❤ Cookbooks- There is nothing more relaxing for me than flipping through a beautiful cookbook looking at the pictures, planning meals and reading through the descriptions. A personal favorite is Peas and Thank You, a new vegan cookbook by Sarah Matheny. This one is so funny, it honestly reads like a novel. I am ashamed to admit that I have cuddled up in bed with it on more than one occasion. My husband was watching Anderson Cooper and CNBC and there I am reading about how to bake eggless scones. Now who doesn't have their priorities straight? Other favorites include: Babycakes (vegan desserts), The complete Italian Vegetarian Cookbook by Jack Bishop, Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and anything by Martha Stewart. No one can style food or flowers or anything like her people: Gorgeous!!
❤ Blogs- I am an information sponge and particularly love anything useful, funny or well-written. These blogs are all of those things:
www.getposhtopush.blogspot.com. My gorgeous super-mom pal MrsKatherineA makes caring for four kids six and under look easy and glamorous, all while chasing them in 4 1/2" Louboutins- seriously Donna Reed has nothing on this girl. She has a based of knowledge and a skill with writing that makes even non-mommies want to read.
www.peasandthankyou.com- What can I say, I can't get enough of Sarah, her fantastic recipes and her wry witty writing. Take that freshman year lit instructor, how you like that assonance? Veggie or not- you'll love this one too.
www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com- Um, healthy (vegan) desserts that even the most discriminating sugar queens will love. Need I say more? All yummy, all of the time delivered by a seriously sweet chef! No I am not completely vegan, but when I can avoid animal products deliciously I will! Try the chocolate chip cookie pie- it is seriously surprising and delicious.
others include: www.ecostilleto.com, theglamorganicgoddess.blogspot.com, www.thekindlife.com, aspiringkennedy.com, beautyaunatural.com and www.theppk.com
❤ Crest Toothpaste- Surprised? Yes, I tried all of the hippie toothpastes and honestly? They just don't work for me. My teeth felt like they were wearing little sweaters all of the time even when used with my beloved Sonicare toothbrush. After a particularly uncomfortable dental cleaning after a three month bout with "natural" toothpaste, my dental hygienist (who I learned is a chemical-phobe like me) pointed out that it is pretty pointless to use inferior performing toothpastes at the risk of getting cavities and needing fillings which use far nastier ingredients than even Proctor & Gamble could come up with. Hmmmm........ she's got a great point- so I reunited myself with my former flame, Mr. Crest and we've been together ever since. My sweater-free teeth are grateful to you smart tooth lady.
❤Zumba- My favorite class at the gym, it makes me hop out of bed in the morning to go work out- how great is that? Ours is more hip-hop style- yeah white girls can ('t) dance, but we have a whole lot of fun looking that stupid. Shake it girls!
❤ Bubble and Bee- Anything and everything from their line, you just can't go wrong. A favorite is their deliciously-scented body butters. Plus you can make your own "signature" body spray for like $15. www.bubbleandbee.com
❤ Natural Joy Beauty- This online store is a joy, at as is the owner and store's namesake. All items are prescreened and Joy is a pleasure to talk to- she's one knowledgeable lady. They have a great selection and frequent coupons, so get on their mailing list! www.naturaljoybeauty.com
❤ Asics Gel Kayano Running Shoes- I'm on my 8th pair of these lovelies, and I hope they never change them. They are actually leather-free, but even if they weren't I don't think I could give them up. A new pair always makes me run faster and they go on sale for $109 at Nordstrom every summer and at Dick's Sporting Goods at Christmas time. I'm all dialed in. Expensive, but totally worth it, plus I gotta do something to work off those marshmallows and cookie pie. This is just my favorite way to do it.
❤ Primitive Lipstick- Hands down the best "natural" option I've tried. It has a small but beautiful palette, great staying power and I think every shade is wearable and smells deliciously of vanilla.
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| Left: Scarlett, Right: Chloe |
❤ Agape & Zoe Sugared Crush Perfume Spray- the answer to my perfume withdrawals. I love this syrupy scent. Sorry that my olfactory scent leans to the sugary side, but I just can't get into grown up smells- though I like to layer this with some of my more "mature" natural scents. Give 'em a little youth boost. Like Pink Sugar or Philosophy's Falling in Love? You'll probably like this one too, and it's inexpensive at $29. Agape's Repose- a vanilla & lavender scent is also a favorite. Both have surprisingly decent staying power for a natural scent. www.agapeandzoe.com
❤ A Good Mani/pedi- Acquarella and Scotch Naturals is good for pedis, not so good for manis acrylates copolymer" is not a single ingredient, but comprised of a bunch of things. Still, they are better than most. There are several three-free brands like Priti, No Miss, Zoya and Butter of London. All have a fantastic color-filled line, and are still a little better than old-fashioned formulations. Even OPI is three free now. Sometimes we just have to do the best we can with the options we have, so just apply outside or near an open window. We have to pick and choose things that we can give up- I can give up meat and a suntan but I need my waterproof mascara and manicures- life's about balance people.
❤ Lululemon Workout Gear- Pants, Hoodies, Tanks, Yoga Mats- Heck, I love everything from that darn store. Maybe you think they are overrated, over-worn or overpriced? I may or may not be able to argue those points, as I am surrounded by a sea of fellow addicts each time I step foot into the gym. A phenomena that culminates in making me feel a little like part of a suburban Stepford posse of highlighted haired (them, not me) femme-bots. I can however assure you of one thing....Though $98, it is well known that their workout pants give a boost to your rear view (for fun just google lulu butt). And being told you have said damn fine ass? That my dear, is priceless :o). In all seriousness......Their stuff lasts like 5 years and it has cute femme detailing. Any lascivious comments aside, the best workout gear out there, since feeling a little cuter automatically makes you feel a little better at getting your own fine hind to the gym.
❤ Sweet and Sara's Vegan Coconut Marshmallows- Vegetarian marshmallows you say? Even yummier than the originals I promise you! One of the hardest things for me when going veggie was giving up the beloved summer time snack: s'mores. Now I don't have to, since these are completely gelatin free. www.sweetandsara.com
❤ A great novel- In particular any book by Sara Addison Allen- I love her mix of whimsy, magic and innocence that she weaves into each story. The Girl Who Chased the Moon and Gardenspells are personal favorites. Curl up with one on a rainy afternoon, with the aforementioned marshmallows and freshly painted toes.........and you have yourself a fine little mental mini vacation.
Happy Wednesday!
❤ Eco Belle Elle
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