{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 beauty} smells like green spirit: 4 natural deodorants

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it's been quite the journey from conventional deodorant to natural deodorant. first rule: never try a new deo when you're going to a job interview. no sir, don't do it.

honestly, i was built for the heat. i hardly ever sweat.

but on a hot summer day, years ago, i remember sitting in a brightly lit room, smiling politely as i answered question after question, and thinking: this deodorant is definitely not cooperating.

you see, we've come to expect that this little personal care product will do a big job: it should smell fantastic {i prefer a slightly woodsy scent with light citrus notes} + provide long-lasting protection without plugging sweat ducts {aka we want to smell fresh throughout the day}.

today, there are some sensational small-batch, natural deodorants + creams that neutralize odor swimmingly + absorb wetness without any harsh chemicals like triclosan or pthalates

{potential endocrine disruptors that can negatively impact your body's reproductive + developmental hormones}. and aluminum? this is a metal linked to the interference of oestregen action: why wait for research to tell us definitively that it's linked to breast cancer? let's be proactive about our health.

so here it is, eco friends, my absolute fave vegan + indie deodorants that smell delicious + are safe for your entire family, with ingredients so natural they're good enough to eat:

1// north coast organics: lucky us to have so many organic choices right at our fingertips! north coast have a great travel pack with 8 different scents, so you can try all the light, aromatic options. perfect for fellow wanderlusters. {expect fab customer service from the self-proclaimed "deodorant king of chicago" + his team!}.  made with organic coconut oil, carnauba wax, arrowroot powder + shea butter; with essential oils. handmade in my hometown of chicago

2// schmidt's natural deodorant: i've often thought that it would be wonderful if we could send our empties right back to a company: and now we can! schmidt has a great recycling program: empty 5 jars out, send them back, and receive one deo for free {glass only for now, folks}. made with arrowroot powder, coconut oil, candelilla wax, baking soda + shea butter; with essential oils. **note, schmidt's parent company is now unilever, a company that still tests on animals, so if you're looking for more vegan + cruelty-free options, try my fave natural shop for all things animal friendly. sticks + jars available. handmade in portland, oregon

3// primal pit paste: a friend gifted a petite jar of this "pit paste" {aka deo cream} to me over a year ago, and it has made it's way into my regular bath + beauty routine as well into my heart for having a truly remarkable mission of keeping chemicals out + keeping the good, organic stuff in. six-pack sampler available; great for your achy, gypsy heart. made with organic shea butter, arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil; with essential oils. sticks + jars available. handmade in austin, texas.

4// meow meow tweet: meow meow has a cult following, and for good reason. all cute packaging aside, this product works. you will smell fresh + citrusey all the live-long day {or like a field of lavender flowers if you prefer}. mini sizes available, perfect for carry-on bags. meow meow also donates monthly to a number of organizations working to make the world a better place. made with organic arrowroot powder, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil + candelilla wax; with essential oils. sticks + jars available. handmade in the catskill mountains of new york.

{don't forget the tip} a woman is most empowered when she's healthy. not sure where to start? pop on over to petit vour, one of my absolute fave online eco apothecaries for the best natural + cruelty-free products. i'm always surprised when i see commercials for major corporations selling products that tout themselves as effective and empowering for women. when a company chooses to keep toxic chemicals linked to cancer on their ingredient list, well that simply is not the route to empowerment. so to all the small companies making big strides in producing safe + truly healthy options for women + men, i thank you. to learn more about ingredients to avoid in your everyday bath + body products, hop on over here. for all the nontoxic + natural goods in one place, simply scroll down if you're on your phone or hop over to the right side bar if you're on your computer for a list of eco apothecaries.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{eco beauty} 4 eco lotions + magic skin potions

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when it comes to my beauty + make up routine, my look is decidedly bare. all i ask for is a clear complexion + bright, nourished skin. so my pulse quickens when i hear of new face + body moisturizers made from plant extracts with no artificial ingredients or chemical preservatives. skip down for a quick guide to 4 small wonders, powerful moisturizers for a fresh face + dewy skin {oh, and each + every product comes from an independent + woman-owned enterprise}.

the right moisturizers protect + revitalize skin; they are high in antioxidants + vitamins that help neutralize free radicals + infuse thirsty skin with vital nutrients. they clarify + promote an even skin tone by bringing balance to your skin. i've chosen four remarkable plant-based + cruelty-free beauty brands that do it all:

1// conscious coconut: you've got to love a company with one stellar product that contains just one superb ingredient. this moisturizer is crafted from cold-pressed, USDA organic certified coconuts; it can be used as a daily moisturizer to even skin tone + it smoothe lines like a dream. for every purchase you make, a child is given a meal through a partnership with feeding america food banks. to date, 35,000 children have been fed via donations from purchases of this wonder product. conscious coconut works directly with the growers + farmers to source virgin coconut oil from fair trade farms in both thailand and the philippines. this conscious collaborative helps these farmers build sustainable businesses, which positively influence their communities + ensures that they’re compensated justly. conscious coconut has only one magic ingredient with remarkable antibacterial + anti-fungal properties: the coconut. a woman-owned business led by danielle conte. 

2// tay skincare: this small-batch + artisan-crafted skincare collection has a deliciously warm, floral scent. tay translates the abstract scents of nature into perfect botanical moisturizers that soften + soothe skin. you'll find no parabens, sulfates or petrochemicals in their light, effective lotions; only fair trade + organic ingredients. tay has made it one of their goals to support their sources, as well as the earth's natural resources. in collaboration with the fruit tree planting foundation, tay makes donations to bring fruit + trees back to local + global communities, including public schools, city parks, low-income neighborhoods, international hunger relief sites + animal sanctuaries. planting fruit tree orchards helps combat world hunger + global warming, strengthens communities + improves the surrounding air, soil + water. their magic ingredients include shea butter, mushroom extracts + sea buckthorn. a woman-owned business led by sarah tay. 

3// juice beauty: juice beauty is an organic skincare line that is used by three generations in my family. i love the lightweight texture + subtle fruit notes of these moisturizers, each made of certified organic + antioxidant-rich ingredients. if you're in the u.s.a. you can scoop up a bottle at ulta as well as their online boutique. in my family, the stem cellular neck cream is a fave {we use it everywhere, not just our necks} + the aromatic overnight cream is also a hit {we use it during the daytime too}. their magic ingredients include jojoba, shea butter, a proprietary blend of fruit stems cells + vitamin c, infused with grape formula. a woman-owned business led by karen behnke. 

4// devita natural skincare: i've been using this moisturizer for four years now, and if products could have a personality, i'd say this one is bright, fresh + zesty. just as coffee helps some battle fatigue in the morning, this lotion helps awaken my skin. it absorbs quickly, leaving a non-greasy finish + a beautiful sheen to the skin. devita skin care products are 100 % vegan + paraben free. they never contain GMO's. devita products are never tested on animals {only humans!}. their magic ingredient is organic aloe vera for soft, smooth skin {and it this is a must have if you have sensitive skin}. a woman-owned business led by cherylanne devita {doctor, entrepreneur + ceo/president, this woman does it all, my friends}. 

bonus// athar'a skin essentials: inspired by ancient eastern traditions + ayuverdic knowledge, this organic + vegan cream is made with absolutely no harmful chemicals, fragrances, synthetics or parabens. loaded with antioxidants, protein + vitamin e - this luxurious cream provides intense hydration while reducing wrinkles + dark circles. athar'a helps to provide shelter + food to orphaned children and generously aids in the renewal of our earth's resources by donating a portion of sales to three stellar nonprofits: trees for life, give light + charity water. their magic ingredient is moroccan argan oil for increased elasticity. a woman-owned business led by sara davoodi. 

for a full body lather// try weleda lotion {at naturalia in france or target in the usa} or andalou organics lotion {at target in the usa or online here}. 

{don't forget the tip} natural products are spectacular multi-taskers; the same oils you use to moisturize your face + body can be used as a face wash, hair conditioner, make-up remover, for treatment of scars + infections, after sun care, itch relief + shaving cream {the perfect product for wanderers + adventurers who like to travel light}. now all you have to do is choose a moisturizer. if you're new to plant oils, find out how i became fast friends with plant-based oils here + learn more about botanical ingredients + their healing properties here. the cosmetic, skincare + haircare industries combined are an $80+ billion per year industry, and have been unregulated for decades. stacy malkan, founder of the campaign for safe cosmetics is a health and environmental activist who has shed light on the issue of toxic ingredients being used to formulate our everyday bath + beauty products by the world’s largest cosmetics companies. she asks the following poignant questions in her book not just a pretty face:

why do companies market themselves as pink ribbon leaders in the fight against breast cancer, yet use hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals that may contribute to that very disease?

why do products used by men and women of childbearing age contain chemicals linked to birth defects and infertility?

stacy shares the following glad tidings, "while the major multinational companies fight for their right to use hazardous chemicals, entrepreneurs are developing safer non-toxic technologies and building businesses on the values of health, justice and personal empowerment." for some of that healthy glow, click on over to any of the indie brands listed above. 

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{feature image via conscious coconut}

{eco hiking} into the wild: a sustainable guide to hiking gear

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traveling solo is an enriching + expanding experience for me, but this month my best friend, lauren, her husband matt, + i journeyed into the woods of mount hood in oregon as a trio. the three of us made a mighty fine team of wilderness explorers, each of us equally bewitched + bewildered by nature's beauty.

together we trekked through densely wooded trails, an abyss of strapping roots, golden-green leaves + velvety soft moss. a canopy of trees above us + a panoply of mushrooms sprouting below us, we were spellbound. at the forefront of my thoughts was how to protect so much splendor. so how exactly does one prepare + what does one pack for a cruelty-free + eco hike in the mountains?

at one point we debated whether hiking gear was really necessary at all. honestly, as a minimalist, i actually don't own athletic gear. my work blazers don't translate organically to outdoor gear, but this never stopped me from hiking before. i put on my usual uniform of jeans, a tee with a flannel button-down layered over it for warmth + a cargo jacket with pockets for carrying my necessities, along with a pair of trainers. but there were moments that i wished i had a lightweight backpack or shoes with traction {and jeans don't perform so well when wet}.

certain outdoor gear is preventative + offers necessary protection from the elements, so if you're interested in investing in well-made, fair trade hiking kicks or the perfect parka, there are many ways to build a sustainable collection. here's a little starter kit for you. carry on, fellow explorers:

1/ the beanie: keep your noggin warm with a little knit number. i love a pom pom, i really do. but non-pom versions are also available. check out these fab organic cotton + hemp options here.

2/ the hiking boots: wrap your feet in pineapple leaves. yep, you read that right. i'm so excited that cruelty-free brand, nae, has teamed up with piñatex to create a pair of comfy hiking boots made of pineapple waste fibers. this is an exciting new alternative to leather that re-imagines waste as a durable, flexible + waterproof textile. sweet, sustainable pineapples!

3/ the parka: a sturdy + long-lasting investment piece with a water resistant hemp + organic cotton twill outer shell; this parka is lined with recycled PET faux fur, features handwarmer pockets + windcatchers with thumbnails. it comes fully equipped with pockets for carrying all of your hiking essentials. who designed this beauty? somebody deserves some serious recognition for a stellar product.

4/ the backpack: made with recycled PET bottles, this lightly padded backpack is just the right size, with lots of pockets for storing your reusable water canteen. pack your trail mix, your fruits + veggies, and some yummy vegan chocolate-covered peanuts. fully fueled? you're on your way.

5/ the reusable canteen: if you have a reusable stainless steel bottle, dig it out + put it to good use. if not, there are a plethora of eco choices for all boys + girls. because single-use plastic bottles don't belong in the oceans or in our landfills. but sadly, that's where most end up. learn more by watching the story of bottled water.

6/ the flannel: warm layers are a wise choice; depending on the weather, you can peel off layers or add on. i own exactly one flannel. and it gets good use. i actually purchased mine secondhand, at crossroads trading co. you can find more pre-loved options at buffalo exchange {if you're in chicago} or find a rad vintage shop {if you're in paris}. investing in a cozy, new one is also a choice, but be sure to care for it so it lasts for many a long hike.

7/ the socks: keep your feet + ankles toasty warm with a pair of ethically-produced, organic cotton socks. layer them up or keep an extra pair in your backpack in case you step into a lovely, gurgling stream, as i did. it's all part of the fun.

8/ the essentials: i mean business when i hike, so i ended up with a few nicks + cuts, which got me thinking. i wondered if there was a green option for adhesive bandages, and then i learned of patch offering latex-free + biodegradable bandages, made with 15% recycled materials. don't forget to pack nontoxic bug spray. ready? set? into the wild we go.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{eco brand} dauntless nyc: timeless + delectable designs

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not long ago i showed up to church in my fave moto jacket + red palazzo pants. i sheepishly slid into the wooden pew next to my mom + whispered, "maybe i shouldn't have worn red to church." to which she replied, "i think god likes all colors." this, of course, put a smile on my face.

if you ask me about the one piece i think every gal should have in their wardrobe, it would have to be a faux leather jacket. i get it. everyone has a different style aesthetic, but i can't imagine an outfit this simple closet staple wouldn't rev up. flowery dresses? yes. much-loved jeans + relaxed tees? check. an understated lbd? i think so!

and where does a gal who loves compassionate fashion find the perfect moto jacket to pair with everything in her closet? let me take you to our leader:

dauntless nyc is a cruelty-free fashion label from new york. this little indie company is making waves with their impeccably tailored faux leather jackets, each constructed with a charmeuse lining.

from our friends at dauntless nyc:

our mission is to bring socially conscious fashion through high end designs, top quality materials, and a well tailored fit for fashion forward customers. our global consumers are also changing what they wear based on how and where the materials are being sourced from.

{don't forget the tip} cows, goats, pigs, sheep + lambs are sensitive + sentient beings, just like your cat or pup. they feel fear + pain, hence eschewing animal materials such as leather is an easy, accessible + affordable alternative. leather is often thought to be a byproduct of the meat industry, but this is indeed a misconception. leather is not a byproduct and it is not produced in efforts to minimize waste. it’s produced because it is a highly profitable and lucrative business. a cow’s skin is approximately 10% of her total value, making it the most profitable part of her body.*

the processing of leather is a highly polluting, chemically-intensive one, negatively impacting both the environment and the health of the tannery workers who are exposed daily to hazardous chemicals without proper protection from chromium, sulfuric acid, formaldehyde + bleach - causing skin and respiratory diseases as well as cancer. these human rights abuses, as well as the lack of effluent treatment plants which degrade + pollute the waterways, air + soil where waste is discarded into natural water sources are contributing to environmental issues.*

with this in mind, aren't you ready for change? lucky for us, there are many cruelty-free + sustainable options. another leather-free option is available from cool-kids style label commes des garcons for a chic + sturdy little number. and the boys are covered too, with compelling fashion choices from brave gentleman. whether you're heading to church or out for a night on the town, these eco chic companies have you covered for a quintessential + quiet sense of cool.

until next time, stay green dear hearts!

{image via dauntless}