Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Cove: movie review
Monday, December 21, 2009
"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas"

While it is a little late in the game, there is still time to green your holidays. If you're looking for some inspiration and advice, check out "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" by Anna Getty. The book shows you how to make "gifts, decorations, and recipes that use less and mean more", and it is a joy to read. It has beautiful pictures and illustrations that remind you why the holidays are so special. It's a very well laid out book: each recipe and set of instructions are easy to follow, and I love that it has flaps on the cover to allow you to bookmark your place. Simple tips, green facts, and notes from Anna are mixed in throughout the book, giving readers more insight into why it's important to make eco-friendly choices.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Holiday giveaway: a set of Go Max Go candy bars!

Holiday giveaway: a set of To-Go Ware!
This giveaway is the perfect holiday gift: a set of bamboo utensils from To-Go Ware!To-Go Ware is one of my top favorite eco accessories. I carry my utensils everywhere, even switching them out whenever I change bags (you've probably seen me using them in my restaurant reviews). They come in handy all the time, such as when I'm eating out or having lunch at work. I get so many compliments on them too - people think they're so cool!
Most importantly, using To-Go Ware keeps so many pieces of single-use plastic cutlery out of landfils and oceans. Even though there are alternatives made out of corn, it is better to have products that you can use over and over. To-Go Ware makes it easy by including a carrying case, that is compact and easy to toss in a bag, purse, briefcase, backpack, etc.
Here's a video I did a few months ago on waste I found on Venice Beach - an example of why companies like To-Go Ware are so important!
One lucky winner will receive a RePEaT utensil set, which includes a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks and RPET wrap. But you must give this away as a gift.
Holiday giveaway: cupcakes from Luscious Organic Desserts

Sunday, December 13, 2009
Conscious Holiday Gift Bazaar
If you still have shopping to do, or are simple looking for something to do this Sunday, check out the Conscious Holiday Gift Bazaar near LAX. The first 200 people to walk in get a free vegan buffet. There's live entertainment and a variety of vendors, the majority of which are eco-friendly.
- Arbonne
- bgreen apparel
- The Bliss Bar (chocolate goji bliss balls are amazing!)
- The Farmer's Kitchen
- Innerwear Clothing yoga calendar
- Pure Bamboo
- SilverMoon chocolate (dark chocolate fudge is delicious!)
- Sita sustainable fashion
- Smart Glass
- VegKids.org
- Visionary Boutique
- Zen's Purple Garden
How the neti pot changed my life
Almost exactly 2 months ago I wrote a post about getting my allergies under control naturally. At the time I was excited to see an improvement with my allergy symptoms (running nose, itchy eyes, facial swelling), but I wasn't convinced it would last. I've had awful allergies for about 5 years and had never found a natural remedy...until now. My allergies have cleared up by about 95%, which is huge. And all it took was a twice a day routine with the neti pot: warm water and salt.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sexy Serenity - Haute for the Holidays
Tonight I went to an eco event at Rob|B Salon, presented by Chill Out LA & Sirens Magazine.
Featuring:
- Natural High Lifestyle
- ONE Coconut Water
- Nicobella (amazing vegan chocolates!)
- Veggie Grill
- The Brunette Gourmette
- Naja Tea (delicious, try the Mix & Mingle)
- Pleasure Chest
Friday, December 11, 2009
Holiday giveaway: $25 gift card to Pizza Fusion, Santa Monica

You probably already know how much I love Pizza Fusion in Santa Monica. I have reviewed them five times! They have delicious vegan pizza (with Daiya or Follow Your Heart), vegan brownies, vegan alcohol, a great atmosphere, and the staff is incredibly nice. Therefore, I am thrilled to announce this contest:
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Holiday giveaway: The DivaCup

EcoStiletto's Rachel Breaks Down the Reusable Cup from EcoStiletto on Vimeo.
NYC Vegan Restaurants
Every time I'm back East my sister and I go to NYC for a day. We love Red Bamboo, but this year I wonder if we should try something new. Of course I'll be reviewing wherever we go! (In fact, I have a video from Red Bamboo I need to edit...)
So far people have recommended:
- Angelica Kitchen (macrobiotic) - East Village
- Blossom - Chelsea
- Cafe Viva - Upper West side
- Candle Cafe - Upper East side
- Candle 79 - Upper East side
- Chipotle in Chelsea (has Gardein!)
- Counter - East Village
- Dean & Deluca (shop & eat in)
- Dirt Candy - East Village
- HanGawi - Koreatown
- LifeThyme market - Greenwich Village
- Lula's Sweet Apothecary (dessert) - East Village
- Mana - Upper West side
- Organic Grill - East Village
- Ozu - Upper West side
- **PeaceFood Cafe (was told this is a must try) - Upper West side
- Pure Food and Wine - Gramercy Park
- Slice the Perfect Food - Upper East Side
- Stogo (vegan ice cream) - East Village
- Quintessence (raw) - East Village
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Rent a live Christmas Tree!
Last year at Eco Gift 2008, I met Scotty Claus of The Living Christmas Tree Co, and I fell in love with his company, which rents live Christmas Trees in the Los Angeles area. Instead of buying a cut tree and throwing it out, rent a living tree for a few weeks! (I wish there was a company like this in Massachusetts for my family to rent.)
Here's my short video with Scotty from last year.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Holiday giveaway: gift certificate to GlassDharma
To add to the list of exciting giveaways, I am thrilled to announce this one - a $25 gift certificate to GlassDharma!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Uniquie LA Holiday Show
Today I went to Unique LA's holiday shopping event and I was really impressed by it. Here's a video of some of the companies I saw and people I met.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Holiday giveaway: copy of The Conscious Cook
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Green holiday shopping
Luckily this year there is a lot of information about where to buy green holiday gifts. In fact, it's a littler overwhelming - so I'm here to help!
- Check out my post on green gift ideas here.
- Although Green Friday has passed, I listed some great stores on that post. My favorite from that list is Nimli.
- Stay tuned for my giveaways this month - they make great gifts!
- 12/12 & 12/13: Conscious Holiday Gift Bazaar
- 12/12 & 12/13: Holiday Gift Fair at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution
- 12/19 & 12/20: Holiday Gift Fair at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution
The Conscious Cook: review
To be honest, when I saw The Conscious Cook my first thought was, "oh, another vegan cookbook", and I wasn't that interested in reading it. No offense to Tal Ronnen, but there are a lot of vegan cookbooks out there (several of which are in my kitchen). However, when I opened the book my mind instantly changed. I was drawn in by the the bright colors, fun layout, and beautiful photos. Suddenly I wanted to sit down and read this cookbook!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Gardein Chick'n Scallopini
Last night I went to the grocery store to buy some of Gardein's frozen entrées because I was craving them. I picked up the buffalo wings and Chick'n and Good Stuff again, then decided to give the Chick'n Scallopini a try. And I am so glad I did.
- I added olive oil to a frying pan, rubbed a bit on the Chick'n, then dusted the Chick'n with wheat flour.
- When the pan was hot I put the Chick'n in and fried it for a few minutes.
- Then I added some mirin, capers, and Earth Balance.
- A few minutes later the Chick'n was fully cooked and ready to eat.