I'm on day seven of "Jenny no longer eats meat." It's an experiment to see if vegetarianism and I really mix. I have a feeling I'm going to have a breakdown at some point " someone's going to find my unconscious body smeared in ground chuck and surrounded by bacon bits and hot dogs, but for now, I'm not missing my beef shawarma or chicken tacos one bit.

In only one week, I've fallen in love (does that mean I'm easy?) with some veggie options at a few local eateries. The first is the hummus and fattoush at Camilya's Mediterranean Café. The hummus is thick and garlicy, with a nice tang of lemon. It has much more flavor than the bland, watery glop I find at some other Mediterranean places that shall remain nameless. Camilya's is also one of only two spots in the metro (that I know of) that actually serve fattoush, a popular Lebanese salad with cucumber, onion, radish and tomato with bits of toasted pita and lots of other veg goodness.

Before going chicken-free, I was filling up on the chicken salad sandwich at Prairie Thunder Baking Co., but now I'm all about the veggie sandwich. It has roasted red peppers, red onions and greens with ricotta cheese and balsamic vinegar " and it's huge! True to their bakery roots, the bread was amazing. I also sampled a mixed berry crostata that I seriously considered leaving my husband for. I imagined me and MBC having a long and fruitful (ha!) relationship with lots of little berry babies. It was that good.

The one veggie staple I have yet to become friendly with is tofu. The few times I've tried it, I've hated it, but I'm willing to renegotiate. Got any suggestions for vegetarian delicacies of the tofu variety. Or even any other great tips on where to go for veggie delight? Let me know here and I'll try my hardest to check them all out.

Velvet Monkey Salon, long the edgy salon staple in OKC, has moved the original NW 23rd Street store to the Plaza District, 1701 NW 16th. The new space opened May 23, and it's time for a big old party to celebrate.

The grand opening celebration will be held June 12 at the Plaza District space from 7-10 p.m. This is a great chance to check out the new digs, an urban, industrial space that has had an 80s-inspired overhaul, with graffiti on the walls and old school arcade games to waste some time. The grand opening will also include an art exhibition by Olivia Frisbie, from L.A.

After 10 p.m., the party moves to Bricktown. Bolero Tapas Bar & Spanish Grill, 200 S. Oklahoma, hosts the party from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

There will be a fashion show featuring the vintage collection from Velvet Monkey's boutique, music from Bryan Dunning and the Rock & Roll Trio Band, a little burlesque dancing from Pseudo Dance, and appearances by the Red Dirt Rebellion roller derby girls, a bike gang and even a car club.

Oklahoma City attorney Brittany Novotny traveled to Thailand for her genital reassignment surgery as she transitioned from male to female. She chose Thailand not only because of the difference in cost, but also because of the way gender is viewed in the Southeast Asian country.

"Thailand has a different attitude about it socially. To them, it's okay for people to transition and change genders."

Thailand officially recognizes a third gender, called "kathoey," but it's really only for male to female transitions. The same term is used in Laos.

Thailand isn't the only place in the world where a third gender is socially accepted. Transgender people have been documented in Japan, Indonesia, China and Korea.

In India, a third gender is referred to as "hijra" in Hindi. The group generally refers to themselves as female, but see themselves as neither male or female.

In North America, Native American cultures such as the Zuni, Lakota and Mohave recognized a third gender, referred to as "two-spirit," and in Mexico, the "muxe" were a third gender to the Zapotec of Mexico.

A third gender is even discussed in the Code of Hammurabi. The "salzikrum" were females who lived as males. The word "salzikrum" means male daughters, the group even had inheritance rights.

Honestly, who would want to stop the Serenity? Okay, maybe Reavers. And the Alliance, surely. But, me? No. No way. It is a product of the almighty Joss Whedon, and therefore I'm a fan.

Raise your hand, who doesn't know what the hell I'm on about?

Okay, tutorial: Joss Whedon, who created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," also created a gem of a show called "Firefly."

"Firefly," being an expert amalgamation of humor, drama and a dash of horror, was quickly canceled by the evil, evil Fox (a network with a history of canceling great shows. See: Arrested Development). This was all in 2002-2003, and fans were left with just 14 near-perfect episodes (only 11 of which actually aired) and a "Firefly"-shaped whole in their nerd hearts. The DVDs of the show garnered a cult following " which is when, I'm ashamed to say, I first picked up the show " and that cult following turned into a major motion picture: "Serenity."

Since then, Joss Whedon has screened his film at theaters nationwide in support of Equality Now, a human rights organization. Can't Stop the Serenity is landing in Oklahoma for one night " Aug. 8 at The Circle Cinema in Tulsa. The evening starts at 8 p.m. with a screening of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," another Whedon creation, before starting "Serenity."

Honestly, who would want to stop the Serenity? Okay, maybe Reavers. And the Alliance, surely. But, me? No. No way. It is a product of the almighty Joss Whedon, and therefore I'm a fan.

Raise your hand, who doesn't know what the hell I'm on about?

Okay, tutorial: Joss Whedon, who created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," also created a gem of a show called "Firefly."

"Firefly," being an expert amalgamation of humor, drama and a dash of horror, was quickly canceled by the evil, evil Fox (a network with a history of canceling great shows. See: Arrested Development). This was all in 2002-2003, and fans were left with just 14 near-perfect episodes (only 11 of which actually aired) and a "Firefly"-shaped whole in their nerd hearts. The DVDs of the show garnered a cult following " which is when, I'm ashamed to say, I first picked up the show " and that cult following turned into a major motion picture: "Serenity."

Since then, Joss Whedon has screened his film at theaters nationwide in support of Equality Now, a human rights organization. Can't Stop the Serenity is landing in Oklahoma for one night " Aug. 8 at The Circle Cinema in Tulsa. The evening starts at 8 p.m. with a screening of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," another Whedon creation, before starting "Serenity."

I love learning about independent designers, especially if their creations seem to have been designed with me in mind (how thoughtful of them).

Three Dallas-based designers " Dowdy Studio, Pamela Michelle and Cut Out and Collect " have teamed up to create an indie-chic collection of jewelry, accessories, decor and more as part of the Super Sneaky Collaboration Project. And, lucky for us, you don't have to travel to Dallas to check out their stuff.

Super Sneaky Collaboration Project will debut at the Dustbowl Arts Market, an open-air market scheduled for Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Buchanan Street in Norman's Campus Corner. The market, in its first year, will feature more than 60 local and regional artists, crafters and designers selling jewelry, decor, accessories, clothing and art.

I, for one, am really excited to head down to Norman to check the market out and hope this will become another staple in the metro's arts calendar.

Check out more on the Super Sneaky Collaboration Project and the Dustbowl Arts Market online.

So, it's no secret Valentine's Day is far down on my list of favorite holidays (somewhere between Fourth of July and Thanksgiving). But I'm not a complete automaton. For example, this always makes me smile, and it's as cheesy as it comes.

Valentine's Day can be more than syrupy cards and cheap stuffed animals. Don't believe me? Check out Cloverleaf Boutique, 2825 Wilshire, this weekend.

To celebrate the upcoming holiday, Cloverleaf is hosting a Valentine's Day open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. Three artists will be on hand with unique jewelry and decor, along with refreshments.

This weekend is also the monthly Paseo gallery walk. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker, is celebrating its latest exhibit, "Paper Love & Puppy Love," with a 6-10 p.m. reception Friday. The Paseo Arts Association is also opening its annual members show with a 6-10 p.m. reception Friday. The exhibit is called "Hearts on Fire" and is showing at Paseo Art Space, 3022 Paseo. A total of 17 galleries participate in the monthly walk, so there's plenty of shopping and browsing opportunities.

See, there's no excuse for that tired bouquet of roses. And there's never an excuse for stuffed animals. Ever. "Jenny Coon Peterson

Iguana Mexican Grill always has the best events (and the coolest party bus), and the one coming up this Sunday (the dreaded Valentine's Day) is no exception.

I was dining at Iguana the other day (on veggie tacos and approximately four pounds of chips and salsa) when I saw a poster for the latest event: "Love Stinks."

"Love Stinks" is a singles-centric party to be held at Iguana this Sunday. The price is $40, and this includes a dinner buffet and drinks. But it's so much more than dinner " "Love Stinks" will also include games, entertainment, a live broadcast from Ferris O'Brien of 105.3 The Spy and I'm guessing some much-needed bashing of the cheesy, swoony couples inundating all the other metro restaurants.

As much as I'd love to attend, I think it'd be a bit of a cheat for me to go (since I'm, you know, married and all), but I'll be there in spirit. Call Iguana for more details.

Just like your mother used to make. I see ads and taglines like that all the time for restaurants. But unless they're talking Chef Boyardee boxed pizza or the No. 3 at Taco Bell, I somehow doubt their food has anything to do with my own mom's cooking.

So my mom could never be considered a "down-home" cook, I'm seriously OK with that (better than OK, I actually hate that type of food). But one thing she could do is create a mean dessert: pumpkin roll, banana cream pie, gooseberry tarts, strawberry-rhubarb pie. My mom isn't close by to make me a treat for my upcoming birthday, so I've been heading to local spots to do some sweet "research."

I've been loving 105 Degrees, and the desserts are just as amazing as the entrees. The menu changes with the season, so keep that in mind. For example, in the fall I tried a cinnamon trio (three different bite-sized offerings featuring cinnamon) that was amazing. Look for unique pairings, like a pomegranate red velvet cake with lemon frosting.

For sublime cupcakes, I love the offerings at Cuppies & Joe. I scarf down the Sammy G (a German chocolate cake) or the fruit pie. This is a great spot for a birthday cupcake (or, the first of many birthday cupcakes).

Every time I head to Prairie Thunder (which is pretty much weekly), I stare longingly at " and usually succumb to " the mixed berry crostata, blueberries and raspberries in a just-sugary-enough pastry.

I swear to God, it's a religious experience. And I don't mean the kind that involves being weirded out by people speaking in tongues and the mortal fear that someone's going to bring out the snakes. I mean the good kind of religious experience.

A near-religious experience? Prairie Thunder's sunflower seed bread. Not a dessert, but just as tasty.

I spent last Sunday's romance holiday with two friends. We went to see a guilty pleasure movie ("Percy Jackson," which we thoroughly enjoyed, even if we were years beyond the target audience) and then attempted to think of somewhere casual enough to escape the crowd of couples. Our first choice was Olive Garden (another guilty pleasure " damn that soup/salad/breadstick combo). Turns out, good ol' Olive Garden is considered "romance dining" by some. Weird, but whatever.

All in all, it was a pleasant day. But maybe not for all of you. Were you the recipient of the dreaded giant stuffed animal? Did your significant other try to woo you with a sub-par meal (perhaps at Olive Garden)? Don't simply chalk up this recent Valentine's as a complete failure. A local hotel is here to save the ruined day.

Cambria Suites, 4410 SW 19th, is offering a one-night prize package for the duo with the most deplorable V-Day story. The prize includes a night at the hotel (obviously) for Feb. 25, two tickets to see Billy Joel and Elton John on that night, a limo to the concert, dinner, breakfast, and sparkling wine and strawberries.

Head to Cambria's special Valentine's Day Redo site (valentinesdayredo.com) and tell them in 200 words or less why this V-Day sucked and why you deserve better. The contest ends Sunday, Feb. 21, so get your sob story ready and enter soon.