Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale hosted by Montclair Vegans 4.30.11
April 28, 2011
Calendar Crunch: Dog Day Afternoon
- What’s Up? Bring your puppy pal to this afternoon event – or even enter him/her in the show! All proceeds will benefit the John A. Bukowski/Bloomfield Animal Shelter. Prizes will be awarded in 12 different categories including best costume, trick, wag, and more.
- Location: Obal’s Inn (439 Broad St. Bloomfield, NJ)
- Date/Time: Sunday, May 1st from 1-4pm (rain date: May 8th)
- To Do: Show up with your pup for some mutt-time amusement.
April 27, 2011
Temporary Tat, Permanent Message
Props to stars like Leona Lewis, Ricky Gervais, and Spice Girl Melanie C. for being HSI human billboards. They were seen and snapped sporting these temp too-cute tattoos to raise awareness about the Humane Society International’s Cruelty-Free 2013 campaign. After admiring their mini mammals accompanied by the message ““End Animal Testing,”make sure to leave your mark on the HSI’s online petition.
Kudos to the Human Society International for this fashionably trendy think-ink campaign!
April 26, 2011
(Easter) Hats Off To Us
This past Thursday before Easter, with the help of the amazing Noelle D. of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter, VaVaVaVEGAN.com compelled New Jersey papers Bloomfield Life, Nutley Sun, and Belleville Times to run a message about rabbit welfare – stressing that bunnies are not disposable pets. Small leaps and hops!
April 26, 2011
Calendar Crunch: Vegan Bake Sale
- What’s Up? Sponsored by Montclair Vegans, this scrumptious sale will be part of hundreds of Worldwide Vegan Bake Sales that happen annually for one week across the globe to raise awareness and funds for animal issues. The proceeds from this sale will directly benefit the Montclair Animal Shelter and Jersey City’s Jersey Cats.
- Location: Go Lightly Eco Store (4 S. Fullerton Ave. Montclair, NJ)
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 30th from 11:00am-4:30pm
- To Do: Treat yourself to 100% cruelty-free baked goods! For more details visit their Facebook.
April 23, 2011
Wild Thing, You Make My Heart Sing
As it started out, there was nothing good about Good Friday. The rest of the working world was off while I sat enslaved at my desk, the salon outside frantic with the usual frenzy of Friday clients. For the past three days, I had been sharing my space with resident furball, Dav, a plump little squirrel who I secretly named after eco-savvy haircare collection Davines. Given many missed opportunities for a wild escape, Dav finally left the building after a heated supply room stare down. Unexpectedly, she was not thrilled with her new found freedom, but rather comparatively clawing her way through the concrete to creep back in. It was soon discovered that her desperate attempt to return were in hopes of retrieving three babies she had apparently hidden in the ceiling. In a bold, building-breaking move, our Inventory Manager/on-hand animal-rescuer hammered a tiny hole for her to enter through. We then watched in awe as Dav carried her cublets to safety, each one clinging to her as she scaled the roof. What could have been a conference room catastrophe turned out to be a heart-warming wonder that left everyone feeling a little more grateful that day.
P.S. If you find yourself in a bind with a little ball of fur and are far from adept in animal assistance, contact the Wild Baby Rescue Center in Blairstown, NJ – or check out their helpful hints for dealing with wildlife.
[$4 by animal outfitter on cafepress.com]

April 20, 2011
HM Replay: Earth Day Birthday
If you missed last year’s spring/summer addition of Holistic Montclair, here’s your chance to have at it. Yours truly appeared as a guest writer for the style section of this locally produced publication.
Vegan Style – And For Under $25
Among many things, April is the month of our Earth’s Birthday, making it subject to a lot of fun and inspiring activities. Being the stunning socialite you are, I bet you’ve got your itinerary down and a sustainable soiree or two on the agenda. And you’ve pre-picked the perfect party outfit, right? Oh. Not quite? Well, I’m a firm believer in multi-tasking, so while saving the earth this spring, why not save a little dough on some celebration savvy style. So what to wear to get a little festive? When in doubt, keep it casual and animal conscious, of course.
- Spring is usually synonymous with an abundance of outdoor things, so spare yourself a sprain by making sure to sport the right stemware. Girls, try the World Peace Vegan Flip Flop from VeganChic.com ($24.99). Not only 100% vegan, but absolutely ethereal with its peace sign printed foot-bed and peaced-out pin detail.
- Guys, check out Urban Outfitter’s Faux Leather Plimsoll. This exclusive to UO item comes in bold blacks, natural navys, earth tone tans and a few other hues. Cooler than canvas and much more animal-lovin’ than leather, for $24.00 these sneaks are a definite steal. And hey, they’re local!
- Next, nothing makes a fashion or social statement like a comfortably candid statement tee. BustedTees.com’s Stop Animal Testing ($20.00) is printed on fine jersey cotton, made right here in the U.S., and is available in both male and female sizing. The quirky quip and witty word play proves that just because you care about a serious cause, it doesn’t mean you have to be so, well, serious. Some organizations can resort to scare-tactics and in-your-face offensiveness to get the word out, when really it’s just not necessary. Instead, have a little fun with your animal-friendly flamboyance.
- Ladies, if you’ve been keeping up with the media mag trends this season, it’s likely you’ve been lavished with pages upon pages of prints. But animal prints aren’t the only way to channel your wild child side this season. Support the protection of endangered species with a WWF top from Forever 21, a fave mall-day destination. My pick? A pretty zebra printed one for only $15.80. Scope out the mini panda pal in the corner as reassurance that a portion of the proceeds go directly to the World Wildlife Federation.
- Finally, there’s nothing more in fashion than a stylish smile. Keep yours caffeinated with Crazy Rumors Perk Lip Balm ($3.95) from AlternativeOutfitters.com. I know it’s taxing being a confident, conscious and cost-effective shopper, so choose a lip latte flavor like coffee bean to pump some energy back into your pout. Made from jojoba oil, shea butter, soy wax and vitamin E, they’re 100% vegan and all natural.
I’d say you’re pretty much set for any spring flings that get penciled in your planner – or maybe it’s more like added to your iphone calendar app. Either way, don’t forget April is also Go Orange for Animals Month.
April 18, 2011
Calendar Crunch: Vote for BAS!
- What’s Up? The Animal Rescue Site is holding their $300,000 Shelter Challenge of 2011 with Petfinder.com. Help the BAS “The Little Shelter That Can” receive special funding to help their animals!
- Location: The Animal Resuce Site
- Date/Time: Every day, once a day – until June 19, 2011
- To Do: Click here, search “Bloomfield Animal Shelter,” and VOTE!
April 17, 2011
Here Ye, Here Ye!
Announcing the newest member of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter Adoption Committee: Moi!
This weekend wrapped up National Volunteer Week (yup, you missed it), so I figured it was about time to get my good on – in an even bigger way. It began when one of the most vital volunteers at the shelter (a virtual B2B associate I had never actually met in person until this past Saturday) dropped me a line, asking me to update one of the links on my site. You see, BAS is no longer connected with FoBAS (Friends of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter), so I had to tackle my tech girl for a quick site link switcheroo. After sharing a few emails and enthusiasm for animal… welfare, rights, activism, everything with committee chair Cristin, I received the honor of an invitation to join as an active member of the adoption comittee.
I bet you’re now dying to hear more about my role on the board. Well, me too! I see strong social media efforts and blog broadcasting in my future. But the rest is still TBA. Perhaps, I can put to use my previous event planning expertise. I’ll letcha know.
April 15, 2011
Triple F: Celebrating Fur-Free Fashion
For the third year in a row, Born Free USA offered indie fashion designers the chance to win big – for themselves, animals, and the environment – by showing off their fur-free creations. Among the celeb judges are outspoken animal supporter/actress Kristin Bauer, editor of E The Environmental Magazine Brita Belli, international designer Elizabeth Emanuel, and Summer Rayne Oakes: eco-model, activist and green living expert. Stayed tuned for the 2011 winners announcement. And in the meantime, check out a few pics from past years’ animal-lovin’ lookbook.






























