Small Business Saturday - Jamberry Nails.....

 

 

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses both in my local community and all over the UK. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me hand over to Saralyn, consultant for Jamberry Nails -

 

In 2010, a slow and expensive visit to a nail salon sparked the idea for sisters Lyndsey, Christy, and Keri to create a line of do-it-yourself nail wraps. Today, Jamberry is bringing you their creation: one-of-a-kind nail wraps that truly represent your signature style!

Jamberry nail wraps are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes. With over 300 nail wraps in an incredible variety of designs, you can customize, pair, and layer Jamberry nail wraps to create a look that’s all your own—all from the comfort of your home.Nail wraps are thin vinyl sheets that are pressure and heat activated to adhere to your nail for a long lasting and beautiful look. They are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes! Jamberry nail wraps are a one-of-a kind way to express your unique style! Plus, through innovative technology our nail wraps are:

• Non-toxic

• 5-Free (Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor) & SFV

• Easy to apply at-home

• Requires ZERO dry time

• Durable for long-lasting wear without chipping, peeling or fading

 

For further details please contact Saralyn – saralynsoto.jamberry.com/

Exciting News & Essential Oils.......

What started off as ordinary day quickly turned into a pretty amazing one when I opened an email from one of my favourite companies – Essential Oils. They kindly wrote to tell me that they loved my profile on InstaGram and thought it would be a great idea to run a collaboration with little old me via my blog! Excited was an understatement. I love Essential Oils for many reasons but to name a few they are -

• Vegan
• Cruelty Free
• Gluten Free
• Natural
• Ethically Sourced
• Organic

They told me they’ve recently launched a new range of 100% certified organic essential oils, which is very rare in the global market. So many things can be made from them such as scented candles, body scrubs, lip balms, body lotions, soaps and so on, all natural and organic. They also love to focus on EDUCATION and spreading the awareness of how beneficial organic essential oils are for our overall wellbeing. And we all know how much I love and support education!

To add to the excitement they are growing so fast that they've even recently had the honour to be a sponsor for the business summit and gala ball of the Australian Women's Network alongside names such as BMW Melbourne, Lorna Jane, Bonds, Swarovski and Vodka+ just to name a few.

Then they said the magic words – ‘we would love to send you a few samples to see how you like them’. A few clicks of the mouse, a quick send of an email & a patient wait by the letter box - they arrived!

Essential Oils were very kind and gave me a choice of which samples I would like and which I felt I would get the most from. I choose stress relieving and digestion aid as I felt they were both needed in my life at this time. So let me tell you all about them……

Relieving Stress

What’s in it: Lavender, Fractionated Coconut Oil

How to use it: This is already diluted with organic coconut oil and ready to be applied with the roll on. Best to apply on back of the neck to feel the relaxation.

I used this after a long (standard for me!) day. I had been up at 6am, been to the gym, worked a 9 hour day at work, gone for dinner with the girls then headed home to do a couple of hours uni work so I was very tired and stressed when I sat down with my lovely man to enjoy a film. I ached, couldn’t focus and felt my mind was racing at a million miles per hour. I applied the oils to my neck as advised and waited for them to work their magic, which oh my goodness they did! I could feel the tension ease out of my shoulders and I was able to relax and enjoy the evening. Since trying this de stressing oil it has become an essential part of my bed time routine.

Digestive Aid

What’s in it: Peppermint, Ginger, Rosemary, Fractionated Coconut Oil

How to use it: This is already diluted with organic coconut oil and ready to applied with the roll on. Best applied to stomach area for digestive relief.

I really struggle with my digestion so I was excited to try this oil. I have IBS and a gluten intolerance as well as struggle with anxiety which often makes me feel sick/ my tummy turn all of which have a direct impact on my digestion. I started to use this at the beginning of the day to help set me off for the day ahead, I incorporated a simple stomach massage for a few minutes into my morning routine and have found it really helps set me up for the day ahead. The peppermint and ginger help lift any early morning blues while the rosemary leaves me feeling balanced and calm. Another winner for me.

If you’d like to check out this amazing brand and try some of their fabulous natural products sign up to their mailing list here tiny.cc/register-eog

For further info -  

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/theessentialoilsguide

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/essential_oils_guide

Website:

www.essentialoilsguide.com.au

Vegan Tag Featuring Lisa from Raspberry Ketchup.....

When the beautiful Lisa from www.raspberryketchup.com contacted me and asked if I fancied collaborating with her again I immediately jumped at the chance, after all it is nothing but a privilege to work with such a lovely person who is creative and like minded!  After bouncing some ideas around we decided to challenge each other to a vegan tag, mine can be found on Lisa’s blog and I am excited to have hers here on mine. So grab yourself a cuppa (cake optional but advised!) and enjoy……

So, the other day I was introduced to a friend of a friend who was extremely curious about my veganism, one of her questions was, but what if you do all this and you still get ill or get cancer?

My response:

1. I am not JUST vegan for me. I am vegan for the animals, the planet and those around me because I practice what I preach. I am vegan for my health, but I also love that my money will not be going into industries and companies that exploit, torture, and murder animals. I love that when I cook a meal the majority of the waste biodegrades back into the ground and provides it with nutrients. I love that my carbon footprint is so much lower than someone who buys into the meat or animal products industry.

2. I want to feel as good as I can while I am here. A plant based diet will give you more nutrients and that is a fact and the more vitamins and minerals in your body - the better you will feel. Animal products just aren't good for you anyway so I don't know why people have become so protective of them? Tell me how you feel after cow's milk or a product with it in? Got mucus in your throat? That'll be your bodies defence system because it is made for a baby cow, not you. Are you feeling bloated all the time? Probably because you're putting these alien substances in your system constantly. Feel anxious, depressed and stressed all of the time? Do you think it helps that you eat animals that have cortisol (the stress hormone), epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (another stress hormone) in as they die and you then eat it? I don't think so. The fact of the matter is you probably can't lecture me on a diet I have read so much into. Especially if you have never even given it a go!

3. The Ripple effect. 'Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into the water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects' - Dalai Lama (he is a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to veganism to be fair which is ironic I should use his quote here, but he makes a valid point). Since being vegan, I want to learn all I can about nutrition for when/if I have a child so they can pass it down my family tree. Remember, a seed never gets to see the tree it creates, but it is the start of something amazing. I don't need to feed my ego, I want to be a part of a movement for an ethical world and I want future generations to live healthy and free lives, from all species. If I've been living this diet and know all I need to know about it then I could lead a new human being with absolute confidence.

4. I'm not a pessimist. LOL. If you have ever read a book called 'Mind over medicine' or a similar book then you will know the true benefits of being an optimist. It isn't impossible to change from pessimist to optimist either so I would recommend doing so! I am not going to sit around and live my life thinking there is no point in anything so I won't even bother trying. I won't live my life thinking I will just be ill. I am alive right now and I will make the most of that. I am not easily defeated and know that I am my own authority. I refuse to put my money into industries that truly do not give a fuck if you live, become sick or die. I also know that you create the majority of, it not the entirety of your own reality with your thoughts and I quite frankly love myself too much to giving myself those kinds of thoughts, your thoughts produce your actions, your actions produce your next thoughts and over time they both produce the reality you will live in.

Peace out potatoes xo

 


 


If you want to read more about Lisa and her blog check out her amazing website http://www.raspberryketchup.com/

African Adventures, Cat Worshiping & Not A Camel in Sight.......

I have a little confession to make…. I have totally forgotten how much I love Egyptian food. Which is odd as since returning from my African adventures a year ago now all I have done is think about the amazing foods I ate. During my travels I spent time in various places across Egypt and also Morocco, and being honest, it is the Moroccan food which has stayed with me the most. So when Sunday lunch with the girls came round and an Egyptian restaurant was decided upon I was very excited to get my teeth into every dish on the menu. Egyptian food lends itself to veganism incredibly well. Just ask for no cream or milk to be added and voila! A door of foodie opportunities opens up. Being unable to decide what we wanted we opted to share a large sharing platter made up of 5 dishes plus some olives on the side (which were AMAZING!) These were some of the delicious dishes we tried -

Foul – Mashed fava beans served with salad and pita bread.

Falafel – Deep fried balls of mashed broad beans and/or chickpeas with dill, parsley, garlic, onion and cayenne pepper. Served as a dish or in a sandwich with pita bread

Kosheri – Rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, noodles and fried onion, lovingly topped with spicy tomatoes source..

Hummus – As sold across the world but only better in Egypt. Hummus is a thick, filling dip made from mashed chickpeas, sesame paste, and olive oil. In Egypt a bowl of hummus and pita bread is a meal in itself.

Tabouleh – Quintessential Middle Eastern salad made from chopped parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, spring onions and bulgur wheat

Tahini – Thick, rich, sesame seed paste served with olive oil and pita bread.

Mahshi – Assorted vegetables stuffed with rice.

These are really just a small selection of what’s out there for vegans. Egyptians do a zillion and one things with okra, aubergine, and courgettes most of which involve no meat or dairy products at all. They are super easy / cheaper to recreate at home and minus the oil are extremely healthy. All the vegan foodie delights and no camel spit in sight!

Faking it, Barbie & Cheating the Sun......

With the sun firmly refusing to put his hat on and the summer zooming away at an alarming speed nothing cheers us girls (and some boys!) like a splash of fake tan. Over the years I have used many brands from the cheap to the expensive and everything in-between. While some brands are better than others there is no arguing that prepping is crucial for the ultimate tanning finish. Hair removal should be completed 24 hours before to enable the pores to close. If you're worried about open pores on the face, use a  gentle facial exfoliator that cleans and helps seal the pores. Otherwise apply an ice cold flannel to the face for a few minutes first. A must do tip is to free the skin of any older self tan and the remnants of any oil based products. A hot soak and exfoliation is ideal, then avoid any body moisturiser to keep the skin like a clear canvas, so that the tan can cling evenly. Always clean your teeth before self tanning to avoid water or toothpaste reacting with tan at the side of the mouth. Remember you don't want your tan wet for at least eight hours.

Even if you're super confident applying your own self tan, always apply the same preparation tips, it really makes a difference I promise! Tie your hair back and apply a small amount of barrier cream carefully over the eyebrows (Superdrug do a brilliant SFV one). Blonds and fair heads should also apply a little around the hairline to avoid staining, as white bleach blonde this is an essential step.

The best application is with a mitt however if you are experienced and through use your hands but ensure to wash them well after.

When it comes to keeping the colour looking natural and hydrated, always stick to cool showers and press the skin dry with your towel. Then moisturise generously with an oil free moisturiser. I like the ESPA oil free moisturiser.  

Contouring your tan on the body is a must if you'll be showing arms and shoulders in a strapless dress. An extra layer of product on top of your existing colour should be applied sparingly from the top of the shoulder and dragged under the arms. A trusted mousse from  Superdrugs own range applied with a tanning mitt helps make this easy and effective."

If by any chance there are any unwanted signs of tan - perhaps on the palms, wrists, heals etc - a great tip is to use a little olive oil on a cotton pad. This helps fade down the colour.

But by far my favourite cruelty free vegan fake tan is Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion which gives skin a natural looking even tan. The natural and organic tanning ingredients develops into a sun kissed, streak free, radiant look after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Not only does the self-tanning lotion give a beautiful fake tan, but also contains moisturising and nourishing ingredients of organic macadamia, organic jojoba and organic shea butter to keep skin soft and smooth. Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion can be used on sensitive skin thanks to the calming ingredients of calendula and aloe vera and smells nice too!

House work, rollers, mad mogs & an enforced techo detox..........

On Sunday the seemingly unthinkable happened. Something that had you told me was going to happen, I would have sworn my arms would have fallen off, the world would end and tears would have been inevitable. Yet when this incident happened none of things happened. Not a single one. I truly believe if you listen, the universe tells you all you need to know and this, my friends, I am sure is a sign. Let me set the scene –

On Sunday I was running around doing house work, juggling 3 tasks at once, my hair was setting in rollers, keys between my teeth, trying to film for my new You Tube channel, edit pictures for Instagram and had cats running my ankles meowing like they had never been fed (they had in fact been fed just before) when I dropped my IPhone in the kitchen sink which was full of water, bubbles and dirty pots. In the silence that followed I realised my first thoughts were not of panic and munity as I predicted but of total calm and acceptance. The universe had spoken loudly – I needed to slow down. Admittedly I did go to a local repair shop to try and revive it with no success. It was declared that a smashed screen and water damaged sent my little mate to techo heaven but most importantly it taught me some important lessons (not to just get insurance and ensure you’ve backed everything up!)

1.   Social media is addictive.

Studies show that 63% of people log on to Facebook daily, and 40% log on multiple times each day. People use the site for myriad reasons; however, it usually serves, on some level, the same basic purposes: distraction and boredom relief. “Likes” and comments are positive reinforcement for posting information, making it difficult for a person to stop. Researchers have found this so common that they created a scale to measure this addiction: The Berge Facebook Addiction Scale. Just think of all the productive things you can be doing instead of admiring other people’s lives through a screen!

2.   Social media makes us compare our lives with others’.

Posts on social media many times present an idealized version of what’s happening, what something looks like, or how things are going. This can lead users to constantly compare themselves to others and think less of their own lives. If things are going particularly well for people in your newsfeed and you’re having a rough day, of course this will likely negatively affect your mood. In fact, in 2012 a team of researchers in the UK surveyed users, 53% of whom said social media had changed their behaviour; 51% said it was negative behaviour because of decline in confidence they felt due to unfair comparisons to others.

3.   Social media makes us restless.

Out of the same sample as the above example, two-thirds admitted to having difficultly relaxing when unable to use their social media accounts. For most of my life I have struggled with insomnia yet for the past year I have banned all mobiles / tablets etc from the bedroom and it is no coincidence my sleep has improved dramatically.

4.   Social media gives rise to cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is an enormous concern. An organization that aims for internet safety, called Enough is Enough, conducted a survey that found 33% of people who use social media have been victims of a cyber-bully at some time. This happened to me a few years ago when I was targeted by an ex-boyfriends new girlfriend – she put both myself, my family and friends through hell with her cruel comments, copying, stalking and downright nasty behaviour. The impact on my mental and physical health at the time was extremely detrimental.

5.   Social media can make us unhappy.

A study collected data about Facebook users and how it correlated with their moods. Simply put, they found that the more avid users were overall more unhappy than those who used the site less. Over more time, avid users also reported lower satisfaction in their lives overall.

6.   Social media can lead to fear of missing out, aka FOMO.

Fear of missing out is a phenomenon that occurs when you feel pressure to be doing what everyone else is doing, attend every event, and share every life experience. It can evoke anxiety and cause social media users to question why everyone is “having fun without them.” Surveys have even found that people feel insecure after using Pinterest because they feel that they aren’t crafty or creative enough. Facebook and Twitter can make people feel like they aren’t successful or smart enough which in turn can increase cyber bulling if people become jealous.

7.   Social media often leads to multitasking.

How many tabs do you have open right now? How are you even concentrating on one thing? The thing is, you’re probably not – especially if one of those tabs is a social media site. Research has shown that our brains don’t have the capacity to fully focus our attention on two things at once, and instead multitasking causes our brain to quickly switch from one task to another. This hinders information processing and productivity. Closing out your Twitter feed can seriously help you get some work done. Not multi-tasking can also help to ensure you do not drop your phone in the sink!

 BUUUT…………

Social media isn’t all about selfie-taking narcissists, cyberbullies, and killing productivity. When used in moderation with the right intentions, it really can achieve what it was first set out to do: connect people. Which brings us to…

 Social media enhances our connectivity.

 A paper linking social media usage to the Freudian ideas of the id, ego, and super-ego cites many examples of positive psychological effects of social media. Perhaps one of the most important points is that social media doesn’t necessarily take us out of the real world. It can instead be used to revive and preserve relationships with other people. Even more exciting about this technological world is that there is an incredible number of like-minded people who can connect in just one click. From makeup to travel to veganism to yoga I have had the privilege to connect with some of the most amazing people through social media and continue to do so. With living so far from home and travelling a lot it keeps me in touch with the people I care about the most and more importantly share in the highlights in their lives. But like everything in life there needs to be a balance. So yes I have ordered a new IPhone but for now I am loving the benefits of a full techo detox – thank you universe.

Raw Strawberry Jam (vegan, gluten & sugar free)......................

With the sun finally shining and Wimbledon in full flow it seems totally wrong to not indulge in one of my favourite past times – eating strawberries.  One of my favourite fruits and oh so perfect for nibbling on sunny days. As a little girl we would often go strawberry picking with my friends and family, filling baskets and ours faces as we went. I can still remember the fields near our houses smelling just like strawberry milkshake and the excitement of knowing pudding was going to be amazing that evening! Over the years I have made lots of delicious dishes with strawberries from jam to tarts to topping fresh salads and even trying to make pavlova (which was an epic fail and none will never be as good as my mum’s – she the meringue queen!) and of course Eton Mess. So when a colleague kindly gave me a huge punnet of their home grown strawberries I was delighted to say the least. Hundreds of recipes ran through my head as I debated how to best treat these little beauties. My all-time favourite strawberry treat is without a doubt jam – but is something I rarely eat as the sugar content is scarily high so I decided to attempt a raw jam. Just strawberries, raw ingredients and no sugar. Given that this jam is gluten free, sugar free and totally vegan – I have to say this super food jam hits the spot every time and the best part it is super easy!

Raw Strawberry Jam (makes 2 jars)

•400g strawberries, hulled

•2 tbsp lemon juice

•2 tbsp maple syrup

•2 tbsp chia seeds

How To –

Blend 3/4 fruit and roughly chop the rest. Add the rest of the ingredients mix well and leave for 1 hou r, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Store in a sterilised jar in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Serve a big blob with super power chai bread (http://ohsheglows.com/2013/05/22/super-power-chia-bread-gluten-free/) Enjoy!

Fiscal Fasting - so it begins..........

The first time I considered a month of no spending – otherwise known as a fiscal fast, I thought I was crazy. After all, if I only knew only one thing about myself, it was that I liked to shop. Like many people though I am caught in a pattern of unhealthy spending habits.

 It isn’t that I’m constantly out spending wildly on big designer items, but my little daily habits are draining me. With two crazy cats and a boyfriend who has a bottomless pit of a stomach at home, I often need to pop to the local shops. Of course a trip to the shops also meant a stop at Starbucks and lunch at out, and then, because I was tired from a day of running around and working, it often meant ordering pizza or grabbing Chinese takeout on the way home.

 So while am not in debt, I am not making any real headway with my savings either. Every penny that comes in, I spend and I have decided that something had to give.

I decided that I would challenge myself to an entire month of no spending. A full on fiscal fast. No eating out. No Starbucks. No Amazon.com. And definitely no Ebay. Furthermore, there would be no new makeup, clothes or beauty products (have I mentioned I am a product junkie?!) So I made a pact with myself - this is the day I will change the way I look at spending. This is the day I will stop making excuses and stop justifying yet one more purchase. This is the day I will, for one whole month, commit to spending nothing. And it starts today…..

With my mind made up and my commitment to myself made it’s time to set up the ground rules for my month. It was pretty simple: no spending on anything that wasn’t absolutely essential.

Paying my regular bills and utilities, and some essentials (like bridge toll and petrol) were of course included in what I could spend. As well as a weekly BUDGETED food shop for items that would make meals out of ingredients that I already have in the cupboard, I allowed myself to  account for special occasions such as friends birthdays  and planning for them ahead of time.

With my TO Do list sorted I made a NOT TO DO list. For me they include –

•Eating out at restaurants

 •Coffee from coffee shops

 •Clothing, beauty products and make up

 •Hobbies—crafts classes, yoga, gym memberships and other fun workshops I like to sign up to.

 •Theatre and the cinema

 •Alcohol

 •Lottery tickets

 •Furniture and home décor

Today is day 1 and also pay day. At 6am this morning I paid all my bills and did a budgeted food shop. 29 days to go………………

Small Business Saturday - Viva La Vegan Clothing..........

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 

And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

 

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

 

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

 

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 

4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

 

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 

So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me introduce Jay Charlton of  Viva La Vegan  -  Founder, Owner, Designer and Vegan.

 

A fashion & graphics designer for many of the UK and International high-street brands for over 14 years, I love to play with colour, texture and clothes that make a statement. Spending many vibrant years abroad hands-on living and breathing fashion, travelling the world with my job for sourcing and meetings.

 

I slowly became aware of, and disheartened by the darker side of the industry and the trend for disposable fast-fashion which goes against many of my own feelings of how we should treat the earth, her resources and her people.

 

Vegetarian from an early age I became vegan a couple of years ago after watching Gary's infamous speech on intensive farming. Until then, I hadn't known what dairy animals actually went through.

Suddenly the idea of my favourite halloumi cheese didn't feel so good, I made the switch and have truly never looked back.

 

Sunshine and good fortune brought me to Tel-Aviv, I was surrounded by fire-bellied, passionate animal rights supporters, vegans and vegetarians and eco-enthusiasts who believe that we need to bring about positive change by owning our own actions and walking the talk.

This desire to make a difference was infectious.... One vivid dream , an inspired night of frantic sketching and the seeds of Viva La Vegan were sewn.

 

Born from our love for animals, a want to positively promote veganism & do our bit for our planet while looking good as we do so.

 

Our team at VLV are a committed bunch of vegans, vegetarians and eco ambassadors. No stereotypes here just a love of style and contemporary fashion. We make clothes that look and feel great without compromising our ideals.

 

'Go Green' is the new black, compassion the new life-style fashion that's more than a trend. Wear it well.

Mermaid & Make Up Obsessions...........

 



When you decide to follow a vegan way of life it is not just your food intake which changes but also your hair and beauty products among many other things. It is no secret I am a product junkie. I love hair and beauty products from styling to cleansing to make up I just adore it all! But what I didn’t adore was finding out that most of my favourite brands were not even cruelty free let alone vegan. In finding the balance between my believes and being eco-friendly I decided to use up all my existing products and simply replace them as needed with suitably vegan ones. I am pleased to say that nearly 6 months into my vegan journey I am *very nearly* there, yay!! There has been a lot of trial and error, a huge amount of reading and some very happy break throughs which I am excited to share with you all. So let’s talk make up –

When I first became vegan I realised at least 90% of my makeup was not vegan or even cruelty free (sob!). As a former Make Up Artist and make up junkie I had enough of the stuff to start my own shop! I was totally torn as to what to do with it – on one hand it had cost me a small fortune and it was not eco-friendly in any way just to bin it, and on the other I could not knowingly use products that were tested on animals or were full of animal by-products. Dilemma! Cue many hours of searching both the internet and my soul as to what to do with it. As always, if you listen, the Universe will provide you with an answer and that answer came in the form and wonderful lady called Caroline Hirons (http://www.carolinehirons.com/p/give-and-makeup.html) and a project she runs called ‘Give & Make Up’.  By donating your unwanted make-up, toiletries and baby products to Give and make Up they will distribute the products directly to women who have experienced domestic abuse and are living in refuges. Often when women flee domestic violence they have to leave everything behind including non-essentials such as make up and this project helps them to help them gain a bit of normality back in their life, and help them feel better about themselves. I loved it and as I took five (yep FIVE) shoes boxes to the post office I hoped that some of my past could help some ones future. So I was left with a primer, mascara, a CC cream, an eye brow gel and the urge to go make up shopping! After some trial and error I have narrowed it down to my 5 favourite vegan cruelty free make up brands……

Arbonne - www.arbonne.com

Pure, Safe & Beneficial. Arbonne is a highly regarded, premium brand with Swiss heritage. The products are healthy, botanically based & inspired by nature. Arbonne products are not tested on animals & do not use animal by-products. All of their makeup is vegan and packaged in an eco-friendly way. My favourite products are the primer, mascara, CC cream and the eye brow gel.

Illamasqua - www.illamasqua.com

Illamasqua products have NEVER and will NEVER be tested on animals. As such they don’t support or permit animal testing on any of their products, and only work with suppliers who uphold these principles. Bringing you high quality products that meet strict consumer health and safety regulations is their priority, so the only alter egos they’ll ever test on are their own. Their ingredients comply with the new European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) no 1223/2009 and they are proud to comply with applicable regulations in every country in which Illamasqua products are sold, and where there is no industry-recognised substitute that meets regulations and quality standards, they are committed to continually working with expert sources to find alternative plant, mineral or synthetic ingredients wherever possible. The range of make-up brushes are also made entirely out of synthetic hair. My favourite products are the skin base foundation, nail polish and the powder blusher.

Urban Decay - www.urbandecay.co.uk

Urban Decay is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to ending animal testing. They do not test their products on animals, nor do they allow others to test on their behalf. Additionally, they require their suppliers to certify that the raw materials used in the manufacture of  products are not tested on animals. Urban Decay is certified by both PETA and The Leaping Bunny Program (CCIC) as cruelty-free. Urban Decay certifies that products marked vegan do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. It is worth noting that within a product category, such as eye shadows, some shades will be marked as vegan, and others will not. However they do have an on-going initiative with laboratories to not only create shades (and entire product lines) that are vegan from the start, but also to identify which of the non-vegan products can be converted as plant-derived or synthetic alternatives to animal-derived ingredients become available. Urban Decay are committed to developing  the same high-quality vegan products with rich colour and texture,  and aim to convert all products to 100% vegan ingredients, so be on the lookout for new offerings. My favourite products are the Naked Eye pallet and the lipsticks.

Eco Tools - www.ecotools.com

EcoTools is a leader in eco-conscience beauty products. Their mission is to empower women to look and feel their best, every day. Helping women look beautiful, live beautifully and make socially responsible choices  is what EcoTools is all about. Their products are 100% cruelty free, feature recycled aluminium and renewable bamboo. They also run a fabulous project called The Girl Projecy -  #MyTrueBeauty – it is more than just makeup, it's a movement. From living a more sustainable life by using EcoTools brushes, to supporting the growth and development of women around the globe, they're helping to make the world a better, more beautiful place. By sharing your message of women's empowerment on social media using #MyTrueBeauty and tagging @EcoTools, and they will donate $1 to The Girl Project, up to $100,000. My favourite products are the contouring brush and the slanted lip brush.

Tarte – tartecosmetics.com

Tarte cosmetics are a cruelty-free cosmetics line. Tarte makeup and skincare is never tested on animals. All ingredients and finished formulas Tarte uses are tested and based on US FDA requirements before being imported to the US. They only work with highly reputable laboratories and factories that meet the strictest GMP standards, which is an international grading scale for cleanliness and the environment for workers that abide by a strict code of standards. They also test each product their selves to match their quality standards. Additionally, they are an approved PETA participant. My favourite products are the cheek stains, lip glosses and eye pallet.

Of course there are lots more amazing vegan and cruelty free brands such as Barry M, NYX and E.L.F so the choice and shopping potential is endless!

Last but not least all beautiful make up products should have an equally fabulous make up bag to live in and my vote goes to those made by Key To Freedom (http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/category/clothing-427/key-to-freedom-3883024?geoip=noredirect#) and sold (not for profit) in Topshop. Key to Freedom is a charity that supports vulnerable women to be given a new life through enterprise in Bengladesh, India. Each garment is handmade and signed by a rescued woman. For each garment that you purchase, a payment is made directly to her, enabling her to make steps towards building a new life.



Strawberry & Rhubarb Crumble (gluten free and vegan).........

There is nothing nicer than some kind soul sharing their home grown products with you. It is truly one of my favourite acts of kindness. So when I was generously given some rhubarb by a colleague last week excited is an understatement. As I opened the fridge door searching for inspiration on how to use such a gift I spied a punnet of strawberries we had picked up from a farmers market the week before and shamefully forgotten about. There is something so perfect about combining rhubarb and strawberry together, the bitter sweetness, the fresh yet filling flavour and the tart crispness in each bite. Not wanting to waste a single thing I ended up making a rhubarb and strawberry crumble, rhubarb and strawberry compote, rhubarb and strawberry nice cream and rhubarb and strawberry frozen smoothie base. Yep, I may have got a little carried away but the sun was shining, I had managed to find Post Modern Juke Box on Spotify (go and listening to it NOW!) and was happily humming along while the cats snoozed in the window. Life was good and I enjoyed the moment. Lucky for me both myself and my lovely man enjoyed the rewards of my efforts – which is a good thing as we may be eating them for quite some time!

Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble (serves 2)

•125 grams rhubarb, cut into pieces

•150 grams strawberries, cut into pieces

•25 grams brown sugar sugar

•3/4 teaspoon almond extract

•1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

•30 grams corn flour

•40 grams gluten-free  flour

•60 grams gluten-free oats

•75 grams brown sugar

•80 grams coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly

•1/4 teaspoon salt

 

How To –

1.Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and select 2 small ramekin dishes

2.In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract and corn flour. Add the fruit and stir to coat in the mixture. Let sit for 20 minutes while preparing the topping.

3.In another large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, coconut oil and salt until well combined.

4.Spoon the fruit mixture into the ramekins and top with the topping.

5.Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is firm and the fruit is bubbling. The topping will appear to be quite runny around 25-30 minutes but firms up in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The filling may also appear runny while warm but thickens as it cools.

6.Let cool for 30 minutes and serve warm or room temperature. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto (vegan & gluten free)............

I was gluten intolerant long before I chose to become vegan and as such the risotto is my best friend, go to dish. Simple, delicious and perfect for using up whatever is in the fridge, this dish is perfect for a cheap and filling mid-week treat. Which got even better when I learnt to make it in the microwave – no more hours stood at the stove poking watery rice, day dreaming of anything and everything. It took me a while to make my beloved risotto vegan friendly but once I cracked it there was no stopping me! This creamy garlic one is currently my favourite and I hope you enjoy it too.

Vegan Garlic Mushroom Risotto (serves 1)

·        1 small onion

·        1 tsp of lazy garlic

·        150g mixed fresh mushrooms - e.g. white, chestnut, oyster, portabella, shiitake, maitake, enoki, shiro shimeji etc.

·        2-3 tbsp olive oil

·        50g arborio rice

·        200ml vegetable stock

·        Sprinkle of chopped parsley

How To -

·        Peel the onions and dice finely.

·        .Trim any dirt from the mushroom stems, then slice, chop or separate, depending on the type of mushroom.

·        Heat the oil in a pan. Sauté the onions and garlic over a low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then add the fresh mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until soft.

·        Transfer to a large microwavable bowl and the rice. Stir well to coat with the oil and cooking juices. Add the stock to the bowl and heat on high in the microwave for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until all the stock is absorbed and the rice is cooked.

·         Put in your favourite bowl, top with a sprinkle of parsley and enjoy!