Denise Mari

For the love of life. Mari is a lifestyle site created by Denise Mari, founder of Organic Avenue, and dedicated to healthy, compassionate, vegan living.

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TO THE RESCUE

Do your sweet tooth and shelter pets a favor and make your next candy buy from Rescue Chocolate.

The 3-year old Brooklyn based company creates some of the tastiest chocolate treats around and donates 100% of their net profits to various animal rescue groups across the USA. Rescue Chocolate came about after founder Sarah Gross had the ultimate brainstorm while walking her adopted pit bull, Mocha: why not create chocolates and donate the proceeds to animal charities? She used her managerial experience at a local chocolate-maker as a jumping off point, and eventually hooked up with Tumbador Chocolate where she collaborates with Chef Jean Francois Bonnet on new and interesting flavors.

Aside from helping out homeless animals, Gross, a longtime vegan who also runs the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, insisted that Rescue Chocolate be as clean as it is delicious. The brand is vegan, organic, and kosher and all products are hand-made in Brooklyn. Each bar and bon bon is named after a different animal problem that needs addressing; 'Fakin' Bacon' honors farm creatures, 'Pick Me Pepper' encourages adopting rather than buying, and 'Fosteriffic Peppermint' highlights animal foster programs. Every month, Gross picks a new charity to donate to, from nationally known organizations like Petfinder to more localized groups like Philadelphia Paws and Austin Pets Alive!

more info: RescueChocolate.com

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100% PURE LOVE

For over a decade, beauty brand 100% Pure has been a power player in the organic skincare industry.

The company was created in 2005 after co-founder Suzie Wang witnessed the hazardous effects of chemical-based skin products first-hand. While freelancing as a cosmetics formulator, she was working on a new eye cream when one of the ingredients spilled onto her work table, causing it to blemish. This small incident had a great impact on Wang, inspiring her to start her own beauty brand that would be completely free of toxins, chemicals, and artificial fragrances. Today, 100% Pure has a dozen stand-alone stores across the US and is carried by national retailers like Duane Reade and QVC.

PRODUCE JUNCTION

One of the cornerstones of 100% Pure is their Fruit Dyed Makeup. A range of eye products, lip colors, blushers, and foundations, these items derive their pigmentation naturally, from fruits and veggies. Look closely at labels and you'll see a produce-stand's worth of ingredients. Lipsticks and glosses contain sweet-pigments from cabernet grape, organic cherries, blackberries, peaches, lavender, and cacao. Luminizers get their glow from aloe while blushes are colored with papaya and rose hip oil. My personal favorites are the Super Fruits Night Balm for intense moisture, and the Argan Oil Moisturizer, which has an SPF 30 and is non-greasy, so it blends well for all-day-wear. The entire 100% Pure brand is GMO-free and vegan, with packaging made from recycled paper, glass, and plastic. They are also philanthropically involved, supporting organizations like PETA and the American Red Cross. And this Earth Day, they donated 100% of their proceeds to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

More info: 100percentPure.com

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NON-GREASY SPOONS

In the pilot episode of HBO's 'VEEP', vice-president Selina Meyers (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) tries to push her Clean Jobs Commission by introducing Washington to eco-friendly cutlery, explaining, 'If I can get cornstarch utensils in most federal buildings by the fall, then the VEEP has landed.'

However, as Selena soon learns, cornstarch softens in hot liquids. But while plant-starch kitchenware might be a trendy, well-intentioned invention, melting under pressure may be the least of its problems -- according to some experts, so-called "compostable" utensils can take years to actually break down, which can make them as harmful to the environment as plastic. So what's a tree-hugging hostess-with-the-mostess to do? Luckily, there are other sustainable options on the market that will keep your party guests, AND Mother Earth, in a very good mood.

Whole Leaf Co.makes bowls, plates, and platters out of leaves from acrea palm trees in India. The process involves gathering leaves that have already fallen to the ground, cleaning them with spring water, and using heat to mold them into shape. Whole Leaf employs local workers to create their dishes, which helps the poverty-stricken local economy as well as the environment.

Wasara's disposable tableware is so minimalist and beautiful in its design, that it's almost sad that the pieces can only be used once. On the brighter side -- they are genuinely compostable, made of "tree-free renewable materials" like bamboo, reed pulp, and sugar cane. Thin and elegant, but deceptively sturdy, they'll add a modernist touch to any dinner party.

For those looking to be even more waste-free, why not eat your utensils? Bakey's offers a selection of spoons that act as a side dish to the main course. Molded from a secret recipe of flour and water, they come in three different flavors -- Sweet, Savory, and Plain -- and are 100% vegan. If the taste isn't for you, you can just toss them outside -- they'll break down in less than three days (that is, if stray animals and insects don't get to them first).

Top image via HBO

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GOODY TWO SHOES

I've been a fan of Matt & Nat ever since I discovered their line of vegan handbags several years ago. So I was beyond excited when they launched their very first footwear collection last month!

And just as you would expect, their shoes are as stylish and beautifully-made as their bags, which is a godsend since so many vegan shoes look and feel cheap. The silver wing-tip Atwaters are so on-trend right now and the Verdun flatforms are a smart option if you're on your feet all day but don't want to wear sneakers. My favorites, though, are Namur sandals; with their minimal design and multi-wrap ankle straps, they'll fit right into my summer wardrobe. Prices range from $80 to $115, so they won't break the bank either.

Like their bags, Matt & Nat (the name short for 'Materials' and 'Nature') shoes are completely vegan and created with sustainability in mind. Footwear uppers are rendered in eco-friendly polyurethane (PU) with soles in recycled rubber. They're manufactured in small Chinese factories which are certified SA800 (meaning they follow high quality standards for workplace conditions and worker rights). Matt & Nat are always on the cutting-edge of ethical fashion, constantly on the search for the most innovative materials that are the least harmful to the environment.

MORE INFO: MattandNat.com

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GARDEIN VARIETY

Fast food doesn't have to mean junk food -- that was Yves Potvin's goal when he got into the food business over three decades ago.

During a cross-country bicycle trek from Montreal to British Columbia (a 3,400 mile journey that took 4 months to complete), Potvin realized there just weren't a lot of options for people who wanted to eat healthy but needed convenience. While studying Asian cooking in Vancouver, he began experimenting with soy and tofu , working on a formula for meat-free hot dogs. It took several months of trial-and-error, but he eventually perfected what could be considered the very first veggie dog. With this product, he launched his first brand, Yves Fine Food, in 1985.

Potvin eventually sold YFF, but he didn't leave the industry. Instead, he began creating vegan products that went beyond sausages and lunch meat. And in 2003, came Gardein (garden + protein) , a range of bar food staples that are made with vegetables instead of meat. Think chicken fingers, sliders, crab cakes, and burgers that are extremely convincing in their texture as well as their taste. At home, our current favorite is the Chick'n Sliders which are so good (and look like they came from a restaurant). They're really easy to prepare -- about 15 minutes in the oven -- and make a hearty, healthy meal topped with lettuce, tomato, and creamy, dairy-free aioli sauce.

MORE INFO: Gardein.com

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CH-CH-CH-CHIA

For far too long, chia seeds were more famous for their ability to sprout 'fur' on sheep-shaped pottery than for their healthful benefits. Luckily, though, the current clean eating movement has turned scores of new people onto this nutrient-rich superfood. What exactly are chia seeds, though?

They come from the Salvia hispanica, a plant that is native to the deserts of Mexico. Rich in carbohydrates and protein, warriors of the Mayan and Aztec civilations would eat them as an energy source while in the midst of battle. The itty bitty black and white seeds are also loaded with 11g fiber, 28g of calcium (that's more than milk!), and 5g mega-3 fatty acids per 1 ounce serving. Chia's anti-oxidant content is on par with blueberries.

SOULFUL LITTLE SEEDS

With all of that power packed into such a small portion, it makes sense to add chia seeds to your diet. Their taste is fairly light, sort of a cross between poppy and sesame seeds. When dry, they add a pleasant crunch to salads, sandwiches, and coconut yogurt. When they get wet, the seeds swell up similarly to tapioca, which is why they are often used in vegan/ gluten-free puddings. In fact, they're one of the key ingredients in one of very favorite recipes, Soulful Strawberry Chia Custard, which not only makes a well-rounded breakfast, but is so rich and delicious that it can also be served as dessert.

Photo via Nutiva

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SIMPLY MAD

I first noticed Mad Hippie on Pinterest after spotting the super adorable illustrations on their boxes and bottles. But don't let the cute packaging fool you -- Mad Hippie is anything but dippy when it comes to skincare.

Founders Dana and Sam Stewart started the company in 2009 after finding a gap in the market for chemical-free beauty products that help repair and prevent sun damage. The duo -- former surfers who currently reside in Portland, Oregon -- worked with a pharmacologist friend who helped develop all-natural creams and serums that are rich in all the right vitamins to improve skin and fight signs of aging.

SURF'S UP

Originally, the Stewarts created Mad Hippie for their brothers and sisters in the surfer community. But they soon realized that annoying hyper-pigmentation and fine lines weren't just beach bum problems. So, they broadened their horizons with the aim of helping people who lived both on and off the beach. The most well-known Mad Hippie potion is the Vitamin C serum, said to brighten the complexion while "reducing the effects of photoaging". The Face Cream boosts the production of collagen using ingredients like acai berry and coconut oil, while the Facial SPF contains avocado oil to hydrate and works in tandem with zinc oxide, which protects from the sun. All Mad Hippie products are free of paraben, sulfates, and petrochemicals and are completely cruelty-free. And that cute packaging? The airless pumps are 100% recyclable and the soy-based inks are environmentally sound.

MORE INFO: MadHippie.com

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RECIPE ROUND-UP -- NUTRITIONAL YEAST

I've talked before about the magic of nutritional yeast -- it's a seasoning that every vegan needs to have in her kitchen.

Also known as nooch, just sprinkle it onto popcorn or roasted veggies to add a cheesy, nutty flavor that is completely dairy-free. You can also use it to make vegan 'parmesan cheese' by grinding it in a food processor with almonds and cashews. Unlike baker's yeast, nutritional yeast has been pasteurized so it doesn't rise, but it retains all of its healthy benefits -- it's packed with nutrients like zinc, protein, B12, and folic acid. Nutritional yeast also weighs in at only 20 calories per tablespoon, so it's much lighter than real cheese, not to mention free of gluten and sodium.

But using those bright yellow flakes as a dry topping is just one way to incorporate nutritional yeast into your diet. It makes an incredible cheese substitute in many hot dishes that are traditionally prepared with the real thing. No longer are classics like macaroni and cheese or potatoes au gratin off limits to vegans! But transforming cheese-based recipes into non-dairy meals is not easy for those new to nutritional yeast since it takes lots of trial and error to get the proportions just right. Instead, get to know nooch with these vegan versions of cheesy classics and then you can start experimenting on your own.

Mac & Cheese (via The Glowing Fridge)

Potatoes Au Gratin (via Raley’s)

Caesar Salad (via Platings and Pairings)

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole (via Connoisseurus Veg) 

Fettuccine Alfredo (via Lands & Flavors)

(Top image via Lands & Flavors)

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BACK EAST

Influenced by the beauty, nature, and traditions of her home country India, New York-based designer Kopal joined the 'slow fashion' movement with her eponymous lifestyle brand in 2013.

Starting with a minimal range of tunics and scarves in shades of indigo, white, and pink, Kopal's selection has grown considerably over past three years, but her mission remains the same -- to create luxury wares that mesh old world craftsmanship with modern day style. Garments are sustainably-produced in India using locally-grown cotton and naturally occurring dyes. And for the second year in a row, Kopal has teamed up with SEWA, a non-profit group that acts as a matchmaker between India's women artisans and gratifying, fair wage work.

A TOUCH OF COTTON

Kopal's spring-summer 2016 collection is the designer's best to date. Rendered in hand-spun khadi cotton, it features prints and fabrics inspired by antique Japanese ceramics, kimonos, and textiles. Details are delicate and lovingly executed, from the embroidery on a smock dress to the tiny tassels that hang at the end of a drawstring. The Gudi Romper (pictured) is a favorite -- just throw on a pair of sandals and go. Silhouettes are easy to wear and gossamer-light (you'll stay cool on even the hottest of summer days) and pieces transition effortlessly from an afternoon at the beach to margaritas at sunset. And with the weather around here already showing signs of spring (and summer!), Kopal feels so right, right now.

SHOP: KopalNY.com

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STRAIGHT FROM THE VINE

What makes a vegan wine vegan? You'd think that wine was naturally animal-free since it originates from the fermentation, crushing, and pressing of grapes. However, not all wines are created equal.

Part of the vinification process involves clarification to remove unsightly particles from the wine, like yeast, tannins, and pulp. Fining agents are needed to help clear it up to make it clean and transparent (because no one wants a cloudy chardonnay!) Unfortunately, some wineries use fining agents derived from animals -- fish oil, gelatin, and bone marrow are all substances that can be used to clarify. But that is completely unnecessary because animal-friendly substances like limestone and benonite clay can also act as fining agents.

TAKE A CHANCE

Clos LaChance Winery goes even further for their Vegan Vine collection. The Northern Central Coast California company simply allows any unwanted matter to settle on its own, which is then removed through what they call 'sterile filtration.' Additionally, all of Clos LaChance wines are Sustainably Certified, meaning they adhere to a list of guidelines to ensure environmentally sound wine growing practices. The company has also put together a program that educates people about vinification and how vegan wines are made.

If you can't find Vegan Vine at your local wine and spirits store, you can purchase their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay online for a very affordable $18 a bottle.

MORE INFO: TheVeganVine.com

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JUICY FRUITS

When Sophie Milrom was a law student prepping for the bar, she found herself craving sweet snacks to help her through those long hours of studying.

Last-minute trips to the convenience store -- its refrigerators teaming with high carb, high sugar, processed frozen treats -- just left her cold. A yoga and meditation devotee, Milrom craved fresh-pressed juices but their short-shelf life and high price made them inconvenient. After figuring that there were probably others out there just like her, she decided to make the juices herself and freeze them, creating a shelf-stable product that was also cost effective. After mixing up different flavor combinations and testing them out on her friends, in 2014 she launched EatPops, a line of fruity, frozen desserts that are so yummy you won't believe they're good for you.

VEGGIE TALES

EatPops have energetic names like "Activate", "Nourish" and "Cleanse". Each variety is formulated with complementary flavors that are flush with nutrients. For instance, "Restore" combines potassium-rich banana with pineapple (vitamin C) and kale, a bonafide superfood with cancer-fighting enzymes and vitamins like calcium and iron. "Green Detox", with its fruit and veggie blend that includes spinach, apple, ginger, and cayenne -- is a literal juice cleanse on a stick. There are no artificial flavors or colors in any EatPop bars and a box of three runs about $7. You can't get a fresh smoothie for that price!

more info -- Eat-Pops.com

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FREE TO BE

There are lots of fashion brands out there that describe their trendy, non-leather goods as "vegan".

But all too often, attaching the "vegan" label to product has less to do with protecting animals and is more about adding appeal to otherwise cheaply-made, sweatshop goods. But that is not the case for Freedom of Animals. Based out of New York, Freedom is a tightly-edited collection of luxury handbags that are both cruelty-free and eco-friendly. The stylish brand manufactures all of their handbags in sustainably run, American factories which not only reduces their carbon footprint but makes it easier to keep a tight rein on production.

MATERIAL GIRLS

A lot of research went into the materials used in Freedom of Animals bags. Instead of PVC, which can damage the environment, they use high grade, partially-recycled ultra soft polyurethane and vegetable dyes, which create their luxurious colors. Linings are of organic cotton and other textiles created from used plastic bottles. Design-wise, the bags have a modern, minimalist look -- no overtly trendy bells and whistles -- which means they will never look dated (with bags running about $360 a piece, you're going to want them to be a part of your wardrobe forever). Styles include a chic, two-tone flap bag with chain strap and a lavender, faux suede circle bag that is as soft and plush the real thing.

MORE: FreedomofAnimals.com

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COOL BEANS

Red kidney beans are one of the tastiest bites in the legume family and their health benefits are unparalleled, too.

Like most beans, the protein content rivals that of most meats -- 184 grams per cup -- and they rate low on the glycemic index, which is good news for diabetics. If you are watching your weight, add kidney beans to your diet; they are formidable source of soluble fiber which makes you feel fuller, preventing you from overeating. One surprising aspect I recently learned about kidney beans is that they act as an immune-system boosting antioxidant, which can come in handy during cold and flu season.

FIG FOODS

Kidney beans are definitely best when cooked slowly, simmering on the stove all afternoon until they are soft and tender. But if you're craving a burrito or some veggie chili and don't have hours to spare, then Fig Food Co. has a solution for you. They have created pre-packaged Organic Dark Red Kidney Beans that are ready-to-eat right out of the bag. Pop them into the microwave to warm them up or throw them right into your favorite soup or salad. Fig Foods does not add any extra flavorings or salt onto their beans, so they can also be thrown into recipes without worrying about a too-salty taste. This week, I'm going to use them in this amazing-looking Kidney Bean and Cilantro Salad from the "Mediterranean Dish" blog, which I am also make even better by using all organic ingredients.

More info: FigFood.com

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THE TIDE IS HIGH

It may be snow-covered outside right now, but it's never too early to start thinking about warmer temps!

So whether you're escaping the chill for a tropical getaway or planning your summer vacation, shopping for a beach-friendly wardrobe can take the edge off of those cold-weather blues. One place to get you into a summertime mood is Greenlines. Run by Cohasset, Massachusetts natives Sam and Jerry Delaney, Greenlines is a unisex apparel brand that specializes in colorful activewear for surfers and beach bums.

EASY BEING GREEN

I discovered Greenlines last summer at a little surf shop in Montauk and was immediately won over by their classic surfer style -- jogger-style board shorts, awning-striped trunks, and soft tees that feel like vintage treasures. The clothes are designed not only to look cool but also for durability and comfort for all-day wear (no chaffing or ill-fits). Committed to environmental friendliness, the Delaney brothers only use organic cotton, water-based dyes, and recycled polyester for Greenlines garments. Additionally, the company (which now resides in Atlantic Highlands, NJ) donates a portion of their profits to clean beach initiatives like the Surfrider Foundation and the Oceans Plastic Challenge. They're also advocates of safe-water practices, providing swim shorts to lifeguards and lifeguard training camps along both American coastlines.

Shop online at Greenlines.com

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CHOW DOWN

Gluten-free baking can be a difficult endeavor, especially if you're a newbie to the gluten-free lifestyle. All it takes is for one messy afternoon in the kitchen to learn that there is more to it than just substituting wheat-based flour with a gf version.

Frustration can take over and it might be tempting to give in and buy pre-packaged, gluten-free treats. But let's be honest -- nothing beats the taste and smell of warm baked goods fresh from the oven. That is why I love Wholesome Chow. The six-year-old Los Osos, Cali-based brand has an entire line of mixes that take the guesswork out of gluten-free baking.

SO SIMPLE

Wholesome Chow products are organic, allergen-free, vegan -- instead of wheat, they use rice flour and potato and tapiaco starches. All of their goodies are so easy to make, too. For instance, take the Lemon Poppy Muffin Mix. Just pour the contents of the bag into a bowl and blend in oil (like coconut, vegetable, or canola), lemon juice, and your favorite soy milk. Pour the mixture into a muffin pan, pop in the oven, and you're done! You can even tweak the flavor to your liking by shaving in some extra lemon zest or a bit of vanilla bean. The muffins bake up moist and fluffy -- enjoy with a cup of hot Dandy Blend tea for the perfect pairing on a cold, winter morning. Wholesome Chow's baking line spans 19 varieties, including mixes for brownies, scones, and cakes (there's one for a lavender flavored cake which I can't wait to try out) . The price is right too! Mixes run about $6 a piece, which is a small price to pay for oven-fresh gluten-free treats.

More info: WholesomeChow.com

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GROWING SPROUTS

I love alfalfa sprouts. Besides the light crunchy texture they add to many dishes, they contain a high dose of vitamin C, are rich in canavanine (a cancer fighting enzyme), and help to lower cholesterol.

I toss them into salads, sprinkle them atop pasta, and pile them onto sandwiches with tomato and avocado. Like any other herb, bean, or veggie, alfalfa sprouts taste best when fresh. Unfortunately, they can spoil pretty quickly (within just a few days). So, buying them prepackaged at the market can be a hit-or-miss situation since you don't know how long they've been sitting around (there was even an alfalfa sprout recall in 2014 when they were linked to an E. coli outbreak). That is why I grow my own sprouts at home. It may seem like an intimidating process, but it's actually quite easy and very gratifying to watch them bloom before your eyes (this also makes it a fun activity for kids). It does take some time and patience though.

Aside from the actual alfalfa seeds, all you really need is a sprouting jar -- a glass container with a mesh lid that allows you to drain water during the sprouting process. I use this one from Now Foods because I love its sleek, modern design that looks stylish on the counter as the seeds germinate. If you don't have a sprouting jar, you can substitute it with any glass jar and a small piece of cheesecloth rubber banded to the opening.

1. Place roughly two tablespoons of alfalfa seeds into the jar.

2. Pour in enough water to cover the seeds plus an additional few inches to ensure full immersion.

3. Let the seeds soak overnight.

4. Drain the seeds in the morning by pouring the water out through the lid. Rinse them one more time with fresh water and drain a second time.

5. Rinse and drain the seeds once again in the evening.

6. For the next few days, continue this rinse and drain process once in the morning and once at night. The seeds will start budding in 24-48 hours and will be fully sprouted in about 4 days. But timing varies, so keep an eye on them.

7. Once the sprouts are done growing, you can eat them immediately or store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Image via SunnyCreekFarm.com

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RECIPE ROUND-UP - SWEET THINGS

Nothing brings out my inner baker quite like the holidays. The process of gathering all of the ingredients and then mixing, pouring, and waiting for the confections to emerge from the oven (all while filling the house with the warm, sweet scent of the season) always puts me into a festive mood.

And while I do have a few favorite recipes that I whip up every year, I also try to find some new and interesting desserts to try out. Just a quick search around the Pinterest yielded so many picture-perfect cakes, cookies, and puddings that it was hard to choose which ones to put on my 'To-Do' list. But I managed! This selection here is not only completely vegan and dairy-free, but they all look so gorgeous, you think twice about taking a bite (but not quite...if you like what you see, you can always snap a photo first!)

Chocolate Mint Cake | Coconut Tapioca Pudding

Snowball Cookies | Candy Cane Cupcakes

Hazelnut Cake | Chocolate Mousse Cups

Sugar Cookies | Cake Donut Mini Muffins

Carrot Cake | Red Velvet Cupcakes  

Top photo from YummyMummyKitchen.com