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Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Cove: movie review



I finally rented The Cove and watched it on the plane ride to Massachusetts. And I was blown away. I've seen a lot of documentaries this year, and I'm tempted to say that this was my favorite.

The Cove is so much more than I expected. Although I heard rave reviews across the board, I didn't know much about it. It was full of facts that i wasn't aware of - about dolphins, marine life, the ocean, Japan, and the government. This movie made me feel compelled to do something to make a difference, as soon as possible.

Though the movie was sad throughout, the part that made me cry was about government coverup of mercury levels in fish. I thought about the amount of people I know who eat fish and have no idea. Thus I was glad to show this movie to my pescetarian family, especially since it is easier for most people to swallow than a film like Earthlings.

Aside from being an incredible piece about animal rights, it is simply a great documentary. It was very well edited and directed; the flow kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. At times I felt like I was watching an action movie in the style of Ocean's 11 or Bourne. The "cast" of the movie was so brave and persistent, and I was so proud of them, especially at the end.

I couldn't get enough of The Cove and I didn't want it to end, in fact I watched it with my family a few days after first seeing it. I live by the ocean, and I'll never look at a dolphins the same again. I've always wanted to swim with dolphins, but now I won't unless out in the ocean. This movie gives a fantastic explanation on why we shouldn't eat fish, for both our health and our planet. If more documentaries were as well done and powerful the world would evolve in a much needed direction.

You must see this movie right away - it will change your life.

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.


"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" is mainly composed of instructions for how to make your own decorations and gifts. Some of my favorites are: the newspaper stocking, decorated matchboxes, recycled t-shirt pot holders, and silver leaf wire window ornaments. There are some fantastic tips covering topics like green gift wrapping, shipping, entertaining, and energy efficiency. The book also includes several vegetarian recipes, such as delicious looking soups and salads, and most of them can be modified to be vegan.

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" has a beautiful message to share with the world and it will bring the joy of green to many families for years to come! Zem Joaquin said it best in the forward: "Amid a sea of consumption, we need Anna's thoughtful perspective on celebrating a green Christmas".

Monday, December 14, 2009

Holiday giveaway: a set of Go Max Go candy bars!

Winners: Steve Patsy & J Bretzman

As promised, here's your third (and last) chance to win a set of Go Max Go vegan candy bars!

TWO lucky winners will get 4 Go Max Go bars, one of each flavor. If you've never had these before they will blow your mind, even if you're not vegan. They are what vegans have been missing out on for years, because they taste just like popular non-vegan candy bars.

As with most of my giveways, you must give the bars as a gift. These would make a great stocking stuffer or even a random surprise gift. And maybe they'll share one with you... ; )

Holiday giveaway: a set of To-Go Ware!

Winner: Josiane
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

Winner: Polly


If you missed out on the Luscious Organic Desserts contest last year, here's your second chance!

One dozen vegan cupcakes from Luscious Organic Desserts! Click here to see all the flavors you can choose from. "We are a local baking company offering top quality, gourmet desserts using only the finest all natural and organic ingredients with no hydrogenation, no refined sugars, and no bleached flours. All of our delectable treats are made by hand in small batches."

But before you start salivating, remember my main rule for the giveaways. You must give these cupcakes to someone as a gift. They would be perfect for a holiday party as well. Perhaps pick someone who will share them with you!

In case you're not familiar with Luscious, here's an interview I did with one of the owners at World Fest 09 (sorry about the audio quality).


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.


Here's my video summary, featuring:

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.

I am perplexed that no one ever recommend this to me, after all the research I did, all the doctors I saw, all the medications I tried, and all the uncomfortable days spent feeling miserable. The solution was as simple and natural, so I feel compelled to share this update.
I no longer have to spend money on products that were either ineffective or potentially harmful long term; and I no longer have to throw away packaging. My routine with the neti pot is both eco-friendly, wallet friendly, and healthy. And I am so much happier.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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:


Two $25 gift card to Pizza Fusion in Santa Monica! (not valid at any other location)

Two lucky winners will be able to give one of these cards as a holiday gift (perhaps to someone who will bring them along)! Yes, that's right, you can't keep the card for yourself - you must give it away. The holidays are all about sharing and spreading the love...and pizza!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Holiday giveaway: The DivaCup

Winner: Kimberly


WARNING: This posting may be a sensitive subject for men!

The DivaCup is one of my favorite green...accessories. I've been using their products for years and they have made "that time of the month" so much easier and eco-friendly. Before I bought one I constantly had to buy tampons and pads (around $10 each month = $120 a year), and I practically had to plan my whole day around changing them. With the DivaCup, I buy it about once a year for around $30, and I only have to change it 2x a day (morning and night). I almost forget that I have my period when I'm using the DivaCup!

Not convinced? Check out this amazing video by my pal Rachel Sarnoff. I was going to make one myself, but she really says it all and says it well!

EcoStiletto's Rachel Breaks Down the Reusable Cup from EcoStiletto on Vimeo.



It may seem like a strange gift, but I gave The DivaCup to someone for Christmas and she was thrilled. Thus I thought this might be a great, unique, and green holiday gift. (I've tried to convince my friends to buy one and they're so skeptical, but if I gave them one I'm sure they'd try it and love it.) I prefer if you give this as a gift, but if you really want it for yourself I may make an exception.

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...)


If you had to pick ONE place for lunch and ONE place for dinner (we're only there one day), what would you choose? And what would you order? Please let me know in a comment below.

So far people have recommended:
Maybe I'll just have to pick places based on what part of town I'm in, as opposed to the other way around...and since most of these places are in the East Village looks like I'll be going there!

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

Winner: Susan


To add to the list of exciting giveaways, I am thrilled to announce this one - a $25 gift certificate to GlassDharma!

I discovered GlassDharma while searching for eco-friendly straws. I expected to find some hard plastic reusable straws, but instead found their amazing and beautiful glass straws. I bought some for my office, my family, and myself - and we all love them! They make wonderful, unique gifts, so they are perfect for the holiday season. That being said, as with most of my holiday giveaways you must give the certificate as a gift.

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.




Featuring:

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!

There are a lot of green holiday events happening in Los Angeles. Check out some below and stay up to date by viewing my calendar:

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!


What sets The Conscious Cook apart from other cookbooks is the formatting - it looks like so much fun! Important text is in large font so it jumps off the page, allowing you to read key phrases with a brief scan. Recipes are broken down into columns and lists, so they don't overwhelm the eye. The photos are spectacular - each piece of food is perfectly lit against a white background, making it seem like it's floating off the page. There is just the right amount of information about veganism, broken down into brief interviews, guest chefs (featuring Dave from Madeleine Bistro!) and sections like "Why Vegan?" and "Busting the Top Five Vegan Myths". There's even a pictorial display of vegan proteins (does that come in wallet size too?).

Though I have yet to read most of the text and try out the recipes, I believe this could be the best vegan cookbook I've ever seen. Never has a book made me want to cook so badly! Put The Conscious Cook on your holiday gift list - to give or receive (and check out other gift ideas here).

Stay tuned for my videos on the recipes I make, but in the mean time check out Tal's videos on his site.

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.

Tonight I made a recipe off the package - it was incredibly easy and delicious.
  • 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.
I was blown away by the flavors and the speed at which I made it. I can't wait to make this for someone - they'll think I spent all night on it! This would be a great meal to present to a meat eater - they might just change their mind about veganism!

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