Cereal has never really been our thing.  Mainly because it’s so yummy.  And we have no self-control, so one bowl turns into 6 as soon as we can read the front page of Perez Hilton.  Enter custom blended artisanal cereal website [me] & goji.   It’s so friggin tasty, we could rip our toes off.  No seriously, it’s borderline “O” material.  But why we really love it is it actually satisfies us with one heaping bowl of perfectly crafted organic, healthy, nutritionally superior deliciousness.   Janet ‘aint got nothing on our breakfast control now!   [me] & goji (which is a cute name, but annoying to type) has a fun interactive web site that gives users the opportunity to create their own cereal from over 40-plus all-natural and organic ingredients and have it shipped straight to their doors.

How it works is: users just click “start,” and literally drag and drop any combination of all-natural and organic ingredients into a cereal bowl. The “cereal designer” then gets to choose a base, perhaps “flaxed and flaked,” enhance it with ingredients like granola and corn flakes, then power it up by choosing from an array of organic fruits, nuts and seeds. Clever descriptions (bananas: “healthy for humans, dangerous for cartoon characters”) as well as serious information (mulberry: “a top source of the antioxidant and anticoagulant reservatol”) make the process a bit of an adventure. Plus, no surprise, for health-conscious users (get your head outta the Jelly Doughnuts!), the site’s nutritional counter instantly updates the cereal’s nutrition facts as each ingredient is added to the mix.

[me] & goji delivers the cereal, within days, via US mail. It comes in a sleek Cereal Capsule designed for easy opening and keeping cereal fresh longer. The Capsule is recyclable and packed with as much as 50% more cereal than a normal cereal box.  It’s also so sexy that we are proud to display it on our counter.  Beat that, Frosted Flakes.  And it would actually make a brilliant gift, particularly cooler and decidedly tastier than a fruit cake.

All this AND the hot studs at [me] & goji are committed to a healthy environment, as well as healthy customers, so they offer a green tag for $1 to offset all of the CO₂ emissions generated by the creation and shipping of the cereal. (That $1 goes directly to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, which researches and invests in renewable energy projects.)

So, what are you waiting for Fanny May?  Get your tuchus online! http://meandgoji.com.

When our friend Mary Max (of fantastic eco grassroots group Kind Green Planet) suggested we take DHA’s to ward off winter blues, we thought “Yea, sure, we’ll buy another pricey supplement that will do nothing for us, and then sit in our fridge for all eternity. “  So we ordered Dr. Fuhrman’s (vegan) DHA’s anyway, and we swear to the Cupcake Gods, our moodiness is kaput.  We feel ten times more balanced, or as Mary says “immediately after I started taking it, I had a a natural ease in my head. It’s as simple and as good as this!”

What are DHA’s you may be thinking.  Good question!  According to the University of Maryland Medical Center;

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It is found in cold water fatty fish and in fish oil supplements, along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). There are also vegetarian sources of DHA, which come from seaweed. DHA is essential for the proper functioning of our brains as adults, and for the development of our nervous system and visual abilities during the first 6 months of life. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are part of a healthy diet that helps lower risk of heart disease. Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of DHA, but we must get the amounts we need from our diet or from supplements. Most people in the Western world do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

Just some of the fabulous things DHA’s are proven to acomplish: reducing menstraul cramps, relieving depression, reducing Attention Defecit Disorder symptoms, lowering the risk of Heart Disease, and reducing symptoms and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Our point?  Order them and take the recomended dosage every day.  This is crucial for you not wanting to murder your partner, boss, and loved ones — and so your bod stays gloriously healthy.  Bottoms up!

What is it about the chilly weather that makes our fine asses want to shop?  Is it reminiscent of a Bear’s hibernation, except we make sure we have enough doodads to keep us warm, fed, amused, and sated for the colder months?  Here are this week’s favorite splurges.  Some cost pennies, others may just break the bank.  Lucky for us; these green purveyors of hipster make handing over the plastic a tad less guilt inducing.

We just get googly eyed for Mark Edge’s Eco-Vintage collection; all made from re-used vintage charms n’ chains… so you can get your green on and still look like a badass who’ll put a cap in that ass.

Winter means time for a new bag.  That Fall tote just doesn’t translate for blustery weather and thick coats.  We are just mad for (ala Edie Beales) the “Hobo” tote from Vegan Queen which looks super duper luxe n’ sexy on our arm.

Vegan Queen was founded on ecological, sustainable, socially-conscious and animal friendly principles.  These bags are super duper eco friendly, recyclable, non-toxic, sustainable, cruelty free, organic, and made in the USA.  Does it get better than that? The designer, a veggie goddess named Evelina (yep, that’s her modeling another Vegan Queen original below), is not only gloriously beautiful, she’s also set to give the pelt n’ skin loving fashion industry a serious run for their money with her innovative new line that proves cruelty-free doesn’t mean dowdy!

Watch Evelina in this great interview, and ignore the douchenozzle a-hole guy interviewer.  Someone needs to school that fool!

Finally; when all is said and done, and our favorite sky high heels come off after a long night of champagne guzzling and inappropriate flirtation (showing your boss your new panties = not cool), all we need is Uggs when dog walking time is nigh.  Not real Uggs, ew.  True hearted GirlieGirls wouldn’t be caught dead in the skin of dead baby sheeps - faux Uggs suit us just fine.  And our little toesies cry HORRAY when throwing these Faux babies, in super trendy lumberjack plaid red, on.

Remember, the economy is in the toilette, so shop til you drop.  You could die tomorrow, or have McPalin as your Prezzie.  Live dangerously.  Mwah!

Sarah Kramer is one hot mama.

From posing perfectly in the cutest pin-up outfits ever - to writing best selling cookbooks; How It All Vegan, The Garden of Vegan and La Dolce Vegan - Sarah Kramer doesn’t stop moving. Oh, did we mention she’s also a photographer, owns/runs Canadian Tattoo shop; The Tattoo Zoo with her husband Gerry Kramer, and also runs a popular vegan website/blog at govegan.net?  How does she find time to pull on her fishnets one leg at a time?  Well, she also found a second to chat with our sweet eco asses, as she promotes her newest book Vegan-a-Go-Go, and here’s what she said;

GIRLIEGIRL ARMY: Tell us the titles of each of your books, each name is cuter than the next.

SARAH KRAMER: My first book was How It All Vegan that I wrote with my writing partner Tanya in 1999. Our second release was The Garden of Vegan and I followed that with my solo book La Dolce Vegan in 2005. My latest book (that just hit book shelves) is Vegan A Gogo.

GGA: Do you specifically recommend certain books to certain types of peeps?

SK: How It All Vegan is a great book for newbies to veganism. The Garden of Vegan is great for when you feel more comfortable in your vegan lifestyle, and you want to do a little experimenting. La Dolce Vegan is great for when you are busy. Almost all the recipes in the book can be made in under 30 minutes with easy to find ingredients. Vegan A Gogo is a mini-book. It will fit in your back pocket and is a compilation of recipes from the first 3 books as well as 20 new recipes. I wrote this book so when you hit the road you have a travel size cookbook to take with you that won’t weigh down your bag.

GGA: On your journeys promoting your books on the road, what is the one thing you never leave home without?

SK: There are many things I like to bring with me when I travel, but I would never go anywhere without my Neti Pot.

GGA:  Oh yea, Neti Pot’s are the bomb diggity.  My Fiance is covered in ink, I’ve got a couple of tats, and I know you are covered and own a Tattoo shop… why do you think so many of us vegans have ink.. what do you think the connection is?  Is it that all fringe movements end up conjoining somehow?

SK:I own Tattoo Zoo with my husband Gerry here in Victoria BC and while there are a lot of vegans and alternative people with tattoos you would be surprised by how many “straight” people have tattoos. Gerry tattoos police officers, doctors, lawyers, nurses. You never know what’s under a suit and tie!

GGA:  For those of our readers still intimidated by veganism, and cooking — what are some of your favorite go-to simple dishes to throw together?

SK:Veganism can be daunting and like any thing in life you make a commitment to - it takes work, patience and a positive attitude. My advice is instead of focusing on the things you CAN’T have as a vegan … focus on the things you CAN. And get yourself some good vegan books to help you on your journey. Start with some fun cookbooks, read Vegan Freak and Becoming Vegan. The more you know, the easier a vegan lifestyle becomes. As for one of my favourite recipes… that’s a tough one to answer. But if I’m looking for something that is quick, easy and yummy I make the Fresh and Fancy Raw Slaw on page 49 of Vegan A Gogo. It’s so simple. All you need is a grater and 5 minutes later you’re eating. Yum.

FRESH AND FANCY RAW SLAW

• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 large apple, grated
• 1 cup sweet potatoes (or yams), grated
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans), chopped
• 1-2 tbsp oil (ex: flax, hemp, etc)

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss well and serve. Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.

GGA: What is your favorite “Go Green” tip for our glam green readers?

SK: Well going vegan is the first thing you can do to “go green”. Animal agriculture causes the vast majority of global warming. My other “green” tip would to be to be conscious of where you spend your money. Your money is a powerful weapon and where you spend it speaks volumes. Support locally owned businesses and spend your hard earned cash supporting companies that are trying to make a difference. Your money is powerful and at times it can be louder than your voice.

GGA: What advice do you have for folks who want to do more for the animals, but don’t know where to start?

SK: Educate yourself. Read a book. Watch a movie. Find a website. Knowledge is powerful and once you understand what you’re fighting for - find a way to support your vegan community. Whether it’s protesting or volunteering or educating others. Find what works best for you and follow your passion.

GGA: There are so many fabulous new vegan bag and shoe lines (see our list here) - what is your current favorite pair of shoes (or bag)?

SK: I love, love, love - did I say love? - Dungaree Dolly’s bags. They are so cute and sassy and extremely well made. Dolly makes each bag with a little love.  As for shoes. I love shopping at MooShoes.com. I also love MinkShoes.com.

GGA: Where can we next see you live? (Here you can promo any upcoming appearances or dates you have, as well as your website, myspace, facebook, etc etc)

SK: For more information on me and the books you can visit my website at www.GoVegan.net. I’m also on MySpace and facebook. I am about to leave on a book tour to promote VAGG and my dates are below. I hope some of you can come out and hang with me;

CANADA TOUR DATES:

Regina - Friday, October 24 Book launch for Vegan a GoGo Hotel Saskatchewan 2125 Victoria Avenue 7:30 pm http://www.reginavegetariansociety.org/

Winnipeg - Monday, October 27 Dandielion Eatery 230 Osborne Street at Confusion Corner 6:30 pm

Toronto - Wednesday, October 29 Left Feet and Heart on Your Sleeve 7:00 pm 88 Nassau Street

USA TOUR DATES:

Boston - Saturday, November 1 Boston Vegetarian Food Festival Travel Tips and Q&A with Sarah Kramer 10:45 am Reggie Lewis Athletic Center 1350 Tremont Street

Washington, DC - Monday, November 3 Vegan a GoGo Book Bash and & Benefit for Compassion over Killing 7:00 - 9:00 pm The Science Club in downtown DC 1136 19th Street NW *You need to buy a ticket for this event*

New York - Thursday, November 6 Mooshoes.com 78 Orchard Street 7:00 pm

Admit it, you still have party dresses with floofy petticoats in your closet from Betsey Johnson circa 1988.  Admit it, you still love her flirty, retro, sexy, girlie style.

Well now you can shop til you drop at Betsey Johnson’s best Sample Sale ever (or so their PR gal says)! Located on the 6th floor of the Millennium Broadway Hotel (btwn 6thAve and Broadway) in NYC, you’re bound to find the frock of your dreams. Items as a stretch denim pencil skirt and jumbo polka dot peasant top are on sale for $45. Betsey’s signature party dresses range from $75-$100. And don’t dare to leave without grabbing some costume jewelry or handbags (hey vegan girls, we’ve found a few non-leather Betsey purses in the past!) for as low as $5. Hurry while you can as the sale ends this Friday.

It was a long-standing joke with my friends.  When appearing on a TV show talking about how I love nightlife in NYC (hey, I was 22 and star of a reality show- give me a break) I wistfully looked into the camera and said “Because tonight, anything can happen.”  It was earnest, it was full of hope - and it was beyond cheesy.  Who knows, I was probably drunk. The point is - getting dressed up for a proper evening out should always hold the promise of mystery.  What may happen tonight just MAY change your life.  You very well could meet a new love interest, bump into a dear old friend, or be introduced to the Daddy Warbucks who ends up funding your new project. On of our many motto’s at Girlie Girl Army is to always look your best, because your insides are (hopefully) already well taken care of and glorious, so why not have them match your outside?

Check out our new friendy, evening gown designer; Dalia, an LA eco chick who creates gowns for real, full-of-life women.  This isn’t really about subtlety - this about sex, fantasy, n’ glamor.  The gal designs dresses for “Dancing with the Stars” after all.

Best thing of all - for us silk-free vegan Mamacitas; she has a whole section of eco-vegan gowns!  Just look for the “V” at the bottom of each gown to suss out the vegan from the non-vegan.  Not only that, a portion of the price of each gown is donated to Women for Women, which provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies.

To order a gown, email Dalia directly at dalia@dalia.biz. Prices range from $250-450 for Short Gowns, and $350 and up for Long Gowns - completely affordable for a custom made dress! Plus, all women are represented with a wide range of sizes from 2 to 20.   Holiday season?  Bring it on.

Laura Nyro had a song called “Gardenia Talk” in one of her last records.  She sang “Gardenia Talk, oooh oooh” over and over again.  This morning, as a sliver of frosty chill seeped into my bedroom through the tiniest of cracks, and the dogs snuggled by my feet, I woke up thinking “Turkey Talk, oooh oooh.”   It’s time to talk Turkey.  It’s the juncture for everyone in America  whence we start planning our when and where’s for T-giving; where some people go away to avoid the family fistacuffs bound to go down, and others (comme moi) plan pot lucks with their chosen family.

May I suggest a pre-Holiday alternative?  How about instead of eating the Turkey’s (sweet, intelligent birds who love to show off their handsome feathers) - we celebrate their lives as cohabitants of this global warmed earth.   Do you really need to eat a turkey?

A fantastic piece by Bill Maher that appeared in last years Huffington Post that asked George Bush to pardon all the turkeys, may make you think twice. Here’s an excerpt:

“I ask you to do what I’m going to do and pardon a turkey this Thanksgiving. It’s not hard. Just eat something else (ideas here and here). Not someone else, because it doesn’t seem fair to spare a turkey and roast a hunk of pig or cow instead. If we can bow our heads in gratitude for our families, our friends and our big screen TVs, and then carve into a creature who lived a miserable life and died a horrible death, then our ethics are about as sensible as Britney’s parenting skills.”

Read more about that piece here.  This year, you will find numerous members of the Girlie Girl Army at Farm Sanctuary’s Thanksgiving event; where we will celebrate the lives of all creatures.

Let’s rejoice with the few happy Turkey’s lucky enough to be living out their full lives in Sanctuary’s - rather than crammed in Holocaust-like factory farms.  Most Turkeys’ beaks and toes are burned off with a hot blade. Many suffer heart failure or debilitating leg pain, often becoming crippled under the weight of their genetically manipulated and drugged bodies.   The definition of Thanksgiving (via Sarah Hale) was giving thanks for God’s mercy; “They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.” What is merciful about eating a tortured creature?

VegforLife.com tells us; “In the United States alone, approximately 350 million turkeys are bred for slaughter every year. Over 45 million of these birds are destined for the Thanksgiving dinner table. Biologically altered to grow extremely large in a very short amount of time, commercial turkeys suffer from myriad health complications, including heart disease and painful leg disorders. Abnormally large-breasted, these weight-burdened turkeys are no longer able to reproduce naturally; therefore, the majority of turkeys raised for food are artificially inseminated. Given only three square feet of floor space on which to spend their lives, each bird is forced to endure beak and toe mutilations. Intended to prevent crowded birds from injuring one another, both procedures are performed without the use of anesthesia and can cause extreme pain, stress and even death. Although turkeys have a natural life expectancy of about ten years, they are commonly slaughtered between twelve and twenty-six weeks of age.”

This holiday season, try something new.

Relax and rejuvenate with the very special residents at Farm Sanctuary’s New York and California Shelters on Saturday, November 22 as part of their annual Celebration FOR the Turkeys. Heralded by people across the nation, the Celebration brings animals and their advocates together for a compassionate take on Thanksgiving. Guests delight in quality time with rescued animals, attend exceptional presentations, participate in our famous Feeding of the Turkeys Ceremony, and dine on a decadent vegan holiday feast. Reservations are required for both California and New York sanctuary events.

California Shelter - Orland, CA
The California Celebration costs $40 per person and includes a catered vegan holiday dinner.
This year’s special guest is activist and actress, Emily Deschanel and
Herbivore Magazine founder Josh Hooten.

New York Shelter - Watkins Glen, NY
The New York Celebration costs $10 per family and features a potluck-style feast.
Guests should also plan to bring a vegan dish to feed eight people.
This year’s special guest is Food Not Bombs founder, Keith McHenry.

Get more details and REGISTER TODAY!

Reservations are required for both events by November 14, 2008.
Register early as these events usually sell out!
Reservations can also be made by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221.

Girlie Girl Army founder, Chloé Jo, will be at the California event.  Come say hello, and give a turkey a cranberry.  Here’s to GIVING and LIVING, and leaving the other crap traditions behind. Can’t make any of these wonderful events?  Add more veg fare to your table this year.  A simple google search will turn up more recipes than you could cook in a lifetime.  Go buy a copy of our favorite cookbook “Veganomicon” and get inspired!  One last tip:  Instead of buying flowers, ADOPT-A-TURKEY!  Sounds crazy?  Read all about it on www.adoptaturkey.org.

Luxe in Atlanta is a great shop that sells uber high end duds for a fraction of the cost - imagine if Daffy’s or Filene’s carried Chanel and Prada and their stores were gorgeous and chic, not emporiums of perfunctory gray. At this sleek boutique on the westside of Atlanta, delighted shoppers make off with designer treasurers at up to 80 percent off.  Co-owner Jenn Ripley scours the planet for mint-condition current or last-season clothing and heels from the likes of Chloe, Zac Posen, Stella McCartney, and Jimmy Choo. Merging ventures with pals Leslie Fram and Carole Davenport (the trio also owns next-door 1*Five*0), Ripley rounds out the selection with 4Bags handbags, estate jewelry, and $99 designer denim.  Seasonal sales and monthly trunk shows bring even steeper discounts, so sign up for that mailing list!

Jenn (an old school Girlie Girl Army member) graces NYC with her presence about once every few Months for a NYC SAMPLE SALE! Get read for a sale this Sunday and Monday!

NEW YORK: SUPER COUTURE SAMPLE SALE!!! Fill up your closet with cheap goodies!

BROKE?  NO WORRIES!  YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF A NEW DRESS FOR $10.

Multi-line high end designer 2 day sample sale IN NEW YORK!  Clothing, shoes, and accessories - up to 80% off the original prices!

Sunday October 19th 12-5pm and Monday October 20th

11am-5pm. @ 80 Varick street #4C ( buzz in) NYC

Media requests, other inquiries: - contact: jenn@luxeatlanta.com

Expect to find designer deals such as Christain Lacroix rhinestone embellished dresses for $300 reg, $2900 Prada boucle sheath dresses for $350 reg. $1700, Vintage Valentino cocktail dresses at $400! Chris Han samples at Wholesale prices, Miss Bruno samples at wholesale prices!  Also featured:  A TON fun vintage under $40! Prices are $5-$550 with plenty of in-between! Gucci, Prada, and many other Designer Goodies marked $200-$550 up to 60% off the original price. All major credit cards are accepted!

*** Vegan girls/ Cruelty-free Fashionistas will be psyched to find tons of AWESOME vintage.  ****

Getting hardcore about burgers:

If there was a such thing as a PERFECT meal; it would be “The Big Macque” at Madeline’s Bistro in Tarzana, CA (just 20 mins from LA).  It is so good, we’d seriously consider selling our first born for a taste.  Not being particularly into burgers (pre and post veganism) -  this burger has changed our life.  There are no words for the taste sensation that leaps through your body after one little bite of this vegan cheeseburger.   The Yogi Times said; “Frankly, Madeleine is at the top of its class in not just organic vegan food, but in food, period. Here, veganism holds the same broad scope possibilities in taste adventuring that other cuisines do - and all this while hurting no living creature in its making. Talk about love…”

Unfortunately, GirlieGirl Army HQ is in NYC, so very far from Los Angeles, and we don’t get to stuff our faces with Madeleine’s burgers as frequently as we’d like. As fabulous as some of the NYC restaurants veggie burgers are - non of them come remotely close to Madeleine’s.  What’s a gal with a burger urge to do?  Get cookin! No, we dont have their secret recipe… but we have some other recipes that will get you knee deep in a nosh.  These recipes are courtesy of GirlieGirl Army reader Danielle Schreier.  We have taste tested both, and both get a big phat thumbs up.  Thanks Danielle!!

Recipe 1:

This is was adapted from Joanna Stepaniak’s Vegan Vittles, and first shared with me by a Farm Sanctuary staff member.  I am calling this a “guess-ipe” because I always adapt a little when I make this; I add flax or whatever bulk berries and oats I have around, seasoning as I go. As long as you use the basic tvp-oats-peanut butter-ketchup-nutritional yeast base, it always comes out delicious. The recipe is so wonderful because it’s so adaptable.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups textured vegetable protein 3/4 Cup oats (not instant)
• 1/4 cup wheat berries*
• 1/4 rye berries*
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp onion granules
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 Cups hot water (almost boiling)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (alternatively, you can use 4 tbsp of ketchup)
• 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter; 6 oz whole wheat flour
• 1/4 flax seed meal*
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp ketchup (omit if using ketchup alternative above)
• salt and pepper to taste.

*These items are optional, and just make for a heartier, earthier (and yummier!) burger. If not using, simply use 1 1/2 Cups of hot water (instead of 2 cups). If not using flax meal, use 8 oz of whole wheat flour.

MAKE IT:

Mix tvp, oats and wheat berries and rye berries, if using, along with all spices listed in the first batch of ingredients. Next, heat 2 Cups hot water. Seperate 1/2 C water and place aside. Using the remaining 1 1/2 C water, mix in the tomato paste and soy sauce, stirring until combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and blend. Let the mixture sit for five minutes. At this point, the mixture may be a little too sticky, depending on whether you used the wheat and rye berries (or added more oats!). At this point, the mixture should be moist and have a glisten, so add the extra hot water as needed.  Add whole wheat flour and flax seed meal to the mixture. If too dry, add a bit more warm water. Stir in the nutritional yeast and ketchup. Taste and season (I usually consider the spices listed above to be somewhat of a base- at this stage, I usually add just a bit more dry mustard, garlic powder and oregano.) Form into patties and cook on medium low skillet for eight to ten minutes each side. If you are making extra thick patties, brown the burgers on the skillet and then place in 350 degree oven for ten to twelve minutes.

Recipe 2:

My brother always made these pork burgers that won a food network “best burger” contest and everyone always raved, begging him to make them all the time. Finally, I got sick of missing out on the fun, and just adapted it to be veggie. Using the Gimme Lean sausage here makes for a super “meaty” burger. It adapts soo well! As mentioned, this is a straight adaptation of a food network recipe, found here.

INGREDIENTS:

Burgers:

• 1 package Gimme Lean sausage roll (you can use the beef style grounds as well- the original recipe calls for 2 pounds of pork, so you just want to try to match that volume between this and the tvp)
• 1 C textured vegetable protein, see above.
• 3 oz water
• 1/4 C soy sauce
• 4 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp asian hot chili sauce
• 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
• 2 tsp fresh ginger
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp ground star anise

sauce:

• 3/4 C Vegenaise (not Nayonaise)
• 1/4 C chopped Thai basil leaves (I’ve used regular basil before, still good)
• 1/4 C fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice

Big, fluffy rolls (homemade is great here)
6 butter lettuce leaves

Burgers: Heat water until almost boiling. Combine water with the soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce in a medium bowl. Add the veggie sausage, tvp, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and star anise and blend loosely with a fork. Let sit for five minutes. If too sticky, add a bit more warm water. Form into patties.

Sauce: combine the veganaise, basil, cilantro, green onions, and lime juice in a bowl. I usually run the onions in a food processor to make everything nice and smooth. The recipe calls for grilling the burgers for four minutes per side. At home, I usually just cook them in the skillet on medium-low, for about eight minutes per side. Again, if making thick especially thick patties, transfer burgers into 350 degree oven for about ten to twelve minutes. Place dressing on the bottom of the bun, then add patty, a generous lettuce leaf, a good amount of dressing and, finally, the top of the bun.

YUMMMMMMMMMY!!!

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!

BUST Magazine’s Holiday Craftacular is set for Saturday, December 13, and it’s going to be a DIY chicks paradise, and a shopping DREAM. BUST Magazine, our unabashed favorite magazine of all time, will be hand-picking over 200 of the most unique and talented crafters from across the country to stuff your holiday stockings with the very best in indie-designed and handmade wares!  Take care of your entire shopping list while browsing thousands of ware that will include knitwears, jewelry, beauty products, ornaments, vamped up vintage clothing, silk-screened apparel, gourmet sweets, handbags, chic and original iPod cases, funky home décor, books, sassy soaps (for the naughty and the nice!), cards, the best gear for babies and more. Then take a break from shopping as the BUST DJs jingle your bells on the Craftacular dance floor.

Independently owned and operated, BUST Magazine has been a leader in the crafting movement since 1993. Now in its 15th year, BUST continues to support and influence the handmade revolution though constant editorial coverage, sponsorships, and events such as the Holiday Craftacular. Always on the cutting-edge, BUST is a revered and trusted authority in the DIY and crafting community.

BUST Magazine’s Holiday Craftacular will take place 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on December 13. Your entry ticket also gives you a shot at winning a BUST-load of booty in the Craftacular Raffle!

TO BE A VENDOR:

1. Fill out their online vendor application, which can be found HERE. Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted by November 7, 2008.
2. Pay the required non-refundable $10 application and processing fee that is payable at the time you submit your application. Checks and money orders should be made payable to BUST Magazine (78 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011, Attention: BUST Craftacular 2008) and must be postmarked by November 7, 2008 for your application to be considered. We will notify all applicants of their status on Tuesday November 14, 2008.  If you are accepted as a vendor, your deposit will go towards the full booth fee of $250 due by November 21, 2008.  All application and processing fees are non-refundable. For a list of frequently asked questions, go to www.bust.com/craftacular/faq.html.

ONE DAY ONLY! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Happening at: THE PENN PLAZA PAVILLION (401 Seventh Avenue at 33rd Street, NYC) Got questions? E-mail craftacular@bust.com. Be a sweetheart and jingle-tell your crafty pals about BUST Magazine’s 2008 Holiday Craftacular by forwarding the news widely- keep the indie spirit alive! See you under the mistletoe, sugartits. xoxo.