Category: Blogs & Review

Happier Bellies in 2025

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but food makes me happy! There is an art to good food, a certain type of magic when you take a bite of something that leaves you speechless yet your taste buds are dancing with joy. This year I pledge to myself to make my belly happier with even more amazing VEGAN delicacies.

So let’s get to it shall we. I started this wonderful new year of 2025 at my FAVORITE ramen restaurant in Fountain Valley, California. It’s called Kin Craft Ramen & Izakaya. I know, it’s not something new, but I just thought I should tell you about it. I literally come to this restaurant once a week. IT’S THAT GOOD! It is not a full vegan restaurant, in fact, the vegan selection is pretty small, but don’t let that change your mind.

I originally found this restaurant randomly one night searching Google and Yelp. The reviews were good and they had 1 vegan ramen option, so I thought, “Let’s give it a try!” Boy oh boy I am so happy I did.

Okay, let’s get to the fun part. THE FOOD! Like I said before, it’s not a vegan restaurant so if that’s not your thing then I hope you live what you order. However if you are here for that sweet vegan goodness, I’ve got you covered!

Appetizers! Let’s start off with some simple EDEMANE. Their EDEMANE is steamed perfectly. Not too soft, not too hard, and topped with nice chunks of shaved salt. Every single piece you pick up somehow looks perfect. I rarely ever see any imperfections on any of the little pods. Maybe they have a magical leprechaun in the back sorting out the less than perfect pieces, but whatever it is, they are fabulous.

Next up we have the FURIKAKE FRIES. Why are these fries so good!? They have sesame seeds and seaweed bits on top. I know traditional furikake can contain fish, but I have been told that these fries and their furikake bestie does not have any fish ingredients. They also come with a spicy mayo dipping sauce which contains dairy and eggs so I do not use this sauce. Behold, the photos!

Simply delicious !

Now for the main course, yep you guessed it, THE VEGAN RAMEN.

The vegan ramen is made from a vegetable broth with Mostly to make it a little bit creamer. No bland water based broth here! Inside this big bowl you will find yourself munching on ramen noodles, 2 large pieces of tofu, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, menma or bamboo shoots, green onions, and napa cabbage. Did I mention RAMEN NOODLES? Silly me, of course I did, but I didn’t mention that the ramen noodles are unlimited. That’s right, slurp up those delicious noodles, save some broth, and ask for a refill.

Now here’s the spicy part. If you are like me, you like it HOT! You like your mouth burning, nose running, gripping onto that glass of water for support kind of spicy. If you too are as spice crazy as me, you are a reader of my own heart. Ask for the SPICY CHILI PASTE.

They will bring you a small pouring bowl that you can adjust your spice level to your own preference. I like the burn so I pour the whole thing inside that sweet bowl of warm veggie bliss.

Now grab those chip sticks and spoon, slurp it up, and enjoy! If you visit KIN I’d love to hear your thoughts on their food and drinks!

HAPPY NEW YEAR and happy eating

An Open Book

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

Hello, Hello!

It has been a while since I have written, shared, reviewed, rambled about anything on here. I want to change that. So HERE WE GO!

       We are in a time of  uncertainty. A lot of us are living in daily fear, anxiety, and depression. Some of us have found a way to excel and overcome the obstacles. Regardless of what mindset and situation YOU are in, we are all doing this together.

Isn’t it odd to think that the whole world is experiencing EXACTLY the same thing you are?

       I find it oddly refreshing.

Not because I want others to suffer, but rather because the feeling that you are not alone in something so huge. We are all United!

       That brings you back to my blog space. I want this to be a space where I can share my real feelings, my honest reviews, my “let’s ramble about something”. For the longest time, I was afraid to share my thoughts. I was terrified about what others would think of me. If someone I know in real life read my words, what would they say?

       I am tired of “hiding” and I am going to start sharing!

I encourage you to leave honest words in the comments. Share your stories, feelings, thoughts, and life with me. Let’s UNITE in a creative way. This IS a safe place and I am ready to share without posting as private 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

Until the next post, STAY STRONG!

Xo

Lisa

MAY: Mental Health Awarness

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

As you all know, MAY is mental health awarness month, and today I felt like Raven; a big ball of crazy chaotic, all over the place emotions so I felt the need to write.

Raven Cosplay made by me

First off, I’m not writing this for you to say feel better, I’m sorry. None of that is necessary. I’m writing this to say hey, I’m just like you, and you, anddddd YOU!
So please don’t

My whole life, people have put me down. Made fun of me. Picked on me, because I wasn’t just like them. I learned to accept it and know that there was nothing I could do. I didn’t turn into a Mega Beeee. I didn’t go on a murder everyone in sight spree either. However, I did develope pretty bad anxiety, depression, and self hate. I’ve struggled with this for so long. I didn’t speak. Literally, I was silent. I had no friends, and the ones I had, knew I didn’t say very much. I had eating disorders because people told me as fat. I didn’t want smile because people told me my teeth looked like vampire teeth. I hated who I was and didn’t understand why thought I was so awful. My depress got he best of me and I went into a pretty intense time in my life where I cut myself just to feel something more. I do not recommend this, don’t do it! All of this, all of these battles made me stronger, even though at the time I thought I was falling towards the pavement full speed. I personally think I have come a long way. I’m not perfect. I still struggle so hard sometimes, but I’m ok!

Today I had a thought. A thought that moved to a lot of thoughts, pain, and regret. Thoughts that made me question others and have such a heavy heart for a situation. I as in absolute tears. Balling my eyes out. I won’t go into details, but the reasoning for this is down below.
….still reading?
Good!!
Lesson time
–

Don’t let others opinions dictate your life. Over the decade plus time I have worked in this industry, used social media, grown as an adult, I have learned that it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, where you live, what you eat, or who you are in a relationship with…. People will have opinions. Some good, some bad. Some people will hear rumors and go with it, expand on it, cry wolf. So many ways for people to attack, and trust me, they will.

Judgement without context
Judgement because of rumors
Judgement because … Judgement
This judgement will drown your bliss if you listen.
Don’t listen.

Don’t give in to the absolutely rediculous things people say. I open my DMs and read the most awful messages daily. For no reason. People find some form of joy, thinking that they hurt you. Don’t let them. Your happiness is important. You shouldn’t be scared to live your life. You only have this one, so live it. Live it for yourself and no one else.

–
As for the “giving” end.
Do not distroy others. One should not attack others until they are physically broken. No matter what. Be adults.

.

.

With that being said. If you EVER need to talk, I am always a click and type type type away 😁

Drifting away

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

I LOVE SUNDAYS!!!!

Sunday afternoons are meant to be spent relaxing and enjoying life. What better of a way to do it, then to spend it lounging around in a Drift Hammock.

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When I woke up today, it was warm and windy. It was a nice change of pace from the cold we have been having recently. I jumped out of bed and said, “today is the day, I’m going to the park.” It is time to unwind and relax! I grabbed my Drift Hammocks and headed out!

This was the first time I had ever used a hammock. I was beyond eager to see how this would pan out. Drift Hammocks are made with high quality gorgeous fabric, that can hold up to 400 pounds. They come in a wide range of vibrant color options. My particular hammock is called The Caribbean Storm (fitting for the weather today).

Tree Straps: Each Drift hammock comes with a set of 2 9.5 feet tree straps. These straps are extremely easy to use and very strong.

set of 2 Drift tree straps
full package

Carry Case: Drift hammocks are brilliantly packaged in its own little carry case that unfolds and is attached to the hammock itself. You can use the pouch as a item holder while laying in the hammock.

Carry case becomes a item pouch

So like I mentioned above, this was my first hammock experience. I was a bit iffy climbing in. I’ve seen the cartoons and movies when the person climbs in the hammock and the whole thing flips over. I really did not want to fall on my butt today and the wind gave me a bit of an experience.

Okay Lisa, you can do it! Be smarter than the hammock.

I leaned over and climbed on in!

That was it!

Easy!!

My Caribbean Storm is a double. It was very roomy and breathable. I did not get hot or unconformable from the fabric. The wind even slightly rocked me as I lay inside the vibrant cocoon of comfort.  I LOVE MY DRIFT HAMMOCK. Now I need to plant some trees in my backyard so I can lounge  in my Drift, everyday.

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Lounging made easy

If you would like to check out more information about Drift Hammocks, please visit their website at

Official Drift Hammock Website

Instagram

Facebook

Drift is certain you will LOVE what you buy, they offers a lifetime guarantee on ALL products. You have nothing to lose, except a few hours you might start spending in your new Drift Hammock.

 

-xo Lisa

Where ever my hair bands go, I hope they’re happy.

Lisa Ann Pinelli1 Comment

Hair

We’ve all got it. Some more. Some less. Some curly, straight, or just plain unsure what it wants to do. But haven’t you noticed, MOST of us want the hair we don’t have.

The-Grass-is-Always-Greener

-“THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE.”

Guilty!

My hair is thin, and I have a very hard time trying to get it to grow.

“Maybe I should trim it.” “Cut the ends so it’s healthy.” “NO LISA, DON’T DO IT!” “PUT THE SCISSORS DOWN!” “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING TO THE SALON!” … did it… “WHY DID I DO THAT?!”

Yeah, that’s me. I cut my hair, I swear it does not grow. I don’t cut my hair, it doesn’t grow. I can’t win. But I do love how soft my hair is and how easy it is to take care of. I have always loved that. It could be worse! I could roll out of bed and have no idea how I am going to go out in public in 5 minutes.

Over the years, I have done my research. I became vegetarian over 20 years ago and I have found that a lot of other vegetarian and vegan individuals have the same non hair growing magic as I do. WELL LET’S MOVE FORWARD!

MEAT. Animal products. The essential oils from these animals.

The first few natural vitamins for healthy hair growth are as follows:

  • Fish oil (not veggie friendly)
  • Biotin (Normally found in animal products)
  • Iron (can be found in veggies, but high dosage found in red meat)
  • Zinc (VEGGIE FRIENDLY)
  • Vitamin C (VEGGIE FRIENDLY)
  • Rosemary Oil (VEGGIE FRIENDLY)

So there you go. This is my dilemma and a problem for so many other veggie munching  herbivores out there. I hope this blog comes to some help for you. I am not guaranteeing results, but I have tried it and it has worked for me. I can’t not remember a time when my hair grew so fast and so strong. So in my opinion, it’s worth a try!

FIRST! We have HAIRBERRY.

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Hairberry is a 100% VEGAN strawberry flavored gummy vitamin.

VEGAN GUMMY!!!! That one is a hard one to find. THEY TASTE AMAZING!!!! No weird texture. Trust me, these are legit!

-Hairberry vitamins are all natural, cruelty free, hormone free, and consist of a 30 day supply.

I tried it. I love it. I want to continue using it! 

Order Your Bottle of Hairberry

Hairberry Instagram

Use code: ” LisaXO “

 

 

SECOND ON MY LIST! We have COCOA LOCKS.

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Cocoa Locks is a vegetarian friendly, gluten free, 32 calorie per serving, delight for your taste buds.IMG_20180111_211647.jpg

 

Cocoa Locks comes in 2 options:

-Hot Chocolate

-Chocolate HairShake

 

 

 

 

This yummy chocolate drink has the vital vitamins and nutrients for longer, stronger, and thicker hair. THEY GUARANTEE IT!

 

 

Buy your next cup of Cocoa Locks

Coco Locks Instagram

 

WANT TO SAVE SOME MONEY? I LOVED COCOA LOCKS SO MUCH, I HAVE A DISCOUNT CODE FOR YOU.

–LISA20

 

 

Well, that is it my friends.

That is 2 of my new finds that taste amazing, are vegetarian and/or vegan, and have proven to me that they work! I always lose my hair bands, and NOW I need to find them. I can actually use them!

I would love YOUR feedback on other products you have tried that have worked. If you end purchasing one of these little guys, please let me know what you think!

Here’s to Happier Hair Days.

xo

Lisa

 

 

“Every moment has a Moon”

Lisa Ann PinelliLeave a comment

Selenophile (n).

A person who loves the moon.


The moon.

 Something so complex. Billions of years old. Over 200,000 miles away. Constantly orbiting planet Earth and yet most of us forget about it. It’s always there! Always shining down on us even in the day when it’s virtually invisible to the human eye. The Moon is there for every moment in your life. Now isn’t that a fun thought?!

I am beyond atonished when I think of space. I love it more than words can express. So when I came across this company who makes custom jewelery with the moon as the main design, I had to check them out. 

Moon Glow is a company that customizes your jewelery to your special day. Their Moto is “every moment has a moon.” Now think about it. The day you were born, what moon was shining in that sky?  My moon was hardly showing. It was a 3% visible Waxing Cresent. 

-The bigger picture!!

Pretty cool to think about huh? Now imagine every day of your life. That moon changes. And Moon Glow that’s that special day you choose and figures out which moon phase happened that day.

10/22/2016 The day my boyfriend asked me to be his. The day that changed my whole life. The day I knew I wanted to be a better person, trust more, love more, and the day I believed in soul mates. He asked me at a candle lit dinner outside, under the moon. Only makes sense that I have a moon to represent it. 

Moon Glow has so many different design options as well as different types of jewelery to in case your special moon. What would your special day be? Your birthday? Your child’s birthday? Maybe the day you won’t a special award, or got married?

Whatever your moment, there is a moon for it. And I am sure you will just as excited as I was to have your special moon with you everyday. I love my Moon Glow necklace to the Moon and back.

Happy Holidays 🌒

Where to find Moon Glow

Moon Glow Offical Website
Instagram: @MoonGlowJewelry