Rachael Ray featured Roberto Martin, author of the bestselling book Vegan Cooking for Carnivores, but also the women he cooks for — Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on today’s Rachael Ray.

“Ellen and I got a little busy and we wanted some help around the house,” Portia tells Rachael. “I interviewed private chefs and I was really impressed with Roberto because his attitude toward taking up the challenge of cooking vegan was really kind of inspiring and I thought well, a good cook, a good chef can pretty much cook in any way.”

Photo Courtesy of RachaelRayShow.com

Portia explains that she and Ellen have been vegan for five years. “We took the plunge together,” she says. “We both read a book called Skinny Bitch — it’s got some great information and it changed our attitude toward food.”

Here are some of Ellen’s favorite vegan recipes;

Stuffed Mushrooms
Red Beans & Rice
Hamburger Spring Rolls
Fajita Quesadillas

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Vegan Cooking for Carnivores from Rachael Ray, and watch the interview below or on Rachael’s site directly.

This Poultry and Penis Cancer study found an association between poultry exposure and cancer mortality, but now a new study finds strong links to non-cancer mortality. The cancer-causing viruses in chickens and turkeys (and eggs) also cause a wide variety of other diseases. In Dr. Michael Gregor’s 3 min. video and a recent article in Care2 Poultry Exposure and Neurological Disease, he profiles a study that found a link between poultry exposure and death from thyroid disorders, schizophrenia, and autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis.

Why would you eat this when you could eat (risk free) Gardein?

There is one neurological condition definitively caused by an infectious agent in poultry, Guillain-Barré syndrome. Also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, it’s a brutally rapid, life-threatening auto-immune attack on the nervous system triggered by a fecal pathogen found contaminating 70% of U.S. retail poultry. It’s like multiple sclerosis in fast-forward, where instead of taking years, you can end up paralyzed on a ventilator in a matter of days. Now that polio is largely a thing of the past, the most common cause of acute paralysis in the United States is, ultimately, chicken consumption.  Learn more in this two minute video; Poultry and Paralysis.

Given the risk of bringing fresh or frozen chicken into one’s home (or even handling it in the store) why does the U.S. poultry industry oppose safe-handling labels? Read the rest of the article and watch the video here.

With over 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, it’s time to take action. Coinciding with Melanoma Awareness Month, Holly Thaggard CEO and founder of Supergoop! (a line of sunscreens formulated without parabens, petrochemicals, fragrances, and phthalates to provide consumers with an environment- and body-friendly choice for everyday UV protection) is doing just that with the launch of Project Backpack™, an initiative to advocate change in state policies, allowing the use of sunscreen on school campuses.

Kids aren’t getting the sunscreen message.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, unprotected sun exposure during childhood and early adult years significantly increases a child’s chance of developing skin cancer; yet, in a survey conducted by The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, only 25% of students said they “often or always” use sunscreen when outside for at least six hours in the summer.

Launching nationwide May 2012, Project Backpack™ serves as a vehicle to influence a change in state policies, allowing the use of sunscreen on school campuses, while simultaneously providing sunscreen to schools across the United States. For every SPF 30 Everyday UV Lotion sold, Supergoop! will donate one backpack-sized sunscreen to one of its partner schools in the U.S.. This year, the goal is to provide sunscreen for 30,000 – 40,000 students (K – 12) in approved partner schools, starting in California.

The idea for Project Backpack™ arose when Holly’s daughter came home from her first grade class prior to an outdoor field trip with a note in her backpack stating that any sunscreen included in a child’s backpack would be discarded. Although aware the law prohibiting sunscreens in schools existed, the incident served as a catalyst to officially launch Project Backpack™.

Holly & her beautiful kids, above.

“As a parent I was upset and as a suncare professional, I was discouraged that sun protection laws are so antiquated,” said Thaggard. “How does a law exist that prohibits the use of sunscreen at school? I decided that there needed to be an effective platform for concerned parents to contest such counterintuitive legislation.” Through this campaign, Supergoop! hopes to teach sun safety while also providing children with the necessary sun protection to encourage early adoption of healthy skincare habits.

Dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, past president of American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and founder of LovelySkin.com, states, “Safe sun exposure is essential at every age. It is imperative that we break habits such as going on the playground unprotected. Project Backpack has identified one area where sun exposure regrettably is nearly unavoidable due to current school rules. As a dermatologist, I feel this type of program is fantastic and will serve our most precious asset, our kids, well.”

Make a difference and support Project Backpack™ by purchasing Supergoop’s SPF 30 Everyday UV Lotion at retailers nationwide, nominating and advocating the program in your child’s school, “liking” the Project Backpack™ campaign on Facebook, and/or signing a petition on Supergoop.com/projectbackpack.

We women have it all wrong. Happiness doesn’t live in a new hairstyle, handbag, or husband. True contentment waits in the most unlikely of places—right inside of you. That’s right: You alone must become the steward of your own happiness.  Your deepest bliss is neither a miracle nor a far off milestone, but rather participation in every moment of every day. At first that doesn’t seem sexy, true, or possible, but how many handbags, hairstyles, and husbands do we have to go through to realize that nothing outside of ourselves can bring happiness?  Here are five tried-and-true (and surprisingly simple) ways to start treating your own happiness as your most sacred daily duty.

1.    Be Selfish.
Every morning when you wake up ask yourself, “What can I do just for me today?”  As women we’re virtuosic “givers,” but happiness requires us to also strengthen our receiving muscles. Start by putting yourself first. Throughout the day ask, “What would bring harmony and balance now?” or “What do I really need in this moment?” Then respond accordingly. Take a bubble bath. Eat a big bowl of oatmeal. Get a pedicure. Go for a walk in the sun.  Find ways to nurture yourself and you’ll have so much more to give others.

2.    Play with Dirt.
As women we are intricately linked to the cycles and rhythms of the Earth. The more we recognize and synch up with these, the healthier and happier we become. Before you hole yourself up in an air-conditioned office or go for a run on the first day of your menstrual cycle, do yourself a favor. Notice what’s happening inside of you. Notice what’s happening outside of you. Then feel into how you can reconcile the two. Rest and be quiet on the new moon; and dance and throw a dinner party for your girlfriends on the full moon. Eat salads in the summer and hearty stews in the winter; be kind to your body when you’re menstruating, and push its edges when you’re feeling frisky and active.

3.    Let Love Trump All.
I’ve had times in my life where my heart hurts so much that it literally feels like it’s breaking; and I know you’ve had these moments, too. They usually come in the midst of great loss (a death, break-up, big life change, or watching a loved one suffer), or when you witness something magical and precious (a child being born or a beautiful rainbow). These are important moments to stay present for. These are the moments in which your heart can truly open and you can taste who you truly are—beyond emotions, thoughts, and circumstances. Breathe deeply into your heart and feel your feet on the ground. Stay present to the moment and what it brings, even if it’s colored with the pain of sorrow.  Sadness often opens the door into compassion and love–first for yourself, and then for others. This is a beautiful and wondrous thing. Even when it hurts, open yourself to the truth of each moment.

4.    Dance, Sister, Dance!
As women we’re wired to experience and express pleasure; and the more we consciously create circumstances for bliss and delight regularly, the healthier and happier we will become. Dance is without a doubt one of the best way to do this. Don’t let a day go by without dancing—even if it’s just swinging your hips as you wash the dishes or snaking your shoulders while driving your car. Sometimes do it fully by going out for a night of dancing with your lover or girlfriends or taking a Nia, Salsa, or Tango class. Dissolve into the ecstasy of rhythm and movement and enjoy how it lights you up from deep inside.

5.    Fake It ‘til You Make It!
When you’re in a funk, if all else fails resist your resistance. Smiling (even a simple “Buddha smile”) can elicit the secretion of feel good hormones in your body. Don a toothy grin while you take a shower. Answer the phone with a more enthusiastic “Hello!” than you’re used to. Watch a slapstick comedy when all you feel like doing is complaining and crawling into a dark hole. Wear a really sexy matching bra and panty set when you’re tired and bloated. Cultivate the skill of laughing at yourself and not taking life so seriously!

Remember that at the end of the day, the person most responsible for your happiness isn’t your boss, your husband, your children, or your family.  It’s you.

Watch Sara’s Inspirational Journey Behind The Book;

Sara Avant Stover is the author of The Way of the Happy Women: Living the Best Year of Your Life (New World Library) and a teacher and mentor to women around the world on wellness, spirituality and lifestyle. Steward of her own bliss, she’s truly happy some days and fakes it ‘til she makes it on others.

# # #

Based on the book The Way of the Happy Woman © 2011 by Sara Avant Stover. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA.

Though his signature cheeky graphics are absent from his O.P.O.P. debut collection, the Cuban-American designer’s 1970s aesthetic is still very much present. American flag motifs, rainbow colored tie dye, and groovy tribal prints will have you wishing you could go back to the days of Hendrix and Joplin. Acosta’s debut O.P.O.P. collection has already been picked up by streetwear mecca Karma Loop, and, naturally, the line is entirely manufactured and produced in Miami Beach. “Manufacturing the line locally is beneficial for the community, and to be honest I’m a bit of a control freak. I like to be involved every step of the way. I guess it’s a win-win situation,” laughs the designer.

The collection will debut next month, and will be sold by retailers across the globe and online, just in time for getaway season. Now if only you can fit the entire collection in your suitcase. Now that’s definitely something to pray about!

WIN IT:

In the meantime, GirlieGirl Army readers can win a pair of these rockin leggings by leaving a comment on this post!  How adorable with a white tank and good black boots for a night of summer decadence! Winner will be chosen on June 12th 2012 and will be notified by email.

• Show Night Owl Paper Goods some love by liking them on Facebook.
• Write a comment on the Night Owl Paper Goods Facebook wall telling them what your favorite product from their store is and why you love it so much!
• Stay tuned on Facebook. The Night Owls will draw a winner who will win a $20 gift card to use toward anything in their online store!

Here are a few things for all budgets that all Mom’s would probably be psyched to have under their Mother’s Day bush (yea, we said it) this Mo’s Day;

Only Kale Can Save us Now! Seamless Tee Dress, $25 Give your kids a solid message by telling them to eat their veggies with this cute summer message tee dress.	Chocolate Mousse Jar Gluten-Free(serves 8 people,) $38 We recently had Vegan Divas cakes for Panther’s second birthday party, and everyone went crazy for them.  Little did they know they are as healthy as cake can possibly get.  Give her a gift she won’t be pissed at so you can’t be to blame for ruining her healthier diet.  This mousse is an orgasm in a very pretty glass bottle.
Heart Locket Necklace, vintage style, hand embroidered, $88 Insert a photo of your loved one or even a lock of hair so s/he can stay close to your heart. These lockets are handmade in Brooklyn and a percentage of all sales benefits V-Day.org: A Global Movement to end violence against women and girls.	Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way by Mayim Bialik, $15 We’ve yet to read a book that so perfectly speaks to the experience of kind mothering – non harming, gentle, loving parenting that raises extraordinarily special kids.  As an attachment parenting Mamas ourselves, we can vouch that this way of life is endlessly enriching and always feels like the right thing to do. Mayim hits home all the scientific and medical points, as well as the basics for newbies to this world.. and as a fellow Jewish vegan, what could be bad? Buy this book for all Mamas, new and old.  Or just buy it for your own Mother when she questions you about breastfeeding and co-sleeping, she’ll shut up with her old fashioned opinions (“A baby needs to cry it out!”) when she reads the science behind AP by this smartie pants.
Elsa Dress, $200 She only needs this dress. No really. The ELSA dress has gotten to be known to flatter every figure and can be dressed up or down, and is made in entirely eco-friendly materials. Produced on individual orders locally in New York, these dresses are custom made for each individual, so it’s really like the ultimate couture.  Inspired by an elegant, colorful and stylish grandma named Elsa, ELSA AND ME was founded in 2009 to fill the gap of sustainable business wear for women. Swedish born Brooklyn-based designer Maja Svensson left her corporate job in December 2011 to become the passionate business woman she always dreamt of.  The signature ELSA dress is comfortable for work and elegant during cocktail hours. The dress is made of organic cotton fabric, produced locally in New York City and designed not to be dependent on a short term trend.	Klean Kanteen Water Bottle ($17.95 - $19.95) If she’s anything like us, she probably forgets to drink as much water as she should.  Get her a colorful Kleen Kanteen to leave on her desk or counter top so she never forgets to swig and stay healthy.
Revitalizing Body Oil, $90 We realize a bottle of body oil for $90 may seem insane to many of you, but let’s look at it a different way: flowers cost about the same and they last a few days – this stuff is the potion of the goddesses and lasts months.  There is no better cure for stretch marks, moodiness (the smell alone makes me not want to pull my hair out some days,) and dry skin than Tata Harper’s Revitalizing Body Oil.  Tata Harper (an organic Mama of two herself) hand-makes all her potions and lotions using organic flowers and herbs she grows herself on her Vermont farm.  If we could make the world smell like this body oil, there would be no wars, the smell is that good. Think perfection mixed with ice cream sundaes and babies and fields of fresh flowers…  that delicious! Buy it for her (and  yourself) – you’ll be so happy you made the investment.	Cri de Coeur Tilly Fringe Convertible Clutch, $142 A gorgeous luxe clutch from vegan shoe and bag designer Cri de Coeur that most Moms (young and old) would be into, the perfect day bag that transitions beautifully to night.
Raw Food Kitchen by Dunja Gulin, $16 Raw foodie Mamas who have every cookbook under the sun won’t have this one by Croatian chef Dunja Gulin yet..  that’s because it just came out.  Everyone of these recipes are mouth-wateringly gorgeous and so healthy, you will literally feel like a different person with piles of energy after a week on this menu!	Imperial Palace Necklace, $134 We bought Mom a hand stamped necklace from Three Sisters Jewelry Design (named for the designers three daughters) a few Mother’s Days ago, and she went mad for it (til she lost it, but that’s a whole other story.) You can hand pick the stones that go on the necklace and choose what shapes you want stamped and customize the metal for the ultimate in personalized sentimental gifts.
Vitamix 5200 Standard, $485 If she doesn’t have one, she wants one.  There is nearly nothing this machine can’t do, nearly no craving it’s magical blades can’t satiate.  From the gourmand to the I-never-cook, there are ten billion uses for the ultimate blender.	Skeleton Garden Pruners, $32 Let her punk rock garden and trim her rose garden with these cool pruners.
Signature Series Ivory Mongolian Lamb Faux Fur Throws, $169 Our favorite thing in the world is to have cozy, beautiful blankets all over the house – particularly near all chairs and beds.  We love the Fabulous Furs throws and blankets, all faux fur that look semi-real, and feels glorious to the touch (without that pesky vaginal electrocution it takes to get real fur.)	Fifty Shades of Grey Book and Bondage Kit, $29 If she hasn’t read the erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey, get her this package (not your Mom, that’s creepy, but your wife or partner) to reenact the steamy sex scenes in this page-turner (also dubbed “mommy porn.”)
Arrange for her to have an “old Hollywood” style glamor photo shoot.  In New York we love Joey Falsetta who is a noted fashion photographer who offers these old Hollywood style photo shoots at his gorgeous Greenpoint Brooklyn studio, but it’s not hard to find these glamor portrait studios or photographers in most cities.  Extra bonus about working with Joey: He uses make up and hair artist Eden Di Bianco who is one of the only (if not the only) make up and hair artists in NYC who offers an entirely cruelty-free and all natural hair and make up kit.   Another gift idea if to have Eden come to Mom’s house and give her a gorgeous make over (she’s the kind of gal a Mother loves, and her packages are very affordable.)	'i love my mom' card, $6.50 We have now eschewed nearly all other cards for those from Night Owl Paper Goods which are made from things like reclaimed & recycled cotton from the garment industry or (in the case above) sustainably-harvested birch wood.  All their cards are printed in the most eco-friendly manner possible and are all biodegradable.  But the reason we are most mad for them is that they are simply tiny little art cupcakes.  When do you ever get a wooden card in the mail?  Hallmark eat your heart out, these hand made cards become keepsakes the moment they are written on, not tossed in the bin the next week.

Alternative Gift Ideas

• A membership to her favorite museum.
• A gift certificate to the most fabulous restaurant you can afford.
• A night at the theater.
• A mini-scrapbook of 100 ways why she is a wonderful Mom, including quotes, photos, and funny remembrances.
• Get crafty with your needle and thread and make some simple handmade gifts, we love these.
• A big batch of homemade granola, trail mix, or cookies – beautifully tinned and packaged.
• Art books from the used book store.
• Pull a print from a favorite art, design, or picture book and frame it yourself for her in a vintage frame.
• A netflix membership with a ready-made cue of all the movies you know she’d love to see, so she starts getting them in the mail straight away.
• Subscriptions to magazines she’d probably never get herself, but you know she’d love – like an architecture magazine or gardening magazine, whatever her pleasure.
• A fully stocked ipod (maybe an old one you no longer use since you got an iphone) with all her favorite music on it, like the ultimate mix tape that keeps on giving.

Eats

Looking for the ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch Menu? VegNews shares an outrageous group of recipes with us here that include Irish Coffee topped with Whipped Cream,  Blueberry Scones, Potato Pancakes and spicy Tempeh Sausage, , Tofu Scramble, Chive Biscuits covered in rustic Cashew Gravy, fluffy French Toast with sweet Strawberry-Rhubarb Syrup, gooey Cinnamon Buns and rich, Parisian-inspired Vegan Crepes. Hungry yet?

Discount and bargain hunting for Mama? (She taught you well!)

• Try our cheapskates page for good solid discount codes off the majority of your favorite eco-friendly, vegan, luxe brands.
• Green America has put together a big list of discount codes for their green gifting partners here.
• Join these flash sale sites that offer the chicest brands on the cheap.
• The 2012 Fair Trade Spring Gift Guide is a collection of Fair Trade gifts especially for Mother’s and Father’s Day.  These stylish gifts are handmade by craftspeople and farmers in developing countries and produced under fair trade principles, and happen to be very fairly priced.

See for yourself;