World Go Vegan Week is upon us (October 24th through 31st)! A celebration of compassion for animals and the environment, this is the week to go big by starting super small. And how, you might ask. Two words: Vegan Pizza. 

Once upon a time, there was a little girl whose parents wouldn’t let her go trick-or-treating on Halloween. While all the other kids in the neighborhood were out filling their plastic jack-o-lanterns full of candy corn, chocolate bars and ghost-shaped taffy, this little girl was sequestered indoors where she and her sister read pamphlets on razor blades hidden inside of apples.

Taking a cue from vintage style, the shabby chic look lets the age and imperfections of furniture shine in all its worn glory. Instead of fretting over a nick in the leg of a chair or the faded paint on a dresser, the point of this decorating look is for furniture to show off a little wear and tear.

You’ve probably seen elements of this trendy style in stores—vintage-inspired bedspreads, purposely scruff-ified new furniture, retro-patterned dishes. But why buy new when you can find or create the real deal for yourself? With a little know-how, giving your duds the shabby chic look will craft furniture with faded finesse, not outdated style. Find out how.

It’s nearing the end of October, and even in Los Angeles the nights have begun to get quite nippy. Without even realizing it, we’re switching on the heat to stay cozy when the temps dip down. But you don’t have to wait until winter’s first snow to think about keeping warm inside. Here are five great ways to keep warm right now, as well as save on energy and heating bills. Bonus: If you start these projects now, you’ll be fully ready to face winter’s cold nip in a few months.

Honey bees are incredible animals. Their biology sounds like something out of a Cronenberg film: A single queen bee watches over her hive of thousands, while the female worker bees are all born into specific roles—maid, grocer, farmer, guard, nanny, chef, carpenter—and the “drone” males will simply mate with the queen and die. They communicate to eachother by dancing, and they travel the distance around the world threefold as a hive. The life of the honey bees sounds like science fiction, and they deserve far more awe and recognition than we give them. But as a recent documentary, Vanishing of the Bees, points out, the life of the honey bees may be coming to a close, as they are disappearing in a global endemic called colony collapse disorder.

It may sound like a hoax, but it’s true: Recent studies show that a modified form of ecstasy kills 100% of blood cancer cells. While patient application is still a long way away, in test tube studies, the modified ecstasy killed all of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma cells (as reported by the BBC).

Your doctor probably won’t be telling you to take two hits of ecstasy anytime soon, but this exciting discovery gives hope to those suffering with blood cancers and calls into question once again our country’s perilous relationship with drugs and the true reasoning behind the ongoing War on Drugs.

People’s Wine Market does an exceptional job of bringing artisan wines to wine lovers. This awesome wine company that began operating just recently has already seen a great amount of success. We recently interviewed Ashley Sytsma, People’s Wine Market owner/wine lover, and found out how she and Ryan Sytsma, fellow Wine Market owner, met and created their small, family-owned wine shop.

As the saying goes, when in Russia, do as the Russians (or something like that). While Toronto may not be Russia, while visiting a Russian vodka bar in the East End, I asked the bartendress to suggest a drink. She asked what my normal order was. I responded Ketel One with club soda and lime, to which she retorted, "Then you're not really tasting vodka." Fair enough. She wasn't being facetious, but factual. I nodded my head; she put a finger to her lip before replying, "Zubrówka," Polish bison grass vodka. When in Russia, do as the Poles, obviously.

When I thumb through my cooking magazines and cookbooks, I longingly gaze at gorgeous foodie photos and begin to fantasize. I imagine what I’ll cook next with this season’s inspired ingredients, where I’ll shop, who I’ll share the food with and the wine I’ll pair with dinner. So, when a friend introduced me to Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan’s latest cookbook, Good food To Share: recipes for entertaining with family and friends, I was hooked. 

Pink - it's all we're seeing this month. From pink ribbons to pink packaging, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is loud and proud, as it should be. We're all for bringing attention to this very widespread disease, but the last time we walked through the cosmetics aisle, we couldn't help but notice a little something called pinkwashing. We think that companies who tout themselves as supporting the cause should do so with their products, too - not simply their marketing strategy.

The popularity of both artisinal breweries and proper mixology bars continues to rise, and at the convergence of these two beverage trends you will find the resurgence of the beer cocktail.

Cheap and easy to make, these light cocktails are a hit any time of year. The idea of a beer cocktail might strike you as odd in the beginning, but after tasting these fruity, fun beverages you will be asking for more – and maybe even dreaming up your own recipes in the process!

"Eat Organic!" It's the mantra of those seeking alternatives to the commercially-grown, genetically-modified and pesticide-sprayed crops dominating the U.S. food supply. Not only is it almost impossible to completely avoid eating non-organic foods, but pesticides and herbicides are so widely used that they're now found in the air and water—and in virtually every human on earth. And although it seems like avoiding them may be impossible, reducing our exposure reduces our risk of some serious health problems. Do you know what it is you're avoiding and why?

Finding healthy foods for yourself and your family can easily turn into a full-time job, as grocery shopping and cooking can take hours out of your week. Having staples to stock in the kitchen is a great way to save time, but unfortunately some favorites aren't as good for you as they seem. Check out the ingredient lists and you'll be shocked to discover that many products labeled as "healthy," "natural" and "pure" contain sugar. Here are seven savory foods that sneak in unnecessary sweetness.

Around the world, vines are veritably dripping with grapes. It's harvest season, and that means it's the best time for you to get a little closer to your Cabernet. Ever wonder how wine is made? Ready to do a little tasting with your friends? Daring enough to try a grape stomp? Visit your local winery to learn by doing.

The healthiest of health nuts love Halloween candy. It's fun and conjures thoughts of childhood, crazy costumes and pumpkin carving. All those warm and fuzzies fly out the window once you read almost any traditional candy's nutritional label, though. Hydrogenated fats? Check. High fructose corn syrup? Check. Not all Halloween candy packs an unhealthy punch, though. The following natural candy distributors carry healthy Halloween candy ideal for trick-or-treaters (or you, for that matter!).