movies. I even started buying decorations early. To deck the halls like a Hallmark film is my goal this year and to enjoy the gift of being present. I love November and December, and I choose joy.

Let’s face it, we all had a year that calls for more cheer. I’m making my vegan Christmas wish list: I remember as a kid sitting on the floor, circling items in the Christmas catalog and dreaming with Christmas movies playing in the background. Not much has changed since those moments except I’m circling the internet for my Christmas list this year. Once a dreamer, always a dreamer. Here’s eight items I’m crushing on this Christmas. Four items are my splurge wish list, and four items are on my steal wish list. I included sweets because what’s Christmas without a little chocolate?

So, pour your vegan hot cocoa in your favorite Christmas mug, put on the Hallmark Channel, light some lights and dream of holiday cheer. Embrace your inner child and dream of your Christmas wish list. You know I am.

Splurge Items

1I’m really lusting for Angela Roi Handbags. The Cher Tote and the Hamilton Satchel are on my list. I’ve always wanted a designer bag but it didn’t fit in with my vegan values. Angela Roi believes personal style should not come at an expense of personal values. The Cher Tote in brown is a casual yet elegant everyday bag and the Hamilton Satchel in black is a dress up lady-like kind of bag. I’m wishing for both, and they are a bit of a splurge for less than $300 dollars but totally worth it. You can order Angela Roi handbags at www.angelaroi.com.

2Almond Cow. Have you ever wanted to make your own Almond Milk? I do, and the Almond Cow makes the process so much simpler. You simply put the ingredients in and press the button. Almond Milk is perfect for your vegan hot cocoa, and simple use gives you more time to watch those Christmas movies. You can find the Almond Cow for $195.00 online @almondcow.co 3 Vitamix Blender. To be honest I’m not sure which model is best for me, but I know I need one in my life. I’ve never loved cooking as much as I have since going vegan. I need the tools to create vegan cheese sauces out of cashews and delicious and healthy smoothies. It’s definitely a splurge item but one that will last a very long time. You can find Vitamix Blenders in different price ranges, starting at about $250.00 on Amazon.

4Cuisinart Food Processor. Every vegan needs a good food processor. I make amazing vegan black bean brownies that even non-vegans love. It’s time consuming to mash black beans the old-fashioned way with a hand potato masher. Cuisinart has one that checks off all of my needs. Definitely on my wish list. Cuisinart DFP-14BCWNY 14-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel. It comes in several colors and I found it on Amazon for $249.00. Just in time for Christmas Baking.

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Steal items

5No Whey Foods box of vegan truffles. I love getting treats delivered during the holidays, and I’m so grateful that vegan products like No Whey are available, making life for Vegans much sweeter. This company does the holidays right with festive packaging, and definitely earns a spot on my Christmas list. 100% Milk Free, Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Gluten Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, No Artificial Colors and Flavors! Free of the common eight allergens! Vegan and kosher. Ingredients are mostly oils, pea protein and sugar. They are available on Amazon as well. Vegans now have a place at the dessert table and on Instagram they are @nowheychololate.

6Avant-Gard Vegan Gaz Oakley is one of my favorite YouTube vegan chefs. He makes all the comfort food I love. He has a Christmas Book I’ve been coveting. Vegan Christmas 70 Amazing Recipes for a festive season. It’s on Amazon for $16.19. This one I may have to gift to myself so I can start using it this year. Why wait?

7Pacifica perfume and skin care. It’s my long-term favorite. I love the coconut line. You can find it online at Pacifica.com and Amazon, as well as other retailers like Whole Foods and Target. Smelling delicious and taking care of my skin is always on my vegan wish list and it’s affordable.

8Java and Joy is my new motto. Coffee is a non-negotiable for me for my morning routine, but hot cocoa, especially during the holidays, is my evening treat. This list wouldn’t be complete without decadent hot cocoa. Castle Kitchen is plant based, vegan, free of GMO’s and all natural. They are available on Amazon and www.castlekitchenfoods.com. Their hot cocoa comes in 3 flavors that I totally want for Christmas. Double Dutch Dark Chocolate, Classic Caramel Dark Chocolate, and Marvelous Mint Dark Chocolate. I’m hoping I get all three. Each one is under $20.00 so all three are definitely a steal.

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Bruno Bailey is a poet/writer, vegan weight loss/ philanthropic blogger, and author of Camellia in Snow. Her work is published online and in print magazines. She was born in Chicago and raised in Cleveland, OH. Her background is in theater with an emphasis on dance. Her life journey has taken her from New York to West Hollywood, CA, and she now resides in Texas. Her partners in this journey are her husband James and two beloved Siamese cats, Spanky and Max.