Every veggie gal or guy’s favorite question is “HOW do you get your protein?”  Today, Guest Blogger Katherine of  Be In Balance weighs in on this hot button issue;

Contrary to what you might have been told, you do not have to eat meat to get adequate supplies of iron. It is a myth that vegetarians suffer from iron deficiency more than meat eaters! In fact, meat eaters obtain on average 86% of their iron intake from vegetarian sources!

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood. Iron is normally obtained through food in your diet and by the recycling of iron from old red blood cells. Without it, the blood can not carry oxygen effectively. Anemia develops slowly after the normal stores of iron have been depleted in the body and in the bone marrow leaving you feeling exhausted and irritable.

Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient. Women, in general have smaller stores of iron than men and have increased loss through menstruation, placing them at a higher risk for anemia. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, depression, coldness of the extremities, dizziness, overall pallor, noticeably pale and brittle nails, pale lips, and in some cases loss of menstruation. A simple CBC blood test at your doctor’s office should deduce whether you have anemia.

Good sources of iron include whole-grain breads and cereals, leafy green vegetables such as kale, chard, collard greens, watercress, brussel sprouts, arugula, spinach, sprouts and parsley, molasses, lentils, kidney beans, pumpkin seeds, olives, and dried fruits such as apricots and figs. Additionally, you can supplement your iron intake with iron supplements, Spirulina supplements (Pacifi ca makes a good product) or a Green Powder drink (BerryGreen, Amazing Grass, or Nature’s First Food are all good brands.)

Iron absorption is enhanced when consumed alongside Vitamin C so liberally sprinkle the juice of a lemon over your kale or spinach, drink orange juice in the morning with your toast, and overall try to pair your meals so there is a combination of iron and Vitamin C for maximum absorption.

While I am a vegetarian and find that I get all of my nutrients from vegetable sources, I am not going to get on my soapbox and tell everyone to stop eating meat. (ED’S NOTE: WE ARE PERSONALLY ALL ABOUT SOAPBOXES, BUT RESPECT KATHERINE’S DECISION TO NOT SCREAM “MEAT IS MURDER” AT THE SHABBOS DINNER TABLE LIKE WE DO) So, if you must eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy, it is essential that you eat it in moderation. (ED’S NOTE: THOUGHT IT’S CLEARLY BETTER FOR YOU, THE ANIMALS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT TO NOT EAT IT AT ALL, GO VEGAN!) With the popularity of the Atkins diet, many were left with the belief that eating protein makes us skinny. Eating a diet primarily based upon protein will make us lose water weight at first and place our body in a constant state of ketosis (ie. stress) where in a panic our body burns our fat stores instead of carbohydrates or even protein. This is not a healthy, long-term solution. And, have you seen many fat vegetarians? What about meat-eaters?

On the standard American diet, most of us consume far more protein than we need. To calculate how much protein your body needs CLICK HERE.  For some examples to put things into perspective, as a 5′6″ female, I need 26.6-47.3 grams. My husband needs 36.4-64.7 grams. This is not very much when you consider just how much this is!   3.5 oz of chicken has 16.79g, turkey 23g, beef 30-36 g, salmon 25.56g, tuna 29.91g, tofu 17.19g, walnuts 15.03g, cashews 15.31g, peanut butter 25.09g, egg yolk 15.86g, cheddar cheese 24.9g, whole milk 3.22g and ½ cup of brown rice 2.58g. If you eat just a handful of cashews, then you will have met your daily requirement!

Oprah did a wonderful segment called  Making Conscious Choices a few weeks ago. Please visit her site and watch the show.  She discusses conscious choices we all can make. (ED’S NOTE: OPRAH DID THIS SHOW BECAUSE OF KATHY FRESTON, WHO’S BOOK “QUANTUM WELLNESS” IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY HUMAN BEING ON THE PLANET.  READ IT) You can easily get all of your protein needs from vegetarian sources such as quinoa, brown rice, tofu, tempeh, seitan, leafy greens such as kale, spinach and swiss chard, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beans such as lentils, black beans, and kidney beans, avocados, nuts such as walnuts, pecans and almonds, all-natural almond and peanut butters, soy and rice milks. Instead of having protein from animal sources try to substitute some vegetable and grain sources for your optimal health.

Following is one of my family’s favorite recipes:

Grilled Tofu (in under 20 minutes!)
1 package extra-firm tofu (ED’S NOTE: TOFU ALWAYS TASTES BETTER DRAINED AND FROZEN.  WE DON’T KNOW WHY, BUT THE TOFU ALWAYS GETS A MILLION TIMES MEATIER ONCE IT’S BEEN FROZEN AND DRAINED.  TO DRAIN; PUT TOFU ON A PLATE AND COVER WITH TEA CLOTH OR PAPER TOWELS.  THEN COVER IT WITH SOMETHING WEIGHTED - ANOTHER PLATE OR COFFEE CUP WORKS GREAT. LEAVE IT FOR AN HOUR AND LET ALL THE WATER DRAIN OUT.  THEN FREEZE.  WHEN READY TO USE, LET DEFROST.  IT SOUNDS LIKE A SHLEP TO DO, BUT WE PROMISE THE DIFFERENCE IN TASTE IS MIND BOGGLING!)
Olive Oil
Soy Sauce
Chopped red & yellow peppers and/or celery and tomatos

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain the tofu, pat dry and slice into cubes. Place the tofu in a casserole dish and liberally cover with olive oil and soy sauce. Cook and turn periodically until very brown and done. Sprinkle the chopped vegetables on top to decorate and enjoy!

Image courtesy of vegalicious.org

Tofu “Club Sandwich”
1 package extra-firm tofu
2 slices “Fakin Bacon”
2  slices of 7-grain bread
1 thinly sliced tomato
Sliced lettuce
A bit o’ Vegenaise

Real Food Daily, in LA, makes a mean tofu club.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain the tofu, pat dry and slice in ¼ inch thick pieces. Place the tofu in the oven in a casserole dish with the “fakin bakin” slices at for 15-20 minutes. When done, add tofu and “Fakin Bakin” to bread along with sliced tomatoes and lettuce. Slather bread with mayonnaise and enjoy!   Often I cook the grilled tofu recipe one night and then make sandwiches the next!

(ED’S NOTE: DON’T JUST BELIEVE US; READ SOME OTHER MUST READ ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC FROM THE PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE HERE AND ON THIS UBER INFORMATIVE SITE; THEPROTEINMYTH.COM.)

Founded by nutritional consultant Katherine Pennington, Be in Balance offers holistic health and lifestyle counseling in New York for women and men who want to lose weight, gain energy, sleep better, reduce stress, get in shape and achieve a greater sense of well-being, balance and happiness in their lives and those of their families.  For more information, please visit her website at www.be-n-balance.com or  send an email to katherine@be-n-balance.com.

We know you guys have plenty of bff’s to please this gifting season, and unlike your dog, they won’t be satisfied with a kong full of peanut butter. Enjoy our first Holiday Gift Guide of the season, and be prepared for regular blogs chock full of  unique prezzie ideas - from breaking the bank to DIY for pennies - over the next Month.  From non-profiteers in deep dept to Daddy Warbucks - we aim to please.

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The easiest gift is always a frame.  Plus it’s the perfect way to say “I love ya, slutcakes” with a cute photo of the two of you already popped in, lest you be that presumptuous.   This is probably not a good gift for your Dentist.  He doesn’t like you enough to have your photo in his office.

Kitsch Baroque Photoframe from SmakParlour.com, $16.

Call us weirdos, but we really do want a set of stuffed gnomes, or at least a vintage copy of this book that used to make us sequel with the possibility of a fairy n’ gnome underworld as children.  We bet older, creative kids would like these odd little stuffed toys too.

$11.50 each at GoodEggShop.com

Our un-siliconed lips craved this ring the minute we laid eyes on it.  You’ll want to dreamily gaze at Solange’s gorgeously crafted enamel creations on her website all day long.  This isn’t jewelry - this is truly wearable pop art.

Hot-lips ring, Solange Azagury-Partridge, $2,398.

Big spenders looking for a big, green purchase for their loved one should consider a romantic couch from eco-furniture designers Cisco Brothers; who use FSC certified wood, water based glues, and chemical free natural upholstery options in their glam designs.   We’ve got our eye on this baby below.

Soy foam couch by Cisco Brothers

What’s a more useful stocking stuffer for the Mermaid n’ Pirate lover in your life than handmade magnets made from recycled bottle caps?

Set of six magnets, $18. KateGrenier.com

Yellow gold makes us all giddy inside.  And these ornate earrings are the sort of thing we’d totally forget to buy for ourselves but would love to own.

DREAM MULLICK- Vermeil Mini Bali Sky Earring, $63.

Vegan, organic, chemical-free Lipgloss that tastes like cotton candy?  Sign us up!

Holiday USDA Organic Vegan Lip Glosses by organic-girls.com, $5.

The worlds simultaneously coziest and coolest looking hoodie is yours for the giving.  It has a fitted shape that’s almost like a dress, with really special stiching details.  Your best friend would so wear this to get her organic green tea at the local coffee shop every morning.  Plus - it’s made from 100% organic cotton, and is so thick you can almost wear it instead of a jacket!

Prairie Underground "Prairie" Hoodie, at Kaightshop.com, $205.

Our guy is always drooling over the gorgeous knick nacks on DL & Co’s Site.  We are especially grooving on the black skull candle which would look to-die-for on our dinner table.

D. L. & Co. Black Skull Candle, at Barney's, $85.

While you are busy gifting your tush off, think of yourself too, sweet cheeks. You are in serious need of some festive holiday cocktail dress attire.  Like this hemp silk dress from GreenwithGlamour.com, which incidentally has some of the most beautifully designed eco-gifts we’ve seen in worms years.

Ranier Hemp Silk Dress, Ecoskin $179.

Get your favorite work-a-holic to chill the frick out with our absolute favorite bath oil from Space NK made of patchouli, vetiver, bay and lavender essential oils. It’s not cheap, but in this case you absolutely get what you pay for.  This bath oil makes us happier than an basket of kittens.

Sleephead Bath Oil by Space NK, $45.

Stay tuned for more gift ideas, lovemuffins.

We know you are in Tofurky induced food coma right now, and the last thing you want to consider doing is eating more… but it won’t last long.  In mere minutes - the carb craving will come fast and furious and you’ll be gladder than glad to have this tasty, cholesterol free, vegan, yummorific recipe handy dandy. Make these cookies for your non-veg, unconvinced love ones as a holiday treat to prove that one need not sacrifice taste for animal-free eats.

Ingredients:cj note: go all organic if possible!! Your bod and the environment will thank and spank you!
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup plain soymilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat together oil and sugar for about 3 minutes; add molasses and soymilk.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together all the other ingredients, then add in batches to wet mixture; mix together with a firm spoon until well combined (dough should be stiff).
3. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for an hour (Note: if chilled longer than an hour, let it sit for 10 minutes before proceeding).
4. Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease your cookie sheets.
5. On a floured surface roll the dough out to a little less than 1/4 inch thick; cut out in shapes with cookie cutters or glass and gently place on cookie sheets.
6. Bake for 8 minutes then remove from oven and let cool completely if decorating.

Thanks to www.veganchicksrock.blogspot.com for this recipe! Visit this blog for super creative holiday recipes!

This is for all our readers who write in and say “Wow, you do so much!! I could never find the time!”  To that we say; YES YOU COULD!  We all have ten minutes a day to change the world, and CauseCast is the perfect platform for busy would-be activists.  Dubbed “a one stop philanthropy shop,” it’s a platform where media, philanthropy, social networking, entertainment and education converge to serve a greater purpose. People want to do good, want to be inspired, and want to inspire others to join them in giving back.  Whether your cause is human rights, animals, children, environment, or health - you’ll find a great community on this innovative site.

Click to learn more about Causecast.org

Causecast makes this easy by providing users with means to CONNECT with people, leaders, charities, nonprofit organizations, and brands that inspire them.   We are moved, stirred, and shaken by this wonderful video (in response to Prop 8) that uses Harvey Milk’s speech, by our dear friends at CauseCast. 

This is a MUST watch for all;

CauseCast makes changing the world easy.  Plus they throw a hell of a party.  Get involved now. http://www.causecast.org/

Loyale is a fashion-forward, sustainable clothing company for men, women, and the wee eco nuggets. We think it’s simple, comfortable, and utterly easy (kinda like us - minus the comfy part) on Prom night.  While designing at fashion companies, such as Calypso, Catherine Malandrino and Kate Spade, 30 year old compassionate cutie pie Jenny Hwa began to notice a lack of stylish clothing made with regard for the environment. It’s extremely rare to see a clothing company that was concerned with the social and environmental issues involved with producing a collection, so Jenny sprung into action! These observations lead to the founding of Loyale… loyal to style *and* loyal to the environment.  Thank GODDESS!

Loyale launched in Spring 2005 with the goal of transforming the uninspiring organic market with a fashion-forward, organic cotton collection.  Loyale’s clothing is inspired by understated sophistication, alluring fit and organic textiles for the fashionably conscious set. Taking an ecological stance, while creating frocks with beckoning silhouettes and charming details are Loyale’s signature criterion.

We took a hot second to ask this conscious diva a few Q’s;

Who are your favorite designers? My favorite non-Eco designers are Dries van Noten, Marni, APC,  Paul Smith, Theory, J.Crew.  My favorite Eco-designers are Mr. Larkin, Del Forte, Ciel, and American Apparel.

How did how you grew up influence your design aesthetic? Being raised in Nor Cal inspired me to consider my existence on the planet and what role I play in either adding to its demise or improving the odds for humanity. I have always firmly believed one person can make a difference, so that is path I took with loyale. Design aesthetic wise, I have a British mother, yet grew up in a very laid back, Cali atmosphere; as a result loyale collections regularly consist of a tasteful mix of wearable, timeless separates.

Describe your personal style: Classic - if you imagine Audrey Hepburn in “Sabrina”, that is how I like to dress and design my collections.

What are three things you couldn’t live without? 1. My husband, he is so generous and supportive. 2. Optimism 3. Delicious organic food & wine.

What is your favorite upping the ante green tip? A lot of people eat meat everyday and that is why our planet is so abused.

Have you felt that the recent outpouring of positive mainstream response to eco-fashion gave your business a big boost in the last few years? Thankfully, yes! So many consumers and buyers are becoming more conscious and aware of what steps need to be taken to improve the health of the planet…

Do any celebrities wear your line, if so who? Emily Deschanel, she is a loyal loyale fan and a total vegan hottie! Also Rachel McAdams, Jessica Alba, Courtney Cox, Alice Waters, and Kristin Gore wear Loyale.

There are so many advancements in fabrics every day (see our recent eco-fabrics blog) like Seaweed and Corn derivative fabrics; what are some of the new fabrics you have been experimenting with? What do you see as the future for green fabrics? To be honest, a lot of these fabrics freak me out and I am down right obsessed with using 100% organic cotton, the fabric nature intended. Bamboo, Soy, Seaweed and Corn fabrics disturb me for a few reasons; One, I don’t believe that food products should be used for creating fabrics and two, the number of chemicals needed to make these various products into a wearable fabric is not environmentally sound. My mission is to reduce the amount of chemicals being used and then worn, so I am on a mission to spread the word about conventional, non-organic cotton. Growing conventional cotton uses 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides. To make a cotton product, more than 8,000 chemicals are involved and it takes about 1 pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce the cotton for one pair of conventional jeans and t-shirt -that is 2 cups of synthetic chemicals for just one outfit! Milling and dyeing cotton are also chemically intensive processes that include toxic bleach, formaldehyde and heavy metals. My message is: Wear organic cotton, it’s really important to your health and the planet’s health!

100% Organic Cotton Twill & factory reclaimed overstock fabric - made in NYC

What sort of routine do you have when you design? Do you just get ideas and sketch on the go or do you have some sort of routine (i.e. listening to loud salsa music and eating jelly beans)? I design collections year round. I am inspired by reading a ton of different publications and books at one time and music is a huge influence. For instance I am designing fall 2009, but spring 2010 is already percolating while I read “Atlas Shrugged,” Vanity Fair magazine, Ode magazine, Travel & Leisure magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Earth magazine and scope out The Sartorialist Blog. while listening to bands like, Arthur & Yu, Devendra Banhart and the Weepies. This is my wacky world!

THANKS JENNY!!  SHOP LOYALE ONLINE HERE: http://www.loyaleclothing.com

**30% OFF WITH COUPON CODE “Gogirlie08″ til December 1st!**

Learn how to make it by watching the video below - or simply follow the actual recipe below and stuff your sexy, filthy little face.   This is a perfect recipe to wow your family with on T-day!  Put on your apron and make like Martha, dollbaby. xo

Fig & Wild Rice Seitan Roulade Recipe;

For the Seitan

• 1-1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 6-1/2 cups vegetable stock, divided
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• cheesecloth

For the Stuffing

• 1-1/2 cups mixed wild and brown rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 cup dried figs, chopped
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• handful fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• black pepper to taste

For Cooking Stock

• 1 large onion, cut in sixths
• 3 parsnips, quartered
• 3 carrots, quartered
• 2 ribs celery, quartered
• 2-3 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

How-to

Prepare the Seitan

1. Prepare a large covered dish for the seitan, filling it with 4 cups of the vegetable stock
2. Combine vital wheat gluten with the almond meal, chopped garlic, sea salt and black pepper.  Stir to combine.  In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk 1-1/2 cups of the vegetable stock and olive oil together.  Pour the wet mixture slowly over the dry and stir to form a wet dough
3. Scoop the dough out onto a clean surface and pat into a rectangle roughly 8 x 12″.  Cover with a length of double thick cheesecloth, leaving a generous overhang of 5-6″ on each end.  Beginning at the end furthest away from you, begin to loosely roll the rectangle toward you, covering the exposed seitan with the extra cheesecloth as you go
4. Place the fully wrapped roulade in the vegetable stock and cover the dish.  Bake covered for 1-1/2 hours.  Remove from oven and allow the roulade to cool completely in the dish for several hours.  Do not discard the broth

Make the Stuffing

1. Cook the rice in 3 cups of water
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat
3. Add the shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened
4. Add garlic and cook until golden brown.  Add celery, stirring for a minute to soften slightly
5. Scoop the cooked rice into the skillet and add the figs, bread crumbs, almond meal and stock.  Stir to combine and heat through, 4-5 minutes.  Remove the heat, add in parsley and season with salt and pepper

Prepare the Stock

1. Remove the roulade from its cooking pot and set aside.  Combine all above ingredients with the remaining stock in the pot and stir

To Assemble

1. Unroll the seitan and remove its cheesecloth
2. Gently flatten the seitan on a clean surface and spread with the stuffing
3. Use a lightly oiled hand to press the stuffing flat against the seitan
4. Loosely re-roll the seitan, carefully pressing the stuffing in if it falls out.  Once fully rolled, re-wrap the roulade in a slightly loose cheesecloth.  You may also choose to tie the roll with kitchen twine, but leave some room for the seitan to expand as it cooks
5. Place the wrapped roll back in the pot, arranging the vegetables around it and adding any additional stock to ensure that the liquid covers at least half of the roulade
6. Bake covered for 1-1/2-2 hours, turning halfway through

To Serve

1. Lift the roulade out, unwrap the cheesecloth and cut in 1/2″ slicesThe vegetables may be served as is alongside the roulade or puree them with some of the stock to make a simple sauce that is good with the roulade or with an accompaniment of mashed potatoes

Note on Ingredients

• Vital wheat gluten can be found in many stores, often in the baking section, or check the bulk section of health food stores for a less expensive option
• Almond meal, sometimes called almond flour, can be purchased pre-made or you can make your own by simply toasting raw almonds lightly for 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven, allowing them to cool completely and then processing into a fine powder

ps — LUCKY BOSTONERS

Emilie is teaching two upcoming classes.  You can sign up for either here or learn more about darling Emilie and her tasty treaters here.

Vegan Desserts for Winter
In this course we will create several healthy, sophisticated, and beautiful dairy- and egg-free desserts perfect for the colder months that will please everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. Recipes include olive oil and anise cake with blood orange macedonia, yeasted sugar cake with spiced fig and apricot compote, black pepper apple galette with salted caramel sauce, and a variety of truffles. Instruction will explore the general principles of dairy- and egg-free baking in a way that can be extrapolated to other dessert-making projects. Limited to 16.
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Jan. 31, 42 Brattle St. | $69

&

Creative Vegan Cuisine
In this two-session course, we will create casually sophisticated, balanced, and delicious dairy-, egg-, and meat-free dishes. With different kinds of tofu, wheat-based seitan, cultured-soy tempeh, nuts, beans, and bean flours, we will make dishes from around the world, including chickpea polenta tart, white kidney bean and seitan stew in phyllo cups, fennel sausage and pear pizza, fettuccini alfredo, tofu laksa, cashew cheese endive and roasted beet salad, macadamia kibbeh, and tempeh sambal. Limited to 16.
Sec. 01: 2 Mondays, 6:30-9:30 pm. Mar. 9 & 16, 42 Brattle St. | $119

WEEKLY FAVES!

We get all excited about new things every single week.  Like shoes and food and books and music and nipple clamps.  Okay, JK on the last one, our nips are way too senstive for clampin’.  Save that for Jed.  Get your trigger finger ready to shop n’ forward.

• These sexy-Pilgrim style vegan boots by Novacas are made from the highest quality Italian synthetic microfibers which do not contain any polyvinyl (put that in your green pipe and smoke it!). They are available in Brown and in Black at MooShoes and your sweet ass will get 10% off anything on the site with code “GirlieGirl10″ at check out (or in store)!  Perfect basics for everything from work to slutty nights out.

• This organic Sicilian Blood Orange Juice has just the right amount of bite.  Somewhere between a grapefruit juice and an orange juice; it just absolutely floats our delicious little boats.  It would be a sweet mixer for some vodka, but we have too much to do to be all boozey these days.   It’s just natural sugars from the blood oranges…no added sugars or sweeteners. The nutritional value to the juice is off the chain with it’s anti-oxidant power, and it’s organic.  Who could ask for anything more?  That’s amore!

• A beautiful and heart-wrenching, but most of all uplifting tale of survival - A Rare Breed of Love by Jana Kohl is your next must read. Baby’s story will break your heart in a billion poodle pieces - and then piece it back together again with a few sweet licks.  Read this book and buy it for everyone in your posse.  Paris Hilton needs 20 copies asap, or at least a Cliff’s Note’s tattooed somewhere on her hand.   Jana Kohl is a woman to respect and listen to.  Not only did she write this wonderful book, she’s also a psychologist, and an animal welfare advocate. Having worked for the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies for many years, she has long been concerned with how cruelty becomes sanctioned by society. Kohl has testified before the Illinois State Legislature on the link between legalized violence against animals and interhuman violence. She has participated in numerous animal welfare campaigns, most notably to end the sale of foie gras in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Kohl currently resides on the West Coast with Baby and a cat named Kitty Pie, whom she also adopted.  We think she’s sweller than swell.

Watch the short video about Baby n’ her Mama here:

• Maybe it’s just us, but as soon as the weather gets this chilly willy, we autofatically (we spelled that exactly as we meant to, Mr. Strunk n’ White!) gain 5 pounds.  Hell, make it ten and pour us another bagel!  Here’s comes Thansgiving and all our badonkadonk wants is “An elegant display of puff pastry filled with savory Native Seitan, Organic Kale, Portabello Mushrooms, Orange Glazed Yams, Fabulous Stuffing, Carmelized Onions, with Shallot Mushroom Gravy on the side.”  Jealous?  Step right up and buy the Wellington from Native Foods.  It comes frozen (delivers anywhere!!) and you bake it!  It’s  ready in 1 hour and you can fool your carcass eating relatives.  Order it online here.

Why don’t vegans wear wool - and what the hell else are they supposed to wear?  Oh, sister, we have got you covered!!

According to VegforLife.com; Sheep have been purposely bred to produce excessive wool. As a result of having an abnormal amount of wool, many sheep suffer from fly infestations, skin sores and wool parasites. During shearing, the majority of these animals are handled roughly and their fleece is removed as quickly as possible. Injuries are common and shearers frequently cut into the flesh of terrified sheep.  Lambs typically suffer from painful mutilations, such as tail docking and castration, without anesthesia. Sheep may also undergo mulesing, a painful process by which a four by six-inch piece of skin is cut from their tails and backside. When the sheep are no longer producing prime wool, they are commonly transported to slaughterhouses in overcrowded trucks. Many sheep become “downers” and are left to suffer and die slowly from neglect. Australia, the largest wool producer, sends many of its “spent” sheep on a long, tortuous journey by ship to the Middle East where they are sold and slaughtered. Felt, or compressed wool, is also a product of the cruel wool industry.

Here’s what PINK has to say about wool;

Our friend Josh over at The Discerning Brute says; When Australian sheep are no longer ‘useable’ they are shipped off to slaughter in the Middle East. Millions of sheep are packed onto enormous, multitiered ships where severe overcrowding causes many to be trampled to death or to starve when they cannot reach food and water troughs. Treated as mere cargo, sick or injured sheep may be thrown overboard to drown or are tossed alive into shipboard grinders. Those who survive the grueling weeks- or months-long voyage in filthy, disease-ridden conditions have their throats slit without being stunned first. Additionally, mulesing is a cheap, crude attempt to create smooth, scarred skin that is resistant to blowfly maggots which can eat sheep alive. However, the enormous, bloody wounds can attract the very flies the procedure is supposed to repel, and lambs sometimes get flystrike before they even heal from the traumatic ordeal.

Are you sufficiently horrified for the poor sheep?  Just wait til you see the undercover footage on www.savethesheep.com.  Us vegan, truly eco gals don’t wear wool, so at times sweater shopping can feel frustrating.  But once you get a handle on what you can wear - things get easier!

• YES to Cotton
• YES to Tencel (according to Josh it’s; “breathable, durable, and biodegradable, and is one of the newest cruelty-free wool substitutes”)
• YES to Polartec Wind Pro (eco cuz it’s made from recycled plastic soda bottles, is breathable, durable, and biodegradable, and is one of the newest cruelty-free wool substitutes. It’s a high-density fleece with four times the wind resistance of wool that also wicks away moisture.
• YES to eco-tastic Bamboo knits
• YES to Cotton Flannel, Polyester Fleece, Synthetic Shearling, and Rayon.
• YES to non-animal based fibers (check out this list of our favorites!)
  

As long as there is a demand for wool products, and companies making it look great, sheep will be subjected to exploitation and cruelty. Please look into alternatives to wool that consider sustainability, social justice, and animal advocacy.  There is nothing sexier than compassion!

Click on images below to buy these cruelty-free eco options!

Fabulous, organic cotton, and fairly made in Peru.

Hand knit chunky organic cotton sweater in a beautiful blue.

Classic mens smoking jacket for the femme. Made from warm organic fleece.

Chic and oh-so-cozy!

Perfect for shlepping around.

Hemp Hoodie! Wear it and smoke it ;).

Winter white!

Just remember; no creature should have to suffer for your fabulous clothes!  It takes a little bit of extra effort, but it’s SO worth it! Mwah!

Beautiful souls of the GirlieGirl Army,

You shine with your inner and outer utter gorgeousness!  It’s outrageous how much your smile lights up the night!  Had enough ass kissing?  Okay, Lieutenants; we need your holiday spirit in high gear!

As the first of the seasonal cards trickle in, let’s take action for whatever it is we truly believe in. In a decadent time of throwaway gifts (ciao carbon footprints), miles of gift wrapping (later for you Tress), and piles of leftovers (Pesticide city!)  - lettuce ponder for a moment the plight of those without our lucky, lucky lives.

Obviously we can’t all afford to donate piles of dough - so what are some alternatives?  Volunteer for your favorite organization, don’t put it off, now is the time to be of service.  ‘Tis the season to GIVE, and what better way to give than to attend Benefits?  Benefits are a wonderful way to meet like-minded folk, support the organizations you love, and have a blast while you are at it!  It’s the easiest peasiest way to do good.  Your Grandma would be so proud (kvell alert!).

GirlieGirlArmy.com is proud to sponsor the following NEW YORK CITY benefit, and we’d SO love for you to join us. If you don’t come we will be devastated with a capital D.  And really, do you want us to smudge our extra long lash mascara?  You are a class act, that’s not your style.  Plus we really want to meet every last one of you.  Come out, come out wherever you are!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Farm Sanctuary & Girlie Girl Army presents: A Winter Wonderland for the Animals

Time: 6 -10 p.m. @ The Art Directors Club in New York City,

Hosted by Tatum O’Neal, Jennifer Coolidge, Peter Max, Ally Sheedy, Justin Theroux, Princess Superstar, Daniela Sea, Patrick McDonnell, Corey Feldman, Nick Zinner, and many other celebrity supporters.

Picture a festive cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres and sweets (can you say BABYCAKES?!) from a variety of the city’s finest vegan restaurants (think Candle 79, Blossom, and so many more that you’ll need a diet the next morning), holiday shopping at our fab silent auction, gorgeous (and potentially single!) guests mingling, and absolutely dreamy goody bags.  It’s so you!  What are you waiting for - visit the event web site to rsvp now (tickets are $100 per person, with sponsorship levels from $350 and up).  You can also visit to the site to see a list of our sponsors, host committee, and celebrity guests, and for updates on the event as the date draws near.  Are you so excited and you just can’t hide it?  Good!  Help even more by donating an item to the auction or goody bags!  Email me for more details.

The event will be a warm holiday celebration of compassion! It is also a night to raise critical year-end funds to care for the large number of animals Farm Sanctuary’s Emergency Rescue Team has saved from abuse this year, and to continue their legislative and legal campaigns, education programs, and rescues next year.

I am so thankful for your sassy pants participation with GirlieGirl Army throughout the year and really hope you will be a part of giving back at this special holiday event.   It won’t be the same without you.  Put on something that sparkles, and sip on a proper Martini with us on December 4^th in NYC.  For those of you not in NYC, please consider making a one time gift to the animals of Farm Sanctuary, or to your favorite charity today.  Then give yourself a big hug and revel at your marvelous karma!

Cheers big ears.

Xoxo Chloé Jo (and the little High Heeled Elves at GirlieGirl Army HQ)

Our knickers are officially in a twist!  Shop It To Me is an innovative email service that notifies you when clothing, shoes, and bags from designers you heart goes on sale in your sizes.  This is for the Gents and the Ladies and the Little Rugrats too, yo! Oh, and it’s free too Fanny Brice!

Shop It To Me’s signature “sale mail” alerts inform you about only brands you’ve pre-specified, in sizes you want, at a frequency you request and from only trusted retailers.  This service is ADDICTIVE.  It’s not an annoying email, it comes once in a blue moon and never feels intrusive.  It’s like having your own personal shopper give you a heads up when your favorite designer goes on sale!

www.shopittome.com

Pick from among the 500+ brands that can be searched - even eco-fabu lines Loomstate and Edun - and  also your old standby’s like BCBG, Diesel, Banana Republic, etc etc etc.   They have a bit of a ways to go for more cruelty-free shoe and bag options, but they know we want it, and we are waiting with baited green breath. What are you waiting for?  Sign up!