Anti-Animal Testing Protest

This blog post is about this article: Anti-Animal Testing Protest
A good friend of mine tagged me in a Facebook post saying, "this article reminds me of you".
It is from a couple years ago, but this is something I have grown increasingly passionate about over the past year, so here are my thoughts.

First, I think it is unfortunate that something this dramatic has to be done in order to raise awareness for such an archaic, outdated practice. I also find it unfortunate that protests of this caliber are not held in places (like the US) where animal testing is happening EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Many countries around world have banned or put laws into place restricting the testing of chemicals on animals for cosmetic purposes. Although we continue to make strides in this seemingly never ending battle, we are far from becoming a cruelty-free country (with regard to cosmetics). With all of the resources we now have, testing on animals is completely unnecessary and just plain depressing...

Second, I admire Jacqueline for going to such great lengths to stand up for what she believes in. The treatment she endured is similar to that of caged and helpless animals who are abused and tortured daily for no other reason than to perfect a cosmetic solution or discover new, less expensive ingredients for household items. People often turn a blind eye towards situations that make them feel uncomfortable or sad. I praise her for shedding light on this issue and bringing its sadistic nature into the streets for people to witness. If more people were aware and forced to recognize what is truly going on behind the closed doors of a laboratory, policies would change and people would be more concerned with animal rights. Animals are not humans, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve to be treated with respect. They are innocent, defenseless, and don't have a voice or free will to speak up and put an end to this.

Yes, there is a difference between her and the animals this is happening to. She has the power of free will. She is choosing to do this protest and allowing her fellow artist to conduct these experiments on her, BUT that is what makes this even more sad for animals—they don't have the option and they often die a painful, horrifying death (which is probably a relief to them after everything else they've been exposed to).

My hope is that some day we will live in a country (or even a world) that has more respect for the humans and animals that inhabit it. 

September Petit Vour Box Product Review

This month I received my first EVER Petit Vour Beauty Box! Each month the cost is $15 and you'll receive 4-6 cruelty-free and vegan products.The items featured in the Petit Vour boxes are "higher end" and usually made with natural ingredients. In the October Petit Vour box I received lip gloss, nail polish, leave-in conditioner, and face scrub. 

Two of my favorite things: cruelty-free and vegan products & my fur-baby. 

 Here is the contents of my Petit Vour Beauty Box for September!

This is Yarok leave-in conditioner which is supposed to "protect ends with this nutritious, leave-in spray, packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential oils that nourish hair prior to blow drying and heat styling". This is a full-size, 2 oz. bottle which retails for $13.20. I do not typically use heat on my hair, but on the bottle there are instructions for using this product as a detangler. I have very long, fine, curly hair, so tangles and knots are something I am far too familiar with. I washed and towel dried my hair, then sprayed this throughout my hair from root to end. I let it sit for about 15 minutes and then separated and brushed through my hair. I did notice my hair begin to separate with an ease that most likely would have not been present had I not used this spray. I can see myself purchasing this product—in a much larger volume—because I used nearly 1/3 of this bottle in one application. For someone with shorter, thinner hair (than myself—which is probably most people) the smaller bottle should last a while. The scent is a very refreshing citrus. It smelled clean and didn't leave any residue in my hair once it dried. 

INGREDIENTS: vitamin aqua (water), Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, Olea europaea (olive) oil, Vitis vinifera (grapeseed) oil, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) oil, Oenothera biennis (primrose) oil, plant sourced kosher vegan xanthan gum & potassium sorbate; essential oils of: Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) & Litsea cubeba (may chang)

I am a huge fan of nail polish, so when I saw this super cute, bubble gum pink color, I squeeled. It is described as a "creamy, dreamy, cotton candy pink". LVX products are formulated without using Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBT, Toluene, or Camphor. Their products are cruelty-free and vegan. It doesn't get much better than that! This is a full-sized bottle in the color Lolli, which retails for $16.

All I have to say is, YAY FOR ELLOVI!!! I have been a huge fan of theirs ever since I first used their body butter earlier this year. You can read my review right here. I do own several of my own Ellovi lip butter sticks and I have replaced my previous stock of EOS with them. However, I have never tried the tinted variations. And once again, they did not disappoint! This lip butter goes on smooth and creamy with a subtle hint of color. I was impressed by the soft pink hue it left behind. I might actually prefer this over the clear lip butter. I am not one who typically uses lipstick or wears color on my lips, but I do really enjoy the simplicity and hydration this tinted butter offers. One tube retails for $5 and the best part is: it is made with ONLY 6 ingredients!!! I adore products that are all-natural, especially when they actually work! 

INGREDIENTS: Macadamian Nut, Coconut, Marula, Hemp Seed, Shea, and Alkanet (a Medditeranian flower used for tint).

I have heard many great things about Root Science, but I have never used it myself. I received a half-sized RS Face Scrub. This full-sized item (3.8 oz) retails for $40. This gentile exfoliating powder claims to "renew, resurface, and brighten" skin. I was definitely intrigued when I took the cap off and revealed the grainy powder inside. I didn't notice much of a smell and I was curious how this powder would exfoliate my skin. My go-to face scrub contains salt crystals and feels more like it is buffing my skin, but after I rinse it off my face often feels stripped and raw. This Root Science scrub surprised me! I poured the powder in my hand and mixed it with some water to create somewhat of a paste. I rubbed it over my face as directed and once I rinsed it off I couldn't believe how soft my skin felt! My face was smooth without feeling dry. I can see myself purchasing this product and only using it about once a week to prolong the shelf life. 

INGREDIENTS: Sodium Bicarbonate**, Prunus Dulcis (Almond) Meal*, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) leaf*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) leaf*, Kaolin Clay**, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root*, Bentonite Clay**, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf*, Ulmus Rubra (Slipper Elm) Bark*, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Bean*.

The Eagles

It was about 20 years ago when I was first introduced to the Eagles and I have been hooked ever since. 

I would describe myself as a music addict. From as early as I can remember, music has spoken to me and moved through my veins with an ease similar to breathing. In college, I studied English Language and Comparative Literature, but still I find myself at a loss for words when trying to verbalize how a song makes me feel internally. 

My first memory of music involved my father when I was about 8 years old. Our family had recently purchased a fancy new contraption, called a computer, and you could put Cd's in it and play music! I thought this was the greatest invention since Barbies. We would sit in our den almost every night and play around on the small, fuzzy screen with a playlist consisting of James Taylor, Nat King Cole, The Doors, and the Eagles. I couldn't tell you what drew me to this music with such rich history that I couldn't even begin to comprehend at such a young age, but I knew I loved it. Every week I would do chores to earn money so my dad would take me to the local second-hand CD store and I would buy a new album.

Needless to say, I own every Eagles record and know every Eagles song. My father and I have seen every Eagles concert within a 300 mile radius over the last several years.  For the past 20 years, the Eagles have become part of my life, part of my family, part of my marriage, and part of me. I experience something new every time I hear one of their songs, even if I have heard it a million times before. My husband and I danced to Love Will Keep Us Alive at our wedding. Life in the Fast Lane has kept me motivated to keep up the pace while I am exercising. And Hotel California has been played at every party I have ever had. 

It still fascinates me that as I grow older I am continuously able to relate to each song in an entirely unique way than I was 1,2, even 5 years prior. Eagles music is timeless and evolves and matures much like its listeners. Whether it was listing to a song for pure enjoyment, to overcome a stressful situation, to deal with the loss of a loved one, to gain to strength after a tough break-up, or even to bond with my dad in my elementary years, Eagles music has helped mold me into who I am today. 

Over the weekend my dad and I went to see the Eagles in concert once again. They were playing at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. Our seats were the best they've ever been (although you can't tell from my atrocious camera) and we were so anxious to soak up every minute of it. We started off the night at a restaurant called The Ranch near the venue. It was pricey and a bit fancy, but the food was delicious.

We started our dinner with their infamous popovers. These are large, hollow bread pastries that flake like a croissant, but taste like a warm loaf of honey wheat bread. They're served with a chunky cinnamon apple jam and butter. 

We knew we were going to be spending a few hours at The Ranch, so we decided to indulge and order a second appetizer. We ordered ceviche and they brought out three different kinds. The first was traditional shrimp, the second was lobster, and the third was mango. All three were surprisingly unique, yet equally tasty. 

We each ordered a bowl of their house soup of the day, which was a broccoli cheese with potato chunks. The soup was thick, creamy, and rich with a burst of hearty flavors. 

There weren't a large variety of meat-less options, so I opted for a plate of roasted veggies. I learned that The Ranch owns their own local farm and all of the produce on the menu comes fresh from their neighborhood location. My vegetables were served with a beet puree that was divine. The garden fresh veggies included green beans, mushrooms, leeks, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and more. 

Since everything at The Ranch is served A la carte, we ordered a side dish to share. My choice was lobster mac and cheese. This was made with large shell pasta, generous chunks of lobster, and a subtle, yet rich cheese sauce. 

My dad ordered the prime rib with a side of baked au gratin potatoes. I obviously did not taste any of his meal, but he was definitely not complaining. 

For dessert we went with a treat that resembled a Milky Way candy bar. We were skeptical when we laid eyes on the dish, but after one bite we were hooked. This decedent treat was the most rewarding and high-quality Milky Way I have ever experienced. 

My dad had been growing out his beard for close to a year (since my wedding) and planned to chop it off the night after the concert, so he told me to braid it for him... 

For whatever reason, we were not able to take photos or video of the Eagles preforming. I tried to sneak a couple different pictures, but my camera is terrible and they had to be quick so, unfortunately, they aren't impressive. This was one of the best nights I have had in a while. My dad and I enjoyed ourselves immensely. We had so much fun dancing around and singing for hours. The Eagles sounded amazing and did not fail to impress their attentive audience. 

A Bearded Man Cooks Me Dinner

In our house I do most of the cooking—not because Mark is terrible, but because I enjoy it. However, there are some nights when I just don't feel like cooking... Luckily, he is there to save the day and whip up something tasty.

Last week Mark barbecued these delicious skewers on our Hasty Bake. He boiled the potatoes and corn on the stove. Then he stuck corn, potatoes, shrimp (and sausage on his) on wooden skewers, before seasoning them and grilling them on the BBQ. He served them over brown basmati rice. This meal was pretty simple and quite yummy!

Last night Mark created a veggie tikka masala Indian dish. He chopped cilantro, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, potatoes, and onion. He sauteed them in a large pan on the stove and once they were no longer raw, he mixed in a tikka masala sauce packet from Sprouts and a large handful of raw cashews. Once everything had simmered together for about 30 minutes he served it over tandoori rice and garnished with more cilantro. I have never been much of an Indian food lover, but Mark is a huge fan! I figure since he is—ever so-lovingly—putting up with my vegetarian dishes, it is only fair to branch out into his neck of the woods. I actually really enjoyed this dinner for a change! It was flavorful and zesty, plus it tastes identical to the way it smells (which I find uncommon for most foods). 

So grateful for this man! Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging during this time of change and exploration in my life. You are more than I could have ever hoped for and I appreciate your constant involvement as I strive to be the best woman, wife, and person I can be. 

Vegetarianism: 3 Reasons Why I Choose To Be A Vegetarian

My decision to not eat meat technically started a few months ago, but has been in the works for several years. Coming from a family that incorporates meat into every meal, you would think I'd be genetically programed to enjoy its fleshy consistency; however, my personal preference is quite the contrary. I have consumed my fair share of cheeseburgers throughout the years, but there are so many forms of meat that I have never enjoyed eating. As the years pass, I have slowly terminated certain meats from my diet. Earlier this year I made the decision to become a vegetarian—I suppose the correct terminology would be pescatarian because I would find life difficult to enjoy if I had to live without sushi. There are 3 major reasons why I decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.

1.) Let's face it, I am a crazy animal lady! The thought of killing an animal brings a quiver to my lower lip—whether it be for meat, skin, fur, bone, etc. I don't want to be responsible for any animal suffering pain or experiencing fear of being repeatedly tortured and/or killed. I will admit, I can't even watch most of the videos out there today. It deeply saddens me to see any animal struggling or in pain. In my younger years, my views were still the same, yet I was able to disassociate my food from the reality that it was once living. However, I am unable to maintain the same willful ignorance as I become more knowledgeable on the topic of animal rights. There are countless meals which can be prepared without meat. This encourages me to get creative in the kitchen and prepare tasty meals (that satisfy my carnivorous husband).

2.) The older I get, the more health-conscious I become—especially since we plan to get pregnant in the near future. I want to focus on being the best woman I can be and that includes being the healthiest woman I can be. Vegetarianism helps me hold myself accountable for what I am eating. Each time I put a piece of food in my mouth I have to think about what is in it. Last year I would have no problem dipping my breakfast biscuit into my moms infamous gravy without ever thinking about the ingredients. Her gravy is made with fried sausage, one—it's pork (and who knows what else?!) and two—it's fried and extremely unhealthy. Deciding to be a vegetarian causes me to become more aware of the ingredients in the foods I am consuming. This allows me to stop and think before I eat anything and question if it is a healthy choice of food. Being vegetarian also forces me to eat more fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Instead of eating an egg and ham sandwich for breakfast, I eat a fresh fruit smoothie or oatmeal. Instead of eating a turkey sandwich for lunch, I eat a salad. Instead of eating a steak for dinner, I eat a veggie burger. I am able to incorporate more nutritious foods into my diet, that will help me to lose weight and remain healthy, without including meat.

3.) Since becoming a vegetarian I have learned to become more patient and excepting of other people's opinions and beliefs. Daily, I want to pull up videos on my iPhone for my husband to watch when he mentions craving ribs or beef stew for dinner. And no matter how much I know it won't change his perspective, I have a burning desire to inform him anyways. But the fact is, he is educated. He knows and understands what happens at slaughterhouses and to him it is just "the circle of life". Now don't get me wrong—he is a great guy and an animal (or should I say pet) lover, but he whole-heartedly believes that God put animals on this earth to feed humans. As his wife, I have to respect his decision to eat meat—just like he respects mine to not. He is completely aware of the facts and has made an educated decision, which he is entitled to. I strongly believe every individual should live a life that makes him/her happy and fulfilled, but I also believe people should spend more time educating themselves on the horrific events that occur at slaughterhouses and the frightening circumstances these animals are forced to endure. If someone has educated themselves and continues to be a meat-eater, fine. I can't say I understand it or agree with it, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion and lifestyle.

Not only has this change made a positive impact on my health, but also on my way of life. It gives me joy to live a more balanced lifestyle in which I eat more earth-based foods and use only organic & natural beauty products. I don't think I am quite committed enough just yet to live a completely vegan lifestyle, but I wouldn't rule it out completely for the future. I definitely enjoy vegan options of my favorite foods and snacks when they are available. This is a process and it has been a slow one up until now. I am always searching for new ways to better myself as a human and right now I feel like I am on the right track. J

Acne Face Wash

I have always struggled with oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin. Throughout the years I have used any-and-everything to clean my face. In my younger years, I used Noxzema, Cetaphil, Clearasil, St. Ives (abrasive) apricot scrub, Clean & Clear—you get the picture. As I got older and became more aware of my skin and how to care for it, I tried to use products from companies like: Olay, Dove, Neutrogena, and Clinique. Nothing seemed to stop the oil or keep my face from breaking out. Over the years I have learned just how sensitive my skin is and that using harsh chemicals, like straight-up rubbing alcohol—yes, there was a time I would douse a cotton ball and but it directly on my skin—will not help the oil production. It will actually make it worse! Now that I use cruelty-free and vegan products, I have noticed a difference in my skins appearance. Most of the cruelty-free and vegan brands I purchase are made from natural ingredients and do not contain harmful fillers. However, I do still breakout occasionally. While doing some online browsing at Vegan Cuts, I saw this all-natural acne treatment system for sale by Relogy. I read some of the reviews and visited their website for additional information. I was excited to try it because I have noticed more blemishes than normal appearing on my face. I received the treatment system and began using it immediately. I used the three-step cleanser, lotion, and spot treatment as instructed for about three weeks without seeing any results. The cleanser is a foam that lathers and is meant to massage directly into skin. You also have the option of not rinsing it off and allowing it absorb completely into the skin. I have tried both methods and noticed it dries my skin out to not rinse it off. The lotion is nice and creamy. I put it on after I wash my face morning and night. The spot treatment has a roller ball for easy application. It has helped to reduce the size of a pimple, but the results were far from stellar. This system is designed to be used for two months, so I will continue to finish the product and see if there is any difference in my skin. I have used Proactive in the past and I did notice a slight difference, but it took a while for me to notice. Also, if you weren't consistent with the regimen, all of its benefits would be lost. I do not have what I would consider "bad" skin, but I do have larger pores which make me more prone to breakout. Most of my breakouts occur on my chin, which is typically hormonal, so that could be a large part of why I am not seeing results. Either way, I enjoyed the gentleness of this product. It did not make me breakout worse or give me a rash, but it also didn't do much for the few imperfections I have. This obviously isn't my favorite product, but I am glad I tried it out. 

Easy, Healthy, Vegetarian, Oregano & Tomato Eggplant Pizza

What you'll need:

2 large globe eggplants

1 large jar of garlic marinara sauce

handful of grape tomatoes

fresh oregano

dried oregano seasoning

granulated garlic seasoning

grated mozzarella cheese

crumbled Parmesan cheese

olive oil 

salt/pepper

Step 1:

Slice the eggplant into circles. Make sure they are all about the same thickness. Lay them out onto paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help to pull any water from the eggplant. Once the eggplant slices have been sitting for about 30 minutes, wipe off the excess salt and place them on a baking sheet. Using a brush, glaze each eggplant circle with olive oil and top with pepper, dried oregano, and garlic seasoning. Put them in the oven for about 25 minutes at 375 degrees. 

Step 2: 

While the eggplant is cooking, dice your grape tomatoes into halves.

Step 3:

Prepare your oregano, grate your cheese, etc. 

Step 4:

Once the eggplant has been in the oven for about 25 minutes (before it gets mushy), pull it out and decorate your pizza. I started with a thin layer of garlic marinara sauce, topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Next, add your fresh oregano, tomatoes, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. The eggplant pizzas will go back in the oven until the cheese looks melted and starts to slightly brown (approx. 20 minutes).

Step 5: 

When they look melted and golden brown, they are ready to eat! Take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. 

We had some leftovers, so I stacked them—lasagna style—for Mark's lunch the next day. 

*Note: I also took a few pieces to work the next day. To heat them up I used a convection oven and I actually preferred them more the second day. The eggplant was more crisp and crunchy.