My New Zine Meowoscopes

I finally made a zine after almost a nine-month-long hiatus. I am also utilizing my blog after an absence of over a year. Wow - check me out!

Meowoscopes is an 8-page zine dedicated to how star signs interact with cats. It is a fun little zine perfect for cat lovers. I did all of the doodles on the cover and on the inside pages. I have a stack ready to go after spending some time stapling today.

If you want a zine please send $3 USA or $4 international using my PayPal link below. In the message box please include your complete mailing address. I can't wait to send these out!

https://www.paypal.me/missmuffcake

Hello My Name Is Vol 2 - Seeking Submissions

 

I am putting out another issue of Hello My Name Is zine - a zine that I started to end stigma associated with mental illness and those that have it. I did not plan on doing an issue #2 but after such a warm response at EBABZ on issue 1, I am doing another issue. 

What I am looking for: I would like a selfie of you and you to fill in these blanks Hello my name is and I have ______mental illness____ but that _____offer up something positive____. 

Example: Hello my name is Kendy, I have OCD/anxiety but that does not stop me from being an awesome cat mom.

Keep it short and sweet. Please send in your photo and completed mini story by Jan 30 2017. My email is missmuffcake{a}aol.com. Each contributor gets a copy of course.

[13 Days of Halloween ] Day 13 - New Zine - Halloween Issue

 

I have a new issue of The Stay At Home Girlfriend out now. I put it together in a few short weeks to get it out in time for Halloween. The idea came to me fast and I acted on it. I decided to do a Halloween countdown and to get things started with my zine. So here is a peek inside the zine - and if you want to buy a copy see the link below. 

Lurking inside these 28 pages you will find much more. If you like what you see and are curious about the other content please pick up a copy today!

Seeking Carnival Food Recipes For New Zine

 

I am working on a new zine that focuses on carnival food think: corn dogs, kettle corn, fried candy bars, caramel apples and the like.  I want all the recipes to be vegan and be able to be made at home with everyday kitchen equipment (no 50 gallon deep oil fryers!). Do you have an original recipe? Would you like to see it in print? Submissions are due on Feb 15 2016. If your recipe is printed you get a prize! A copy of the zine! Please send submissions to: missmuffcake[a]aol.com with Carnival Recipe in the title.

Stealing Is Not Cool

Vegan Varg informed me that my zine Cemetery Gates is reviewed in the current issue of Slingshot. I was excited and nervous - because truth be told the zine community has not been kind to CG in the past. I found the review online and later in the week received a print issue of the zine in the mail.

If you cannot read the review in the photo::
Cemetery Gates #1  $6.50 ppd (???) PO Box 251 Modesto, CA 95353
This new publication looks at how people confront death and grief. The editor sets the context of why to do this and its quite touching. The bulk of the content are some written pieces and photos of cemeteries. The atmosphere of cemeteries is pretty hard to capture using photocopiers but there’s close to a dozen images here that you can take to the copy shop and use to make art with. (eggplant)

After reading the review I sat in my chair and had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I was angry, amused and disappointed. Basically eggplant says to steal my photos, my zine, my hard work and use them for whatever. Seriously? I know in the punk community/anarcho community stealing is seen as a F-you to capitalism - as long as you steal from the big guys. If you walk into any punk-radical store there is at least 5 signs saying not to steal from them - they are not the man. I always find that way of thinking stupid.When did stealing from small companies, zines, small business become cool?
I wrote to eggplant and basically he told me that I should be lucky to have been reviewed. Wow really? Also that by releasing my zine I put it out there for anyone to do as they wish with it. Seriously? When did zines become so cut & paste, like things you toss? I know among my zine friends we save our zines, organize them and hold onto them. They are not a big time publication to cut up and use for collage.

I want to put it out there that when I make a zine I do not expect to make much. When you buy a zine from me you are paying for the price of the copies I made, postage and future zine costs. If I have anything extra after that - well I have two cats who like to eat and I like a good beer now and then. The point is I make little $ off of my work. I spend months on a issue from photos, to setting up interviews and everything in between.
My zines are not art project material. I encourage people to share zines - mine included but above all turn friends onto zines and let them buy copies. Making zines is a passion that zine makers have. A passion that costs money and time. Zines are more than paper and staples. Support zine makers! Buy zines, encourage your favorite zine makers to make more zines.

I will be releasing Cemetery Gates 3 - in the next few weeks. Sneek-peek tid bit: there will be a color cover this time around! I have been getting positive feedback from the horror community and think I will stick with sending press samples out to them. Also I will put bold 'these are my photos' type wording in upcoming issues more prominently. Maybe a banner that reads: do not steal is in order?

#OCDWEEK

I made a mini zine for International OCD Week I have had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder since I was young. In my late teens it got bad. For many years I felt ashamed of myself and even withdrew from interacting with people. I am learning now that I am okay, I am capable of love and recieving love as well.

You can get a copy of the mini zine by sending me a $1 through PayPal to cover shipping. Also if you order any issues of The Stay At Home Girlfriend this week you will receive one in your order.

Making zines has help me be brave - it has helped me let my voice shine. I started making vegan food zines but my writing could not be contained to recipes. I wanted to share with others that I have really dark periods in my life, I have thoughts I cannot control, that things fall apart around me but I try to put them back together and hold on. Everyday I wake up and say IT WILL BE A GREAT DAY in my head with as much enthusiasm as I can. Everyday I hope for the best.

Cemetery Gates Volume 2 - Out Now!

Finally it is out! I had some set backs like dealing with depression and waiting for a cover that never came. But after working on a few different covers myself I came up with a design and went off to the printers.
Cemetery Gates volume 2 is about connecting with spirits. There are personal stories that talk about messages from the departed. Of course there are photos I took over the summer of the cemeteries I visited. I bring history and facts about some of the stones I found. Also I interview a spiritual practitioner on honoring loved ones that have passed. Also with each order you get an angel post card from a shot I took in Lodi, CA at Cherokee Memorial Park.You can pick up your copy in my Etsy store for $5.

I am hard at work on #3 - which will be extra special. I plan on doing a double issue that will come out in mid October. The theme is the thin line between worlds. I am trying my hand at photographing models and bringing to life concepts I have in my head. Here is a sneak peak from last weekend!

Cemetery Gates 2 - Spirituality

Cemetery Gates has been doing well. I am ready to announce the next issues theme: spirits. I am not talking about techno-spiritualism: machines that go beep and bloop, garbled messages you think mean something or trying to make a profit off of people's vulnerability. I will be discussing spirituality, the afterlife, making connections to the ones we love after they are gone. 

Would you like to submit? If you have ever gotten a message/sign/something tangible from a dearly departed loved one please share your story. I am looking for short & sweet: 50 - 100 words. If I use your story you will get a copy once the zine is completed. Submissions are due via email by June 15 2015. Email me at: missmuffcake[a]aol.com with submissions or any questions. Thank you!

Food I Made Then Ate + A New Zine

Chichi beans + basmati rice. I adapted this recipe from  Staten Italy: Nothin' but the Best Italian-American Classics, from Our Block to Yours (by the pizza cuz guys). I served it with leftover naan.

 

Southern-ish bowl: basmati rice topped with pan grilled spiced tofu, collard greens and black eyed peas. Hefty amounts of hot sauce included! I love collard greens - simply made with olive oil, lemon juice, pepper flakes. It is so comforting!

Not the best photo but whatever! Fried veggie dogs with ketchup, mustard and sauerkraut from the neighbor (the best ever!) on naan - because we love Trader Joe's naan. Fries with ketchup round out the meal.

I released the newest issue of The Stay at Home Girlfriend - #16 over the weekend, please check it out! It is full of cats, vegan recipes, music, mental health/self care, beer tastings and more!

Fun With Food, Zines and Cats

Fried open faced tacos inspired by a recipe in the April 2015 Food Network Magazine (The Big Breakfast Issue). Tortillas are fried in Earth Balance, sprinkled with cumin, topped with refried beans and Daiya then covered to melt. Top it off with salsa, soy sour cream and hot sauce. Everything has to be served with Matt's Mamas red rice and lemons from the neighbor as you know!

Post gym stir fry with mixed veggies, extra firm tofu in a red curry paste + soy sauce mix I made up on the spot. Simple stir fry dishes are perfect on gym nights to help with a hungry stomach and a flash to prep. I also find them helpful to use up pantry items sitting around.

A soy iced coffee and Banana Curl Vegan Girl zine. The zine is a must have for those looking for easy and accessible vegan recipes (the best kind!) and a handy FAQ suitable for helping the new vegans & vegan curious out with ingredient replacements. You can also check out Banana Curl on her blog.

A few weeks back we walked into Pet's Mart on adoption day to make a Mar's Memorial Birthday donation. We came across a beast of a fluffy cat and decided to bring him home. We named him Mortis and so far Mady and him are doing well together. So if my zines and blogging have been lagging blame fluffy cats and naps - they go together!

New Zine - Vegan Meals Made Fast & Easy Thanks To Trader Joe''s

This handy zine has over a dozen fast and easy vegan recipes using food stuff from Trader Joe's. Included are breakfast tacos, carnival tots, Island stir fry and dips to dip stuff into. You can buy the zine in my Etsy store and I will ship it out right away. I hope to release a few more of these zines and am always looking for people to submit recipes.

The Stay Ay Home Girlfriend #10

 

Just released The Stay Home Girlfriend #10! Vegan recipes, living with OCD, hip guide to NY, interview with the founder/rad lady in charge better known as JoJo of Operation Icing, kitten love and more! Go buy a copy today!

Food Network Fan Zine - Seeking Submissions

It's no lie I love me some Food Network. From Bobby Flay getting his but kicked on his new show to seeing Guy's outrageous dive food, I watch Food network a lot! I know I am not the only one. So I am hoping to put a comp zine together that showcases our likes and dislikes of the popular channel.

Here are some topics/prompts that I would like to explore. Use these if you like or make something up that is not covered. Submissions are due Aug. 30th 2014. If you contribute you get a copy of the zine mailed to your door!


Ideas to get your writing flow on:

-Create your own FN show - what would it be about - who would host it
-FN celebrity crush
-FN recreated recipe
-Fave FN show/why
-FN celeb you would most want to cook for you/why
-FN celeb that gets on your last nerves/why


Contact me at: missmuffcake(a)aol.com

The Vegan 10 Zine

I have a new zine in my shop. Please go check out The Vegan 10  a zine that contains 10 recipes using 10 ingredients or less. Recipes for things like empanadas, soup, truffles and more that will not break the bank!

The Stay At Home Girlfriend #8

 

After having to bury the remaining two kittens in the litter last week I felt sadness and reworked my intro to include some love for them. So issue 8 has taken a bit longer to get out. However, this issue is 32 pages, with some amazing content. So please check it out and buy a copy here.

Five Or Less Vegan Zine

5

I am looking for vegan recipes that require 5 ingredients or less. Cooking oil, water, salt & pepper do not count into the total. If you want a footer note you can add more ingredients to make it jazzy like a extra spice or sauce but these extra should not be needed for the recipe. You are free to use packaged food - as long as it is vegan!

If you have a recipe that would make a great entry to my zine please email me at missmuffcake(a)aol.com. I need recipes by Jan 15, 2014. If your recipe makes it into the zine you will get a copy hot off the presses sent to your maill box! Sound fun? Submit today!

Issue # 5 Of TSAHG

I released a new 36 page issue of The Stay At Home Girlfriend last week. In it you will find Sicilian food memories, vegan (and many gluten free) recipes, cat stuff and a piece on why I say no to drugs. Pick it up in my Etsy Shop right here: TSAHG#5

All money from the zine is helping with Mar's vet bill and ongoing care! He went for a check up and blood work yesterday, the vet said he looks good! We are waiting on his numbers now!

Pile Of Reading Material

I have been on a lifestyle book kick lately. I have bought a handful of them and like at a salad bar it is easy to pick and choose the advice you want to take away from the books. I can't get behind all of the advice and while the books are plant based they are not 100% vegan. Oh and quinoa is a major book trend! I hate you quinoa! Food is trying to kill me!

Here is a rundown of the books, what I liked mostly. The points I did not care for in the books are all very similar: restrictive, stuff that is necessarily good deemed bad and way to much emphasis on detoxing.

My favorite out of the bunch is Relish by Daphne Oz. I did not even know who she was till I saw her in  Cosmo (I think) and liked her plate collection and her popcorn with coconut oil snack idea. I started watching The Chew (I was not aware of the show - though I do know the other hosts from various shows!). Relish is more like healthy, happy and fun living rather than diet and green smoothies. Daphne comes off as a way less pretentious Martha Stewart who also is a lot hipper. There are a few noted vegan recipes, some that would be a cinch to make vegan and day to day advice that puts a smile on your face.

Undiet by Megan Telpner was a purchase after I seen it on a blog tour. I like that it includes some beauty info - though the DIY beauty recipes are not vegan, and would not work the same if made vegan. It is a good source to show you how to clean up your routine in the kitchen and outside it.

Kimberly Snyder's The Beauty Detox Foods is good at showing you food to consume to address skin, hair and nail needs. It looks like a mighty book but I feel there is so much more that could have be said. This is the most 'diet-y' of the books and a lot of the food advice is not something I would live on day to day. There are a lot of salad and dressing recipes - perfect for upcoming warm weather eating!

Also over the weekend I got the new issue of Marmalade Umlaut - I skimmed through it in the car and read it on Monday. If you want to get your own copy or check out some vegan food action head on over to Food Feud today!

I have more books to talk about later. Then I am going to try to say no to books for a bit to cool my credit card! Books are so tempting - like vegan brownies!

The Stay At Home Girlfriend 3

A new issue of The Stay At home Girlfriend is out now. This is a holiday themed issue, vegan cold weather comfort food, holiday stress busters, fave holiday movies and more. 20 pages and a random green or red cover! Get your copy now!

[CLOSED]Giveaway: Barefoot and In the Kitchen

I first picked up a issue of the zine Barefoot and In the Kitchen in SF. I  was specifically looking for vegan zines and this one stood out! The art was cute and the recipes were tasty looking.

Fast forward a 5+ years later Ashley Rowe has turned her zines into a book! The book has a cool cover (cat + tattoos = rockin'!), tons of cute art and lots of yummy vegan recipes that are do-able! I have bought a copy to give away to one lucky reader! To enter please leave a comment below telling me what your favorite type of zines to read are. I will pick one random winner on July 31 - please leave a way for me to contact you in your comment. The contest is open to everyone. Good luck! 

Congrats Space.Clown - you are the winner!