Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 102

Kind Crusader: Lawrence Anthony, Elephant Whisperer

I received this from an email and it is so amazing… it almost seems too beautiful to be true. I love this story… Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller The Elephant Whisperer, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the

Kind Crusader: Lawrence Anthony, Elephant Whisperer

I received this from an email and it is so amazing… it almost seems too beautiful to be true. I love this story…

Photo source: rhinoafrica.com

Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller The Elephant Whisperer, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during the US invasion in 2003.

On March 7, 2012, Lawrence Anthony died. Two days after his passing, wild elephants showed up at his home, led by two large matriarchs. Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend.

 A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African House.

photo source: flickr.com / blieusong

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe, not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence's passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way. They walked slowly - for days - making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house.
 
So how, after Anthony’s death, did the reserve’s elephants — grazing miles away in distant parts of the park — know?  “A good man died suddenly,” says Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D., “and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants, sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funereal’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.”

“If there ever were a time, when we can truly sense the wondrous ‘interconnectedness of all beings,’ it is when we reflect on the elephants of Thula Thula. A man’s heart stops, and hundreds of elephants’ hearts are grieving. This man’s oh-so-abundantly loving heart offered healing to these elephants, and now, they came to pay loving homage to their friend.”

Lawrence's wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over 3 years! But yet they knew where they were going. The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who'd saved their lives - so much respect that they stayed for 2 days  and 2 nights without eating  anything.

Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back.

Here is a tribue to Mr. Anthony:

 

“Mr. Anthony is survived by his wife, Francoise Malby; his mother, Regina; his sons, Dylan and Jason; and two grandsons. The elephants also survive him. Since his death, his son Dylan told reporters, the herd has come to his house on the edge of their reserve every night.” – NY Times

Have you heard any beautiful stories recently?

I’d love to read or watch them! Share them in the comments below, please.

Restaurant Review: Madeleine Bistro

 

Madeleine Bistro is in Tarzana and we have been there many times since the opening in 2005. It’s delicious, but it’s not close to us, otherwise I’m sure we would have gone more often! Right now they’re only available for special events, catering, and home delivery services while they work on opening a new location on Pico in Beverly Hills, around mid-September.

We went a while back and my husband got a Caesar salad and the “Bigger” Mack, which came with an exceptionally good potato salad. I had beet tartare salad with tofu cheese that tasted like goat cheese (I always have to order this). We also ordered the Asian tacos and the mac ‘n “cheese.” All sooo good! If I went back again, I’d probably get the tacos and the mac ‘n cheese. I thought it would be the big mac…but I think I’ve moved over to the tacos!

Anywho, Madeleine’s Bistro is a fantastic place to enjoy a fancier veg dinner and just delicious food. After we ate there, we drove to one of my favorite guilty pleasures, Humphrey Yogart. They have a soy-based yogurt and you can add in whatever you want—like peanut butter and espresso—all crunched in there. Of course they have tons of sugar, so it’s not healthy at all! But it’s a fun, flirty treat.

What’s your favorite date night spot?

“In A World” Opens this Weekend!

My friend Lake Bell, whom I met working on the tv show Miss Match 11 years ago, has a new movie out this weekend! You can see Lake in post here. And if you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can see the movie and enjoy a Q & A with Lake at the following locations: ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD - Saturday,

"IN A WORLD" Opens This Weekend!!

 

My friend Lake Bell, whom I met working on the tv show Miss Match 11 years ago, has a new movie out this weekend! You can see Lake in post here. And if you're in the Los Angeles area, you can see the movie and enjoy a Q & A with Lake at the following locations:

ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD - Saturday, August 10th at 4:30pm Showtime - Q&A to follow


LANDMARK - Sunday, August 11th at 2:30pm - Q&A to follow 

Her film is so good! You will laugh so hard and it is such a great movie. I'm so proud of her and inspired by her, and she is vegan most of the time! Woohoo. 

Rob Corddry is in the film as well and kills it! He is sooooo good. Oh, and Michaela Watkins is also wonderful. Really, everyone is great! The film is great. Lake is a genius - did i mention she wrote it and directed it?

Anywho, go see this movie – so you can be happy and laugh and moved.  

Ok, have a great weekend!

 

Vegan & Eco & US-Made, Oh My!

So, we’re fashionably late with this, but better late than never, right?

With just 9 days left to go, run-don’t-walk to check out female-founded footwear company Nicora Johns’ Kickstarter campaign. 

Begun by LA-based shoemaker Stephanie Fryslie, this special unisex shoe brand brings to the table everything we’d want for our feet, and more. 

It goes without saying that Nicora Johns shoes are aesthetically superior. We wouldn’t tout their virtues were it not for the fact that we want her debut collection in our closet yesterday. But, beyond the obvious visual appeal, their beauty is more than skin deep.

Speaking of skin, these flats, heels, boots and sandals are skinless. And there are few things we adore more than cruelty-free kicks. With that said, the faux leather (one of several fabrics from which you can choose) is supple and soft, a dead ringer for the real thing, for those seeking a similar look and feel. 

In addition to sparing our four-legged friends, Fryslie is also pro planet. Refusing to use hides is an excellent—and essential—first step, but she takes her commitment further by producing domestically. Many foreign nations—where 99% of shoes Americans purchase come from—have lax or nonexistent environmental laws. So, she decided it was local or bust. Materials are manufactured in Massachusetts and shoes are assembled in California. Finally, a “Made in the USA” tag you can trust.

In bringing business stateside, Fryslie employs people who lost their livelihoods when cobbling jobs were sent overseas. She works alongside skilled men and women, trained in a trade, who know how to turn out quality product built to last. This also ensures shoemakers are paid a fair wage, while simultaneously preserving an artisan craft, creating what she dubs “pieces of art.” 

On top of being 100% vegan, ecological, all-American and economy conscious, these cute—and comfortable—shoes are, as alluded to above, completely customizable. And, for those wondering about the wood, breathe easy: it’s renewable and sourced responsibly. 

Fryslie, it seems, thought of everything. 

With a number of pledge levels to choose from, there’s something for everyone. For the guy or gal on a budget, donate anywhere from $1 up. Every buck counts, no doubt. But, for someone wishing to make a statement, something unique and sure to attract double takes, spring for a pair of your very own Nicora Johns. Sandals start at $85 and other styles range from $118 to $320, with plenty of package deals on offer as well. 

If you’re concerned about cost, fret not. Fryslie has said herself she isn’t out to make a profit, at least not with this specific crowdfunding campaign. Her hope is to build buzz and get fantastic shoes on the feet of fantastic people. People who believe in not only better shoes, but also better business practices. She refuses to operate outside of the United States (for reasons having to do with both labor laws as well as environmental laws) and has remarkably high expectations when it comes to handcrafting your order. She pays her shoemakers fairly and, in turn, customers can expect phenomenal merchandise constructed to survive the passing of time. (Fun fact: prices account for shipping, handling and taxes. Translation: no hidden charges.)

Fryslie is on a mission to change the game, raise the bar and set an industry standard. Hers is an idea that’s just getting off the ground, but it’s gaining momentum and poised to take off. And who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? 

Together let’s support this worthy endeavor. Your feet—and Mother Nature—will thank you. 

P.S. The horse in the photo above is Blue Bear, a rescue from a rodeo I am told. Apparently he's blind in one eye.

 

Vegan, Eco & US-Made, Oh My!

Begun by LA-based shoemaker Stephanie Fryslie, this special unisex shoe brand brings to the table everything we’d want for our feet, and more.

Kind Classics: Packing a Kind Lunch

Since it's getting close to back to school time, I wanted to remind all you kind mamas and dads about these great tips I found on Girlie Girl Army!

Kind Classics: Packing a Kind Lunch

 

 

Since it's getting close to back to school time, I wanted to remind all you kind mamas and dads about these great tips I found on Girlie Girl Army!

 

How to Pack a Healthy Lunch that You Feel Good About and Your Children Actually Eat! 



Lunches are such a tricky thing. On one hand, all of the children are comparing what they got in their lunchboxes (and do you really want them to be the ones with the lame lunch?). And, on the other hand, you want to send them off with something nutritious to fuel them through their day that you feel good about and that they will eat! If this is your conundrum, read on!



 

Mom's Lunchbox Criteria:

it must be...

1. Be quick and easy to pack.
2. Be healthy and include fruits and/or vegetables.
3. Contain foods kids will actually eat.



This Insulated Cow Lunch Bag (pvc-free/ ethically made and $30) is a perfect way for your kid to explain why s/he doesn't eat animals!



 

Healthful Hints to Improve the Lunch Box Battles:



Get your kids involved in the shopping and/or preparation and ask what they like. Take them somewhere like Whole Foods or your local healthy grocery shop and let them pick out some healthy options for their lunchboxes. Spend some time in the produce section and let them experiment with some different fruits. If your child normally only eats apples, try the cherries if they are in season! Buy a few mangos, a box of strawberries or some clementines. These make healthy, delicious lunchbox additions as well! Encourage them to make their own decisions as to what they want to try - whether it is a new type of drink or treat. They will be much more likely to embrace it if they have chosen it. Do not, and I repeat do not, take them to a big grocery store where the aisles are lined with potato chips and cheese puffs!



Buy a lunchbox that is easy to use and that your child likes!

My children use the Lands End ones but there are many other fun ones to choose from these days! One of my favorite companies is Laptop Lunches, which has fun bento box style lunchboxes and also a wide variety of fantastic lunchbox ideas!


Include multiple colors & textures.

When we are at a restaurant, we like a variety of colors and textures on our plates and kids are like that too! Pack a soft sandwich, crunchy carrot sticks and creamy vegan yogurt for a satisfying combo. For nursery age children, cut their sandwiches into shapes and make fun things like: ants on a log (celery filled with vegan cream cheese topped with raisons.)



Include condiments.

Condiments are not just for grown-ups, and children love, love, love to squirt and dip things. You could include hummus or ranch dressing to dip carrots into, ketchup for a tofu dog, or even maple syrup to dip a grilled almond butter and jelly sandwich into- yum!



Leftovers are great!



Get out of the grilled daiya cheese and pb&j thinking and be experimental with what you include. Did you have grilled tofu the night before? Then wrap up the tofu in a wrap! Have pasta the night before? Include that too! You will be surprised how much more your children will enjoy their lunches, and eat them! Lunch boxes don't have to - and shouldn't - contain the usual sandwich every day! If you do pack a sandwich, vary the bread - serve it on whole wheat one day, a wrap the next, a pita the next and try to add vegetables such as lettuce and tomato when you can.



Last, but certainly not least, remember to always pack a treat!



When your child opens their lunchbox you don't want them to be the only one without something to look forward to! So, make sure when you are at the grocery store with them that they pick out something that is delicious but not high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup and saturated fat! I keep a variety on hand and just vary which one I throw in their lunchboxes.



Below are some specific ideas for you:



 

 

The Cheat Sheet


Main Course (choose one):

• PB&J with a twist use almond butter & banana grilled on a whole wheat served with a side of agave (or brown rice syrup!)
• Smart Dogs in a bun or rolled up with vegan cheese in a tortilla
• Vegan Cheese Quesadillas on corn tortillas with a side of salsa
• "Perfectly Healthy" Veggie Pancakes (recipe here) cook it the night before and serve at dinner, then heat it up in the morning and pack it the next day (these also freeze well)
• Avocado & tomato sandwich
• "Mexican Sushi" (recipe here)
• Vegan chicken nuggets with organic ketchup for dipping

Snacks (choose one):

• Fruit: bananas, apples, oranges, clementines, cherries, or grapes
• Vegan Yogurt: (choose one high in acidophilis and low in sugar)
• Carrots sticks with hummus for dipping
• Celery sticks filled with vegan cream cheese
• Dried fruits (no-sugar) - raisins, apricots, bananas, papaya or mango
• Trail mix (no-sugar) - try one with Goji berries for iron and Vitamin C
• Veggie Booty (Roberts American Gourmet)
• Spelt Pretzels
• Organic "Cheese" Crackers by Eco-Planet

Treats (every lunchbox must have a treat, right!?!)

• Organic animal crackers
• Newman "Own oreo" cookies
• Late July peanut butter crackers

Drinks (choose one):

Always pack them a big bottle of water in a (reusable) bottle of their choosing and encourage them to drink it throughout the day! Opt out of the sports drink route, unless you find some without added sugar.

• Honest Kids (fun squeeze packs) comes in Tropical Tango, Goodness Grapeness or Berry, Berry Good Lemonade
• Apple & Eve All-Natural Apple Juice (box)
• Vruit Carrot Apple Juice (box)
• R.W. Kudsens Spritzers Lemonade, Red Rasberry or Grape (can- they think it is soda!)
• Vita Coco Coconut Water (box)
• Good, Old-Fashioned Water!

Good luck and good packing!

Do you have any great tips for packing kids' lunches?

photo source: anotherlunch.com

Vegan Relationships Infographic

A little while back, I shared some ideas about vegan relationships. I also asked all of you Kind Lifers to share your experience dating as a vegan. Almost 1,000 people responded and this infographic illustrates what you had to say:

What are your thoughts on these results?

Are they the same or different from what you expected?