Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 117

Vegan Coffee Fudge Brownie Mix in a Mason Jar

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I love to be sneaky and give out vegan desserts without making a big deal of the fact they’re veg. This easy DIY is the perfect way to share the vegan love with your non-veg friends and family. You can put it together in an hour. Super easy!

All you need is a mason jar, crafting supplies you most likely have already, and the dry ingredients from the recipe on page 181 of The Kind Diet (see below). Once you have your materials assembled, follow the instructions below:

STEP 1:
Measure all of the dry ingredients: 3⁄4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 3⁄4 cup brown rice flour, 1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 ½ cups maple sugar (or you can choose any sugar that feels right to you), 1⁄2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped, 1 ½ cups nondairy chocolate or carob chips.

STEP 2:
Layer the dry ingredients in a 32 oz. mason jar (except the chocolate chips). Add a piece of fabric or parchment paper over the ingredients and then add the chocolate chips (so they’re easy to separate from the ingredients for the recipe).

STEP 3:
Create a small card and then print and attach this recipe card to the inside with the list of the remaining ingredients and instructions:

PRINT THIS

 

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STEP 4:
You can decorate your mason jar with ribbons, and any other embellishments you happen to have on hand. You can use bows from any gifts that you’ve received. I think it looks pretty without and decorations and that’s how I would give it, but you can dress it up or dress it down however you like.

And this is the final product!

 

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Have you made any holiday gifts this year?

I’d love to know what you made! Will you share a photo of yours in the comments?

How I Approach Gift Giving

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There are lots of ways to show love and appreciation during the holidays, and not all of them involve buying stuff. You can bake and share a kind recipe, offer to cook Christmas dinner, plan a special outing, take your family to the movies, help your family sort through the garage and donate old items, volunteer at an animal shelter, or offer to watch your neighbors’ pets while they’re away. The point is to be mindful of the needs of others.

Giving Gifts That Are Useful

If you do plan to give gifts, focus on things people need. Don’t we all have too much stuff anyway? There’s a great movie called The Story of Stuff that really shines a spotlight on this issue. I recommend checking it out if you haven’t seen it. I always look for gifts that are eco, healthy and useful.

When I approach gift giving, the first thing I ask myself is “do they know about healthy eating?” I consider what book they might love. Maybe The Kind Diet or possibly Engine 2, Meat is for Pussies, The China Study, or No Impact Man (this last book isn’t about healthy eating but it’s just a great book). If they are not familiar with healthy foods, I may get them Vegenaise, Earth Balance and some Soy Delicious Turtle Trails Ice Cream. These are great foods to get newbies hooked on delicious, healthy alternatives to dairy products.

If they are already health-conscious, I may get them some umeboshi plums, high quality salt or olive oil, and aged 18 years balsamic vinegar. It’s yum and fun for foodies who love to cook. For the ladies, I might get some really yummy products for their skin like my Juice Beauty line or make-up brushes like from Eco Tools. I think, “What do they already use that I can I vegan-ize or eco-ify?” I like to pick something that they will love so much that they’ll continue to purchase it.

For example, on opening night of The Performers, I gave the cast members eco-friendly versions of the items in their dressing rooms: 

•  Vintage, organic cotton, and bamboo hand towels to use instead of paper towels
•  Crystal deodorant instead of mainstream brands
•  Recycled Seventh Generation tissue paper instead of regular tissues (I use a handkerchief when I feel the rare need to blow my nose, but these are a good option for people who use tissues, and they come in a pretty box)
•  Kiss My Face "Peace" hand soap that smells yum and 10% of profits go to “Seeds of Peace”
• Toothpaste by Jasön
•  For the girls I got vibrators, in keeping with the theme of the play, and these were eco and pretty!

Essentially, gift-giving is a wonderful opportunity to inspire and excite people about the things that you love that is better for their health and the planet. If you’re on the hunt for kind gifts, my ultimate vegan gift guide includes a bunch of options. Of course, when wrapping your gifts, be sure sure to follow my eco-friendly gift wrapping tips.

Let Go of the Stress

Last but not least, if you’re stressed about gift shopping this season, try to let it go. There’s no need to get caught up in spending and giving a ton of stuff. If the expense and effort of shopping for gifts feels like a burden or obligation you don’t have to do it. Give what your heart wants to give, whether that means an act of kindness or a tangible gift handpicked or handmade by you for someone you love, or even gifting yourself a year or two off from the gift-giving business. Whatever feels best to you.

At the end of the day, the people who love you and whom you love wouldn’t want you to be stressed and they don’t care about presents that much. It’s the thought and consideration and love you give them that matters. So, don’t forget that, and really, you can give them that everyday.

What’s your approach to holiday gift giving? Share in the comments below.

Photo source: flickr.com / Stevevoght

9 Fudgy, Chocolaty Vegan Recipes

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I mined the kind recipe gallery and found a bunch of delicious-looking chocolate recipes submitted by you chocolate lovin’ kind lifers. These recipes would be great to try at your next holiday gathering:

1.  Easy Vegan Fudge by Tony

2.  Chocolate and Cinnamon Rugelach by the Discerning Brute

3.  Chocolate Coma Cupcakes by Kristie

4.  Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies by Lara

5.  Raw Chocolate Balls by Sally

6.  Chocolate Amaretto Mousse by Haahula

7.  Chocolate “Hostess” Cupcakes by Shana

8.  My Crispy Peanut Butter Treats (page 184 in The Kind Diet) Yummm!

9.  Chocolate Peppermint Cookies by my friend Tevia. Delicious!!!  

Win A Chocolate Holiday Sampler from Amore di Mona!

Amore di Mona is a chocolate company that uses all vegan and gluten-free ingredients. They sweeten their products with agave and use sulfite-free, organic dried fruits. I haven’t tried them yet, but they look like a great option to try at home or give as gifts.

Amore di Mona is giving away a holiday sampler of chocolate to 3 lucky Kind-Lifers. It includes three of their chocolate bars (which contains an assortment of Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate & Currants, Caramela, Caramela & Cherries, and Caramela & Cranberries bars) in holiday packaging. It would make a great Christmas present for yourself from The Kind Life!

To enter to win, tell me what your favorite chocolate dessert is in the comments below.

Good luck!

• You must be a registered thekindlife.com member to enter. Learn how to sign up by clicking here.
• This contest is open to residents of the USA only. 
• Winners will ONLY be contacted via private message to their thekindlife.com inbox and by email. If our team does not hear back within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected in your place. 
• Limit one comment per entry. Multiple comment entries will not be considered. 
• This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on December 20, 2012. 

 

Photo source: flickr.com / Stacy Spensley

Punk Rockers Are Kind Too

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Cro-Mags frontman and vegan author John Joseph told me about Interfaith Community Services, an organization that brings people of all religious persuasions together to feed plant-based, home cooked food to New Yorkers in need. He volunteered at a recent event, and this is what he said about it:

“It’s so cool - yoga peeps, Christians, rabbis, all working together to feed the needy healthy organic, plant-based meals. The elderly woman I was feeding in the photo was 93. She was trapped on the 17th floor of her building for 5 days, no power or water, eating only peanuts. She loved that there was NO meat in the donated meals.”

This organization sounds incredible! Is there a similar one in your community?

Share how kind lifers near you can get involved in the comments below.

Photo source: NYTimes.Com

4 Vegan Clutches To Go With Your Winter Coat

Kind style blogger Kristiina has curated collection of super cute clutches for fall and winter. Her inspiration for these is the Vaute Couture coat she just ordered! Here’s some style inspiration for all you kind lifers on the hunt for a cute clutch this season:

Vegan Luxe: Clutch Edition

By Kristiina

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Clutches, iPad cases and minaudières are everywhere this fall. Lucky for us, more and more luxury vegan brands are also popping up. Here is a round up of the must-haves this season.

(Clockwise from top right)

The Reveal

Audrey iPad Purse is made from microsuede (made from recycled plastic bottles), vegan leather, recycled zippers and recycled satin. It's one of the most eco-friendly handbag options you can find. It's cute and functional with padding to protect your electronics.

Jill Milan handbags are made in Italy of ultrasuede, faux patent and stainless steel details. She has several minaudières in her evening line but my favorite piece in her collection is the Newbury Street Portfolio in grey ultrasuede and olive patent. It could easily go from day to night.

Gunas has a full range of eco-friendly bags from the small Birdie 2 clutch that is pictured to gorgeous travel bags. They are committed to producing ethically made products. All of the bags are handmade by artisans, not in sweatshops. Gunas bags have been spotted in the arms of celebs including Anne Hathaway and Jenny McCarthy.

Cornelia Guest has a gorgeous line of woven faux leather bags. The line is available at Bloomingdale's though, I recommend supporting the all-vegan online retailer Compassion Couture.

Which is your favorite?
Share in the comments below!

Kristiina Stromness considers herself your average crazy cat lady. She holds a bachelors degree in Political Science, a certificate inFashion Design and works as a volunteer coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society. In her blog, Typical House Cat, she combines her love of animals and design by writing about vegan-friendly fashion, nail polish, and DIY.  Kristiina lives, works and feeds feral cats in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Friend Kristiina

 

My Ultimate Eco Vegan Gift Guide

 

 

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For this holiday season, I want to give you all some ideas for excellent holiday gifts. Of course, they’re all eco and 100% vegan! Check these out:

 

Vaute Couture Sweatshirts

These sweatshirts are sooo cute and are perfect for any animal-lover. And the most comfy thing you will every touch….I mean seriously comfy. And they're made by the super-cute Leanne, designer of Vaute Couture. The fleece is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. The animal prints are dyed using water-based ink. And they're super comfy and chic. Get your hands on one here.

 

My 5-Piece Juice Beauty Collection

I teamed up with Juice Beauty to make these five special products. They are made with the finest ingredients ever….all organic, all good for you deliciousness. Not only do they work and are so healthy for your skin, they smell delicious and feel great. They’re made from real fruit juices like passion fruit and champagne grapes (sourced from local farmers!) and are made with aloe water. There’s nothing yucky in here! The complete collection includes my Simply Pure Chamomile Cleanser, Simply Nourishing Moisturizer, Irresistible Glow Highlighter, Simply Flawless Pressed Powder, and Purely Kissable Lip Color – I gave the lip color to my mother-in-law and she loved it!  Get my Juice Beauty Collection here. You can also get just the 3-piece Make-up collection or 2-piece Skincare Collection.

 

Leah Wallet by Hearts of Darkness 

I really like the bright emerald green one. The  embossed “snakeskin” look is so fancy but not fussy. They have a ton of slots on the inside for all of your credit cards and a little window for your ID, plus an area for money and a zipper compartment for loose change. Grab this guy here. 

 

In-Ear Wooden Environmentally Friendly Headphones by Thinksound

These earphones by Thinksound are perfect for your music-loving friends and family members and can easily be stuffed into a stocking. They are really high quality, sound amazing, and look great. The wooden casing on the earbud makes music and any audio you're listening to sound crisp and clear. What I like best of all is that every component of these headphones has been chosen with care, to make the smallest eco-footprint possible. Grab a pair here. 

 

Mariel Cross Body Bag by Urban Expressions

This cool little clutch is a perfect go-to bag for any trendy chick. It's simple and stylish. It can dress up simple black skinny jeans, a great worn-in black tee shirt, heels and a little jacket. It dresses up just about any outfit without any fuss. Get it here.

 

Leaf Vibrator by Swan

These vibrators from Leaf come in a bunch of different shapes, all inspired by nature. I like that they look natural and feminine…like leaves and flowers...not scary. Plus they’re made from phalate-free, super-soft (and safe) silicone, and they use rechargeable batteries. And they're shipped to you in packaging that’s not only discreet, but made from recycled materials. They make a great gift for yourself, your partner, or your girlfriends! I gave then as gifts to the female cast members of Performers because it fit the play and they’re so eco and pretty. And I can tell you it works great! Get one here. 

 

My Ecotools Brush Set and Bag

I love these bags! They’re so pretty. The brushes feature bamboo handles, recycled aluminum ferrules and incredibly soft, cruelty-free taklon bristles. You can help your mom, aunt, sister, or girlfriend stay kind to herself and the earth with this gift because  this eco-friendly bag is made with natural hemp and cotton, has a recycled PET lining, and the hangtag is printed on tree-free stone paper. Get my Ecotools brush set and bag.

 

Green Chain Strap Shoulder Bag by Izzy & Ali

I really like this color and the detail on this bag is very nice. It's great for the lady on the go… so easy to grab it and go for a lunch date, or a fun outing. Or it can be for funky evening wear. No animals harmed in the making! YIPPIE….it's made of cruelty-free faux leather. Who wouldn't love that? Snag it here.

 

Adidas by Stella McCartney Running Shoe

This is for the fitness gurus or athletes that you love. I'm a fan of Stella McCartney’s designs and I'm happy about her collaboration with Adidas for athletic wear. These easy, black slip-on shoes are super lightweight—they say you can wear them without socks and you’ll feel like you are in your bare feet, but better because they’re so cushion-y and comfy. They can wear them to the gym or even just running errands around town—they’re very stylish and slick, so they won't even look like sneakers! Get  ‘em here. 

 

Full Circle Home Composter 

This little guy makes a great gift for your parents, friends or relatives with a green thumb, or really, anyone! Because who doesn’t want o be kind to Mama Earth? This home composter is easy way to do just that. Composting recycles organic matter—like banana peels, veggie shavings and other plants. It offers 2 great advantages: it keeps garbage out of landfills (where it never has a chance to break down) and it makes amazing soil for your garden. Composting is super-easy to do at home, especially with a compact composter like this one. It's small enough to fit in your kitchen and seals in odors, so your kitchen won't stink! We love ours and hope that anyone who receives it will too! Get the composter here.  

 

TRTL BOT Eco-Functional iPhone 4/4S case

For anyone you know with an iPhone, this case is a must. I have the blue one and I’m obsessed with mine. They feel good to touch and make me so happy every time I use my phone. Plus, I get tons of compliments on it. Each one is made from 100% up-cycled plastic, and contains at least one recycled plastic bottle. How groovy is that? Plus with this one  you can fit your credit card or cash into the back for quick errands. People are always eyeing mine because of that feature. Plus, all of the iPhone cases are shipped to you in biodegradable packing peanuts and come in boxes made of recycled paper. They're also super durable. It has survived many drops by me… and throws from Bear too! Oh, and did I mention they're cute? That, too. Snag one here.  

 

Kind Holiday Cards and Gift Tags

If you’re just sending a card or you’re including a card with your gift, you can send one of these. These cards are made from recycled paper. They make recycled holiday cards and recycled gift tags. Get eco-friendly cards and gift tags here. You can also make your own cards and make sure to recycle the cards when you're done! 

 

A few more things worth mentioning… 

These make great stocking stuffers:
Hand-crafted soaps from Estrella
Livin’ Spoonful Crackers
Vegan Divas Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons

If you’re buying for someone you don’t know too well, try:
Weaver’s Organic and Fair Trade Coffee Bundle
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protien
Cookies & Crispy Bars by Pure Sweets

And don’t forget your dog!
Max & Ruffy’s Organic Dog Treats

 

Don’t forget to follow me on OpenSky to be the first to know about more great deals on kind products. 

Who’s on your holiday shopping list?

Tell me in the comments below.

Clear Up Acne With The Right Products

 

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The first step to clearing your skin is following a superhero diet. After that, it’s important to make sure the products you’re using aren’t irritating your skin or contributing to breakouts.

If you are in need of a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, or think the products you’re using may be causing skin problems, try my Juice Beauty cleanser and moisturizer! I’m giving away one of each to one lucky kind lifer.

Watch me try them out in this video:

With any product you use, it’s so important to look for all natural ingredients.  These products are made from pure organic fruit juices and the most yummy-sounding ingredients. My healing chamomile cleanser is made with organic apple juice, organic aloe leaf juice, champagne grape seed oil, passion flower, and white tea leaf. My moisturizer contains organic apple juice, organic aloe leaf juice, organic shea butter, organic acai berry, champagne grapeseed oil, passion flower, organic cranberry seed oil, organic cucumber extract, organic sunflower oil, organic avocado oil and sweet almond oil.

Wouldn’t these make excellent Christmas gifts?

To enter to win, share your best skincare tip with the community in this forum thread.

I’ll randomly select one contributor to the thread on December 19th, so let’s get the discussion started!

• You must be a registered Kind Life member to enter. Learn how to sign up by clicking here.
• This contest is open to residents of the USA only.
• Winners will ONLY be contacted via private message to their thekindlife.com inbox and by email. If our team does not hear back within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected in your place.
• Limit one comment per entry. Multiple comment entries will not be considered.
• This giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on December 18, 2012.

Photo source: Juice Beauty

Jessica Didn’t Need Surgery After All

Kind lifer Jessica was told she’d need to remove her gallbladder to alleviate chronic stomach pains. Instead, she switched to a plant-based diet. Here’s her inspiring story about what unfolded from that decision:

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“I went from a longtime vegetarian to a full-fledged vegan on my 27th birthday. A friend bought me The Kind Diet as a gift and I read the whole book over a two-day span. At that time 3 years ago, I had been experiencing intense stomach pains. Doctors thought it could be a problem with my gallbladder and scheduled me for surgery. I asked repeatedly if it could be something I was eating, but was given an insistent no. I started to keep a food journal, as well as eliminate all animal products from my diet. Within days the pain stopped and has never returned. I followed my instincts and figured out the root of the problem. Becoming a vegan allowed me to discover foods I never knew existed. Plus, I managed to save an organ in the process!

Since switching to a plant-based diet, I feel amazing. I had a flawless first pregnancy, delivering a 10-pound baby boy who is now thriving as a vegan at 14 months. I found such a passion for nutrition, I decided to go back to school and leave my job as a designer in New York City to start my own health coaching business.

Now my life’s work is to help people to eat real, plant-based foods to solve health ailments, lose weight, detoxify, and live naturally happier lives. Many of my clients, friends, and family members have become completely vegan. Others have adopted mostly-vegan eating habits. I have seen cholesterol lowered, acne cured, weight lost, cravings vanished, inflammation decreased, fertility problems solved and a lot more joyous people happy to be making less of a carbon footprint on our amazing planet. I have entered into a whole new holistic way of living, using essential oils, raw foods as medicine, and eco-friendly products. I have truly adopted a kinder life!

Alicia, you are such an inspiration because I came to realize I could love life on a plant-based diet. I went from a flirt to a superhero in two weeks…and never looked back. My life has been changed for the better and I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I hadn’t read your book. Thank you!”

Jessica, I’m so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your story.

If you have a great success story to share, private message me or post it in the comments below. You may be featured on the homepage of The Kind Life!

Who Wants to Celebrate With A Dead Tree?

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Did you know that every time a Christmas tree gets cut down, an elf dies? It’s true. Ok, seriously, it’s a little crazy that we celebrate this holiday by killing a tree! Especially when there are so many other ways to decorate. Here are some options:

 

Buy a Live Tree

Stores like Home Depot sell potted trees. You can decorate them then replant them after the holidays. Decorate your living tree with stuff you have. Photos, concert ticket stubs, cookie cutters, twine, and any crafts your kids make in school, all make great Christmas tree ornaments.

Adopt a Christmas Tree

San Diego has a great adopt a Christmas tree program where “elves” deliver live trees before Christmas and pick them up again afterward to be replanted. If you live in the San Diego area, hurry because they are already almost sold out. Many cities offer similar programs, so do some research on Google or call around and find out who sells live trees.

Decorate A Tree In Your Yard

I love this option! If you have outdoor lights already, use them until you are ready to give them away. Or, you can recycle them with LED Christmas Lights. If you’re buying new Christmas lights, LED lights are a more eco-friendly option. If your town has a tree at City Hall or in another public place, take your family to the tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy a giant Christmas tree with the whole community. 

 

Reminder: Don’t Buy A Plastic Tree

A good rule of thumb is to stay away from plastic as much as possible, Christmas trees included. Most plastic trees get used about four times, then they’re discarded and end up sitting in a landfill. 

Next, check out my ideas for eco-friendly gift wrapping here! 

Photo source: flickr.com / Lori L. Stalteri

How I Cleared Up My Acne

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When I went vegan, I was on the pill, and acne wasn’t really an issue for me. In fact, after only two weeks of being vegan, people were beginning to ask, “What is going on with you? You look amazing!” I was still eating junk food like fries and white pasta, but I’d given up meat and dairy. That alone gave me a vegan glow.

Acne and the Pill

When I went off the pill, my skin broke out. At that time, I was experimenting with a raw diet. I was eating tons of fruits, nuts, and other cool, uncooked delicacies, but I wasn’t feeling great, and I was dealing with really bad cystic acne. I even had to reshoot a scene for a movie because of it.

Acne and Macrobiotics

Simultaneously, my husband got interested in macrobiotics. I went with him to see a macrobiotic counselor in New York - she’s the first person who suggested that trying a macrobiotic diet could clear up my skin. She also pointed out that eating tropical fruits in the middle of winter in NYC was neither good for my body nor eco-friendly. She convinced me to try macrobiotics, which I combined with a vegan diet to create what I now call the superhero diet. That’s what really made my skin turn around. Within just a week of eating superhero, my skin had significantly improved.

Here are five major changes that made the difference:

1. I started eating whole grains at every meal.
2. I had miso soup once a day and cranked up my consumption of vegetables.
3. I chose local and seasonal produce (apples instead of pineapples for example) instead of eating the non-indigenous fruits I’d been eating on the raw diet.
4. I cut out white sugar, white flour and all processed foods. Of course, I continued to avoid all meat and dairy.
5. In general I cut way down on fruits and nuts.

These changes made my cystic acne go away. I was still getting minor breakouts around my period, but nothing like before. Next, I’ll share how a facialist helped me to completely clear up those smaller breakouts.

What else would you like to know about diet and acne?
Ask me in the comments below.