I have a LOVE/HATE relationships with events… and it usually sways toward the “hate” side.  If it’s an event that revolves around a beloved band or a great new film – I’m better.  But shopping events typically pain me – which is ridiculous, because… not only do I LOVE shopping, but I, myself, host shopping events for Green With Glamour!  Go figure.

Anyway, this last Thursday was a full night… LACMA’s screening of Tom Ford’s A Single Man (stunning!) AND premier eco magazine (for which I’m a contributor in the current issue), Coco Eco holiday event at Fred Segal benefiting Toys For Tots.  And while there was a pitifully small amount of toys donated by the evening’s end (Seriously… shame on you, Party Goers), the event overall was relatively low-key and lovely!  Complete with celebrity guests like Rachel Leigh Cook and Rachelle Carson Begley… and Anna Getty with her book, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas.

Rachel Leigh Cook (in Love Heals)                                           Rachelle Carson Begley

Coco Eco, in collaboration with incredibly environmentally thoughtful mother & son jewelry design team, Love Heals (10 trees planted per piece sold/320,000 trees planted thus far) hosted an evening of shopping, refreshments and hobnobbing that was simply divine!  I ran into and caught up with the lovely editor of Ecostiletto, Rachell Sarnoff and even found a Christmas gift for my oh-so-hard-to-shop-for Grandmother. I would say the evening was a resounding success (except for perhaps the Toys for Tots thing) and it was the perfect way to ramp up for a season’s worth of holiday events!  Stay tuned…

I have a LOVE/HATE relationships with events… and it usually sways toward the “hate” side.  If it’s an event that revolves around a beloved band or a great new film – I’m better.  But shopping events typically pain me – which is ridiculous, because… not only do I LOVE shopping, but I, myself, host shopping events for Green With Glamour!  Go figure.

Anyway, this last Thursday was a full night… LACMA’s screening of Tom Ford’s A Single Man (stunning!) AND premier eco magazine (for which I’m a contributor in the current issue), Coco Eco holiday event at Fred Segal benefiting Toys For Tots.  And while there was a pitifully small amount of toys donated by the evening’s end (Seriously… shame on you, Party Goers), the event overall was relatively low-key and lovely!  Complete with celebrity guests like Rachel Leigh Cook and Rachelle Carson Begley… and Anna Getty with her book, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas.

Rachel Leigh Cook (in Love Heals)                                           Rachelle Carson Begley

Coco Eco, in collaboration with incredibly environmentally thoughtful mother & son jewelry design team, Love Heals (10 trees planted per piece sold/320,000 trees planted thus far) hosted an evening of shopping, refreshments and hobnobbing that was simply divine!  I ran into and caught up with the lovely editor of Ecostiletto, Rachell Sarnoff and even found a Christmas gift for my oh-so-hard-to-shop-for Grandmother. I would say the evening was a resounding success (except for perhaps the Toys for Tots thing) and it was the perfect way to ramp up for a season’s worth of holiday events!  Stay tuned…

I don’t know what you have planned for Saturday afternoon… but I know where I’ll be.  As a “guru” for The Green Girls, I’m always included on such great invite lists – and their events are always the perfect combination of fun, thoughtfulness and great information.

Join us on Saturday, December 12th for The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event at The Strawberry House in Encino Hills!
The Green Girls are celebrating the holidays with a spectacular event that gives back to our community. Join us for The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event & Food Drive for the local Los Angeles shelter. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the non profit organization, Green Wave

LIMITED TO 100 GUESTS

Lisa, the lovely & oh-so-stylish editor of powerhouse fashion blog, Racked LA, attended the POPOMOMO Trunk Show last night at the Green With Glamour Pop Up Shop (after attended a day’s worth of other sales around town).  She checked out the collections, we chatted about the highs & lows of being professional and passionate shoppers… and then she wrote her review.  And I quote:

“Now THAT’s how you do a Pop Up… What makes this popup exceptional is the uniqueness of it: It’s a thoughtfully-curated collection of merchandise that you can’t get at a store down the street (yeah, we’re talking to YOU, J. Crew at Ron Herman).”

Wow.  I’m speechless (well, not really)… to have a revered pro like Lisa write such praise is truly awesome!  For her entire review – and to check out the other great stories at Racked LA, click here.

Bess’ tunic by POPOMOMO… one of my personal faves.

Lisa, the lovely & oh-so-stylish editor of powerhouse fashion blog, Racked LA, attended the POPOMOMO Trunk Show last night at the Green With Glamour Pop Up Shop (after attended a day’s worth of other sales around town).  She checked out the collections, we chatted about the highs & lows of being professional and passionate shoppers… and then she wrote her review.  And I quote:

“Now THAT’s how you do a Pop Up… What makes this popup exceptional is the uniqueness of it: It’s a thoughtfully-curated collection of merchandise that you can’t get at a store down the street (yeah, we’re talking to YOU, J. Crew at Ron Herman).”

Wow.  I’m speechless (well, not really)… to have a revered pro like Lisa write such praise is truly awesome!  For her entire review – and to check out the other great stories at Racked LA, click here.

Bess’ tunic by POPOMOMO… one of my personal faves.

It’s official… we’ve got the brick & mortar bug!  We love having a storefront just as much as we love selling online.  AND we just marked down a CRAZY amount of women’s & men’s clothing and gifts 50% OFF… that won’t be on sale on the Green With Glamour site until Wednesday!

If you’re in LA, come by for some SERIOUS DEALS (and to visit)!

2912 Rowena Avenue  LA  CA  90039 (between Coffee Table & Lake Boutique)

Come join in the festivities*… Vegan treats, libations, raffle, discounts, donations, sweet sweet music, easy-on-the-eyes party-goers and maybe a little shopping!

And for non-Los Angelenos… we’ll celebrate in spirit with 20% OFF the GWG site!

*not a private event.  please feel free to forward to whomever might enjoy.

Incredible 7 yr old Ridgeback/Shepherd that is scheduled to be terminated in 5 DAYS! A very sweet dog responds greatly with men & women. Diego is 70 pounds, & he does not seem to be leash-trained or socialized with other dogs.  We don’t know if he’s aggressive with other animals or just excited, but it’s suggested that he be in a 1 animal family. PLEASE HELP!

Email me at deana@greenwithglamour.com if you can help!

So just this last Saturday I was privy to a party in Malibu thrown by none other than Chris “Ludacris” Bridges – and it was a fundraiser for his Ludacris Foundation, an organization dedicated to “Helping Youth Help Themselves.”

I have to admit, before this party, I knew nothing of Ludacris’ charitable work or the Ludacris Foundation, but since I’ve been nothing but impressed with the man and his efforts:

VISION – To inspire youth to live their dreams, uplift families and foster economic development in the community.

MISSION – To show young people they are the architects of their future and instill our “Principles of Success” – a roadmap for achieving dreams. To connect with our youth to build stronger families and communities.

HISTORY – Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, William Engram and Chaka Zulu were the inspiration for the development of The Ludacris Foundation (TLF). The foundation is based on the principles Ludacris learned at an early age: self-esteem, spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity and community service. Officially established in December of 2001, The Ludacris Foundation was created to make a difference in the lives of youth. These men have illustrated their deep-rooted tradition of community service, which has broadened with their celebrity status. The Ludacris Foundation is committed to helping youth help themselves.

As for the party…

The man is smooth… He was thoughtful to his audience.  He was loving toward his attending family and friends.  He was generous with his stage time.  And his sunglasses were simply divine (I’m thinking they’re Mosely Tribes, but I can’t find… let me know if you have any info on them, please)!

And I certainly enjoyed my time there… saw Gene Simmons (creepy) and Andrew Keegan (cute), but Apple Levy, the Founder of The Green Girls, definitely got the scoop – with interviews and the taped performance.  Click & enjoy!

This is a new category for Living GWG… inspired by art consulting firm, White Box Projects.  I know, for many, buying artwork can be a daunting endeavor – but with the help of a friendly and knowledgeable art consultant, like White Box Projects’, Beth Caldarello… find the perfect piece for your space can be the awesome experience that acquiring art should be!  WBP just launched and currently reps 7 truly talented – and quite varied artists, but photographer Mickey Smith is my absolute favorite…

 ”Money” & “Blood” by Mickey Smith

But I’m also digging on the Gouache works by Frida Larios…

 So, if you need a little hand-holding, introductions to the works of up-and-coming artists or even just straight advice on what art suits your space… check out White Box Projects.  Undaunting, exciting and well-selected art for all!

I’ve talked to a lot of people who know of Desert Rose on Hillhurst Avenue, but haven’t been inclined to visit because of it’s fairly impersonal (almost airport restaurant-like) ambiance and enormous red, glass rose at the entrance.  To this I say… get over it!  I first read about this joint on Quarry Girl’s blog – and she’s a trusted source of good eats & drinks for me.  So last week, I had an opportunity to check out it one night… and the next night, I made sure to have that “opportunity” again.  Their Happy Hour is a CAN’T MISS!  Incredibly delicious martinis & margaritas for $5 and a glorious vegan menu filled with discounted yummies (there’s also plenty of non-vegan happy hour treats as well).

The staff is friendly and attentive, the food is seriously delicious (garlic “cheese” fries, falafel sliders and warm Meditteranean olives to name a few dishes) and the drinks are refreshing and tasty.  Once you’re at the bar, enjoying what the place has to offer, the ambiance completely changes – and the big, glass rose… you won’t even notice it!

This week is a busy one – already.  I’m all over the place, both physically & mentally… prepping for Fall 09, for our upcoming “Eco-design Dream Team” GWG photoshoot, and for our inclusion in several tony holiday gift guides (not to mention all of my other Green With Glamour responsibilites).  I’m back & forth, up & down and all around (but aren’t we all?)!  So, here’s why Gold & Silver Stars is a top-notch blog… it’s written by a driven, stylish, in-the-know woman who’s also all over the place (in a good way).  Jen Sall seems to keep both professional & lifestyle paces that might send the rest of us running for the hills.  Many of her posts involve shopping, dining, events, artists and food trucks* here in LA, but an equal amount cover products, films, designers, etc. that are available globally.  From great take out on the way to a Hollywood Bowl show to eco-friendly shoes to reminding us to send in our public radio pledges… Gold & Silver Stars has it covered!

Now here’s why this story has serendipitous timing, we decided last week to feature Gold & Silver Stars as this week’s Blog Love… And one of Jen’s posts from August 5th, 2009 is about her beloved, and oh-so-adorable Scottish Deerhound who’s been entered in “The Cutest Dog Competition” (seriously… check out Ollie’s mug!)  Well, just last night Ollie had emergency surgery to address a life-threatening, twisted stomach condition called “bloat”.  He’s currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition (Thank God!).  But LSS, give Ollie a little “Vote Love“… not only does he deserve the title, but now he could really use that prize money as well!

Ollie Dog!

*BTW, Food Trucks are a current phenomenon here in LA (as well as other cities).  Even my hardcore gourmand friends get a little extra spring in their steps when they know they’re going to dine in a parking lot after ordering from the side of a panel truck!

This week is a busy one – already.  I’m all over the place, both physically & mentally… prepping for Fall 09, for our upcoming “Eco-design Dream Team” GWG photoshoot, and for our inclusion in several tony holiday gift guides (not to mention all of my other Green With Glamour responsibilites).  I’m back & forth, up & down and all around (but aren’t we all?)!  So, here’s why Gold & Silver Stars is a top-notch blog… it’s written by a driven, stylish, in-the-know woman who’s also all over the place (in a good way).  Jen Sall seems to keep both professional & lifestyle paces that might send the rest of us running for the hills.  Many of her posts involve shopping, dining, events, artists and food trucks* here in LA, but an equal amount cover products, films, designers, etc. that are available globally.  From great take out on the way to a Hollywood Bowl show to eco-friendly shoes to reminding us to send in our public radio pledges… Gold & Silver Stars has it covered!

Now here’s why this story has serendipitous timing, we decided last week to feature Gold & Silver Stars as this week’s Blog Love… And one of Jen’s posts from August 5th, 2009 is about her beloved, and oh-so-adorable Scottish Deerhound who’s been entered in “The Cutest Dog Competition” (seriously… check out Ollie’s mug!)  Well, just last night Ollie had emergency surgery to address a life-threatening, twisted stomach condition called “bloat”.  He’s currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition (Thank God!).  But LSS, give Ollie a little “Vote Love“… not only does he deserve the title, but now he could really use that prize money as well!

Ollie Dog!

*BTW, Food Trucks are a current phenomenon here in LA (as well as other cities).  Even my hardcore gourmand friends get a little extra spring in their steps when they know they’re going to dine in a parking lot after ordering from the side of a panel truck!

I love this story!

Gorgeous pop songstress and animal rights supporter, Leona Lewis, approached a homeless man last week who was leading a rabbit on a leash down LA’s Melrose Avenue.  When she inquired as to what his plans were for the little bunny, he responded “… probably eat him.” The quick-thinking and compassionate Leona promptly offered the gentleman $100 for alternate food in exchange for the rabbit – which he gladly took.  The lovely Ms. Lewis took the sweet bunny back to her home garden where the newly-named “Melrose” is living happily.

 This is not the lovely Ms. Lewis’ first act of animal love.  According to Ecozazzi, “Leona is a vegetarian and an avid animal rights supporter. Last year she turned down a $2 million offer from exclusive London store Harrods to open its summer sale because the store sold fur. She is currently living in LA to record her second album.”

In short, Quarry Girl has changed my life.  And this is not a cheeky exaggeration.  2 years ago, when I decided to go Vegan… I was faced with a whole new challenge – dining out.  I had lived for 23 years as a vegetarian (and 30 some years as a person who took at least half of their weekly meals eating out).  Finding satisfying restaurant dishes had never been a struggle.  But fast-forward to 2007 and finding delicious and truly vegan foods (no casein, etc.) while dining out was proving to be a real problem.

Enter Quarry Girl.  I’m not even sure how I found this blog, written by Miss Anthrope & Mr. Meaner, but Mon Dieu… it seriously has made my life a whole lot happier.  Pre-Q.G., I feared I was destined to an existence of lettuce salads and no desserts, but I was so so so so so so wrong!  The food reviews are in depth & unbias – which is so refreshing as it seems so many blogs now have a selling agenda.  The range of restaurants is crazy extensive – mostly Los Angeles area, but also Liverpool, London and other UK spots, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle and more.  And the photos… oh those sexy photos.  I used to devour fashion magazines and run out to shop.  Now, I see a well-lit tamale on Quarry Girl and I’m in my car before my computer has time to shut down!

G-lorious food photos by the Quarry Girl gang!

I mean… are you kidding me?!?!  (Z Pizza now uses Daiya cheese, btw)

Sofia Coppola is currently working here in LA – apparently shooting a filmic ode to Chateau Marmont and the stories that could possibly lie within its walls.  Sounds lovely, right?  I love that old hotel, so I’m intrigued by the film… but it gets better.

A little bird (um… my friend) spent Monday on the set of Coppola’s new film, “Somewhere” and told me that the production is impressively “green”.  First and foremost – NO PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES!  For anyone who’s been on a set (or a concert, a conference, etc.) you know the obscene amount of water bottles that are used once, discarded and headed for the nearest landfill.

Instead, the “Somewhere” production is using bio-degradable corn-based, re-fillable cups & utensils, as well as vegan-friendly catering from Hugo’s and high-end, healthy craft services.  Yay!

It’s been a bit of a cross to bear – I’ll admit it.  Giving up dairy over 2 years ago has come with it’s share of adjustments and foregoing the taste & texture of cheese has definitely been the greatest.  Don’t get me wrong, I regret nothing about my decision to rid my diet of all animal-based substances.  I think my pre-vegan life was unwittingly cruel and terribly unhealthy… ANYWAY, everything has now changed!

Until recently, vegan cheeses all pretty much sucked and the better-tasting soy cheeses weren’t actually vegan (read your ingredient labels).  Alas, that’s all behind us… Enter Daiya Dairy-free cheese! I’m not a religious woman, but Mon Dieu – if I was!  I don’t blindly follow much of anything, but I have to admit Quarry Girl* has never led me astray.  Her informative and craving-provoking blog led me to try Daiya in 2 different ways.

If you are in the LA area, run don’t walk to Chango in Echo Park.  They are doing Daiya grilled cheeses (I suggest foregoing the tomato slices, but that’s me) and vegan Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches (along with a warm “Chicken” pesto sandwich that’s a mind-blower as well).  I cannot tell you how truly divine these sandiwiches taste – most definitely set apart because the “cheese” melts, feels and tastes like CHEESE!

The other Daiya avenue I took was to order it directly from Pangea so I could make my own yummy food with this glorious cheese!  Unfotunately, Daiya has yet to hit many grocery stores… so ordering it online is the current jam.  And as it’s perishable, so expedited shipping with a cool-pak is highly recommended (it is a bit alarming that it’s sent in an actual non-recycled styrofoam container… so I will not be ordering it again until they straighten out that nonsense), making me yearn for the day it’s readily available.  I did, however, make sandwiches… quesadillas… you name it.  All delicious, all vegan, All CHEESY!!!

Daiya = Divine!  Skip the Three Nut cheese… not so great.

*OMG… I must sadly announce that one of my favorite thought-to-be-vegan (because the menu/sign/owners claimed it was vegan) dishes in LA – Greenleaves quesadilla – has just been uncovered by Quarry Girl and her gang of vegan investigators as CASEIN-LADEN (a milk derivative)!  This may not seem like a big deal to cheese/meat eaters, but imagine slipping pork to a Muslim, beef to a Hindu or peanuts to someone with allergies.  It’s just f*ing wrong!

It’s been a bit of a cross to bear – I’ll admit it.  Giving up dairy over 2 years ago has come with it’s share of adjustments and foregoing the taste & texture of cheese has definitely been the greatest.  Don’t get me wrong, I regret nothing about my decision to rid my diet of all animal-based substances.  I think my pre-vegan life was unwittingly cruel and terribly unhealthy… ANYWAY, everything has now changed!

Until recently, vegan cheeses all pretty much sucked and the better-tasting soy cheeses weren’t actually vegan (read your ingredient labels).  Alas, that’s all behind us… Enter Daiya Dairy-free cheese! I’m not a religious woman, but Mon Dieu – if I was!  I don’t blindly follow much of anything, but I have to admit Quarry Girl* has never led me astray.  Her informative and craving-provoking blog led me to try Daiya in 2 different ways.

If you are in the LA area, run don’t walk to Chango in Echo Park.  They are doing Daiya grilled cheeses (I suggest foregoing the tomato slices, but that’s me) and vegan Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches (along with a warm “Chicken” pesto sandwich that’s a mind-blower as well).  I cannot tell you how truly divine these sandiwiches taste – most definitely set apart because the “cheese” melts, feels and tastes like CHEESE!

The other Daiya avenue I took was to order it directly from Pangea so I could make my own yummy food with this glorious cheese!  Unfotunately, Daiya has yet to hit many grocery stores… so ordering it online is the current jam.  And as it’s perishable, so expedited shipping with a cool-pak is highly recommended (it is a bit alarming that it’s sent in an actual non-recycled styrofoam container… so I will not be ordering it again until they straighten out that nonsense), making me yearn for the day it’s readily available.  I did, however, make sandwiches… quesadillas… you name it.  All delicious, all vegan, All CHEESY!!!

Daiya = Divine!  Skip the Three Nut cheese… not so great.

*OMG… I must sadly announce that one of my favorite thought-to-be-vegan (because the menu/sign/owners claimed it was vegan) dishes in LA – Greenleaves quesadilla – has just been uncovered by Quarry Girl and her gang of vegan investigators as CASEIN-LADEN (a milk derivative)!  This may not seem like a big deal to cheese/meat eaters, but imagine slipping pork to a Muslim, beef to a Hindu or peanuts to someone with allergies.  It’s just f*ing wrong!

A dear friend of mine has launched an exciting new venture – The Pharmacie.  It’s a roving, invite-only cocktail party that celebrates cocktail culture with music-drenched, spirit-themed evenings (ie. a bourbon only night or a vodka only evening… you get the idea) filled with fresh herbs from local farmer’s markets and fancy drink accoutrement like brandied cherries.  Read below to see what the LA Times has to say:

The Pharmacie, a series of roving, invite-only cocktail parties (more underground than even the Roger Room?), kicked off last Sunday evening. Each soiree focuses on a different spirit featured in a few cocktails. This time, after an aperitif of Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, a couple of bourbon tinctures were served – a New-Fashioned (bourbon, kumquat and cherry syrups, and bitters) and a Blackberry Julep (bourbon, blackberries and mint) – with one rye sour cocktail thrown into the mix. And that’s the one that slayed me. It’s called the Buster Brown, with rye whiskey, house-made sour mix, a few dashes of bitters and one (or two) of those Luxardo cherries slightly candied with Marasca syrup (which will cost you about $16 a jar – worth it as long as you don’t eat the whole jar at once).

The Pharmacie was willing to part with the recipe. Please see the jump.

– Betty Hallock

Photo: Pornchai Mittongtare / For The Times

Buster Brown

Note: From the Pharmacie. To make simple syrup, combine equal amounts of sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Rittenhouse rye and Fee Bros. whiskey barrel-aged bitters are available at fine liquor stores. Luxardo cherries are available at Silverlake Wine and Bar Keeper in Silver Lake.

Sour mix

5 ounces fresh lemon juice
1 ounce fresh lime juice
6 ounces simple syrup (use less if you like it a little more tangy)

In a small container, combine the lemon juice, lime juice and simple syrup. If not using right away, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days (with the sugar, it is more stable than pure juice). Makes enough for four cocktails.

Cocktail assembly (one cocktail)

2 ounces Rittenhouse rye
3 ounces sour mixture
4 dashes Fee Bros. whiskey barrel-aged bitters
2 Luxardo brandied cherries

Pour the rye and sour mixture over ice in a cocktail shaker. Give it a few vigorous shakes, then pour (with ice) into an old-fashioned glass. Add 4 dashes of bitters and stir. Garnish with brandied cherries.