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-S&P

Kick Off "Shark Week" in Style!

So, "Shark Week" starts tonight. . .

I guess I'm going to jump onto the Shark Week Bandwagon (or should I say dive?). Did you know there's a boatload (pun intended) of awesome clothing and accessories out there that stylishly pay tribute to these feared, yet majestic, creatures? Here are a few sustainable and very eco-friendly options to help you celebrate those Kings of the Salty Seas...

 "I Love Shark Week" by LittleAtoms (Etsy). 

Screen print on Alternative Apparel tank.

Great White Sharks - Laser Cut Wood Earrings

Made in USA by Green Tree Jewelry on Etsy

 

Bungalow360 Isabella Shark Canvas Vegan Pocket Bag

Shark Jaw Necklace

Sterling Silver, handmade, by Organic Handcrafted Fine Jewelry on Etsy.

$25 from the proceeds of this necklace will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund's 'Adopt a Great White Shark,' which supports WWF's global efforts to protect these creatures and their habitats. 

Shark TOMS Shoes

 Hand printed in USA by The Matt Butler on Etsy (contact seller for VEGAN Toms)

  

Naxos Earrings by Nettie Kent
Handcrafted in Brooklyn.

Baby Baggu - Sailor Stripe

 A smaller version of their best selling reusable shopping bag.

Best Fins Forever Tee

Made in the United States. 100% Cotton.

Blue Reef Rope Knot Bracelet by Hearts

 Handmade in Bulgaria

Cool Mini Shark Tooth Sterling Silver Pendant

Fair Trade. Sterling Silver. Read the artist's unique story here.

Save the Sharks T shirt

 Printed on eco-friendly shirt by sevengill on Etsy. Per seller: "For each Save the Sharks t shirt sold, ten dollars will be donated to Oceana, the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. If you haven't heard of them, please visit oceana.org I make donations 'in honor of' your name, so if you are purchasing this shirt as a gift, leave me the name of the recipient at checkout, and I will use their name."

Sushi Please Carved Tagua Fish Bone Earrings by Hearts

Hand carved from raw Tagua...this purchase contributes to ethical employment of Colombian families

Are you on-board for Shark Week?

-S&P

*Special Post* My Cleaner Beauty Routine

As a fairly new champion of a green and sustainable lifestyle, I have made small baby steps towards "greening" my life. Some of the first changes I made started with my beauty routine. Slowly and surely I have built a pretty good "green" routine. Some aspects of my routine could still use a little more work, but,for the most part, it's much cleaner and much greener than it was a year or two ago.

So, I wanted to give you, my readers, a good idea of what my "clean" beauty routine looks like right now. I'll start by first listing the bath & body products I use, skincare, makeup and hair products I love. I'll finish with suncare and deodorant. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. I am always happy to talk about my routine and the products I recommend. In fact, I LOVE talking about beauty products. :)

Bath and Shower:

Andalou Naturals - Mandarin Vanilla Vitalizing Shower Gel
This stuff smells heavenly (like a creamsicle!) and I use it to shave, too.

Nature's Gate - Tea Tree Calming Shampoo 
I use a calming shampoo for my itchy/dry scalp. Tea Tree is a key ingredient that is known for its soothing and healing properties. I find it also helps my dry scalp when I go a day or two without washing my hair- to let the natural oils in my scalp sink-in.

Nature's Gate - Aloe Vera Moisturizing Conditioner
Don't let the plain packaging fool you, this conditioner has a surprisingly nice aroma! Plus, it does its job: it moisturizes and detangles my hair and leaves me with amazingly soft and smooth hair. For this reason, Nature's Gate is my go-to brand for shampoo and conditioner. Sure it is no-frills and the packaging is plain, but it's inexpensive and it simply works!

Moisturizing:

Shea Moisture - SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion
This lotion smells amazing, has a nice, creamy texture, and hydrates really well.

Acure - Argan Oil 100% Certfied Organic
Acure Argan Oil is luxurious, hydrating and super affordable. Plus the brand supports fair trade and sustainable practices.

Earthly Body - Miracle Oil
The Earthly Body website appropriately describes this stuff as "an entire medicine cabinet in one bottle" and it can be used to help heal a number of skin ailments: cuts, burns, razor burn, cuticles, athlete’s foot, sunburn, insect bites, scars...the list goes on! I, personally, use this stuff after sun exposure, on razor bumps, acne, and on extremely dry patches.

Hair Styling:

Desert Essence - Coconut Hair Defrizzer and Heat Protector
First: I use this as a detangler when combing my wet hair after my shower. Second: It works as a really great heat protector and leaves my hair so soft and smooth after I've applied heat to it. I blow dry my hair and straighten it with a flat iron at high heat almost everyday, so this spray comes in very, very handy as a heat protector. And, so far, I would say it definitely works better than any other heat protectors I've tried. Plus it smells like a pina colada.

Face (day):

Pacifica - Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes
When it comes to cleansing my face, I stay away from drying, harsh tap water as much as possible. I use these biodegradable wipes to wash my face sans tap water and to remove makeup. However, I found that it does not remove water-proof eye makeup as well as some other wipes do. So I will use it in the morning after my shower, or at night when I'm not wearing tons of eye makeup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

100% Pure- Organic Rose Hydrosol Facial Mist 
I'll start by saying this: this is my absolute favorite product in my current beauty routine. 100% Pure makes incredible skincare products, and this has to be one of their best. Since my description of the hydrosol wouldn't do it justice, I borrowed a quote from the 100% Pure website: "Organic Rose Hydrosol is the collection of the steam from the production of pure rose essential oil from steam distillation. Hydrosols contain exactly the same medicinal properties as essential oil. Organic rose hydrosol will hydrate, refresh and soothe all skin types." I spritz this mist on my face right after I wash it and before I apply makeup. It restores the moisture to my face after I wash it and purifies my skin by providing a nice, cool, soothing mist. It even works great over makeup when you want an extra boost of moisture. It's pure, refreshing and smells beautiful. It's made from organic roses! Need I say more than that?

 

 

 

 

John Masters Organics - Rose & Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme

I put this on before I apply makeup. It smells like roses and it contains antioxidants to protect my face from the elements.

100% Pure - Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
I had been wanting to try this stuff for a really long time because I had heard so many good things about it. I finally got it as a sample and I was so, so happy to try it. It feels so good and smells like dessert. I had never really had a problem wit dark under eye circles (I get more sleep than the average person), so I can't tell if it's working per se, but it FEELS amazingly soothing. So, that counts for something in my book.

Face (night):

alba Botanica - Natural Hawaiian 3-in-1 Clean Towelettes Deep Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme

These wipes remove water-proof makeup really well and they cleanse really well, too. They are great for late nights when you are too tired to wash your makeup off.

100% Pure - Brightening Night Balm

This cream nourishes and hydrates while you sleep.

Makeup (my favorite part of my routine)!:

Physicians Formula - Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer
This has been my go-to tinted moisturizer for a long time. It's affordable and available at most drug stores. There's a lot of natural and organic BB creams and CC creams out there that I've been wanting to try, but this little guy has been tried and tested and I just haven't had a need to replace it yet. I will when I find something amazing, but for now, this stuff gets the job done. It's formulated with 80% certified organic ingredients and has 15 SPF. I don't usually go out in the sun without it for that reason.

100% Pure - Healthy Flawless Skin Foundation Powder
I have to give credit, once again, to 100% Pure for making amazing products. Not only do they make great skincare, but their cosmetics are amazing too. This formula is as natural as they come- does not contain talc or any other nasties. It goes on light and easy and covers really well (I don't even need concealer! Which is good because I have yet to find an affordable natural concealer).

Orglamix Mineral Eyeshadow - Brown Eyes Intensify Collection
It's been a while, and the site has been through many major changes, but I think I bought these babies on Pure Citizen back in the day when they did flash-sales. But I'm not entirely sure...either way, wherever I got these, I'm glad that I did. This collection is fail-proof for brown-eyed girls like me. The colors are neutral enough that they go with every outfit. This is a perfect everyday collection. When these run-out, I plan on buying them again because I like the colors that much.

Jane Iredale Eye Pencil - Basic Black
I like my eyeliner...a lot. This basic black does the trick.

Physicians Formula - Organic Wear Mascara
BEWARE: don't cry with this mascara on! It will be all over your face in a matter of seconds. But while it's not 100% water proof and does leave little black mascara flakes on your cheeks from time-to-time, it's a great, cheap, option that you can find at the drug store. I'm always in the market for a waterproof, flake free version, but until then, this does the trick and applies beautifully.

100% Pure - Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer
First of all, this has cocoa powder in it. That sounds incredible, right? It's like wearing dessert on your face. Second I love a good bronzer and often use it instead of blush...I don't like looking pale, ok? When I'm on a budget and I can't buy both, I always go for the bronzer instead of the blush. (When I have more funds, though, I have my eyes set on this blush...)

Badger Mineral Lip Tints & Shimmers - Red Jasper/Opal Shimmer
I've never been into a bold lip...these tints and shimmers are as bold as I'll go...for now. I am more into playing up my eyes and down-playing my lips. One day I will experiment with lip color, but today is not that day. For now, these lip tints give a great subtle hint of color and shimmer.

Suncare/Sunless Tanning:

alba Botanica - Natural Very Emollient Sunless Tanner
I, personally, love this sunless tanner and the smell. Plus it gives me a nice color (for my pale self).

Coola - Plant UV Sunscreen SPF 30
As natural and safe as they come. It's a little pricey, but it's worth it. Click here for a less-pricey sunscreen that I also recommend and plan on buying when this stuff runs-out.

Deodorant and Fragrance:

pHresh Deodorant - Tropical Blossom
I got to try this deodorant because I won a monthly box from Goodebox. What looked to be a full-sized pHresh deodorant was included in that month's box. This is the first natural deodorant I have tried that I am satisfied with. It has one questionable ingredient (carageenan), but other than that, I love the scent and it lasts all day.

Pacifica - Malibu Lemon Blossom Spray Perfume

Ok, I'll be honest, I've only tried this on at the grocery store. But as soon as I get paid, I am purchasing this scent. It's amazing.

What do you think of this routine? How do you like these products? Have you tried any of these brands or products? Do you love them as much as I do? Let me know! :)

-S&P

Foodie Friday: Gluten & Soy-Free Veggie Burgers

It’s still summer and summer means barbeques. And BBQs means veggie burgers! However, enjoying veggie burgers can be quite difficult when you are allergic to soy or have a gluten-intolerance. Even if you are simply trying to avoid these foods for health reasons or to lose weight, it can be frustrating finding the right products. Of course, you can always make your own gluten-free and soy-free veggie patties but, sometimes, it’s nice to know that there are convenient options available in your local health food store.

Thankfully, the vegan food industry is always evolving to meet the unique dietary needs of their customers and there are more options available than ever. I have done a search of popular brands that feature gluten-free and soy-free options and have listed them below. Most of these products can be found at Sprouts Farmers Market or Whole Foods stores. If not, check the product’s website for locations near you.

 

Asherah's Gourmet

 Vegan Burgers - Original & Chipotle

"FREE OF THE TOP TEN FOOD ALLERGENS: Dairy, Eggs, Fish, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Sesame, Shellfish, Soy, Wheat, & Gluten"

Click here for ingredients.




   

Organic Sunshine Burgers

“All flavors of Sunshine Burgers are free of gluten, wheat, soy, corn, oats, dairy, eggs, tree nuts and peanuts – and we never use genetically engineered ingredients. Produced organically, Sunshine Burgers are healthy for you and the planet!”

They are vegan too!

Here are my favorite flavors (although, I'm sure they are all good!):

Hemp & Sage Breakfast  
Ingredients:
Organic sunflower seeds, organic brown rice, organic adzuki beans, organic hemp seeds, organic onion, organic bell pepper, organic herbs, organic paprika, organic black pepper, sea salt


Quarter Pound Original
Ingredients:
Ground raw sunflower seeds, brown rice, carrots, herbs, sea salt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy’s Kitchen Sonoma Veggie Burger

“Made with organic vegetables, mushrooms and quinoa, an ancient protein-rich grain. The new Sonoma Burger is free from dairy, gluten and soy, and is so full of flavor. You'll love its light, fresh taste.”

Ingredients:
No Trans Fat/No Added MSG/No Preservatives (Vegan): Organic quinoa, organic mushrooms, organic onions, gluten free oats*, filtered water, organic walnuts, organic celery, organic carrots, organic garbanzo flour, organic potatoes, sea salt, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, organic garlic. Contains walnuts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hilary's Eat Well

"Hilary’s Eat Well makes delicious, convenient and amazing food that is always gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, egg-free, soy-free, yeast-free, and nut-free!"

They have the following varieties: World's Best Veggie Burger, Adzuki Bean Burger, and Hemp & Greens Burger. All are vegan, of course.

Visit their website to see a list of ingredients for each variety. :) 

Have you tried any of these tasty burgers?
-S&P

 

What I Bought Wednesday: Zulily Edition

So, I haven’t posted in a while (apologies all around), but I have been super busy (you know how it is). And while I've been on a short summer hiatus, I’ve done some online shopping (something I haven’t done in a couple of months). Because I haven’t shopped for clothing in a while, I kind of went a little crazy this time (as I tend to do). My online retailer of choice was: zulily.com. As I have mentioned in previous fashion posts, Zulily is an amazing flash-sale site that offers sales on some of my favorite brands. But they don’t stop there; Zulily is always amazing me with the sheer number and variety of brands that they carry. There is always something new added to the site everyday and they have introduced me to so many great brands! I’m kind of addicted. 

Here is just a list of some of the Style & Purpose-approved brands that they carry: Toms shoes and eyewear, Sanuk shoes, amykathryn designer vegan handbags, bluDemocracy apparel, The Colourful Grass Shoe Company, Repair the World apparel, Make Love Not Trash designer handbags, along with clothing brands that make their apparel in the USA (sweatshop-free)...and so much more! It's easy to see why this awesome Seattle-based retailer is becoming my favorite online flash sale/retail store EVER.

So here’s what I bought this time around:

 Toms Pink Ikat Vegan Classics

Sanuk Cream Plain Jane II Slip-On (also Vegan)

Cashew Heather Larchmont Hoodie by
StyleMint (Made in the USA)

 Green Floral Sleeveless Dress by Basement Apparel (Made in the USA)

 

 Red Zigzag Valentine Maxi Dress by Jantie Designs (Made in the USA)

Have you been to Zulily.com yet? Did you see or buy anything you like?

-S&P

June Eats (Part 4): Hollywood (Doomie’s Home Cooking)

June Eats is a 4-part post recapping all the fabulous plant-based restaurants that I visited in the month of June. I was so fortunate to try so many new places last month that I decided to break up this post into 4 different parts separated by location. For example, Part 1 describes my trip to Cinnaholic and Ike’s Place in the San Francisco Bay Area, Part 2 is about Juicy Ladies and the new Veggie Grill location in the San Fernando Valley, Part 3 is about Kippy’s Ice Cream and Real Food Daily in the Santa Monica Bay area, and Part 4 is dedicated to Doomie’s Home Cookin’ in Hollywood. Enjoy!

Part 4: Hollywood (Doomie’s Home Cooking)

Doomie’s Home Cookin’, Hollywood

Doomie’s specializes in greasy, fatty, vegan comfort food. It is by no means healthy. This is vegan junk food beloved by many vegans/vegetarians, omnivores, and yelpers alike.

If you’re vegan and you’ve ever missed comfort food, or even fast food, Doomie’s is the place to be. I say “fast food” not because it is fast, per se, but because they have a vegan Big Mac on their secret menu! They also have a Western bacon cheeseburger, chili cheese fries, and a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

Doomie's Vegan Big Mac

My bf ordered the vegan Big Mac and I ordered the BBQ pulled “pork” sandwich. This classic southern dish was served with a cup of their mac n’ cheese AND a generous side of fries. We also got an order of jalapeno poppers which were mighty tasty!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with side of mac n' cheese and fries (Jalapeno Popper also pictured)

Our friends ordered the drumstick appetizer. These were incredibly convincing and I really had to do a double-take. I don’t know how they do it!

What I recommend: although my bf loved the Big Mac, I would not recommend it to vegans because vegans know their meat substitutes and this unmistakably tastes like a Boca burger (I wouldn’t be surprised if it was). I would recommend it to those who are new to vegan food (it’s a safe choice), but I would not recommend it to long-time vegans. Instead, opt for something like the BBQ pulled pork (which is a favorite on yelp) and definitely try the jalapeno poppers and the chicken drumsticks. You can’t go wrong with these! The homemade vegan cheese in the poppers is amazing and like nothing you’ve tasted before. The pulled pork is tender and saucy! The drumsticks, as I said above, are extremely convincing (in taste and texture). I liked what I ordered (pulled pork) and my bf loved his Big Mac (although, again, I wasn’t a fan). Overall it was a nice departure from the healthy vegan restaurants that I usually haul my bf to and we would definitely try it again! 

So that's it for June Eats: my very special recap of where I ate in June! I hope you enjoyed this 4-part post featuring some amazing plant-based restaurants! Are you going to try any of these fabulous establishments? What are you going to order? Have you already tried any of these places? What did you like? Let me know!

-S&P