This weekend, The Watson Twins are throwing their annual Kentucky Derby Party.  I’m actually vehemently opposed to animal racing and always purposely arrive after the actual race.  Some may question my even attending an event that celebrates something I so strongly oppose… but the bottom line is, it’s a private, non-fundraising party thrown by my dear friends who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky.  They have no problem with the race – and I respect their choices… I mean, my Grandparents are Republicans, for the love of Pete – and I still adore them.

That being said… I’ll use just about any excuse to bake Vegan goodies and don a floor length dress.  For this particular function, I always prepare something Southern-y – in the spirit of the hostesses.  This time around, I’m going to bring corn muffins with buttery maple spread!

Prep time: 10 minutes | cooking time: 20-25 minutes | makes 12 muffins or 24 mini muffins (which I prefer for parties)

Ingredients

MUFFINS
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup corn or vegetable oil
3/4 cup soymilk
2 tablespoons soy yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

BUTTERY MAPLE SPREAD

1/2 cup Vegan margerine

1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions
Preheat oven to 400.

In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients (flour through sugar). In a seperate bowl, wisk together wet ingredients (oil through vanilla). Fold wet into dry, halfway through mixing add lemon zest and distribute well.

Spray muffin tins w/ non stick cooking spray. Fill each tin 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

While baking, use electric or hand mixer to blend Buttery Maple spread.

The Best Date Ever dress is a seriously stylish number for Spring/Summer!  It’s editorial and wearable at the same time… and this week only – it’s marked down to $113 (from $170)!!!

A stunning silhouette, the Best Date Ever dress is high style and easy to wear at the same time. Rock it with ballet flats or even flip flops… we’re talking instant chic! Of organic cotton and soy jersey knit. Made in the US.

Sizing note: This piece runs a bit small. Please take into consideration when ordering. Enjoy!

What a perfect pop of color for Spring! Whether you wear them with your favorite summer frock or your most serious black turtleneck, these beautiful hoops will brighten any ensemble… and this week they’re ONLY $28 (from $43)!!!

Of 100% recycled silver ear wire with Amazonian Tagua rings. Hand-crafted in Michigan.

Available in teal, yellow, purple, green, mocha, dark orange, and black.

This WEEKLY STEAL ends 4.28.10!

Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting social entrepreneur, Mary Fanaro, creator of the OmniPeace. OmniPeace is a humanitarian fashion brand, donating 25% of all profits to charities promoting peace, education, human rights and ending extreme poverty in Congo, Africa.

OmniPeace reaching out to communities in Congo, Africa

As a t-shirt and jeans girl, Mary Fanaro created the silhouette of Africa logo and printed them onto various styles of t-shirts. Mary’s t-shirts are made from all eco-friendly materials and are available for men, women, and children sizes.  The easy chic tote bags are perfect for work, daytime errands… and make fantastic gifts!  Beyond the fashion,  Mary has worked closely with UNICEF & the V-Day Foundation to build and help maintain the City of Joy, a healing center and safe community for Congolese women and girls.

OmniPeace Sequins Tote, $75

OmniPeace Jute Shoulder Bag, $30

Though Omnipeace is much more than a T-shirt and tote bag line.  They’ve placed a call for action to aid the people of Congo – and YOU can easily help!

Congo Pledges

1.Urge Industry Leaders to Make Conflict-Free Products by emailing the 21 Biggest Electronics Companies here.

2. Call your Senators and urge them to cosponsor the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009 (S.891).  Just dial the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for the Senator’s office.

3. Fill out the form to send President Obama a copy of the call-to-action OmniPeace Hangtag from the Congo t-shirt line.

Through high-profile endorsements, OmniPeace gained popularity in the public eye.  Celebrities from Jessica Alba to Alicia Keys,  David Beckham to Common have all been spotted wearing & supporting the OmniPeace line.

Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Mary Fanaro, and Courteney Cox in/for OmniPeace

I am inspired by OmniPeace and Mary Fanaro because of generous and dedicated outreach to those in need (and those who are often overlooked).  Mary has built schools for children in Africa and has created support groups for women and children who have been victimized by rape and violence.  At Green with Glamour, we celebrate individuals who care for the environment and others around them. Living a green lifestyle is not only about wearing eco-friendly clothing or reducing your carbon footprint but is about bringing peace to the world around us.

One of our new designers, Cheek-ie (more styles to come), creates gorgeous & wearable jewelry from organic and vintage materials.  Their braided bracelets are my favorite pieces!  On Kara Ross’ website, I found a  similar  “silvertone” braided bracelet that resembles the Cheek-ie… but as far as I’m concerned, doesn’t come close.   Not to mention, the Cheek-ie is only $48 while the braided metal is $240…  What do you think?

Re-purposed silk by Cheek-ie, $48…

OR

“Silvertone metal” by Kara Ross, $240

Your choice.

Sooooooo soft and stylish without being “too stylish” for a guy, you know?  The Yayoi tee by Covet is a seasonless, cool grey and looks as good with shorts & sneakers as it does under a blazer for evening.  And this week only… it’s marked down to $30 (from $45)!

Hello, Mister!

This WEEKLY STEAL ends April 14, 2010

Spring has arrived and the sun is here to stay.  And though we at Green with Glamour don’t currently sell shoes, we’ve got you covered for the best, new designs to dress up your feet this season!

Vintage fabric Shoe Clips by B. Poetic, $26-$35

I love these Vintage fabric Shoe Clips because they are handmade from vintage silk and can spruce up any pair of shoes in a jiffy. Whether you are wearing a bold sundress or dressing up your favorite cropped jeans, these luxe-looking clips are fun, inexpensive and super chic!

TOMS Purple Tangier Vegan Slides, $54

I’ve always loved TOMS Shoes because with every pair you buy, the good people at TOMS will buy a new pair for a child in need. The Vegan styles are made from hemp, recycled plastic bottles, latex arch supports, and recycled EVA outsoles.  TOMS look great with khaki shorts and plain v-neck t-shirts. If you’re feeling really stylish, try a blonde straw fedora hat to accompany your relaxed look.

Olsen Haus “Journey” Gladiator Sandal in black, $190

Olsen Haus Pure Vegan Gladiator Sandals are a must have this season. I love these 100% faux leather sandals not only because they are cute but because Olsen Haus has a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. Who says you can’t be stylish and cruelty-free?

Lana Golden Pleather Gladiator Sandals, $28

Metallic sandals are definitely “in” this season… and Lana’s Golden Gladiators have really struck my fancy because they’re comfortable, ultra soft, stylish (of course) and what a bargain!

Paris Evergreen Pumps from Olsen Haus, $200

I am totally obsessed with Olsen Haus’ Paris Evergreen Pumps. Try wearing these heels with a cute pair of dark wash leggings, an off white organic lace tunic, and accessorize with gold jewelry. Not to mention, these pumps are great for the workplace since they have a 2.75 inch heel!

You read right… BLACK BEAN BROWNIES!  Apparently, these have been on the scene for years… but this is the 1st I’ve heard of them.   I fused a couple different recipes that i found online and here we are.  I must say – they are pretty darn amazing!  Low in fat, high in protein and chewy chocolate-y goodness.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/4 cups raw sugar (or 1 1/2 cups agave nectar)
1 1/4 cup cocoa
4 tsp instant coffee powder
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts of your choice – if that’s your thing

1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and filled with new water
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup of water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.

Drain a can of black beans and rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.  Return the black beans back to the can and fill with water.  Puree the beans and water.  Add the puree to the dry mix along with the vanilla and extra cup of water (if you opt for agave, skip the extra water).  Stir to combine.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 pan.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan around halfway through.***  When the brownies are finished they should be firm in the center and the edges will be slightly puffy and starting to pull away from the sides.  My batch was finished at 28 minutes.  It’s important not to over bake in the oven because they will keep baking once you take them out.

Let brownies cool completely then use a 2×2 in cookie cutter to cut into 24 squares.

***I used mini cupcake pans to make those super cute “brownie bites”.  If you go this route, bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 mins.  Makes Let cool before removing from the pan.

Gold accessories are the hottest thing for Spring 2010… and what’s better than an easy-chic scarf (with a major dash of glam)?!?  Throw on the Shimmery scarf by Popomomo with a tank top and jeans or over your favorite warm-weather dress and you my friend are good to go.

Handmade by the Popomomo designer herself, these scarves are crafted from remnant poly shimmer fabric from her line. Retails for $48!  LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND YOU’RE INSTANTLY ENTERED TO WIN!

Congratulations CIARA for winning March’s Green With Giveaway!

Hello from Honduras, my beautiful friends!  Imagine you are sitting outside under a tunnel of trees with the sunlight gently shining through the leaves and you feel the warmth of the sun. You are listening to birds chirping while you enjoy a Ponche De Pina (a Honduran, hot pineapple punch) and then you slowly fall into a state of bliss as you breathe in the fresh air and appreciate nature’s surroundings.  If you are looking for a place filled with peace and tranquility, book a trip to Hacienda San Lucas.

Hacienda San Lucas, a gorgeous, century-old property owned by Flavia Cueva, is nestled near the Maya ruins of Copan in Western Honduras on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The hacienda was lovingly restored by the Cueva family to its original design using only local materials, techniques and labor making it an unparalleled eco-lodge.

There are many activities the property has to offer ranging from hiking and horse back riding to bird watching and enjoying a cup of organic San Rafael Coffee Finca.  The property itself also has an authentic country open kitchen for its guests to enjoy during their stay.

For me, I would love to travel to Hacienda San Lucas for my appreciation of pure nature. Hacienda San Lucas once faced environmental threats such as erosion and deforestation leading to many animals losing their homes and even worse, their lives!  The Cueva family has planted nearly 4,600 trees to protect the Maya ruins of Copan and are protecting the environment the best they can by providing walking trails on the property instead of allowing automobiles. Hacienda San Lucas is a serene hot spot for ecotourism this year.

Embrace the inner eco-tourist in you today!