10 Ways to Celebrate World Vegan Day

Happy World Vegan Day! November 1st marks the global celebration to recognize just how far veganism has come since the The Vegan Society was first founded in November 1944. World Vegan Day was founded by Louise Wallis in 1994 when she was Chair of The Vegan Society to commemorate 50 years of the vegan movement. Since then, veganism has grown immensely and November 1st is a day to acknowledge all the great work has been done as well as sharing veganism with others.

It has always been tough for me to celebrate World Vegan Day since it falls right after Halloween, but this year I wanted to bring attention to this day and do something to celebrate! And founder Wallis gave a great explanation in a recent interview as to why she chose this date for World Vegan Day: "Well, we knew that The Vegan Society was founded in November 1944, but we didn't know the exact date. So I suggested November 1, as this was easy to remember, and made sense culturally - with Halloween and Day of the Dead falling either side. It's a traditional time of year for feasting, celebrating, and for remembering forebearers, and those no longer with us - which, of course, includes animals." 

There are lots of ways to celebrate World Vegan Day, whether you are vegan or just vegan-curious. Check out 10 ways to celebrate today (and every day) below:

How to Make Earth Day Every Day

Happy Earth Day! Though this is the one day a year where we acknowledge our commitment to making the earth a better place and preserving its beauty, wouldn't it be great if you could make Earth Day every day? Well, there is one simple lifestyle shift you can make that will help the Earth more than anything else you can do, and that is going vegan or adopting a more plant-based lifestyle. Now, before you click away from this article, I want you to seriously consider the positive impact you could make by going vegan - for example, did you know that going vegan has been shown to cut your carbon footprint in half?! And did you know that even if you combined all the greenhouse gas emissions from cars, trains, planes, etc. in the entire world that animal agriculture still produces more pollution (per this study)?! Or that on average a vegan person saves roughly 1,100 gallons of water every day? The water needed to produce a just a quarter pound of beef is 660 gallons of water and 600 gallons of water to produce a single gallon of cow’s milk.

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!

We celebrate Earth Day to honor our planet and to reflect on how we can better take care of it and preserve it for future generations. There are lots of things you can do this Earth Day (and every day) to make a difference - recycling, composting, reducing what you buy, volunteering to pick up trash along your local beach/parks, mindfully purchasing local products and food, and so on. However, the biggest impact you can make is to go vegan!

On past Earth Days (here and here), I've written about how going vegan can greatly reduce your footprint on the world, but I just like to reiterate the huge impact going vegan has on not just yourself, but our planet, and how it is the single biggest positive change you can make for the environment, for yourself, and for the animals!

Earth Day is Everyday if You're Vegan

Happy 45th Earth Day, a wonderful day to be grateful for our home and reflect on how we might change our habits to preserve and protect the Earth and all the lives it contains. As Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day stated, “Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.”

How can we achieve this "environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures"? Well, we can start by treating everyday like Earth Day! The simplest and most effective way to do this is adopting a plant-based diet! If you decide to ditch dairy, eggs, and meat, your impact will be tremendous. Not only will you help the environment and all those that live on this Earth, but with by focusing on a plant-based or vegan diet, you will also improve your own health and help save animals from unimaginable cruelties.

Vegan Bake Sale to Benefit The Gentle Barn this Sunday

Come buy some delicious vegan holiday treats this Sunday, December 7th at The Gentle Barn animal sanctuary in Santa Clarita, California! This is the first holiday-themed bake sale that is happening at the Gentle Barn, and it looks like it will be the biggest one yet! That means you can stock up on baked goods for the holidays to gift or just enjoy them yourself! Here is a sneak peek at the goodies you could be enjoying:

• Cupcakes from Courtesan Cupcakes, Luscious Organic Desserts, Sprinkles and Sensitive Sweets
• Bundt cakes from Biggie Bakes
• Various goodies from Life is Sweet Bakeshop 
• Brownies from Native Foods
• Cheesecake and cookies from Bloom Confections
• Raw desserts from Feel Good Desserts
• Various desserts from other bakers, including snowballs, gingerbread and candy cane muffins, sticky buns, holiday cookies, s'mores bars, and much, much more!

Besides the bake sale, a trip to The Gentle Barn will let you meet some truly amazing rescued animals. This sanctuary takes in abused and neglected animals that no one else wants and rehabilitates them, letting them live the rest of their lives in peace. In turn, they use rehabilitated animals to teach their visitors about these amazingly resilient and loving animals. You can pet, hug, cuddle, and spend time with most of the animal residents, which is truly a life-changing experience in itself!

Go for the treats, go for the animals, and spend time with some inspiring people and animals!

Here are the details of the event:

LOCATION: The Gentle Barn
ADDRESS: 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
DATE: Sunday December 7th, 2014
TIME: 10am – 2pm
FOR MORE INFO: Facebook Event

You can read about my past visits to The Gentle Barn here!

31 Days of Halloween: The Art of Christopher McKenney

The haunting photography of Christopher McKenney is dark and surreal. I love how his images evoke conflicting reactions of both awe and repulsion. His photos deeply resonate with me, and to me speak of the impermanence of people and of life itself, and how little by little, day by day, it diminishes until there is nothing left.

Tricks and Treats to Beat the Heat (Guest Blog on Cowgirls and Collard Greens Site)

Written by Sarah E. Jahier

When the adorable vegan cowgirl Kayle Martin of Cowgirls and Collard Greens asked me to guest blog on her site, I jumped at the chance! I have been a long-time admirer of Kayle, adore her site, and even got to meet her in person at Expo West (yes, she is as sweet in person as she is online!). I was truly honored/excited to guest blog on her site, so please giddy-up on over to Cowgirls and Collard Greens to read about my tricks and treats to beat the summer heat.  

Please check out my article on Cowgirls and Collard Greens or continue reading below. And in the immortal words of the vegan cowgirl herself, Yeehaw!!  

My Visit to The Gentle Barn and Vegan Bake Sale Fundraiser

November's visit to The Gentle Barn - 

(from left to right, clockwise) Vegan Bake Sale, vegan baked goodies, 

a cute piggie, me grinning (I was so happy to be able to buy so many vegan 

sweets and support The Gentle Barn at the same time!), and a turkey friend!

Last weekend I had the pleasure to visit The Gentle Barn, an animal rescue and sanctuary located in the hills of Santa Clarita, California, to participate in a vegan bake sale that raised money for the sanctuary. This was my second time to this magical place, and it was so amazing to spend time with the loving animals, be around like-minded individuals, and help raise money for a worthwhile cause.

Vegan Bake Sale to Benefit The Gentle Barn this Sunday in Santa Clarita, CA

Hi Boils and Ghouls! It is time for another vegan bake sale at The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, CA!

What: Vegan bake sale to benefit The Gentle Barn
When: Sunday, November 10th, 2013 from 10AM - 2PM
Where: The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, California 91390
Tips: A $10 donation is required for entry into The Gentle Barn. I also recommend bringing cash for the vegan bake sale (plus a container if you plan on buying several items), The Gentle Barn's own snack bar and gift shop, and vegan hot dog stand Frankens, who will be vending this Sunday! Spend your money on a good cause and local business! More info after the jump!

Sunday Funday: Favorite Photos of the Week - Autumn Edition

Happy Fall, folks!!! Yesterday marked the autumn equinox and I could't be happier for fall to finally be here. Of course, here in Southern California it is still broiling and hasn't dipped below 80 degrees in quite some time (today it is in the 90s and 100s...blegh). I was also unfortunate enough to come down with the flu and was out of commission for the good part of last week. So both the hot weather and being ill has made it seem less autumnal than I would like. I haven't even been able to bake since it has been so stinkin' hot.

Since autumn seems MIA here, I've been longingly gazing at fall photographs on Tumblr and Pinterest. I also realized I hadn't done a Sunday Funday in quite some time and decided I had to share some of the lovely pictures I have been drooling over.

Check out a selection of autumn photographs below (disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of any of the photos above unless otherwise noted):

I want to be here now

 Adore this outfit!!!

 Tee hee!

 Sigh...I want this now

 Pumpkin patches...my fave places

 I could live in flannels ... I am DYING to wear mine but it is too HOT

 Oh, autumn my love...

 Majestic

 I need some fresh-pressed apple cider STAT!

 8 days away!

Early autumn light

 *Literally everything* - TRUTH!!!

Sigh...this time of year I really wish I lived somewhere that had seasons...somewhere I could see the colors change. Until I live in such a magical place, I guess I'll have to content myself by wistfully gazing at gorgeous photos.

Farm Sanctuary's Walk for Farm Animals 2012

Farm Sanctuary has announced their Fall 2012 Walk for Farm Animals! They will be hosting the Walk for Farm Animals from September through November in a city near you.

When you Walk for Farm Animals, you help to raise vital funds for Farm Sanctuary's rescue, education and advocacy work while also creating awareness about the horrifying plight of farm animals. Events will take place in cities across the U.S. and Canada and will include special speakers, live music, food, prizes and much, much more!

Join a movement for change and register for an event in your area or participate online through the "Sleep In for Farm Animals" virtual walk! Just visit walkforfarmanimals.org to learn more and register!

Ryan Murphy's Horror Movie Fashion Shoot

Elle Magazine Online recently featured a horror-inspired photo spread shot by none other than American Horror Story and Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy. The photos star Lea Michelle, Taissa Farmiga, Jayma Mays, Connie Britton and others from Murphy's shows vamping it up in homage to classic horror movies like The Birds, Suspiria, Repulsion, Carrie and more!

The photos turned out pretty amazing...check 'em out yourself below: 

Lea Michele - Creature From the Black Lagoon

Dianna Agron - Attack of the 50 Foot Woman

Kate Mara - Carrie

Naya River - Suspiria

Jayma Mays - The Birds

Taissa Farmiga - When a Stranger Calls

Connie Britton - The Omen

Heather Morris - Repulsion 

Sarah Paulson - Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

My favorites from this series are Creature from the Black Lagoon, Suspiria and Repulsion! What are yours?

Be sure to visit the original post, where Murphy discusses the inspiration for these photos and what these particular horror films mean to him.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Poe

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'

-taken from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe from
Edgar Allan Poe: Complete Tales and Poems with Selected Essays

Make your own Poe toy courtesy of Toy-a-Day!

It is probably no surprise that I love Edgar Allan Poe, and today I feel I must pay tribute to his 203rd birthday. It seems especially appropriate that his birthday fall on today since I am already in a morose mood, having been stuck in bed this entire week with the flu. Currently I'm still recovering, but it looks like my own birthday plans for the weekend will have to be delayed until I can fully recover from this nasty flu bug. Boo hoo.

For now, I plan to enjoy some Poe literature and perhaps watch some classic horror adaptations of his work.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Poe and thanks for all you've bequeathed us!

These Boots Were Made For Stomping

Put on your stomping boots!

I've been discovering tons of new (well, new to me) gothy blogs lately (and loving every second of them), and one of them is the intriguing Sophistique Noir, run by the gorgeous VictorianKitty. It seems that every month she runs a themed blog where everyone in the blogsphere is invited to participate and create posts that revolve around the theme. I love the thought of exchanging ideas, photos, styles and so on...especially if these things revolve around the goth subculture.

 

So today, after perusing many lovely posts by talented bloggers, I decided to give this "theme of the month" a try, especially since September's theme is boots, only one of my favorite things!!

With fall right around the corner, I can't help but dream of boots...even though I already have plenty! One of my favorite fall activities is shopping for that perfect pair of boots...and then planning outfits around them...and, when it finally gets chilly enough, actually getting to wear said outfits!

However, before I go buying any more boots, I suppose I should take stock of the ones I already have. In the photo above I'm wearing some flat riding boots paired with fishnets and a cute fluffy Lolita-like skirt (not that you can see it too well). Below you'll see a few pairs of boots I own...even a pair of cowboy boots (very gothabilly, no?). My faves are my platform Demonias, which I've had forever (but they are still holding up!), that are excellent stompy boots when hitting Bunker. My most versatile are the previously mentioned riding boots, which I wear with everything!

I wish I had time to take individual pics of me wearing all the boots...maybe a later post!

My newest addition is a cute pair of Victorian-style boots (you can't see them too well in the photo above...they are right next to the platform Demonias). They are so adorable, I love them! And I got them on clearance!

The best part of my boots, though? They are all cruelty-free and vegan! None of the boots I own are leather or made with animal products. This is probably the thing I am most proud of about my boots, and it was so easy to find affordable boots made of only man-made materials! Yay for compassion fashion!

The Pumpkin Dream

I came across this delightful Flickr photo set of a beautifully illustrated book called The Pumpkin Dream by Robert Aaron Wiley and just had to share this amazing artwork!

Since I've been itching for Halloween season (just a few more months!), these images pretty much made my day! I love the illustrations and the book just looks so darn cute! I can't wait to get my hands on The Pumpkin Dream...just looking at the photos dissipated any Halloween blues I was feeling. PLUS, you can also buy the designs emblazoned on a tote or T-shirt HERE! Gah, I want them ALL!

About the book:

A tongue-in-cheek illustrated holiday poem about a Halloween night gone wrong when a bored trick-or-treat pumpkin, against advice and fear of others, leads the main character into a world of witches and monsters.

This first edition contains 37 illustrations in classic Halloween colors of orange and black, with images inspired by vintage cartoon animation.

You can buy the book HERE!

Buy totes and t-shirts HERE! 

Visit author and illustrator Robert Aaron Wiley's blog HERE!

Book Review: The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life

I received this delightful book as a Christmas present this year (thanks Mom!! Wuv wu!) and just couldn't wait to dive into it. And dive I did, finishing it in under a weekend because I just couldn't put it down.

Author Melisser Elliott is like the vegan BFF I wish I had...witty, knowledgeable, kind and hilarious. You probably know Elliott as the owner of San Francisco's Sugar Beat Sweets Bakery and the writer of the very popular, super-awesome The Urban Housewife, so just imagine all the goodness of her site condensed into this awesome book! Like her site, the book is very engaging and conversational; it is like you are having a chat with one of your best friends. I loved this intimate feel and really dug Elliott's breezy writing style.

Plus, this book is packed full of goodies that you won't find on The Urban Housewife site. It features an inviting introduction to veganism, an explanation what it means to be vegan, a handy section on nutrition (one of my favorite parts of the book and co-written by nutritionist Gena Hamshaw - check out her website www.choosingraw.com), what to eat and what to wear, non-vegan ingredients to watch out for, and pretty much anything else that covers the vegan spectrum! The second part of the book features a ton of yummy-sounding recipes (must try these!!) like PB & J Muffins, Austrian Potato Salad, Two Bean Confetti Hash, Twice-Baked Chipotle Sweet Potatoes, Strawberry Basil Risotto, Apple Sage Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash and many more! At the end of the book, there is even a crafty DIY section with lots of cool, eco-friendly projects.

My personal favorite part of the book was the sections on other veganistas, highlighting vegan women who own and run vegan businesses, write, and otherwise champion vegan living! In their own words they express what makes them tick, some of their favorite vegan things and how they deal with any negativity in regards to veganism. All these ladies are amazing and inspirational, so it was a real treat to take a peek into their minds! I also found some fun new blogs to read! Win-win!

The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life is wonderfully inspiring book to read for all vegans (yes, even the boys!) and for anyone curious about veganism. I found it incredibly informative but at the same time an absolute blast to read! It is inspiring to know that there are other women living the cruelty-free lifestyle out there, and their testimonials along with Elliott's passionate writing really solidifies my veganism and makes me so proud to be vegan!

Check out The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life!

31 Days of Halloween: Dark Poems of Autumn, October and All Hallow's Eve

[image source]

The name - of it - is "Autumn" -

The hue - of it - is Blood -

An Artery - upon the Hill -

A Vein - along the Road -

Great Globules - in the Alleys -

And Oh, the Shower of Stain -

When Winds - upset the Basin -

And spill the Scarlet Rain -

It sprinkles Bonnets - far below -

It gathers ruddy Pools -

Then - eddies like a Rose - away -

Upon Vermilion Wheels –

-Emily Dickinson

 [image source]

Fancy returns, and now she thinks of bones

And grinning skulls, and corruptible death

Wrapp'd in his shroud; and now fancies she hears

Deep sighs, and sees pale sickly ghosts gliding.

-William Blake

from "Fair Elenor"

 [image source]

The skies they were ashen and sober;

The leaves they were crispéd and sere -

The leaves they were withering and sere;

It was night in the lonesome October

Of my most immemorial year.

-Edgar Allan Poe

from "Ulalume: A Ballad"

It's Halloween! It's Halloween!

The moon is full and bright

And we shall see what can't be seen

On any other night.

Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,

Grinning goblins fighting duels,

Werewolves rising from their tombs,

Witches on their magic brooms.

In masks and gowns

we haunt the street

And knock on doors

for trick or treat.

Tonight we are

the king and queen,

For oh tonight

it's Halloween!

-Jack Prelutsky

from It's Halloween

 Illustration from Arnold Lobel from Jack Prelutsky's 

Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep

There's a house upon the hilltop

We will not go inside

For that is where the witches live,

Where ghosts and goblins hide.

Tonight they have their party,

All the lights are burning bright,

But oh we will not go inside

The haunted house tonight.

The demons there are whirling

And the spirits swirl about.

They sing their songs to Halloween.

"Come join the fun," they shout.

But we do not want to go there

So we run with all our might

And oh we will not go inside

The haunted house tonight.

-Jack Prelutsky

“Haunted House” from Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep

Trick or Treat
Smell my feet
Give me something good to eat!