LA Hair Just Got Hotter

I cannot rave enough about my experience at Fred Segal Salon with the owner Matthew Preece and the Formula LA shampoo and conditioner I was gifted! I had my hair cut and colored on February 23rd, yes February 23rd, and it still looks amazing 14 weeks later – incredible!

Creating Bliss, One Dish at a Time

We discovered vegan chef Christy Morgan on Twitter and instantly fell in love with her philosophy and her food. The Green Dove asked the LA-based veganista, who has whipped up dishes for the likes of Alicia Silverstone, to share her journey, insights and one of her fave recipes…

How did you become the Blissful Chef?

I’ve been studying plant-based nutrition for about eight years and teaching for four. I came up with the name “The Blissful Chef” as a way to brand myself and create an image that people will remember. The name fits me well, because to feel bliss is to experience true happiness and spiritual joy. My life, business, teachings, blog, and whole existence is all about spreading happiness and joy to others through food, and helping them access their bliss.

What inspires you?

In live, I’m inspired by all of my amazing friends that do what they are passionate about everyday and those who have dedicated their lives to saving animals. With cooking, I’m inspired by the changing seasons and the different produce that is available throughout the year. I love gardening, and find growing my own food to be a fascinating process. I’m also inspired by different cultures. Often times I just open the fridge, see what’s in there and whip something up.

Your fave raw vegan treats?

I love raw vegan desserts because they are made with wholesome ingredients and they are so rich that I only need a little to be satisfied. If I eat baked desserts, like Uncle Eddies cookies for instance, I can literally eat the whole bag in one sitting. I love raw chocolate, Earth Cafe pies, and my Heavenly Raw Chocolate Mousse.

If you could recommend one thing about veganism to someone who’s not, what would it be?

Eating a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet I feel is the best thing for our minds, bodies, spirits and for the planet. But if you can’t go whole hog overnight, then start by having two plant-based meals a day (or as much as you can). Slowly start transitioning the “good” things into your diet, like whole grains and dark leafy greens, then start taking away the not-so-good things (meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, processed foods). I have some great tips on my blog for making the transition that are extremely helpful and realistic.

The 80/20 Rule
This is the only thing that keeps me sane and not OCD about my diet. If you can eat super healthy 80% of the time, you can let yourself be a little naughty 20% of the time. Hold on now, Im not talking about having hamburger and fries for that 20%, but if you are at a party or want to go out to dinner with your friends you can have something fried or a piece of cake with frosting. I dont compromise as far as eating only vegan foods, but sometimes I do eat sugar or have more oil than Id like to when I eat out. Im human too! I just have a rule that at home Im making the healthiest food possible, with wholesome organic ingredients, no oil and no sugar. That way I can relax when I go out with friends.

It doesn’t serve you or your health to be fanatical about your diet. But it is the most important tool that you have for creating optimal health free of physical pain and mental suffering. Your food choices will affect everything in your life, so choose them well.

Check out The Blissful Chef blog for more ramblings from Christy Morgan, natural food chef and educator, who continues to study plant-based nutrition with the best in the field, has cooked for Alicia Silverstone, and continues to be sought out for her accessible approach to nutrition and holistic living.

Follow Christy on Twitter @TheBlissfulChef.

Avocado, Strawberry, & Grape Tomato Salad

Strawberries are the most popular berry in the world. They go great in salads and as a compliment to a savory dressing like Balsamic Vinaigrette like in this recipe.

1 head butter lettuce, leaves torn or chiffonade
2 avocados
1 medium carrot, thin julienne
10 grape tomatoes, quartered
6 strawberries, ends cut off and sliced
1 cup yellow pepper, thinly sliced
Pinch of pepper and sea salt

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 tablespoon olive oil

A Book for Holistic & Haute “Pregantistas”

Olympic volleyball gold medalist and “haute” mamma-to-be (for the second time) Kerri Walsh, actress and holistic lifestyle expert Anna Getty, and Tastybaby founders Shannan Swanson and Liane Weintraub gathered at the W Los Angeles in Westwood last night to host the launch of celebrated author Amy Tara Kochs new book, Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement.

Koch, who is a renowned style expert and journalist, showed off her new book at the swanky hotel as guests received exclusive styling tips on how to be a fashion forward, conscious “pregnantista” without breaking the bank. With silhouette-based line drawings by several of todays top fashion designers such as Nicole Miller, Isaac Mizrahi, Diane Von Furstenberg and Milly, along with advice culled from editors at Vogue, Lucky, and W; Bump It Up is being touted as the modern pregnancy style bible. We headed poolside to chat to Amy (above) about her new book.

Anna Getty (above) also shared tips on how to be green and glam as well as the lowdown on Pregnancy Awareness Month, an empowerment campaign to help women feel comfortable as they move into motherhood.

Healing Through Hypnosis: A Workshop

Hypnotherapist and regular The Green Dove contributor, Cynthia Morgan, will be sharing powerful healing techniques at an upcoming workshop: Healing Through Hypnosis, to be held at the Mondrian Hotel, Sunset Boulevard on Saturday, May 22.

The Green Dove caught up with Cynthia to get the inside goss on what life-affirming tips people can expect to gain from the workshop experience and how the technique can change lives.

Test Eco Waters at Go Green

Living green can be overwhelming. Where to start? From eco cars and planet-friendly cleaning products to organic wines and veganism, its little wonder many opt to do nothing for fear of not being able to do it all.

Yet its the little steps that add up to mean something big.

LA Film Festival Screens Green

The Los Angeles Film Festival opens tomorrow (June 18) in Westwood Village, and is set to screen five green and environmentally-themed films, No Impact Man, The Cove, Big River Man, The Last Beekeeper; and Bananas!

No Impact Man documents environmentalist Colin Beavan who embarks on a green living experiment by attempting to have as little negative environmental impact as possible for a year-including: no takeout, no taxis, and no toilet paper.

The Cove centers around Richard OBarry, dolphin trainer for televisions beloved Flipper, and photographer turned filmmaker Louie Psihoyos. The pair lead the audience on a suspenseful voyage of discovery in this activist documentary. OBarry has long been convinced of the cruelty of domesticating these highly intelligent animals and feels responsibility for the growth of an economy of sea parks and swim-along programs.

Big River Man, tells the story of an out-of-shape-beer-drinking Slovenian man and his journey swimming the Amazon River.

The Last Beekeeper takes a close look at the struggles of three American beekeepers as they deal with the devastating effects of economic and ecological change when a mysterious illness among bees threatens insects and businesses.

Bananas! is a documentary revealing the human cost of banana cultivation by chronicling the case of Nicaraguan laborers, represented by L.A. attorney Juan Dominguez, against the companies who they believe poisoned them. Between the films completion and its screening at this years Festival, critical new elements of the case have come to light. What happens when a story continues to evolve after the shooting stops? This case study and screening will explore the relationship between documentary filmmaking, objective and subjective point of view, as well as the rights and responsibilities of activist filmmaking.

For further information on these films and to purchase tickets, head to the Los Angeles Film Festival website.

Stay tuned for reviews on The Green Dove.

First Sofa Recycling Partnership Program Launched

Friday (June 5) marked the 37th annual World Environment Day, a day originally established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This years theme was “Your Planet Needs You–UNite to Combat Climate Change,” and emphasized the urgency for nations to unite.

To commemorate the event in Los Angeles, Environment Furniture (www.environment-furniture.com) and Goodwill Industries (www.goodwill.org) partnered to launch the Exchange for Change Project (EFC). With recycling as a core business principle for both companies, the project encourages consumers to donate their old sofa to Goodwill and in return receive a 25% discount on a new, sustainable Environment sofa made with reclaimed canvas or natural linen. Normal tax-deductions also apply.

Upon its success in Los Angeles, the EFC project may roll out nationwide in the near future. Find out more at Environment Furniture, 8126 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Tel: 323-782-0296, Mon-Sat 10-7; Sun 11-6.

Patti Penn, Reiki Master

They say one good deed leads to another. The Dove Project is a series of questions, passed on, by each interviewee, to the person they believe is doing their part to ensure a greener, healthier future, through action and inspiration. Join us as we share earth-loving information courtesy of those who have taken it upon themselves to believe, through action and leading by example, that one person can truly make a difference. Tree by Nick Radford

Name: Patti Penn
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Profession: Reiki Master
Website: www.reiki-eft.com

Getting into the Green Groove

Partying need not be bad for you or the environment. The Dove is heading to ECCO Ultra Lounge in Hollywood tonight to see exactly why this eco-friendly club is the talk of Tinseltown.

Using energy from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s Green Power-a resource that provides wind, sun and water power-the nightspot is all about green, from free valet parking for hybrid vehicles to insulation of 100 per cent organic cotton. Then there’s the LED lighting system and Turbosound speakers and Powersoft amplifiers that reduce energy by a whopping 70 per cent (compared to the standard varieties). Ecco Lounge’s organic cocktails are also served on a bar made from non-toxic materials, while the restrooms feature waterless urinals.

A favorite of celebrities (think Nicole Richie, Joel Madden, Tommy Lee) and every day locals alike, Ecco Lounge is giving everyone a good (and healthy) reason to celebrate.

1640 N Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA, US 90028
www.eccohollywood.com

Where the Ocean meets Divine

Ocean and Vine, Loews Santa Monica Hotel, Santa Monica

A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE Its undeniable the postcard view from this must-visit restaurant is a major draw card for hotel guests and locals alike. Sunset, surf and sand aside, its whats inside Ocean and Vine that truly makes dining here so special. Arrive early to cozy up on the plush donut-shaped lounge that encircles a roaring fire pit-but not without a signature raspberry mojito in hand.

FRESH, FABULOUS FARE Service here is impeccable, as are the meals that boast farmers market-fresh ingredients-and fabulous flavors that linger long after dinner is over. Start your culinary journey with the roasted garlic chipotle hummus with herb and Parmesan encrusted flat bread; followed by the tender roasted eggplant with Israeli couscous and tofu, a dish prepared especially for vegans. Sides of broccoli rabe with roasted garlic and risotto, asparagus tips and shaved Parmesan is a vegetarian favorite. Feast on fresh berries for dessert before retreating back to where it all began: fireside overlooking the lights of Santa Monicas famous pier.

TIP Ocean and Vine is the perfect spot for a romance-infused double date, or to celebrate special events with the entire family.
1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 90401.
Phone (310) 576-3180 santamonicaloewshotel.com