Giving

Rescued Duck, image via Farm Sanctuary

In the midst of the holiday season, I wanted to share some of my favorite organizations that could use our support.  Since becoming a vegan, I have learned a lot about Farm Sanctuary, a fabulous place in New York and California that provides rescued farm animals with a safe, cruelty free place to live.  I love looking at the Animal Spotlights on their website... the stories are so moving, and they serve to reinforce the positive impact a cruelty free lifestyle can have.  I fell in love with this little guy:

 

Bob Harper, image via Farm Sanctuary

He fell off a truck that was transporting him from one factory farm to another, when a kind-hearted motorist picked him up.  He was super underweight and malnourished, and the motorist cared for him and then contacted Farm Sanctuary so he could move there and have a safe, happy life.

It is so easy, and truly affordable, to become involved with the amazing organization.  A contribution of $20 or more entitles you to a one year membership, which includes a newsletter, discounts at their Bed & Breakfast, and the ability to visit the Sanctuary at any time.  This is an excellent Christmas gift for any animal lover you know (or, of course, yourself).  I am hoping to visit Farm Sanctuary next summer, so I am definitely going to make a holiday donation. 

image via Girl Effect

I was first introduced to Girl Effect when Kimia posted about it, and once you watch this you have to get involved (sorry the video is so big... you may want to go to YouTube to watch it):




We are so lucky to have such privileges in this part of the world, and imagine how much better this world would be if women everywhere were given the same opportunities.  It is so easy to give, you can text GIRL to 50555 to automatically give $10, or you can donate online, either a onetime gift or a recurring monthly donation.

Also, I wanted to share a pact Chelsea and Joanna made.  For a week they are refraining from complaining, and I am accepting the challenge this week.  Think how much more time we would all have to be happy if we did not waste any time complaining :)  I will let you know how it goes!

What organizations do you love to give to?  I am always on the lookout for new missions to support!

xoxo

Matt & Nat on HauteLook

Hello Loves!

I know this is cutting it close, but I just wanted to let you know that Matt & Nat's fabulous vegan handbags are on sale on HauteLook for INSANELY discounted prices (you have to sign up with the site, but I promise it is worth it!).  The sale ends at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on 12/20... so I will most likely spend this evening trying to convince my husband that at least one of these fabulous bags would look excellent under our Christmas tree :)  If you have not heard of these bags, they are not just vegan.  Each lining is made from an average of 21 recycled plastic bottles, and the bags often contain other recycled elements.  All the pieces are chic in a perfectly edgy, slightly French sort of way, so I obviously heart them.  Here are the ones that have caught my eye (get ready... there are a lot!):

Hendrix Chain Strap Bag, image via HauteLook

The multiple chain straps!  The zipper trim!  Swoon... this bag would make the transition from office to evening seamlessly. 

Ashbery Clasp Wallet, image via HauteLook

 I love a bright wallet... it makes it so much easier to find it in my gigantic purses.  The strap also means this doubles as a super cute clutch when you want to travel lightly. 

Laroux Flap Front Cross Body Bag, image via HauteLook

 Studded and powder blue... need I say more?

Rilo Shoulder Bag, image via HauteLook

This is the PERFECT over-the-shoulder carryall.  Vegan handbags this polished are few and far between, I am thrilled to find one this professional. 

Ritual Crossbody Bag, image via HauteLook

If I were still in school, I would make this my impossibly chic bookbag.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I will probably do that anyway!

This discounts average about 65% off, making these awesome pieces surprisingly affordable.  Happy shopping!

xoxo

Surprise Weekend in Chicago

Hello loves!

I know, I know.  I promised last week I would not disappear.  And then I did.  This holiday season has managed to keep me much busier than anticipated (maybe it is the whole married thing... haha).  Victor and I planned a quick trip out to Chicago to visit his family for an early holiday celebration.  Well, due to the snowstorm that swept across the country, we were treated to two extra days in Illinois.  Our family was thrilled, and so were we, although we were both a little low on undies, which necessitated an impromptu shopping trip.  I snagged these adorable (and vegan!) Hanky Panky underwear.

Mad About Plaid and Black Original Rise Thong, image via Hanky Panky

I have Hanky Panky thongs for all occasions (a wedding pair that says "Mrs." in blue rhinestones, a pink Valentine's Day pair with hearts), but I never even thought I needed holiday underwear.  But when they are this cute, how can you say no?  Bonus - when I finally make the trip to Scotland I have been dreaming of since I was a child, I will have the underwear for the journey.

On another note, I need to take a minute to say a HUGE thank you to my husband.  I have mentioned before that Victor is not at all a vegan, and for him, going home means returning not only to his family's delicious Arabic cooking, but also to all the local restaurants and specialties we do not have out on the East Coast.  BUT, not one of these beloved treats are vegan.  So, it was a tough weekend for me food wise.  I had really been in a groove cooking for myself and eating well before we left, so the dairy slip-ups really made me feel crummy.  When we discovered that we would be staying for two extra days, my beloved husband found me a LIST of vegan restaurants in Chicago.  So I unexpectedly got to try The Chicago Diner.

image via The Chicago Diner

I LOVED it, and everything I tried was delicious.  Even the hubby found something delicious to eat (although he stopped for a sausage sandwich on the way... gotta love him!).  Victor had non-dairy hot chocolate (which he had to admit was delicious), Chips & Guacamole, and Mashed Potatoes with a Side of Gravy.  I went for the Avocado Tostadas, which were insane and tasted so comforting and delicious on the FREEZING day we went.  I also had a side of Steamed Kale (I could probably have an entire blog about kale... my obsession is that intense) and Mac & Cheeze, mostly because I was curious.  Let's just say, I no longer miss the original.  In fact, I love that this dish recreated the texture without the heaviness of the traditional cheese based Mac & Cheese. 

I am sorry I do not have any photos... my food photography skills need some serious work.  I am definitely working on it.  So loves - have you been to any delicious vegan restaurants lately?  Please share!

xoxo

Elephant Love

I have found my favorite Christmas gift from a very surprising source (Banana Republic?!? Who would have thought?).  I am in love with this bag.  It is perfect in so many ways.  The slightly slouchy shape!  The vegan friendly cotton fabric!  The SEQUINED elephant! 

Cotton Elephant Tote, image via Banana Republic

The only question is what color I should invest in for myself and loved ones?  I am partial to Blue, but the Silver (looks gold to me) is classic and adorable.  Decisions, decisions. 

xoxo

A Cruelty-Free Interview Outfit

LOVES!

I am so sorry I have been away for so long.  The job search has been occupying a lot of my time, but hopefully I will have some good news coming soon, so keep your fingers crossed!

But no worries... my time away was not in vain!  I was presented with an interesting challenge this week when I was shopping for a vegan interview outfit.  I discovered that although my casual wardrobe has easily transitioned away from animal products, I am still drawn to wool and silk when I want to dress up.  I was a bit pressed for time in finding an outfit, so using the internet was unfortunately not an option.  So I hit the mall... and was remarkably successful, although I noticed the shopping process takes longer than it used to!  I got an adorable, professional outfit from J. Crew, which is but no means completely vegan, but does offer up some adorable options.  So here is my loot:

 

Oversized Lace Tee, image via J. Crew

The neckline on this top is perfect.  It shows skin without being revealing, and has a loose, but not shapeless fit.  Best of all, it is soft and silky without being silk!

Matte Jersey Curator Pant, image via J. Crew

Alright, I am obsessed with these pants.  They are slouchy and comfy, but look so chic when paired with heels.  They have that sort of effortless European look I am always striving for.  And they are on sale!  Plus, my dream job is a Museum Curator, so I thought the name was a sign of good sign... I know... NERD ALERT! 

Since I was a shoehorse in my pre-vegan days, I decided to wear a pair of shoes I had (which were unfortunately leather) because I honestly have no need for a new pair of shoes, so I thought it would be best to use what I had.  BUT, if I did need shoes, I would get these ones:

Sea Heel, image via olsen Haus

Aren't they adorable?  When I need shoes, these ones are at the top of my list :)

I promise I will not disappear again!  I have a lot of great things planned, so stayed tuned loves!

xoxo