Listening to an older episode of the Our Hen House podcast, circa December (so last year), Jasmin and Mariann were talking about how they think it’s okay for non-religious people to take part in religious holidays.

*Pheww* I’m not alone. I’m not really religious. It obviously hasn’t affected my moral campus. I tend to go with a “do as little harm as possible” doctrine.

It’s the not being alone part that I think ties people to holidays. I grew up searching for decorated eggs, getting my frills dirty on the green spring grass. Waking up to a big basket of candy was tops, with all that plastic faux grass. What any of that has to do with the Catholic reason for Easter, umm. Lots of fond memories, though.

Whether you’re religious, like me and not-so-much-but-still-enjoy-the-bonding-aspect, or totally anti-Easter, check out Vegan Cuts Easter Gift Guide. A number of the coupons are for candy but one is for Vegan Essentials, so you can save on, well, your vegan essentials.

“Unless otherwise noted, all codes expire on April 10….“

The Valentine’s Vegan Shop Up at Pine Box Rock Shop yesterday was a zoo…in the best way possible. Shout out to the organizer(s) for a great time.

Grabbed a new lip balm, some vegan queso, sampled some Heat Sweets, then settled at the bar for a Caribbean Jerk Empanada and a cider.

A nice close to the weekend.

A Scent of Scandal is a Los Angeles-based company powered by siblings Ari Solomon and Heather Brancaccio. A VegNews Magazine VegPick for Best New Vegan Product (Winter 2008), this duo and their line of candles are burning up.

Their hand-poured candles are made of 100% soy wax. Ranging from spicy to fruity, there’s a scent for everyone. “100% vegan with an attitude,” each fragrance has a fittingly suggestive name, including Good In Bed, DILF, and D-Cups.

The company is offering three unique varieties for Valentine’s: Me So Thorny (Rose), Sext Me (Blackberry), and Lick Me (blend of Cherry, Strawberry and Apple)…mmm, yes, please…I mean, they sound like they would smell really good.

Each 8oz candle tin, with a burn time of 30-35 hours, is $15. You can also grab up all three for $35.

Make sure to peek at all their goodies; they’re not shy. If you’re into earthy scents, get Down Under (eucalyptus leaves with a hint of lime); floral, go for the Walk of Shame (with top notes of nectarine and water lily); fruity, have your way with 8 Inches (banana with hints of vanilla and cream); or sweet, splurge on a Hot Mama (cinnamon and nutmeg).

The company offers free shipping on orders of six candles or more with the coupon code BIGSPENDER at checkout (not applicable with other promotional codes or offers). Purchase online or find a retailer near you.

This Valentine’s, set the mood with A Scent of Scandal.

Keep up with A Scent of Scandal, if you have the stamina, by liking them on Facebook.

Open until Dec 24th, the pop up shops in Bryant Park offer some great veg*n friendly, eco, or artsy booths. You can even skate at the Citi Bank rink.

Open until 4pm on Dec 24th, Christmas Eve, the pop up shops in Union Square Park offer a little for everyone. Here are some veg*n friendly, eco, or just plain awesome booths.

If you grabbed someone a “Tea Rex” be sure to grab them some loose tea!

The Brooklyn Salsa Company is tasty! Salsa is great for parties and makes a great low calorie salad topping. Not in NYC? Check your local Whole Foods or order online.

Remember: Closes around 4pm on Christmas Eve!

Sigmund’s offers some vegan pretzels, including Cinnamon Raisin. Just ask.

The Secret Life of Toys! My favorite is the action figure Darth Vader patting the Lego D.V. on the helmet: “I’m Your Father.” LOL!

Eye Think (#40). Oh how I wished they’d had a bowling one. Ha!

Meet the Critters of kudu lah at booth #8 or online! I heart Gnaw.

Love this punk rocker baby!

Engage Green

Handmade figurines made from tagua nut (aka Vegetable Ivory!).

Raaka Chocolate: vegan, nut-free, gluten-free!

Marty Stuff

Mayan Dreams Imports (#3). The kitties are adorable.

If you have a beer enthusiast on your list, stop by Brooklyn Brew Shop. Just beware the $12 postcards…J/K…they’re free to take.

Today is the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday. Stores offer sales in an effort to encourage consumers to buy earlier and buy more. There are small movements against the day of spending, encouraging a day free of purchases.

If you eventually decide, yeah, you do need to buy presents, here are some veg*n friendly ideas.

For all:

• Vegan Cuts Holiday Shopping Guide: make this your first stop. I saw this first on Vive Le Vegan. This guide has various sections, including coupons, gifts ideas for men, and recipes. Most of the coupon codes, including one for Vegan Essentials, are good through Christmas!
• Converse: An old-school favorite, the shoe company is offering 20% on select styles through 11/27/2011. While All-Stars tend to be a vegan shoe, the company is not vegan itself; so be mindful while selecting.

For ladies:

• Priti: This brand is my favorite vegan nail polish. It’s glossy and long-lasting…but it’s not the cheapest. So the company has some kits that give you a little extra.
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: Offering three box set (2 for lips and 1 for eyes), this would be for the makeup lover in your life.

For office gifting and stocking stuffers:

Sephora: Isn’t exactly a mecca for veg*n friendly cosmetics and bath. There are several brands worth mentioning, though. Buy on their sites, or if you’re already at the mall, you can tie up some loose ends in one go.

• Last year, the powerhouse owners of Sephora, LVMH, scooped up a large stake in The Body Shop; nearly every product from TBS is vegan-friendly. The company still offers better deals in store or via their website, but if you’re already standing in a Sephora line, it’s at least a safe bet.
• Urban Decay slaps little paw prints on the display for all their vegan products. However, steer clear of their gift sets; they can’t seem to make one that’s all vegan.
• For men, Jack Black offers an array of shaving and skincare products that are vegan; if you decide to buy in store, first go to the site and search ‘vegan’ to get an idea of what’s available.
• Korres: For all bath and skincare products that are vegan or vegetarian, you’ll see it clearly printed on the packaging; they haven’t added this label to their color products yet, but they provide a list of vegan products. Now through 11/27/2011, the company is offering 20% off online purchases with code FF2011. My favorite holiday gift set is their Guava set for $32, which includes full size bottles of body wash and moisturizer…and their super hydrating lip butter.
• Pacifica: 100% vegan, these sets make for great small gifts or breaking them out and making up little goodie bags.