“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” ~Albert Schweitzer
Kristy
I used to be one of those people who said “I could never be vegan.” I was raised in a very “meat and potatoes” family and though I became a vegetarian in my early twenties, I could not give up my love for cheese. I was even a Fromagier in a fancy cheese store for almost two years. One day, though, the light bulb turned on and I was able to see everything more clearly. I was able to see animals for the incredible sentient beings that they are and I knew I could no longer be part of any behavior that exploits them. This new chapter (the best chapter so far) of my life began right then.
Things you should know about me: My husband is my best friend. My canine companion, Samantha, understands me better than most humans do. I am happiest when I am cooking, exploring, traveling, writing, and laughing. I have a strong aversion to escalators and things that are not symmetrical, I’m maybe more than slightly obsessed with Arrested Development, wearing boots makes me feel like I kinda kick butt, and I love randomness and the color white. And I love run-on sentences and also starting sentences with conjunctions.
Chris
Chris is the primary photographer here at Keepin’ It Kind (sometimes I get a hold of the camera). He is an amazing photographer, taste-tester, best friend, and father to his twins, Maxwell and Sophia. When Chris is not taking pictures of our food, he can usually be found finding/managing locations for film and commercials, writing music in his office/studio, hanging with the twins, watching Arrested Development (with me, of course), or making me giggle with his Christopher Walken impersonation.
Keepin’ It Kind
Joining the vegan community was, outside of marrying each other, the best thing that Chris or I have ever done. We are so thrilled to be making a small contribution in helping to show the world that being vegan is simple, tasty, and rewarding on so many levels. I am not an expert on cooking or veganism, though I am extremely 
passionate about both. I am a self-taught/grandma-taught cook. The recipes I share are what I have found to work best for me but I encourage you to play around in your kitchen- have fun, learn what works best for you, and share!
We believe that energy is contagious. Just as anger breeds more anger and violence leads to more violence, we believe that happiness will bring more happiness and peace will breed more peace. We hope that by sharing our kindness here, the kindness will spread and make the world a kinder place.
To learn more about our journey to veganism and to find resources to help you with your journey, please visit our Being Vegan page.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email or connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. Please feel free to peruse our Press page to check out where Keepin’ It Kind has been featured.
Disclaimer: Keepin’ It Kind is an Amazon affiliate so if you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I do receive a very small commission.
I’m so glad that I discovered your site! (through anunrefinedvegan.com). Your writing as well as your food recipes are a delight to read.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you introduced yourself! I can’t wait to spend more time exploring your site- it looks pretty awesome too!
I love the space you’ve created here so much, Thought I should pass a little treat your way. Hope you like it. Do check it out at http://averilgomes.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/its-not-blurry-any-more-and-a-couple-of-blog-awards/
Have a great weekend
Thank you, Averil! It really means a lot to be honored by a blog as great as your own! You just made my Saturday!
It is so good to find kindred spirits out there. I’m a self taught(and Nana taught) plant based chef too!
Dawn
It’s so great to find such a wonderful community of like-minded people! Kindred spirits is definitely the perfect term for it. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I just gave this a read and you are so lovely! I love Arrested Development too…may have even planned a few themed parties….
Love the site
Gabby, you just took my party-throwing to a whole new level. Arrested Development THEMED PARTIES!!! My husband and I quote it non-stop and the DVD’s are pretty worn out.
You are so sweet! I often forget to comment or get side-tracked, but I’ve been a fan of yours for awhile. I think you’re pretty swell!
love your blog! the photos are so vibrant and the food is refreshing.
Thank you, Emily! You totally just made my day! I need to spend some more time checking out your blog now!
I love your blog. Thanks for the mouthwatering vegan recipes and for your great spirit and lovely writing. I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago, but will be back often.
Thank you, Jacalyn! You are so sweet- your kind words totally made my day!
I am SO happy to find your site through the Oh, Ladycakes post, it is so lovely!
I’m so happy you found my site too, Abby! It’s so nice to “meet” you!
Kristy, you are inspiring. I truly hope that your beautiful blog draws loads of people to care for animals the same way you two do. I adore your blog and am so very happy to have found it.
Tough question for you, how do you deal with being kind to both your non-vegan hosts at dinner out (you feel bad telling them that you don’t eat 90% of what they do) and the animals? I have felt like such an ass in these situations but want to stick to my convictions.
(I grew up the daughter of a farmer so the concept of veganism is a little foreign to my parents, which makes family visits awkward and uncomfortable. Even the veg is lathered in margarine before being set on the table. (I have brought my own contributions to meals but if I want a balanced meal I’ve got to bring the whole shebang!)) Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
First of all- thank you so much for your kind words. It’s comments like these that warm my heart and totally make my day.
I completely understand your question. Chris and I have both had moments where we felt like judgmental jerks just when trying to express that we don’t dead animals or their byproducts. I always try to keep in mind that this is about compassion to all living things, even humans (though this is the hardest part sometimes, I must admit). Planning ahead is always key. If you’re going to someone’s house, always offer to bring something. If you’re going out, try to suggest a vegan friendly joint, or if it’s mandatory that they choose the place and you feel like you must go, just eat ahead of time. I have a hard time doing that and I admit, I have avoided such situations by just meeting up with them after dinner or something similar. I have a hard time watching people eat animal flesh, especially if I don’t have my own food to occupy me.
When it comes to family, that’s a different story. Chris’s family is awesome and they call to ask for recipes or to check if something is vegan before they make it- they really try to include us so we don’t have to do all the work. With my family, however, it’s kind of like “Oh, you don’t want to eat animals with us? Then you’re on your own.” So we do bring entire meals just for ourselves. If we’re staying for a few days, we’ll go grocery shopping when we get there and stock their fridge or our own little cooler. It can be a drag, but it’s also more opportunities for them to try vegan food and like it.
I hope that helped. I more than understand what your’e dealing with. Trust me.
Good luck and lease don’t hesitate to shoot me an email with any other questions or just to vent. 
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and fantastic new year, Shanon!
Aw, you’re sweet.
Holidays were good, we survived! My carnivorous parents even prepared special side dishes just for us. I was truly surprised and honoured and made sure to let them know how much that meant to us.
Unfortunately, my lovely grandmother brought cheese from across the country for us for Christmas.
Awkward! I tried to leave it there by accident but she’s got a sharp memory. How to say thank you without being rude? Not sure but I did my best!
Happy New Years to you both!!
xx
Those awkward moments can be so, well, awkward. Whenever we’re gifted with non-vegan food, we give it away. No sense in it going to waste.
I wish you both a wonderful 2013 as well, Shanon!
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You guys are so cool!!!!
Stephanie recently posted…Vegan 101
So are you, Stephanie! xo