Veggie Scene

An Adorable Toddler's Reaction to Octopus Gnocci Creates Viral Video Sensation

2013-06-01T17:20:00.002-04:00

Luiz Antonio is a precocious and charming toddler who, like most children, has many questions about the world around him. It was his specific curiosity about octopus gnocci though, that made him an instant video celebrity.

Speaking in Portuguese, young Luiz questioned his mother in order to better understand his meal. He wanted to know if the octopus in the gnocci was real and if it had died. He was upset by the answer and insisted that he didn't want to eat octopus or any other animal, adorably saying he wanted them to stay "standing up".

His mother encouraged him to eat the meal for a while, but eventually caved and agreed that they would not eat meat any more.

Luiz made a very simple but effective argument for vegetarianism that was hard to dispute. Basically, meat was once an animal and those animals shouldn't have to die for us to eat. Thanks Luiz for reminding everyone why we should care for our scaled, winged, four-legged and eight-legged friends.

Follow Us!

Vegetarian and Dancing with the Stars Winner Kellie Pickler is Gumption Personified

2013-05-27T12:40:00.000-04:00

She's cute, perky and talented, but most don't know the underlying bravery and strength that reside in Ms. Kellie Pickler.

The country-western singer, who sprouted her career from American Idol, struggled through a difficult childhood. Pickler was abandoned by her mother as a baby, and her father had a self-professed alcohol and drug problem that kept him in and out of prison much of her life. As such, Pickler was raised by her grandparents in Albemarle, a small town in North Carolina.

Craig Sjodin, Disney/ABC

In Albemarle, Pickler worked at the local drive-in diner and participated in cheerleading in school. She would sing with her grandmother on the front porch of their house and this led her to eventually try out for American Idol. As any American Idol viewer knows, she made it to Hollywood and her life was forever changed from that moment.

Even though Ms. Pickler is now a staple in country music, she seems to still be completely grounded. She has kept a good relationship with her father though he still is struggling with his addictions. She also has kept friends from her small town.

Pickler has made some changes to her lifestyle though. She eloped with her boyfriend Kyle Jacobs, a fellow song writer, and the two married on January 1, 2011. She also switched to a vegetarian diet. That's right, the former burger-serving Pickler decided to cut meat entirely out of her diet in 2008. She said that her health and videos of animal cruelty encouraged her to make the switch and she has been meat free for the past five years.

We honestly can't find a thing not to like about the straight-forward, funny Pickler. She has talent to spare, and it hasn't gone to her head. She stays empathetic, caring and open even after all that she's been through. She's one heck of a role model and we thoroughly enjoyed watching Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler dance their way to the mirror ball trophy.

Follow Us!

Veggie Week in Review: Lion Meat on Menu in Florida, Russian Cat Videos, U.N.'s Bug-Eating Suggestion, Sizzling Vegan-Friendly Swimsuits

2013-05-25T14:22:00.001-04:00

Silver linings and rainbows as we inch closer to summer. (Image via flickr)

We've had a brief number of posts over the last two weeks so we combined them for a two-week review.

We sadly discovered a restaurant in Florida that sells a variety of "exotic" meats, including lion. We also learned that the United Nations wants us to consider eating bugs. We did find some things to smile about though. We pondered why Russians make the best cat videos and we took a look at some vegan-friendly swimsuits for lazy summer days.

Here's The Veggie Week In Review:

We learned that anything, including lion, could be on the menu at one Florida restaurant.

We marveled at Russia's ability to make cat videos.

The United Nations told us to eat more bugs.

We got ready for the sun with some vegan-friendly beach wear.

Follow Us!

Fashion Friday: A Vegan-Friendly Day at the Beach

2013-05-24T13:52:00.000-04:00

A Vegan-Friendly Day at the Beach

Okay, so it has gotten a little colder recently but June is right around the corner. We know it has to warm up sooner or later, so it's time to start deciding what tan lines you'll be creating this summer.

We found some adorable vegan-friendly swimsuits and beach gear to help get you ready for the sun. We love the bright patterns on these suits. From polka dots to floral, each playful print adds a modern twist to classic suits.

We also love the cut of the Norma Kamali ruched grey swimsuit. The classic lines and muted color create a vintage-inspired, classy look for the beach. Pair it with the pink Stella McCartney cat-eye glasses to top off the look.

Finally, make sure you protect your skin with some vegan sunscreen. The Out to Sea sunscreen uses antioxidant-rich seaweed to enrich your skin while fending off the harsh rays. The non-greasy formula also uses vitamins C and E to keep your skin moisturized and protected.

So, get out in the sun, when it ever manages to show itself. Until then, start stocking up on your vegan beach essentials so you can get the get summer started right from day one.

Follow Us!

The United Nations Wants You to Eat More Bugs

2013-05-19T19:50:00.000-04:00

Could these fried crickets soon be coming to a vending machine near you? (Image via Flickr)

It's true, the United Nations stated earlier this week that they want you to eat more insects. They think you should just get over the ick factor and start munching on some deep fried crickets already. But don't worry, it's not because they want to see you squirm. Rather, this somewhat odd suggestion was made as a response to the impending global food shortage.

You see, we're running out of food. It may not seem that way if you live in a developed part of the world, but the world population is projected to outpace food production in the near future. This dilemma will leave us to find new food sources to survive.

In response to this crisis, bugs aren't a totally ridiculous suggestion. In fact, we addressed the idea of eating bugs in a post last year. Chances are, you are already unknowingly eating bugs that wind up in many organic foods, nut butters and processed foods. Also, most people have killed a bug or two in their lifetimes. But still, it's definitely not for everyone.

If bugs aren't your thing, luckily veganism is also a great option to combat the global food shortage. Switching to a plant-based diet helps to skip the middle man (or middle cow). Instead of feeding crops to livestock who then produce a small amount of food, you can feed the crops directly to humans. This would provide a much greater quantity or food, that is also more nourishing, for the same amount of crops.

Still, crops are more expensive than bugs and, in developing countries, you need to eat what you can afford. Bugs are basically a finders-keepers food source. If you can find the bugs, you can fry them up and eat them. For those in poverty, bugs may be one of their only viable food options that provide sustenance on an extremely small budget.

Whether you agree with eating bugs or not, we all need to think of ways to address the food shortage. We hope that more people will try veganism, or at least cut back on their meat consumption as a way to decrease global food demand. If all that fails, we may soon find ourselves in a dystopian future pondering whether to supersize our deep fried crickets.

Follow Us!

Why are Russians So Good at Making Cat Videos?

2013-05-16T20:43:00.000-04:00

Really, we want to know, what gives Russia? Was there some top secret cat-filming wing of the KGB developed during the cold war? Is the Russian climate more conducive to creating super adorable and talented cat film stars?

Whatever helps you create your cat videos, we just want to say thank you or spasiba for providing endless feline-focused entertainment. However, your videos do make it much more difficult to get any work done.

Wait, that must be it! The cat videos were created during the cold war to sink U.S. productivity and tank America's economy? Well done, Russia, well done.

But seriously, keep those cat videos coming. There is, after all, no better way to procrastinate than by watching a cat play with a vacuum cleaner. Economy be damned!

Follow Us!

Being Top of the Food Chain Doesn't Keep Lions Off of the Menu in Florida

2013-05-14T15:41:00.000-04:00

The king of the jungle now sadly knows how cows must feel. (Image via Flickr)

Florida restaurant, Taco Fusion, is known for regretfully offering unusual meats such as ostrich, kangaroo, bison and camel in their tacos. Their recent addition of lion meat to the menu though has sparked debate and focused critical attention on the eatery.

As a nearly-endangered animal, even meat-eaters are calling foul on the use of lion meat in the restaurant's "safari" tacos. The restaurant has even received bomb threats and managers claim that people are coming in to the restaurant and "throwing punches".

While we obviously don't agree with threats of violence, the idea of serving lion meat is abhorrent and the gimmicks used to sell these "safari" tacos are utterly crass. Of course, a lion's life is no better than a cow's and it would be nice if we could avoid eating either, but eating an animal on the verge of extinction is really sinking to a new low.

Lion meat could also pose a health threat to humans because, though it is legal in the U.S., it is not regulated. Who knows how the animals were raised or what they were fed? As a predator, there is always a chance that the lion could have eaten a diseased animal, creating a new health crisis like mad cow disease. We'd just have to call it mad lion disease this time, which at least sounds like the best disease name ever. Silver lining?

It's just sad that customers will seek out and purchase meat due to it's "exotic" nature. The grim reality is that these meats wouldn't be served if people didn't purchase them. Though it's an overwhelming and daunting goal to try to stop people from eating all animals, we would think most people could be decent enough to stop eating the endangered ones. We're hoping that consumers will wise up and stop thinking of eating rare animals as some kind of adventure. You are not Indiana Jones, and no, eating lion does not make you cool.

Follow Us!

Veggie Week in Review: Star Wars Day Yoga and Pancakes, National No-Diet Day Vegan Desserts, Vegan Gas Remedies, Floral Prints for Every Occasion

2013-05-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

A mom and young elephant cooling off by the water. (Image via Flickr)

This week we probably all scrambled to find the perfect gift for mom as Mother's Day is just around the corner, tomorrow. We'd like to thank all the moms and even those who aren't moms but step up to do a motherly act for a child, animal or fellow humans. Thanks to all of the many types of moms out there for all that you do.

Aside from Mother's Day, we found a lot to celebrate this week. We kicked off the week with Star Wars Day (May the fourth). We learned some Star Wars yoga and made some tasty apple vegan, yoda-shaped pancakes. We also enjoyed national no-diet day by finding some deliciously decadent vegan recipes. Yum. After all those sweets, we found ways to limit the, sometimes stinky, side effect of veganism: gas. We also found some bright and bold floral print shoes, clothes and accessories, perfect for a blooming good time this spring and summer.

Here's The Veggie Week In Review:

We celebrated Star Wars Day in style with Star Wars yoga and vegan Yoda pancakes.

We stopped counting calories on National No-Diet Day.

We learned how to avoid offensive vegan gas.

We went a little mad for floral print shoes, clothes and accessories.

Follow Us!

Fashion Friday: Mad for Floral

2013-05-10T16:40:00.003-04:00

Mad for Floral

Want to really get in a springy mood? Just throw on some beautiful floral prints. These flowers will add a pop of color to your wardrobe and won't make your allergies run a muck in the process.

We love the bold floral prints on the flats and oxfords above, both by Charlotte Russe. Each style of shoe is completely vegan and will add a bit of whimsy to any outfit. The Charlotte Russe floral sunglasses also make a great floral addition to any look. You can also add a simple accessory like the Obi Belt Buckle with a flower blossom design.

If you want to ramp up your blooming look, go for the People Tree tropical print dress or ditsy floral top. Each feature bright and vivid flower prints on sleek simple forms. You can also bring the look to the beach with a flirty floral bathing suit.

Spring won't last much longer, but you can enjoy these floral prints all year long. You don't even have to worry about the pollen level. So go ahead, go a little mad for these or other vegan-friendly floral fashions and add some color and fun to your look this year.

Follow Us!

Let's Get Real: Five Steps to Reduce Vegan Gas

2013-05-09T16:47:00.000-04:00

Don't offend those around you. (Image via Flickr)

Okay, so it's not a popular topic, but it's one that most of us have painfully endured at some point in our lives -- gas.

Unfortunately, flatulence can become a problem when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle due to the sudden increase in fiber. Stinky, embarrassing and uncomfortable, gas is not exactly life-threatening but it's no walk in the park.

Luckily there are easy ways to combat this smelly menace and stay true to your healthy vegan diet. Check out the tips below to stop that annoying gas and avoid becoming a smelly recluse.

1. Chew, chew, chew

This step is simple: take the time to fully chew your food. Chewing is the first step in digestion. By fully chewing your food, you give your body a good head start in digestion. You also help to limit the amount of air that enters into your digestive system that can add to the bloated gassy feeling.

2. Drink enough water and stay away from soda

Fiber needs water to work efficiently. Water helps food flow through the digestive system, reducing lingering pockets of gas. While enjoying water, stay away from carbonated beverages as they can add air to your digestive system.

3. Enough with the beans already

Beans are great. They can be a fantastic source of protein, iron and calcium. That said, many new vegans go a little overboard on the beans. The old children's song about beans is true: The more you eat, the more you toot. You should still eat some beans each day, but also eat brown rice, couscous, quinoa and other grains that provide a hearty meal without contributing to added gas.

4. Use natural remedies

Vegans can't just reach for the Bean-o because the caplets contain gelatin. We can, however, use natural remedies that reduce gas. Chamomile or ginger tea can soothe the stomach and help to prevent belly bloat. Fennel seeds, caraway seeds, and coriander seeds can also be eaten after meals, or even used in the meals themselves to reduce flatulence. You can also use herbs such as parsley and mint that can aid in digestion. Incorporate these elements into your meals and you will quickly say goodbye to gas.

5. Take a hike

Taking a short walk after eating can help to get the ball rolling when it comes to digestion. Sitting in one spot can slow the digestive process and allow pockets of gas to build up in your digestive tract. Walk for around for 15 minutes, or at least take the time to stand up, stretch and increase your movement. You'll feel better and you'll be much less stinky.

Gas and indigestion are no fun, but hopefully these tips will help you to say farewell to flatulence or ta ta to toots, or how about sayonara to stinkers? Whatever the case, you and the people around you will most likely now be breathing a sigh of relief. You're welcome.

Follow Us!

It's National No-Diet Day So Let the Vegan Indulgence Ensue

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Delicious-looking vegan cupcakes. (Image by Pete Birkinshaw via Flickr)

National No-Diet Day sounds like a bit of a joke, but it's actually quite serious. The day started as a way to encourage body-acceptance and discourage extreme or fad dieting. It's a great idea as many people struggle with feeling positive about their own bodies.

We think No-Diet Day is also a great time to explore veganism. A vegan, or even vegetarian, diet can help to accomplish greater health without fad dieting or deprivation, so it could be a good choice for many seeking healthier lifestyles.

We also love veganism because even vegan sweets are at least partially healthy, while still providing a delicious treat. With that in mind, we've compiled some delicious and somewhat nutritious vegan treats you can enjoy for no-diet day, or any other day of the year.

Oh, and if you want to try going vegan or vegetarian, check out Peta's Vegetarian and Vegan Starter Kit.

Vegan Chocolate Oreo Cake by Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes

Vegan Chocolate Cream Pie with Coconut Cookie Crust by Namely Marly

Almond Semolina Fudge by Vegan Richa

Vegan New York Cheesecake by Meet the Shannons

Follow Us!

Star Wars Yoga and Vegan Pancakes for Star Wars Day

2013-05-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

May the fourth be with you and happy Star Wars Day!

Why not kick it off with some delicious Star Wars vegan pancakes courtesy of the Vegan Zombie. The recipe sounds great whether your pancakes end up looking like Yoda or not.

Pancakes aren't enough to fulfill your Star Wars day festivities? Try some Star Wars yoga, though honestly it's basically just regular yoga illustrated through Star Wars characters, but you get the point. If you feel really festive, you can always dress up in some jedi robes as you practice your asanas.

However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a galactic Star Wars day and may the force be with you!

Follow Us!

Veggie Week in Review: Vegetarians at Nerd Prom, the Vegetarian Caucus, Ag-Gag Bills and Vegan-Friendly Cinco De Mayo Fashions

2013-05-03T22:58:00.000-04:00

Image via Flickr

It was a pretty nerdy week at Veggie Scene. From the White House Correspondent's Dinner to the Vegetarian Caucus, it was a week filled with political-themed stories.

We kicked off the week by checking out the awesome fashions worn by some fantastic vegetarian and vegan celebrities at the White House Correspondent's Dinner a.k.a. Nerd Prom. We also found out about the newly-formed vegetarian caucus that aims to provide more vegetarian options to politicians and their staff. We, once again, stressed the importance of opposing ag-gag bills that are, sadly, popping up in states across the U.S. Finally, we looked forward to Cinco De Mayo with some vegan-friendly and Mexican-inspired fashions.

Here's The Veggie Week In Review:

We saw some of our favorite veggie celebs in amazing dresses at nerd prom.

We learned that Democrats and Republicans can both enjoy vegetarian food.

We discovered why we all should oppose ag-gag legislation.

We found some cute, casual and vegan-friendly Cinco De Mayo fashions.

Follow Us!

Fashion Friday: Cute and Casual Cinco De Mayo Duds with a Vegan Twist

2013-05-03T10:23:00.000-04:00

Vegan Cinco De Mayo

Cinco De Mayo (May 5th) is set aside to celebrate Mexican pride in the U.S. and in certain regions of Mexico. We figure donning some stylin Mexican and Southwestern inspired fashions is a great way to show pride and celebrate, especially when the clothes are this cute.

We found some rugged, cowboy-inspired, vegan boots by Charlotte Russe that are perfect for a fiesta. Pair them with the Mexican Bodice Dress by Top Shop and a cute jean jacket by Fat Face for a flirty look. Or maybe you'd rather wear shorts, like those by River Island with the bold print on one side. And if it's too hot for boots, try the Charlotte Russe vegan sandals.

We also love the Oasis Mexican Placemat Tee by House of Fraser. It's hard to believe this beautiful and striking shirt was inspired by a placemat. The vivid design will make a bold statement even if worn with just an old pair of jeans.

Finally top off the look with some fun accessories, such as the Mexican Print iPhone Case by Top Shop or a fun beaded bracelet in a southwestern-inspired pattern.

So grab some of these great items or get inspired to create your own Cinco De Mayo outfit. Either way, we hope you have a muy bueno Cinco De Mayo.

Follow Us!

Why We Should All Take a Stand Against Ag-Gag Legislation

2013-05-02T21:36:00.000-04:00

(Image via Flickr)

For many animals living on factory farms, their short lives are plagued with torture up until their brutal deaths. As profit gets placed above all else, animals are subjected to inhumane and unhealthy living conditions that not only harm them, but also put meat consumers' health at risk due to disease and bacteria.

Depressing, right?

Luckily, animal rights advocates have documented abusive farming methods in an attempt to curb the all-too-common violations. While inhumane treatment is still rampant, activists' videos, audio and photos have helped to stop egregious violations and shame the meat industry into stopping some mistreatment.

Sadly, this practice may soon become illegal.

With lawmakers' help, the meat lobby is now pushing ag-gag bills that would silence anyone looking to report animal violence. These bills are already law in some states and are popping up as proposed legislation in a growing number of other states.

The laws would give the meat industry free reign over their production procedures, allowing them to commit any abuse or mistreatment with little opposition. This could lead to a larger amount of meat that contains bacteria, disease, antibiotics, or added hormones, not to mention the added suffering of millions of animals.

Bottom line, ag-gag laws are harmful to everyone, meat-eater, vegetarian and vegan alike. They keep the public in the dark about the abuses and handling of livestock. It puts omnivores at risk due to the poor quality of the meat, but it also threatens the general population as antibiotics are being overused to treat animals living in unhealthy conditions. This overuse can diminish the effectiveness of antibiotics in humans, leading to untreatable common health conditions.

Still not convinced? Just think about it this way: doesn't everyone deserve to know what goes into the food they eat? Shouldn't we have a right to know how our food is made and what substances it might contain?

So no matter your dietary choice, make sure you voice your opposition to ag-gag bills. You can start by signing the ag-gag petition. You can also help to spread the word about this legislation and it's harmful implications. It's worth the risk of being a Debbie Downer to talk to friends and family about these laws. Too much is at stake for us to turn a blind eye to the plight of farm animals and the abuses of the meat industry.

Follow Us!

Could The Vegetarian Caucus Bring Congressional Democrats and Republicans Together?

2013-05-01T16:36:00.001-04:00

Democrats, republicans, heck even libertarians are welcome in the vegetarian caucus. It might just be the one group in Washington where different political parties can find common ground. Will it inspire compromise on policy matters? Well, we're not that optimistic, so we won't hold our breath. Still, the vegetarian caucus is long overdue in D.C. and we're glad vegetarians on both sides of the aisle are literally breaking bread together.

Started earlier this year, the caucus aims to provide healthier food choices for members of congress and their staffers. After a couple of congressional staffers struggled finding vegetarian and vegan food options on the hill, they decided to look for ways of providing more food variety to employees. They found like-minded (or like-stomached) people and decided to form the vegetarian caucus.

Just a little over a month after its inception, the caucus co-sponsored an all-vegan meal along with the Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine (PCRM). The event was held on Earth Day, April 22nd, and drew over 250 people who currently follow or are interested in a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Elizabeth Kucinich, PCRM's director of public affairs and wife to former congressman Dennis Kucinich, helped host the event. Kucinich and PCRM also provided vegan started packets for all of the guests.

"Capitol hill’s growing interest in the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle is evident in the overwhelming enthusiasm for this Earth Day event," said Kucinich. "Within hours of sending the veggie caucus invitation, we received hundreds of RSVPs from congressional staffers."

Since the caucus is still very new, we have yet to see what direction they will take politically. Currently, members stress that they have no party affiliations or political goals and hope only to broaden awareness of a plant-based lifestyle and offer more options to current vegetarians and vegans. It will be interesting to see if the group evolves to take policy stances on political issues pertinent to veggie folks.

We're just glad to see that vegetarians and vegans have a place on capitol hill. It may not solve any of the bickering between the political parties, but at least some congressional members might find common ground over a shared quinoa recipe. Baby steps?

Follow Us!

Vegetarians and Vegans at Nerd Prom, a.k.a. the White House Correspondent's Dinner

2013-04-28T13:16:00.000-04:00

Vegan Olivia Wilde looking festive at a pre-party with her fiance, Jason Sudeikis and funny man Paul Rudd.

The White House Correspondent's Dinner has always been a festive night for Washington's top politicians, reporters and a few Hollywood elites. Deemed the "Nerd Prom", it's a night to celebrate reporters and to poke fun at the political machine.

The event was hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien but President Obama might have stolen the show with a little help from Stephen Spielberg. He announced that Spielberg was in production on Obama the Movie and Daniel Day Lewis was playing Obama. The punchline of the sketch came when they showed the actor preparing for his role and it was actually President Obama, implying that Daniel Day-Lewis was such a great actor that you couldn't distinguish between him and the president. The bit was pretty funny, especially when you see who was playing Vice President Biden (spoiler, it was Tracy Morgan).

Even though it was nerd prom, we also saw some stunning gowns on the red carpet and at various parties preceding the event. We also saw a few vegetarian and vegan stars out for the night, each looking like grown-up prom queens. We love the variety of gowns, each sophisticated, sleek and stylish.Way to represent ladies!

Robin Wright shows simple can be fabulous in this one-shoulder gown.

Mad Men's Jessica Pare brings classic Hollywood style to Washington.

Nashville's Connie Britton was lovely in blue lace.

Follow Us!

Veggie Week in Review: Bleat Social Networking, Portia De Rossi, Roomba Cat, Chick Fil-A Trademark Dispute, Vegan-Friendly Jogging Gear

2013-04-27T16:20:00.000-04:00

Everything is turning green and it's time to bust out the mower. (Image via Flickr)

This week gave us a peek at summer, with grass growing tall, flowers blooming and leaves popping back onto the trees. It just made us want to open up all the windows and drink it in. Whether you go for a jog, plant a veggie garden or just mow the lawn, this week marked the point at which it is officially too beautiful to stay indoors.

We found an interesting new vegan social-networking website this week. Bleat will debut May 1st with recipes, tips, resources, and even a marketplace. We also looked forward to the upcoming new season of Arrested Development starring one of our favorite vegans, Portia De Rossi. We learned about a local business owner who is fighting against Chick Fil-A to protect his designs. We laughed at a cat dressed as a shark riding a Roomba (it really is as awesome as it sounds). Finally, we found some comfy and vegan-friendly jogging gear that will inspire our next outdoor run.

Here's The Veggie Week In Review:

We learned about Bleat, a new social network for vegans.

We found out why vegan Portia De Rossi was voted one of the most beautiful people.

We might have found the best video on the Internet.

We found one more reason not to like Chick Fil-A.

We found some comfy, cute and animal-friendly running gear.

Follow Us!

Fashion Friday: The Comfiest Vegan-Friendly Running Gear

2013-04-26T22:49:00.000-04:00

Vegan-Friendly Running Gear

It's that time of year again. Time to dust off the running shoes and hit the trail. Luckily, we found some comfy and cute running gear that will help to inspire you to get outside and pound some pavement. Best yet, all of the styles are vegan-friendly.

Sweat pants are perfect for running in the spring when it's still slightly cool outside. The Alternative Apparel, knee-length sweats are comfy, cute and so easy to just throw on and go. We also love the brand's spandex running pants with the cute peek-a-boo section on the back of the calf. These pants are quite versatile and could easily be worn running, to the gym or to a yoga class.

It can be so difficult to find good vegan running shoes. No worries though, because we managed to find two that are highly-functional, cute and vegan-friendly. The Merrell running shoes come in a cute salmon color and provide light-weight support. They are also extremely durable and withstand running through the elements like snow and rain. The grey and black Asics are a vintage remake of their popular 1980's style of running shoe. They come in different materials and colors, five of which are vegan.

As for tops, Alternative Apparel makes a simple but sylish grey and salmon sports bra. If you don't feel like wearing that alone, you can throw on one of the playful shirts we found. The dreamcatcher tank or the organic cotton half-tee are perfect for when the weather warms up. We also love Stella McCartney's cloud tee for its dreamy quality and soft organic cotton. Though there are no samples above, we also love to go to Goodwill to find vintage tees. They have a great variety and they are so inexpensive.

Whatever you plan to wear, throw it on and get outside while the weather is still in that perfect mix of cool and sunny. Drink it all in with comfy running styles that will make you actually want to run an extra mile.

Follow Us!

Huge Jerks Chick Fil-A Attack Small Business Over Similar Slogan

2013-04-26T09:42:00.000-04:00

Small business owner, Bo Muller-Moore, demonstrates his shirt printing process. (Image via eatmorekale.com)

The font is different, the sentiment is different and the scope is vastly different. To fried chicken chain Chick Fil-A though, the phrase "eat more kale" was just a little too similar to their "eat mor chikin" slogan (their slogan is intentionally misspelled).

Chick Fil-A first contacted Vermont business owner Bo Muller-Moore in 2006 and pressured him to stop using his "eat more kale" slogan on shirts and other merchandise. The company eventually gave up the fight though because, as we see it, they must have realized they were being ridiculous.

Muller-Moore first printed the slogan on shirts at the request of friends. He then received more interest in the kale shirts and eventually began selling them at local farmer's markets and online at eatmorekale.com. With the growing success of his small business, Muller-Moore decided it was time to trademark his slogan.

Chick Fil-A was none too happy about Muller-Moore's attempt to file for a trademark. They sent him a letter stating that he had to stop using his slogan and his website because it could be confused with the Chick Fil-A company.

Really? If you ask us, it seems like Chick Fil-A doesn't have a leg to stand on. After all, what kind of morons can't distinguish between kale and "chikin"? Maybe Chick Fil-A just has no faith in the intelligence of their consumers.

Apparently the U.S. trademark office also has little faith in the average consumer because they are siding with Chick Fil-A. They sent a letter to Muller-Moore denying his application for a trademark. He has six months to appeal, but he has a slim 10% chance to change the ruling.

In the meantime, the lack of a trademark will make it more difficult for Muller-Moore to fight against attacks from Chick Fil-A and to stop other t-shirt printers from using his slogan. Currently, he can still sell his shirts without a trademark, but he is more vulnerable to lawsuits over copyright infringement.

We hope that Muller-Moore is able to persevere in his fight because Chick Fil-A is just the worst. They threaten small businesses, slaughter millions of chickens and are virulently homophobic to boot. It also just seems unthinkable that simply placing the words "eat more" in front of anything else would be enough to violate their slogan. Is this really what the trademark office needs to protect?

It will be interesting to see what happens as this story continues to roll out. We know that we definitely will be eating more kale and supporting Muller Moore in his fight. If you agree, you can sign his Change.org petition. On our end, we definitely wish Mr. Muller-Moore luck and sadly think he will need it.

Follow Us!

Roomba Cat Dresses Like Shark and Chases Duckling, Best Video Ever?

2013-04-25T16:29:00.000-04:00

Sharks are awesome, cats and dogs are fantastic and ducklings are beyond cute. Put them together, add a robotic vacuum cleaner and you might just have the best video ever posted online.

The cat on the Roomba would have been enough to make our day, but dress it like a Shark and we start losing it. Seriously, the shark costume combined with this cat's laid-back Roomba-cruising attitude just put us over the edge. The duckling seems totally fine with the whole situation too as he shuffles around the one-feline motorized parade.

We also can't forget about the dog, who dons a shark costume as well. He is so not impressed with the whole situation and his nonchalant attitude is just amplified by his hammerhead shark costume. He just ends up looking slightly pathetic and goofy, poor fellow.

Thankfully, the video doesn't stop when the Roomba does because all of the animals just sit around waiting for something to happen and their collective moment of zen is hilarious. It does make you wish someone would run up and start the Roomba again though.

So, if your day needed some cheering up, this video should definitely do the trick. It's got cute, nerdy, goofy and awkward all wrapped up in one adorable video. Watch and enjoy!

Follow Us!

Arrested Development's Portia De Rossi Makes Most Beautiful List, Credits Vegan Diet for Good Looks

2013-04-24T18:49:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a year for one of our favorite vegan actresses, Portia De Rossi. She is stepping back into the spotlight, reprising her role as Lindsay Bluth Funke in the new fourth season of Arrested Development. She also turned 40 this January and was recently named one of People Magazine's most beautiful people of 2013.

The quirky and thoughtful De Rossi gave some playful answers when asked what kept her looking so young.

"People think I look younger than I am because I dress like a teenager," the actress said with an emphatic nod. "And being happy, being healthy. I'm vegan. It's really changed my eyes, my everything. It's been six years now."

The vegan diet seems to be working, but even though De Rossi jokingly says she dresses like a teen, she's not interested in really looking like one. The actress doesn't want to get obsessed with looking younger.

"The only thing I don't want to do is chase how I looked in my twenties."

Ms. De Rossi definitely doesn't need to, as she looks healthy and stunning at forty. We just selfishly hope that she focuses on a few parts of her television past that we'd like to see in the next season. We would love to see more Tobias and Lindsay arguments and her trademark chicken dance (as witnessed in the video below).

If you are also counting the minutes to the season four premier of Arrested Development on Netflix, then you don't have to wait much longer. The entire season will be available to stream starting May 26th.

Follow Us!

A New Vegan Social Networking Site: Bleat

2013-04-22T21:05:00.002-04:00

Have you ever wished that there was a facebook just for vegans? Well, wish no more. Bleat is a new, totally-vegan, social-networking site, marketplace and search engine that is set to launch this May.

The idea of a vegan social hub seems promising though we aren't sure exactly how the information will be organized on the site. We do know Bleat will offer vegan networking, shopping, news and a number of vegan databases for travel, restaurants and events.

Site organizers say they also hope to provide information for non-vegans and vegans alike, in an attempt to make veganism more mainstream. In this vein, they will provide resources such as recipes and tips to make it easier for people to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

We are intrigued by the idea of a vegan social network and media hub even though we're not crazy about the name Bleat or the URL: "www.ble.at". We are very curious though to see what happens with this new online community. If you're curious too, check out the Bleat site when it launches May 1st!

Follow Us!

Veggie Week in Review: Girl Living on Ramen, Cat Ninjas, Love to Boston, Superbugs in Meat, Gwyneth Paltrow Voted Most Hated Celebrity, Orglamix Cosmetics

2013-04-21T19:23:00.000-04:00

This was a tough week for all, and we're really in need of some good news. (Image via Flickr)

What a week! From the attack in Boston to the explosion in Texas and the floods in the midwest, the news was nothing short of horrible this week. Our hearts go out to all those who were effected in each event and we hope that this next week will be restorative and only full of positive news.

This week, we lamented the horrible tragedy in Boston, and we also revealed some troubling news about the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in meat. We learned about a girl who has lived on nothing but Ramen noodles for almost a decade. We also explored some of the reasons Gwyneth Paltrow might have been voted the most hated celebrity of 2013. We did manage to get some laughs in as well as we watched cats practice their awesome ninja moves. Finally, we discovered our new favorite cruelty-free makeup line, Orglamix.

Here's The Veggie Week In Review:

Apparently eating nothing but Ramen noodles is not a good health choice.

Naturally, cats make perfect ninjas, as we found in this hilarious video.

We were completely shocked and saddened by the tragedy in Boston.

We learned that a large percentage of meat contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

We weren't all that shocked to hear Gwyneth Paltrow was voted the most hated celebrity.

We found an amazing all-natural, cruelty-free makeup line, Orglamix Cosmetics.

Follow Us!

Fashion Friday: All-Natural and Cruelty-Free Orglamix Cosmetics

2013-04-19T17:51:00.001-04:00

Looking for an all-natural, cruelty-free makeup line? Look no further. Orglamix Cosmetics offers gorgeous, healthy, affordable makeup and they never test on animals.

Orglamix Cosmetics is a small company with a commitment to quality. They create their makeup without the parabens, sulfates, synthetics, petrochemicals and pthalates that can be found in many other mineral makeup brands.

Their makeup is great for your skin and comes in a variety of vivid colors from deep matte shades to bright, iridescent hues.

The price is right for Orglamix products as well, as most items cost around $7-$10. You can also find great deals such as there goody bag, which offers an assortment of shadows for around $3 each.

Orglamix also offers more than just shadows. They sell foundation, powder, blush, and even lip scrubs and bronzers. All products are 100% natural and animal-friendly.

We love that Orglamix creates healthy, kind makeup that's also playful and affordable. With hundreds of shades, they've got something for everyone. So, next time you need a pop of color, don't forget to check out Orglamix.