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Yaqui Animal Rescue

October 11, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

yaqui animal rescue

yaqui animal rescue

wilbur the pig

I first heard about Yaqui Animal Rescue while walking through one of the buildings on my university’s campus. I noticed handmade signs directing people where they could drop off donations for the group. I soon found an event that Yaqui was having near campus and decided to go check it out. After meeting lots of cute dogs at this event, I learned that the group rescues all kinds of animals: horses, donkeys, bunnies, cat, pigs, chickens, geese, and more! When they invited me to visit the ranch, I immediately said yes!

The Yaqui ranch is located in Sullivan City, a small town in South Texas. The founder of Yaqui, Sonia Venecia, purchased the property in 2004 for the sole purpose of using it as a no-kill shelter for animals in need. It once belonged to her grandparents and was a working ranch. Sonia decided to name her new rescue group after her grandmother’s ancestors, the Yaqui Indians.

I brought my camera along to observe life at the Yaqui ranch. It’s pretty much an animal lover’s dream. For me, there’s nothing better than being able to watch animals be animals without the threat of harm or exploitation. I wish all animals could have such a peaceful experience on this planet.

Check out the photos from my recent visits to this awesome rescue ranch, plus a short video (directly below) detailing daily life for the beautiful creatures that reside at Yaqui Animal Rescue.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Animals, Bits & Pieces Tagged With: adopt don't shop, animal lover, animal rescue, animal sanctuary, animals, bunnies, cat rescue, compassionate women, dog rescue, donkeys, geese, guinea hens, no-kill shelter, non profit, rescue chickens, rescue dogs, rescue group, rescue horses, rescue pigs, rescue ranch, rio grande valley, south texas, sullivan city, Texas, vegan, vegan blog, yaqui animal rescue, yaqui ranch, yaqui rescue

One Simple Plan to Save the Environment

July 23, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

one simple plan to save the environment

Something that’s been on my mind a lot these past few years is the issue of climate change and the eventually irreversible destruction humans are bestowing upon the earth. We don’t seem to care if future generations have a planet to live on, and the small percentage of people that care enough to take action on this issue are slowed down by powerful politicians and big corporations. If we don’t act soon, we will reach the point of no return and it will be too late to heal this wound that we have inflicted on the environment, on the animals, and on ourselves.

For me personally, I have two main ways that I actively support the environment. By living a vegan lifestyle, my primary goal is to do the least harm possible in this world. By not eating meat or dairy, I avoid contributing to the excessive waste and pollution caused by factory farming and raising livestock. Raising and slaughtering animals for human consumption uses up a ridiculous amount of water, and natural vegetation must be cleared away to grow corn and soy products to feed these animals. Cows emit high amounts of methane gas into the air, and grazing pastures take up space that could instead be used to grow fruits & vegetables that would not only use up significantly less resources, but would yield enough product to help feed starving people around the world.

Another way I support the environment is by recycling. I don’t throw away anything that is recyclable. It’s an easy way to do something positive and doesn’t take up much effort or time.

However, I’m interested in finding other ways to make better changes in the world. As a student currently pursuing studies in Political Science, I realize that with the right knowledge, experience, and attitude I can make a difference by using the political system. Today I attended a meeting for the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a non-profit organization that has a plan and policy that can drastically reduce our carbon footprint. What is it? And how can you get involved? Read on and I’ll tell you!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Tidbits Tagged With: alternative fossil fuels, carbon fee and dividend plan, carbon footprint, causes of climate change, citizens' climate lobby, climate change, compassionate women, effects of climate change, engaging congress, environment, fossil fuels, help the environment, one simple plan to save the environment, recycling, reduce carbon footprint, solutions to climate change, Texas, texas climate change, texas natural resources, vegan, vegan lifestyle

Fridarific! Handcrafted Items at FridaFest

July 9, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

fridarific! handcrafted items at fridafest

frida kahlo mug

When I found out that Edinburg – the town I live near in South Texas – was going to have a FridaFest, I immediately went into celebratory dance mode πŸ’ƒ I LOVE Frida Kahlo and I have a feeling that I will end up being a lot like her – living somewhere warm in a bright blue house with lots of animals, an artsy husband, and wearing colorful clothing and woven braids in my hair not caring what anyone thinks. I’m totally okay with that πŸ‘

Locals artists and vendors in the Rio Grande Valley were out in full force this past Saturday to celebrate the life and work of this very talented and interesting woman. Of course, of the three days a year the Valley actually gets rain, this had to be one of them β˜”οΈ Luckily, it didn’t scare anyone inside and I actually remembered to bring my umbrella for the first time in my life. I basically stepped into my second version of heaven (the first version is me being surrounded by every animal that ever lived 🐯); everywhere I looked there were colorful items dedicated to Frida.

My second favorite thing about FridaFest is that it supported local businesses and artists, and enabled them to share their talents. Here are some of the cool items I came across before the weather prevented me from snapping more photos!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Tidbits Tagged With: art, artist, compassionate women, culture, diego rivera, edinburg, festival, frida, frida feast, frida kahlo, frida kahlo coffee mug, frida kahlo jewelry, fridafest, fridarific! handcrafted items at fridafest, handcrafted items, kahlo, legacy, local businesses, rio grande valley, south texas, Texas, texas festival, vegan, vegan lifestyle

Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary

June 5, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

roy e. larsen sandyland sanctuary

red flowers

pine forest

southeast texas

If your favorite color is bright green then you are going to enjoy this post. Disclaimer: You may have to shield your eyes from all the bright green colors of nature πŸ’šπŸŒ³βœ…πŸΈ

While I was still living in the pine filled region of southeast Texas I discovered a hidden gem that not many people know about. The Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary is right on a Texas highway in the small town of Kountze, but it’s easy to miss the entrance. I remember driving along the highway, thinking I had the wrong address because I was totally not seeing an entrance to any kind of park or sanctuary. Finally, I noticed a small wooden sign that blended in perfectly with the tree trunks surrounding it. Found it!

With over 5500 acres and multiple trails to explore, the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary is a quiet retreat for nature lovers who want to hike, bike, photograph, or simply enjoy the great outdoors. Here’s some of my fav photos from one of my visits there πŸ“·

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Travel Tagged With: big thicket, biodiversity, compassioniate women, hiking, hiking trail, kountze, kountze texas, natural trails, nature, nature park, open-floor forest, outdoors, pinelands, roy e. larsen, roy e. larsen sandyland sanctuary, southeast texas, spanish moss, swamp, Texas, texas wildlife, travel, vegan, vegan lifestyle, wildlife, wildlife sanctuary

The Colorful History of Downtown Harlingen

March 30, 2017 by Jillian 2 Comments

the colorful history of downtown harlingen

downtown harlingen

One of my favorite things about the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas is how colorful it is, literally and figuratively. From the deep blue skies to the green and purple cabbage fields, the food, the smiling faces, and the many intersecting cultures that collide down here along the border of Mexico.

I first visited the town of Harlingen about a year and a half ago to see the original Iwo Jima Monument. Check out my post Exploring the Rio Grande Valley to see the photos and learn more about other nearby towns in the area!

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I decided to go back and explore the historic downtown area. I was expecting the typical old brick buildings you usually encounter in small towns, but instead was greeted by a colorful array of unique buildings and murals. Downtown Harlingen really displays the color of the region, while still embracing the history and cultures. Scroll down to see what I mean πŸ“·πŸŽ¨

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Travel Tagged With: border town, centennial park harlingen, compassionate women, downtown harlingen, harlingen, harlingen texas, historic harlingen, historic small town, iwo jima monument, jackson street in harlingen, juiceology, latino, latino culture, mosaic, murals, raul esparza sanchez, rio grande valley, south texas, Texas, texas travel, the colorful history of downtown harlingen, travel, vegan, vegan travel

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HEY THERE! I’M JILLIAN.

I live near Houston, Texas with my rescue dog Stella! I create cruelty-free recipes that are delicious, to demonstrate that it's easy to follow a plant-based lifestyle. Not only are the health and beauty benefits noticeable, but it creates a more sustainable planet and keeps our animal friends safe & happy. In our spare time, Stella and I also love watching movies, reading, snuggling, and taking long walks! LEARN MORE…

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