Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box

I recently signed up to a beauty box service with a conscience, Vegan Cuts. I ordered the box for $19.95 plus worldwide shipping for $14.95.
As an international customer this can be a bit pricey but I thought I'd give it a go and see if it's good value.

The box itself is "no frills" - which as an environmentalist, makes me happy.

The Box

The first items are two sample sized sunscreens with SPF50 (not something I have seen much of in Australia). One is for the face, the other for the body. They are small samples and something handy to keep in the car for the next day at the beach.

Sunology Sunscreen Samples

The next item is a Schmidt's natural deodorant which is something I have been keen to try - a deodorant sans aluminium, parabens and phthalates! You apply a small pea sized amount under each forearm. The best thing about this one is the smell - sweet bergamot & lime. I don't believe this is a full size product but it is a very generous sample handy to keep in the gym bag.

Schmidt's Deodorant

Something which will prove it's worth in my skincare regime at the moment is this Relogy acne spot treatment with seaweed extract. It contains 2% salicylic acid - a key ingredient for targeting acne. I can't wait to try this one! This is a full sized product & retails at $14.95 - entire box cost right there.

Relogy Acne Spot Treatment

Included also was this 59ml generous sample of Lip Glosserie handmade body cream. The scent was a beautiful combination of Japanese Pear & Ginseng - very refreshing. I will use this moisturiser for my morning routine.

Lip Glosserie Body Cream

Probably my favorite item in this box - the NCLA nail wraps. I received the "Candy" style, which to me looks more sailor themed! These will work fantastically as a quick alternative to spending an hr at home doing a manicure before going out.

NCLA Nail Wraps

Keeping on the skin routine train, a sample of Perennial Soaps facial bar is included too. I am always a bit wary of soaps on the face but after reading through the list of organic ingredients (such as clay & essential oils), I am looking forward to seeing how well this bar cleanses my skin.

Perennial Soaps Bar

Lastly but certainly not least, a full size Peach tinted lib balm is also in this box. This colour is great for the spring and for during the day when you don't feel like applying a lipstick

.Fanciful Fox Tinted Lipbalm

All in all, I am very pleased with this box and it is amazing that we have a vegan beauty box available for us aussies!! Although the box didn't blow me away, I think it would be a great investment for those living within the US as the postage does steal some of it's value. I will keep on for the next box and see what that has to offer!

 - Mel.x

Saturday, June 22, 2013

The supermarket, but better!!

A friend of mine that I work with learnt about my new vegetarianism and suggested I check out a local green grocer in our area called Sprout.
What an amazing discovery!! These guys sell local & organic produce, as well as all kinds of ethical & natural  products. 

Here is a bit of a haul I collected from my first visit! It is so exciting to try all the amazing stock!!


                  Some of the goodies inside this box are local pineapple, coyo yogurt & kale.


               Om Nom Nom for avocados, tempeh, coconut milk, coconut chocolate & tofutti pizza!


This bad boy here is the most delicious mud cake invented - and it happens to be raw & vegan!! 
WIN WIN WIN!


Surprise! We have beetroot in the ingredients too.

On ya mum! Discovering Vegetarian Food

I had assumed that my mum would meet my change in lifestyle with skepticism  but on mothers day she decided to make my family dinner - with a few new additions for me :) Love ya mum!

Although they are all frozen produce, this is the beginning of what my dinners looked like:


      SteamFresh veggies with sweet potato fries & curried pumpkin balls w/ a dash of avocado dressing.


                                               Crumbed "Fish Fingers" and mixed veggie rice.


                 Mixed vegetable & tofu stirfry - this was a failure. Turns out that using tofu is an "art".


Linda McCartney "Sausage Rolls" with steamfresh veggies & rice, semi sun-dried tomatoes & gherkins.


Omnivore -> Vegetarian -> Vegan?

A little under two months ago I decided to commit to a lifestyle change I had been thinking about for years; becoming Vegetarian.

I am not sure exactly what prompted me to make the decision on the day I did but I know that these two organisation's videos played a major role.

*  Make it Possible campaign in Australia - http://MakeitPossible.com

*  Earthlings documentary -  http://youtu.be/ce4DJh-L7Ys 

We all have the basic superficial knowledge of the food chain, but the reality of the suffering and inhumane practices involved to support our meat eating society is not something I want to support and be a part of.

To see the horror in the eyes of those animals before their suffering, and to see them tremble and shake in terror makes me cry every time I see it. Animals are not stupid, and they live and feel and have desires just like us. Just because they do not communicate in the way we do, does not make them lesser beings.

In changing my diet to a plant based one not only do I help stand up for animal rights, I can;

* Improve my health
* Reduce my chances of disease
* Help the environment
* Improve sustainability


So I decided, why the heck not?