Vegan Halloween candy

Looking for yummy vegan treats for yourself or the neighbors this Halloween? Here are some brands to try out:

• Sjaak's has vegan chocolates, and some with Halloween packaging. If you're in Los Angeles you can get them from the Santa Monica CoOp, and Whole Foods might have them too. The dark chocolate peanut butter is AMAZING!
• Valentino Chocolatier in The OC has delicious gourmet chocolates, and you can order from their website too.
• Go Max Go makes vegan bars that mimic popular non-vegan varieties.
• Endangered Species Dark Chocolate treats are easy to find, especially in Whole Foods.
• Sweet and Sara has ghost marshmallows and other yummy treats. You can order them online, or you might find them in some Whole Foods.

Here's a longer list of vegan Halloween candy, some of which I haven't tried.

And here's a website full of organic, vegan, and/or allergen-free candy.

If you're wondering what name brands are vegan, check out PETA's list - you'll be surprised what is on there, but beware, most of them are full of sugar and chemicals.

Looking to be eco-friendly on Halloween? Come to Seed Kitchen's cleanup Saturday morning at 10:30am!

La Grande Orange vegan dinner by Citysearch

Citysearch LA had a vegan tasting dinner at La Grande Orange in Santa Monica. I had a wonderful time and was thrilled to finally try their food. I met some great people and enjoyed some fabulously fresh food and wine. A rep from L.G.O. told me, "All those options are on the menu regularly (both sushi rolls!) - the only thing that changes is the Farmers Market bite (cauliflower)"

Definitely check in with Citysearch for events like this in the future, and be sure to go to La Grande Orange for a nice lunch or romantic dinner!

Indonique tea: video review of 7 flavors

Indonique asked me to try seven of their loose leaf teas, so I brewed one flavor each morning in one week. They were each delicious, but check out the video to see what my favorites are.

1. Cherry Flavored Black Tea
2. Dragonwell Lung Ching #5 Green
3. Ginger Peach Orange Green Tea
4. Honey Bush Organically Grown Tea
5. Moroccan Mint
6. Rose Congou with Buds
7. Vanilla Chai (with Coconut Milk by So Delicious)

Dosa Truck: video review

Christy Morgan, of Viva la Greens, and I visit the Dosa Truck to try out vegan version of The Slumdog dosa and a ginger limeade, then interview Leena about the business and food.

Cafe Flourish: video review

Christy, of Viva La Greens, and I went to Cafe Flourish and had the Love Rueben, BLT&A, Chilly Wonka shake, and peanut butter rice krispy treat.

Blogger Beach Cleanup

Montage of Blogger Beach Cleanup, part of 350.org.

Featuring:

1. Cicle
2. The Daily Ocean
3. Heal the Bay
4. Green LA Girl
5. Green Media News
6. NRDC
7. Sustainable Works

Alt Car Expo 2009

Alt Car Expo

Green holiday gift ideas

Why am I already writing about gifts for the holidays, you ask? Well, they're only about 2 months away, so you better start planning! Besides, I've got a few on my mind that you should consider, and this list is going to grow throughout the season.

• The Conscious Cook: cookbook by Tal Ronnen. Check out my rave review here. Love this book!
• Handkerchiefs from Hank & Cheef: I am in love with mine! They are a great eco alternative to tissues, and they have really cute and modern designs. These would make great little gifts or stocking stuffers.
• Tea from Indonique: They have delicious, loose leaf tea. Maybe pair this gift with a mug and tea strainer, or a tea pot. My favorite flavors? Ginger Peach Orange Flavored Green and Honey Bush Herbal.
• Bamboo Utensils from To-Go Ware: I am obsessed with mine and I use them on almost a daily basis. I get so many compliments on them because they're very handy, eco-friendly, and cool looking!
• Glass Straws from GlassDharma. I love these straws - great for all sorts of drinks (they even have some for boba tea!)
• Body Products from small companies like Strawberry Hedgehog. Local, handmade, and vegan.
• Body Products from LUSH. You probably already know about LUSH, but they have a ton of vegan products and they're very sustainable. Plus they're very colorful and fun.
• Neti pot: everyone should have one. Whether or not you have sinus issues or allergies, a neti pot is very soothing, and great when you have any sort of congestion.
• TOMS shoes: I got a pair of vegan wrap boots for Christmas last year and I'm wearing them today. I get endless compliments on them and they are very comfortable. Wouldn't mind another pair as a gift...
• Accessories from Elvis & Kresse: they sell products made out of old firehouses! Most of them are vegan, and can make them leather free upon request.
• Cooking classes: find a local chef and gift their classes. There are plenty in Los Angeles, but I recommend Christy Morgan, Seed Kitchen, and Spork Foods.

Here's a great green gift guide: Green with Glamour

Gardein's frozen meals

Gardein's new frozen Buffalo Wings and Chick'n and Good Stuff (with Daiya cheese!). Now available at Ralph's in Los Angeles.

CNN: Meatless Monday in Baltimore school

"Baltimore has instituted a "meatless Monday" school lunch program."

This is great news! My only problem is the ignorant protein statements at the end... Seriously, do some people still believe we can only get protein from meat, and that we aren't getting enough?

Sauce on Hampton: review and interview with Sassan

Sauce on Hampton: Whitney reviews several dishes and interviews owner Sassan Rostamian.

XIV by Michael Mina: video review

My good friend Christy Morgan, of Viva la Greens, and I took advantage of dineLA (discounted pricing) at XIV by Michael Mina. Both of us had heard great things about it and were willing to pay $44 for an 8 course meal (instead of the normal $64, per person) to see what it was all about. All in all, it was a fun experience, but the food didn't wow me enough to go back and pay full price...unless someone else is paying ; )

LA VEGAN & VEGETARIANS: Facebook Group

If you're in Los Angeles please join the LA VEGAN & VEGETARIANS Facebook group!

- Meet some new friends, maybe even someone in your neighborhood!

- Host a potluck or BBQ, yumm

- Organize a beach party or picnic

- Check out new restaurants together

- Grab Sunday brunch together

- Post interesting videos and links

- Share event pictures

It's a big city. Hopefully this group helps make it a bit easier to stay connected to people with a similar interest.

Allergies under control, naturally

I've had bad allergies since I moved to L.A. (go figure). For years I tried every pill, powder, and spray on the market. I consulted several doctors and gave acupuncture a try. And nothing worked. Still awful headaches, sneezing, and running nose. So I gave up and used Flonase for several months, which was the only things that made a difference. However, I always felt guilty about it because it's a steroid with who-knows-what long term effect on my body. My chance to give it up came when my insurance ended, and instead of $20 a pop for Flonase it would cost $130!

I took a trip to the CoOp and decided to give the natural remedies another try. I picked up some Neti Pot wash (even though the Neti Pot never seemed to help before) and some homeopathic nasal spray (called Luffeel). I've been Neti-ing every night before bed, and sometimes in the morning if I have congestion. And I take the nasal spray in the morning and at night.

To my surprise, this routine actually seems to be working. Now, I'm not completely sold on it because my allergies tend to trick me - they'll seem to improve for a while and then suddenly strike again. But, for now, I'm happy to use a natural remedy.

To top it all off, Hank and Cheef sent me 3 of their organic cotton handkerchiefs and they are adorable! Though I feel a little like my father, using a handkerchief will save a lot of tissue, thus being very eco-friendly. Besides, the designs are very modern and fun, so I'm excited to show them off. Did you know that it takes 90 years to grow one box of tissues? Check out more facts on tissues on Hank and Cheef's site.

Interview with Heather Lounsbury: a vegetarian acupuncturist

Breathe Balance

Get Natural Get Well

Environmentaland: video tour

Last week I visited Environmentaland to take a tour with director Eric Ritz, and I was blown away by the exhibits at the "theme park"/museum. This is a great place to take your kids...or yourself!

For more information: Global Inheritance

Radio interview with Me!

No, I won't be interviewing myself. Actually, I'm going to be interviewed by someone this time!

Please tune in this Wednesday, Oct 14th, at 10am (PST) and I would love to hear questions from you. Or, you can listen to it anytime after the show airs.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/DocHeather/2009/10/14/All-Things-Health

"Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac. and her guest, Whitney Lauritsen, has a shared interest in teaching people about the effects our eating habits have on our health and the planet. Whitney is a filmmaker, environmentalist, and writes for her own blog- www.ecovegangal.com - about eco-friendly companies and healthy food. They'll be discussing the benefits of an animal free diet, dispel myths, and give tips on how to do it correctly"

Compassionate Cuisine event by Animal Acres:

I had an amazing time at the Compassionate Cuisine event by Animal Acres. Can't wait for next year!

Tried so much food from the following companies:

• C'est la V Bakeshop - brownies
• Cobblermania
• Da Vinci's Delight - quiche
• Follow Your Heart - potato salad & BBQ chick'n
• Frankenstand - veggie dogs
• Greens Cafe - okra & spring rolls
• Kamal Palace - indian
• Melissa's - cous cous
• One World Vegetarian Cuisine - chick'n nuggets, sushi, teriyaki
• Secret Spot - pineapple teriyaki tofu, humus, chocolate pudding w/ granola
• Sunnin Lebanese Cafe
• Viento y Agua Coffee House - yerma matte
• Whole Foods - Basu's Indian
• Zephyr Vegetarian Cafe - chili & brownies

And thanks to Christy Morgan of Viva la Greens for doing the great camera work.

Cranio Sacral with Robert Morris Proactive Health: interview & testimonial

If you're in Los Angeles or Canada, I HIGHLY recommend going to see Robert. I had an incredible experience, beyond any massage or chiropractic work I've ever had. If you're not in those areas, look into Cranio Sacral work and give it a try.

Fork in the Road vegan cookies: review

Fork in the Road Foods

Cooking with Christy

I helped my friend Christy, of Viva La Greens, make her first cooking video on Seitan Stuffed Collard Greens with Apple Chutney. I stepped out from behind the camera to make a little guest appearance and do a taste test - of course I loved it!

Movie about waste on Venice Beach

There's a good reason why I'm doing the Blogger Beach Cleanup!

I shot all of this footage in an hour, and I didn't touch or move any of the trash, or interact with any of the people - how you see it in the movie is how I found it.

Alliance Hollywood - Peeling Back the Label: video coverage

I went to an amazing event yesterday, hosted by Alliance Hollywood. They served brunch and then held a panel about food and health, which featured incredible speakers. Check out some clips, and be sure to mark your calendar for their next event!

Featuring:

- TwoPeas catering

- Drew Broadrick

- Persia White

- Ashley Koff

- Jessica Vitale

- Organic Authority

- Adina For Life

- L.A. Yoga Magazine

- Green LA Girl

J's Kitchen - yummy snacks

While at the Abbot Kinney First Friday Christy (of Viva La Greens) and
I stopped off at J's Kitchen because it was the only decent vegan
option on the street.

We got the Curry Bento Box, which was quite good (forgot to take a
photo).

The best was the Pumpkin Croquette, which was only $1. They were
fabulous - crispy and sweet.

Bay Cities Italian Deli

Believe it or not, the amazing Italian Roll at Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica is vegan! They have an incredible "Veggies Only" sandwich, and somehow it tastes better than I anything I could make at home with the same ingredients.

Veggie Grill WeHo: Review & Interview with Kevin Boylan

Had a delicious meal at the new Veggie Grill location in West Hollywood with Christy of Viva la Greens: Chickin' Caesar Wrap, All Hail Kale salad, Sweetheart Fries, Bean Me Up Chili, peach iced tea and lemonade, carrot cake, and chocolate pudding.

Then I met and interviewed Kevin Boylan, the owner. He had some great things to say, and addressed the rumor about having the same recipes as Native Foods.

EcoStiletto Event - Strange Invisible Perfumes

EcoStiletto

Strange Invisible Perfumes