{eco beauty} super natural: a green + cruelty-free morning routine

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50 natural, vegan + cruelty-free beauty products

self-acceptance, well, i believe there's a secret to it all. and this is what i know about it:

i've been a busy gal for most of my life {with the biggest portion of my life devoted to volunteering to promote literacy + working in the field of education with inner city youth}, and with that, i've often felt that i haven't had time to dwell on any possible physical flaws that might exist. and to be honest, i don't subscribe to the idea of flaws: i believe we're all born innately beautiful, exactly the way we were supposed to come together. because god doesn't make mistakes.

i came to understand long ago that confidence can be equated with beauty. and when we compare ourselves to others, we forget to focus on our own innumerable strengths + all of the beauty we each possess.

in truth, i feel most confident when i'm healthy + happy. and i'm usually feeling most joyous when i'm contributing to the happiness + well-being of those around me. as for my health, this starts from the inside out, and is reflected in my skin. as a plant advocate, i like to eat the plants, and i like to wear the plants.

t+garden4.jpg

i love to use products that promote clear + dewy skin. our skin is host to myriad species including bacteria, yeast + fungi. good bacteria informs our skin cells to create our own antibiotics that kill off harmful bacteria, however an imbalance in our skin's microbiome, due to harsh chemicals found in commercial products or an overly sanitized way of life, can disrupt our bodies natural acid mantle + lead to break outs, acne, ecsema or rosacea.

my morning routine consists of the bare minimum: toner {does everyone know about the magic of toners?}, lip balm, plant oils as moisturizers + a little mascara. 

voilà! 

if i'm feeling fancy, i'll put a little bronzer + eyeliner on. for me, confidence comes from feeling good about the way i'm presenting myself to me. i've put together this list of fave products that support your natural beauty + long-term health. i've test driven some great, plant-based brands. each product listed here is made sans fillers, additives, petrochemicals + preservatives, instead each is made with love from active ingredients including fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds, flowers + berries.

without further ado, these are my top natural beauty brands {50 distinct eco brands in all} + my fave vegan products from each cruelty-free company: 

{soap bars} s/he studio // scratch goods // dr. bronner's // osmia organics

{facial cleansers + exfoliators} root science // precious skin elixirs // shamanuti // aster + bay

{toner} poppy + someday // herbivore botanicals // french girl organics // kani

{facial oils + moisturizers} kahina // pelle beauty // my skin + bones // mun // rms // vintner’s daughter

{mascara} pacifica // w3ll people // lily lolo // jane iredale 

{eyeliner} w3ll people // bwc 

{blush + bronzer} antonym // devita // dr. haushka

{lip gloss} juice beauty // 100% pure // emani

{lip balm} unearth malee // ellovi // hurraw // mi me

{body moisturizers} this list of 4 fab lotions will keep your skin super nourished + moisturized!

{make up brushes} eco tools // alima pure 

{dry shampoo} lulu organics is tops. here's a list of my 4 fave dry shampoos + how to apply so you don't look like someone threw a snowball at your head. i just tried this dry shampoo by mullein + sparrow from trunk collective; it has a dark hue for the brunettes of the world + is chocolate scented for the cocoa lovers of the world {comes in a teeny tiny container for travelers packing light}.

{wet shampoo + bar shampoo} here's a list of 6 amazing eco shampoos to keep your tresses shiny + strong. 

{leave-in conditioner + hair texturizer} yarok // acure // eco sevi // captain blankenship

{don't forget the tip} when it comes to choosing bath + beauty products that are made with pure, safe + organic ingredients, i turn to my favorite experts {these gals will never lead you astray, from lipstick to foundations, they're the real deal}: ethical elephant; andrea at organic beauty lover; yenny at eco chic beauty; and amanda at organic bunny.

petit vour remains my numero uno for clean + cruelty-free beauty where you can find most of the goods listed here, yes, all in one place. and don't forget that knowledge is power, so get some of that good info + learn the truth about conventional beauty products by reading no more dirty looks or not just a pretty face. until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{header image + artwork by ev // made in the usa zip pouch by talented designer + artist

chotnelle}

{eco eats} sustainable france: 6 new paris vegan cafes

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british prime minister, writer + orator winston churchill once proclaimed that "healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have." staying healthy means paying attention to what we put onto our bodies + into our bodies so that we may thrive physically and emotionally. conscious eating is here at your fingertips with a sequel to my first paris vegan café guide of 12 vegan + vegetarian eateries in the city of light. hungry? meet the new plant-strong kids on the block. look no further for decadent, delicious + healthy eating options in paris:

comptoir veggie

1. comptoir veggie {fully vegan + gluten-free}: here we have a brand new café + juice bar nestled into the bastille area. after a successful crowdfunding capaign, this little gem is now celebrating one month open. for savory eats, try their hummus or avocado toast {toast toppings vary depending on the local, seasonal produce available; perhaps you've had avocado toast before, but not like this; with a dash of pimiento pepper + the crunch of alfalfa sprouts + zesty seeds, this dish truly has kick + is a pleasure for the palette} or enjoy their rice + veggie buddha bowl served with warm chilli. to satisfy your sweet tooth, try their perfectly moist carrot cake, creamy peanut butter cheesecake or spirited passion fruit, mango + cocoa cheesecake {the best cheesecake i've had in paris so far}. they're sure to send you. sunny, open space with smooth tunes; perfect for lounging, lunching or working. open tuesday through saturday from 10am - 6pm / 75 avenue ledru rollin, paris 75012

cloud cakes

2. cloud cakes {fully vegan}: this sunny, relaxed coffee, tea + pastry shop is celebrating their one-year anniversary. this is the place for breakfast: soft, spongy pancakes with chocolate sauce, maple syrup or fresh strawberries are on the menu. offerings also include robust salads, satisfying sandwiches + soups with layers of flavors along with myriad sweet treats, baked goods + yes, warm vegan croissants that will melt in your mouth {chocolate croissants + almond croissants are also on the menu}. try the fresh carrot cake or decadent chocolate raspberry gateau {my personal fave is the vanilla blueberry cake}. indoor + outdoor seating available. open tuesday - saturday, call for hours 01 42 33 95 45 / 6 rue mandar, paris 75002

primeur cantine

3. primeur cantine {fully vegan}: the best meatless lasagna in paris. fresh, indulgent and the finest i've had since my plant-powered days commenced five years ago. choose from hardy staples like chilly or burgers and a handful of desserts including apple + rhubarb crumble, cheesecake + chocolate mousse {i highly recommend the crumble}. energy-boosting juices are served up including an animating apple, carrot, orange + ginger concoction that will put a little pep in your step. ample space with indoor + outdoor seating on a calm, quiet side street. open tuesday through sunday 12pm - 4pm / 4 rue lemon, paris 75020

le faitout

4. le faitout {fully vegan}: this one's celebrating one year. a hip tapas bar + vegan café on avenue simon bolivar near parc buttes chaumont. plant-based tapas + desserts, tasty soups + salads, crispy falafels + fries, oh and a delectable cheese "vromage" plate that every boy + girl {vegan or not} should try. homemade, healthy + organic goodness is served up warm here from early morning to late night. spacious venue with indoor + outdoor seating. live jazz music is also served up on thursday nights. get it all while its hot. open tuesday - sunday 8am - 2am / check site for hours or call ahead 01 42 08 07 09 / 23 avenue simon bolivar, paris 75019

h.o.p.e. {closed}

5. hope / home of the plant eaters {fully vegan}: this charming venue in the marais has been open for six months, and the menu includes scrumptious burgers served with fries, a rich risotto served with grilled veggies or their bowl of hope made with millet, sauteed chickpeas, sweet potatoes, avocado slices and every delicious + highly nutritious ingredient you can pack into a vessel. desserts include chia pudding + carrot cake. ample seating upstairs + small, cozy downstaris option. open wednesday - sunday, 12pm - 3pm + 7pm - 10pm / 19 rue de picardie, paris 75003

love me cru

6. love me cru {fully vegan}: this pint-sized juice bar wears a bold coat of yellow paint on the outside and on the inside expect creative + virtuous mixtures of all the colors of nature in fresh wraps + salads and some fantastic juices + smoothies {infinite combinations are available here for all you fruit + veggie lovers: if your mind can think it, you can drink it}. my first taste of zingy goodness was an orange, carrot + pineapple mixture with turmeric + ginger. and a hint of lemon: the proprietor, david, is a devotee of the little yellow miracle fruit that helps balance your body's chemicals, fights colds + flus and halts the division of cancer cells in animals {hello limonene + falvonol glycocides}. pure magic in a glass. also on the menu: homemade chocolate cups + chia pudding handcrafted by david, who will chat you up about the healing properties of each ingredient in his original recipes - all with a sparkle in his eye and broccoli on the brain. a sliver of a space with seating for four indoors + seating for four outdoors. open monday - saturday, 11:30am - 3:30pm / 44 rue de tourtille, paris 75020

vg patisserie

bonus: vg patisserie is an all-vegan bakery that opened in april and is growing strong. find classics like fresh croissants, fruit tarts + eclairs, oh and an unexpected twist: vanilla flan {sans gluten}. so much to choose from, this just might require a repeat visit. ample seating indoors in a bright, convivial atmosphere + ample seating available outdoors. open tuesday - sunday 9am-7pm, call ahead to confirm hours 33 9 67 80 13 42 / 123 boulevard voltaire, paris 75011

 

jo + nana cakes

double bonus: now open, jo + nana cakes, a new vegan patisserie opening in the 17eme arrondissement. sweet cakes + cookies, moist cupcakes + tarts made from scratch and made with love. follow here for updates! and then be prepared to be propelled to another planet where plant-based ingredients come together in heavenly creations / 6 rue rennequin, paris 75017.

14 more vegan + veggie eateries right this way! until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{eco travel} sustainable new york: 24 hours in the big green apple

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a 24-hour photocentric + foodcentric jaunt through the city that never sleeps {well, sometimes it does, but we're heading to the places that are up early in the morning + stay open late into the wee hours of the night}. we're doing new york the plant-powered + eco way. welcome to the big green apple.

okay, so you've been to the guggenheim museum, toured the metropolitan museum of art, stood wide eyed before the lady of liberty, and traversed through central park. now it's time to really dig in, boys + girls. these are the places to sate your appetite; veggie eats + sustainable sites ahead:

b r e a k f a s t // l i t t l e  c h o c  a p o t h e c a r y

this is little choc apothecary. the first time i had a crêpe was in france. and it was magnifique. but that was ten years ago.

a crêpe is a moist, warm pastry: a thin, porous pancake envelopes sweet or savory fillings; think chocolate, berries + bananas or fresh veggies. as someone who is both plant powered + gluten free, i've hoped to bump into a venue that creates veg friendly + gf crêpes. i've been waiting, yes, patiently, since i first had that delectable dessert ten years ago.

the wait is finally over. and it was well worth it, my friends.

l a   c r ê p e

this is the toasted almond + clotted cream crêpe with fresh, nectarous raspberry sauce {fruits + veggies come from local farms}. it was so good it was disorienting.

t e a   t i m e 

expect a vast selection of healing teas + vitalizing sunlight spilling into every corner of this cafe {it rivals the most charming cafes in paris}. happy plants abound + dulcet french music fills the air. the warm + inviting atmosphere is perfect for getting writing or work done.

i would plan an entire trip to new york around the crêpes at this cafe. yes, they're that good.

s h e ' s  t h e  b o s s

this is julia kravets, fashion model + fearless entrepreneur; pioneer of plant-based pastries + healthy eats chef. she is the proprietress of this first fully vegan + gluten-free crêperie in new york city. in my book, she's the boss of brooklyn.

l u n c h // c l e m e n t i n e   b a k e r y

this is clementine bakery

. the folks here refer to themselves as the friendly neighborhood cake dealers. and they are also wheeling + dealing the best vegan, gluten-free bagels this gal has had in years.

b r i g h t   l i g h t s ,  b i g   c a f e

this sunny, wide open space offers a restrained palette of white walls + blonde wood + plenty of green-leafed friends. a cheerful milieu for families + meet ups with friends.

t h e  b i g  c h e e s e

this is a before picture. see that bagel in the background with just a smidge of vegan cream cheese? well, i asked for another round of cream cheese {the truth is, if i could, i would have ordered an entire vat of it}, well hmph, the after picture never happened.

as you can guess, i ate it too quickly.

this here is the schmancy sandwich with baked tofu, spinach, avocado, pesto + the most flavor one can possibly pack into a simple, yet deeply satisfying menu offering. oh my little heart.

d i n n e r // c h a m p s

champs diner is the place for all the comfort food you can dream up. and more 90's music than you ever thought was possible to resurrect. tater tots, nachos + m.c. hammer? yes, ma'am. hot dogs, philly cheese "steak", cauliflower po boys, frothy shakes + greasy fries. yesss. and breakfast food for dinner. mhmm. we only live once, so go on + do it {unless you believe in reincarnation}, then you should still do it. in this lifetime + in the next.

b r o o k l y n   f a s h i o n   +   d e s i g n   a c c e l e r a t o r

this is me at the brooklyn fashion + design accelerator. where exactly is ethical fashion born? forget stories of storks, this is where all good things take shape in the world of sustainable fashion in new york. bfda is a hub that provides pioneering designers with the resources they need to transform their ideas into successful green businesses.

z e r o   w a s t e   d r e a m s

some of my fave ethical fashion companies are headquartered here including men's clothier glass house shirtmakers + study ny. if you're in the area + are interested in learning more about the world of eco textiles + fair trade fashion, definitely call to set up a time to pop in for a tour. i might be biased, but the tour guide, faye lessler, is not only one super stylish gal, she's also smart + informed, and she is the brilliant mind that has brought to life one of my fave eco lifestyle blogs sustaining life. bfda also has a dynamite blog. can't get enough of either. both blogs are worth bookmarking + adding to your feedly queue.

l e   c h a t

this is poncho. the brooklyn apartment i stayed at came fully equipped with the most gracious host + hostess, artists + activists who shared similar values, oh and to my surprise, this sweet + cuddly cat. yes, it was one happy trip.

for the definite list of new york city vegan + vegetarian restaurants, visit activist + model renee peters's plant-based restaurant guide at model 4 green living. renee is kind of amazing, and her exhaustive list of veg venues in nyc is pretty near perfect. 

until next time, stay green dear hearts! ♥

{images by ev // image of yours truly by the lovely miss lessler}