by Nik Tyler
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I recently visited my hometown, NYC, to attend a special presentation of Bold Native , a rad feature film I’m in about the Animal Liberation Front & The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. The screening was hosted by the incomparable Russell Simmons, who gave a very eloquent introduction before the movie began. The sold out audience was filled with remarkable activists, actors, artists, musicians, friends and fam; it was an inspiring room of truth seekers!
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A few days prior to the premiere, I met up with my friend, Andy, at Atlas Cafe, and was introduced to the lovely eco-vegan fashion designer, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart. Leanne is the founder of Vaute Couture , and was named 1 of 7 Best Emerging Green Designers of 2009 by Ecouterre. Her fashion line is the ultimate gear for ethical guys and gals; high-style, chic, sexy, comfortable, eco, “upcycled” and drumroll, please…. 100% cruelty-free, with no animal derived materials!
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Vaute Pop-up Shop- Tea & Cupcakes at A. Muse Gallery
614 Alabama Street, San Francisco.
You can make your reservation by emailing Leanne@VauteCouture.com, and find more details here.
I’ve been a fan of Mauk Family Farms products for a while now. This company makes some really delectable Flax Seed crackers (my favorite flavor is “Garlic Onion”) as well as two other great products called “Wheat Free Crusts” (brown and golden flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, celery seed, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, parsley, sea salt & water) & “Breakfast Crusts” (pumpkin seeds, black/white sesame seed,golden flax seed, garlic, onion, dulse flakes & sea salt). They have no grain or gluten and are rich in Copper, Magnesium & essential fatty acids. These crusts are totally addictive and perfect on their own… or try one of my favorite combo’s and  spread on some creamy coconut oil and you’ll be in total ecstasy!!
In addition to their delicious crackers, 2 Moms also sell raw Granola which rocks! Not your typical granola, a little more chunky, you can break it into little pieces and eat it like a breakfast bar. The two flavors I’ve tried, Blueberry & (Gluten-free) Gojiberry are free of refined sugars (substitute Agave) and instead are jam-packed with a ton of healthy ingredients (buckwheat, coconut, a plethora of seeds/nuts and more!!), all of which have been soaked & sprouted to perfection; chewy, crunchy, semi-sweet and utterly delicious, countless textures and flavors awaken your taste-buds and take em’ on one helluva’ wild joy-ride!
gourmet pre-packaged snack line has an array of delicious cookies, chips & granola! One of my favorites is the “Salt & Pepper Crawkers”; made from an array of delicious veggies (kale, celery, parsley, carrots, to name a few), walnuts, flaxseeds, rosemary & garlic. These crunchy and peppery delights are just as addictive as potato chips, but they’re a healthy version! Plus, all of Kookie Karma’s products are free of most common food allergens (gluten, corn, soy, dairy, baking soda/powder, sulfites, preservatives, sugar & wheat). I also dig Kookie Karma’s cookies; their “Raw Banana Bread” is like a slice of banana bread in cookie form; light, moist & subtly sweet, it’s the perfect delicious treat! There are also 7 other flavors: “Cherry Cashew”, “Raw Lemon Fig”, “Holistic Chocolate Chip”, “Holistic Carob Chip” (with a hint of coconut) and “Holistic Choco Lot”, all of which create an awesome roller coaster ride for your tastes buds!! So, I guess it’s obvious that I am a big fan of Juli’s company and I believe that whatever you are doing right now, it would be better if you had a Kookie Karma snack there with you; so don’t waste any time, check out Juli’s terrific site: 
I am obsessed with Lydia’s Organics raw products, especially her “Green Crackers” made of sprouted sunflower seeds, sprouted flax, collards, celery, kale, spinach, garlic, onions, 8 other veggies & Himalayan crystal salt. I also dig her “Sunflower Bread” which is a combination of sprouted sunflower seeds, sprouted flax, carrots, celery, parsley, basil, dulse, herbs & Himalayan crystal salt. Both these crackers have a unique and satisfying taste and texture that makes it hard to put the bag down before it’s empty! Try adding some Coconut oil on top, and you’ve got an extraordinary raw, vegan dessert that is nutritious and delicious! You can find Lydia’s amazing organic raw creations at several stores across the country (Whole Foods & Co Op’s for sure!) or you can shop directly on Lydia’s site: 
