ColumnJust a few unusual uses for kale.

Right outside my window hang two pots of kale.

Kale. You may have heard of it. It’s a leafy green that trendy people are eating in New York City social circles apparently. And putting in smoothies. Yeah, that thing. Some are even calling it “the new beef.”

I even have a few plants growing off of the window guard rail. Sometimes a pigeon flies up and tries …

The sustainable fashion industry is catering to the growing trend for unique eco wedding dress options as brides recognize the environmental impact of the choices they make on their big day.

It’s all about the dress. The wedding industry knows it’s the focus of every wedding day, and the lethal dose of catnip to every pre-bridezilla.

Like the fashion industry, the bridal business is sophisticated and fast-moving, its microtrends reflect the zeitgeist and are available for every budget. But for every Great Gatsby or Downton Abbey-inspired gown you spot during this …

Coleslaw is a side dish staple at backyard barbecues and picnics. But, despite its vegetable base, the summer salad is weighed down by egg and oil-packed mayonnaise. Enter vegan coleslaw.

That’s where Vegenaise — vegan “mayo” — comes in handy. Vegenaise is egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO, making it better for the animals and your health. With the carrots, cabbage, onion, fragrant spices, and touch of sweetness from the maple syrup, this vegan coleslaw recipe is absolutely wholesome and is nothing short of a fantastic, crave-worthy coleslaw. Whether …

Is upping the intelligence of your home appliances worth the stress on your bank account? Ecosalon investigates smart appliances to help you decide.

According to a 2012 poll from Pike Research, worldwide sales of smart appliances will reach 45 million by the end of the decade. Since most of us have kicked, dropped, or wanted to hurl an appliance out the window at least once in our lives, you might be wondering what makes tomorrow’s devices so smart.

Let’s start with something familiar. What makes your phone a …

Sleep well in cute sustainable cotton sleepwear by Australian label ALAS, now available in the U.S.

Aside from sleeping in the buff, stylish organic cotton sleepwear is the next best thing.  We’ve been smitten with the cute pieces by Australian sleepwear label ALAS (which stands for All Light All Shadow) for a long time, and were thrilled to hear that selected pieces are now available …

 No need to book an expensive jaunt to a chic spa to enjoy the benefits of face and body treatments. You can make the perfect spa day at home with some planning and a few pantry items you probably already have on hand.

Prepare your (and your friends’) skin and hair for the coming summer months by hosting a spa day at home for the gals (guys welcome too!). This guide will help you get started.

1. Ambiance

Pick a room or outdoor area in or around the …

This is the doughnuts recipe that made Mani’s Bakery famous.

Fauxnuts were the answer to a cry for help when Danny DeVito was filming Other People’s Money. His character was addicted to doughnuts, but in real life, the actor did not eat sugar or fried foods. I whipped up a batch of agave syrup–sweetened banana batter, baked it in mini Bundt molds, and rolled the mini “cakes” in a variety of doughnut-style toppings. Dubbed fauxnuts by my dear friend Mary Coller, this doughnuts recipe was such a hit with Danny and …

Few foods are as healthy and versatile to eat than beans. But in the heat of summer? Cool off and power up with these summer vegetarian bean recipes and ideas.

For vegans and vegetarians, they’re indispensable. Beans pack a punch of protein and fiber as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. They’re full of flavor, versatility and let’s not forget, way cheaper than a steak.

We often think of beans as stewed up in a chili or another heavy, wintery dish—not exactly the best summertime eats. But there are countless …