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]

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.