January 28, 2009 at 11:29 pm
· Filed under celebs, fashion, green with glamour
It’s been a busy one… over the weekend, a whirlwind trip to NYC for a friend’s birthday and last night, an impromptu visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live! So needless to say – I’ve been working my wardrobe and 2 GWG pieces have really proven to be standouts:
For Saturday’s big birthday party I stuck with classic cool… a stunning black chiffon tank by Charles & Victoria (a Brooklyn-based line co-designed by my friend, Abby Lutz – and favored by Rihanna) with wide-legged & seriously cuffed black dress pants. Because my outfit was stellar but simple, I wanted a statement accessory… enter the hemp “Balsa” clutch by Heather Heron. Let me tell you… among the Alberta Ferretti dresses, Chloe wedges and YSL evening bags at the party, my big Balsa was right at home!

And last night I received an impromptu invite from my dear friend, Amy Procacci, to hang out at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Having never been before (I know TV is casual, but I wanted to look cute) and with only 10 mins to get ready, I grabbed the Marcasite dress by Ecoskin – pairing it with black patterned tights, vegan booties, a Popomomo scarf & dressed it down with an oversized cardy… a bit sexy, a bit comfy… I was good to go (I mean Eric McCormick wore a black v-neck & jeans, so…).

POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 11:29 pm
· Filed under celebs, fashion, green with glamour
It’s been a busy one… over the weekend, a whirlwind trip to NYC for a friend’s birthday and last night, an impromptu visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live! So needless to say – I’ve been working my wardrobe and 2 GWG pieces have really proven to be standouts:
For Saturday’s big birthday party I stuck with classic cool… a stunning black chiffon tank by Charles & Victoria (a Brooklyn-based line co-designed by my friend, Abby Lutz – and favored by Rihanna) with wide-legged & seriously cuffed black dress pants. Because my outfit was stellar but simple, I wanted a statement accessory… enter the hemp “Balsa” clutch by Heather Heron. Let me tell you… among the Alberta Ferretti dresses, Chloe wedges and YSL evening bags at the party, my big Balsa was right at home!

And last night I received an impromptu invite from my dear friend, Amy Procacci, to hang out at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Having never been before (I know TV is casual, but I wanted to look cute) and with only 10 mins to get ready, I grabbed the Marcasite dress by Ecoskin – pairing it with black patterned tights, vegan booties, a Popomomo scarf & dressed it down with an oversized cardy… a bit sexy, a bit comfy… I was good to go (I mean Eric McCormick wore a black v-neck & jeans, so…).

POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 10:42 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, travel
I was just in New York this last weekend and had the incredible pleasure of dining at Blossom in Chelsea. Not only was it by far the best vegan (& organic) meal I’ve ever enjoyed, but it’s owned by 1st time restaurateurs (& animal rights activists), Ronen & Pamela Seri. My heart swells when I see other small business owners following their passion & doing right by their beliefs – especially when the results are so remarkable. Having little/no real retail or business experience when I started GWG, I can attest that starting up a company is a major labor of love – particularly when the ins & outs of your own business is all new to you.

On to the food… UNBELIEVABLE! Each course bested the previous and the wine list was varied, impressive and ALL organic. We started with a bottle of bubbly & ravioli with cashew cream, then a fresh salad of greens with crisp vegs (including jicama) topped with tamari-toasted pumpkin & sunflower seed in a beyond-delicious ginger teriyaki lime dressing, then onto what is potentially the best dish I’ve ever eaten – Seitan Scaloppini with mashed potatoes, followed by a rich chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream. Mon Dieu!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 10:42 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, travel
I was just in New York this last weekend and had the incredible pleasure of dining at Blossom in Chelsea. Not only was it by far the best vegan (& organic) meal I’ve ever enjoyed, but it’s owned by 1st time restaurateurs (& animal rights activists), Ronen & Pamela Seri. My heart swells when I see other small business owners following their passion & doing right by their beliefs – especially when the results are so remarkable. Having little/no real retail or business experience when I started GWG, I can attest that starting up a company is a major labor of love – particularly when the ins & outs of your own business is all new to you.

On to the food… UNBELIEVABLE! Each course bested the previous and the wine list was varied, impressive and ALL organic. We started with a bottle of bubbly & ravioli with cashew cream, then a fresh salad of greens with crisp vegs (including jicama) topped with tamari-toasted pumpkin & sunflower seed in a beyond-delicious ginger teriyaki lime dressing, then onto what is potentially the best dish I’ve ever eaten – Seitan Scaloppini with mashed potatoes, followed by a rich chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream. Mon Dieu!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 10:01 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, recipes
Another delicious dish from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen… and SO easy!
1 heart of romaine lettuce
1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar (a bit milder than regular balsamic)
1 teaspoon sunflower seeds (though I improvised and used pine nuts)
freshly ground black pepper

I used the FFVK photo – SO much sexier than mine.
Cut the romaine heart in half lengthwise. Trim the stem end a little, if you wish, but be sure not to cut too much–all the leaves need to stay attached.
Heat your a stove-top grill pan (or FFVK suggests using a George Forman). Spray it lightly with olive oil, if necessary. Once it’s hot, put one romaine half on it, two if they will fit. Press the lettuce down lightly with a spatula (or close the top of the Foreman grill). Cook for about 2 or 3 minutes, until lettuce has begun to wilt and grill marks to appear; then turn over and grill for another 2 minutes.
Place on two plates, cut side up, and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sunflower seeds or pine nuts, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Recipe makes 2 servings though it’s a perfectly chic dish for small dinner parties – serve while still warm. Bon Apetit!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 9:17 pm
· Filed under glossary, travel
Ask anyone I know and they may tell you that I’m a bit crazy (or as I like to see it – passionate) about recycling/wasting. At home, it’s a cinch… while out & about, I will most definitely hang on to the recycling I (or others – even strangers) create and bring it home to my beloved bins… while staying in (non-recycling = most) hotels rooms, I will bring our plastic, glass & paper to a local facility before heading home, but on an airplane – I feel a little helpless. I have yet to find a domestic airline that recycles on it’s own and though I do try & fill my already stuffed carry-on with – you guessed it – I still don’t like being forced to create all of this waste with “throw away” containers. I can avoid plastic bottles ANYWHERE but in the airport & while flying… even 1st class has resorted to using the junkie water bottles. If we can’t go back to the days of flying with re-useable containers… can we at least move forward & adopt the bio-degradable ones?

From my last flight – Not exactly gluttonous (hummus, veggies & pita, 2 champagnes and 4 waters), but enough to impact a landfill.
If this bothers you too – a couple quick tips:
Fairmont Hotels have fantastic recycling (and other”eco”-friendly) programs. And they’re wonderful places to stay!
A lot of airports DO have recycling bins (LAX, LaGuardia, Logan, SFO, O’Hare… to name a few). If you can just walk off the plane with your waste, you’ll be sure to find those lovely receptacles.
Forgo the plastic “glass”. Drink from the can or bottle and cutout half of your waste. Bon Voyage!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 4:50 pm
· Filed under celebs
Well, it’s almost over – and I’m preparing myself. The same way I had to hold my own hand when The Sopranos said goodbye and The Wire expired. Of course I’m referring to the well-underway final season of Battlestar Galactica. This may surprise you as I’m not really the sci-fi type (whatever that means), but let me tell you something right now… this show has all the components of a heavy weight hour long show: suspense, intrigue, sex, politics, forbidden love, betrayal, villains who become heroes, heroes who become villains, cliffhangers and some really good-looking actors (if you have an affinity for shows like 24 or Lost…you’ll LOVE!)

Goodbye, my sweet.
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 1:05 pm
· Filed under green with glamour, press
First O at Home magazine folded, then Plenty closed it’s doors, but Domino… WHY????? I’m the first to admit that glossy, gorgeous magazines are a guilty pleasure for me – I love them! And as publishers got wiser – some using recycled materials, all featuring “green” stories – I started feel a bit less guilty about my love affair with the monthlies. Domino has been very good to Green with Glamour, featuring us multiple times in our 2 short years in business and we in turn have been devout readers, savoring their chic finds, city shopping tours and nods to interior design greats, both past & current.

Here’s the latest cover featuring the oh-so-stylish Zooey Deschanel, sister of GWG contributor Emily (hair & make up by my dear “G”, Vanessa Rose Price)!
Read more about this sad event at The Huffington Post.
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 28, 2009 at 1:05 pm
· Filed under green with glamour, press
First O at Home magazine folded, then Plenty closed it’s doors, but Domino… WHY????? I’m the first to admit that glossy, gorgeous magazines are a guilty pleasure for me – I love them! And as publishers got wiser – some using recycled materials, all featuring “green” stories – I started feel a bit less guilty about my love affair with the monthlies. Domino has been very good to Green with Glamour, featuring us multiple times in our 2 short years in business and we in turn have been devout readers, savoring their chic finds, city shopping tours and nods to interior design greats, both past & current.

Here’s the latest cover featuring the oh-so-stylish Zooey Deschanel, sister of GWG contributor Emily (hair & make up by my dear “G”, Vanessa Rose Price)!
Read more about this sad event at The Huffington Post.
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 27, 2009 at 5:14 pm
· Filed under celebs, green with glamour, press
What can we say… Emily is a living doll! Not only do we share a myriad of causes (animal rights, environmental), but apparently we also have a love for Forensic-driven reality shows & Kirsten Muenster jewelry in common. During her Thursday appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, I spotted her wearing the “Rays” ring by Kirsten Muenster and from Green with Glamour (actually her stylist told me beforehand, but I still like spotting it)!

Watch the entire interview here… and big thanks again to Ms. Deschanel!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 21, 2009 at 5:54 pm
· Filed under around LA, beauty
In this big, bad land of serious skincare (L.A.) a little apothocary in silver lake called Le Pink really stands out for me. Now, I have to admit… I am la-zy when it comes to caring for my skin. I don’t moisturize as much as I should, I wear no make up & very little sunscreen – so honestly, I barely think about it. This is why I need serious facials – to undo all the ick that has accumulated as a result of my neglect. And I have to say Le Pink is my favorite spot for just such a treatment! I had strayed for awhile, trying all sorts of eco-facials across town (Ona & Ra spas are both the tops – amazing treatments & luxe facilities), but just the other day I came back to my ‘hood favorite, Le Pink… only to find – they’ve gone ORGANIC!!!!

Le Pink 3820 W. Sunset LA, CA 90026 323.661.7465
I indulged in the “Hippie Go Lucky” facial, $110 (and yes, everything there is super “cute”… not typically my m.o., but it works for them). It’s a custom job,specialized to your skin & needs. I was seriously exfoliated, enzyme-peeled, apple masqued then ultra-hydrated and let me tell you… my skin feels & looks A-MAZ-ING. They use a line called Eminence Organics – of which I’m already a big fan. For you L.A. dollies, go to Le Pink, ask for Heather… she knows her ish. For you others… go get an organic facial & report back -I’d love to hear.
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 21, 2009 at 2:54 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, recipes
I’m not above eating an entire bag of chips… at all. However, sometimes it’s just not ideal – or there are no chips, pretzels, etc. on hand & I’m not willing to head to the grocery just to sate my craving. And tell me – who doesn’t have a lonely can of garbanzo beans or 2 in their pantry (preferably cert. organic)??? Here’s what you do…
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Rinse garbanzos and spread evenly on a cookie sheet. Season with any combo of garlic powder, sea salt, fresh black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, italian seasoning… you get the idea. My favorite combo is garlic powder, cayenne, saltie & peppie.

Bake for 45-60 mins, turning occasionally and sprinkling with more seasoning. Allow to cool & snack away… low fat, but mighty taste! (If you have multiple cans, i recommend toasting all at once – they last for days upon days.)
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 21, 2009 at 2:54 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, recipes
I’m not above eating an entire bag of chips… at all. However, sometimes it’s just not ideal – or there are no chips, pretzels, etc. on hand & I’m not willing to head to the grocery just to sate my craving. And tell me – who doesn’t have a lonely can of garbanzo beans or 2 in their pantry (preferably cert. organic)??? Here’s what you do…
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Rinse garbanzos and spread evenly on a cookie sheet. Season with any combo of garlic powder, sea salt, fresh black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, italian seasoning… you get the idea. My favorite combo is garlic powder, cayenne, saltie & peppie.

Bake for 45-60 mins, turning occasionally and sprinkling with more seasoning. Allow to cool & snack away… low fat, but mighty taste! (If you have multiple cans, i recommend toasting all at once – they last for days upon days.)
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm
· Filed under celebs, events, press
Let me start this by saying – I claim no organized religion. I’m not anti-religion or against people who practice… it’s just not for me. Today as I watched Barack Obama’s inauguration… I was absolutely taken with the benediction by civil rights leader Reverend Joseph Lowery. He spoke to all of us, religious or not, with an unparalleled wisdom, power & grace (though Barack’s speech was anything but shabby). As he wrapped up his words… I found tears in my eyes & a smile on my face.
…With your hands of power and your heart of love, help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nations shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid, when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around … when yellow will be mellow … when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.

“…help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nations shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors…” – I think it’s that line that picked me up the most. If you missed it, PLEASE either read Lowery’s benediction or watch it!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 20, 2009 at 9:45 pm
· Filed under celebs, fashion
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 20, 2009 at 9:45 pm
· Filed under celebs, fashion
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 20, 2009 at 7:11 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, home, home design
I was going to categorize this as a recipe (as I’ve been insanely busy & out of the kitchen) – but the simple fact is… I’m obsessed! I have been begging for this glorious machine for about a year and this Christmas… I got lucky (for some reason I wouldn’t buy it for myself – it seemed too gifty). Anyway, I LOVE soda water!!! I don’t drink any big time sodas and haven’t for years… every blue moon I’ll enjoy a root beer or a creme soda, but straight soda water’s my main non-alc bevvie. So, without further ado… let me introduce THE Soda Club home soda maker!!!

We have the basic white – sleek & clean and does not take up much space at all! My initial draw to the soda maker was the eliminate the amount of plastic 2 liter bottle waste I was acquiring through my grocery store purchases – sure they’re recyclable, but so what? We’ve learned to carry re-usable shopping bags to cut out the plastic throw aways, so why not bevvie containers? In fact, check out Soda Club’s approach to helping the environment.
And though I LOVE not filling my recycler with empty 2 liters… there’s more! Not only can I make soda water whenever I want (which is a little bit of fun – I must say), but I’ve also added fruit juices for a twist (so far I’ve tried orange & grapefruit – delish!) OR if you’re so inclined, Soda Club has “flavors” that you can add to make any soda imaginable!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 20, 2009 at 7:11 pm
· Filed under food & nutrition, home, home design
I was going to categorize this as a recipe (as I’ve been insanely busy & out of the kitchen) – but the simple fact is… I’m obsessed! I have been begging for this glorious machine for about a year and this Christmas… I got lucky (for some reason I wouldn’t buy it for myself – it seemed too gifty). Anyway, I LOVE soda water!!! I don’t drink any big time sodas and haven’t for years… every blue moon I’ll enjoy a root beer or a creme soda, but straight soda water’s my main non-alc bevvie. So, without further ado… let me introduce THE Soda Club home soda maker!!!

We have the basic white – sleek & clean and does not take up much space at all! My initial draw to the soda maker was the eliminate the amount of plastic 2 liter bottle waste I was acquiring through my grocery store purchases – sure they’re recyclable, but so what? We’ve learned to carry re-usable shopping bags to cut out the plastic throw aways, so why not bevvie containers? In fact, check out Soda Club’s approach to helping the environment.
And though I LOVE not filling my recycler with empty 2 liters… there’s more! Not only can I make soda water whenever I want (which is a little bit of fun – I must say), but I’ve also added fruit juices for a twist (so far I’ve tried orange & grapefruit – delish!) OR if you’re so inclined, Soda Club has “flavors” that you can add to make any soda imaginable!
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 19, 2009 at 10:51 am
· Filed under fashion, green with glamour, sale
Of course I find true talent, wearability & aesthetic savvy in all of the designers from whom I buy for Green with Glamour – that’s the name of the game. However, I do have to say that Kelly B’s pieces speak to me on a personal level. Her colors, fit & overall silhouettes are just very “Deana” and I find her designs to be the “go to” pieces in my closet. They’re easy while still being a little dressed up – and that’s my M.O. I started this post intending to write only about her gorgeous trench, but now I want to show you a handful of Kelly B’s pieces – all 50%-75% off right now @ GWG! (coupon code GWGFASHION50)

the trench in question… gorge, right?
& feast your eyes…

the materials are luxe, the colors flatter, the quality is sublime… what more could you want?
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink
January 14, 2009 at 6:47 pm
· Filed under around LA, celebs, events, fashion, green with glamour, press

First let me say… WOW! This is Emily at Fox’s All-Star Gala last night – and I’m in love with this whole package – the vintage dress (& she’s wearing gorgeous black satin Vegan pumps – for those of you who read my prior post on the quest for such a pair), the up-swept hair, the smokey eyes and the clean, ALMOST jewelry free approach to accessorizing… ALMOST, that is. What’s that gorgeous, sparkly thing on her hand you ask? Well, that’s just the “Tine” ring by eco-chic jewelry designer, Jennifer Dawes… from a retailer of which you may have heard – Green with Glamour. We LOVE Emily and are so happy for her success – not to mention how proud we are of her association with GWG.
POST BY DEANA BRACKEN
Permalink