Zoya Nail Varnish - Cruelty Free & Vegan

About this product:  Zoya has over 300 long-wearing, toxin free, chemical free, vegan nail polishes to choose from. 

Review:  The pretty Zoya polish in these pictures is in the color, "Lillian". What I love most about Zoya are the gorgeous variety of colors and the fact that it's cruelty free, vegan and lasts a long time. As much as many people love Zoya polish and swear it's the best brand ever, I do find the polish to be slightly thick with a soft buttery texture. Surprisingly though, it took only 5 minutes for my nails to dry by air which was awesome! Regardless that it's a bit thicker than I'd prefer, I liked the polish enough I would definitely make other purchases. Besides, the fact that Zoya doesn't test on animals puts brands like OPI, Essie & Red Carpet to shame! Lasts about a week before need for a re-do. Retail price $9. 

 Make sure to check out Zoya's Nail Polish Remover!!!

LINKS:
Zoya
Art_of_Beauty

It's a 10 Miracle Leave in product for hair / Cruelty Free

About this product:  It's a 10 Miracle leave in product has 10 essential benefits for your hair.  Works on all hair types to bring out natural luster and manageability while also making hair stronger and healthier with each use. 

Review: So my co-worker occasionally raves on about how great, It's a 10 product is. I believed her because she has some of the most healthy, shiny hair I've seen all of which is 100% natural.  I was super excited when I was received a sample to try and was thrilled to find the leaping bunny logo on the back of the bottle indicating it's cruelty free. How awesome is that?! 

When it comes to certain cosmetic/hair products, I figure you have to give them a fair trail period to prove results. I'm not much of a believer in 1st, 2nd, 3rd time use and a sudden miracle happens. I think the average product needs a good 30 day trial to prove it's worth. However, after just one use of it's a 10, my hair surprisingly felt and looked healthier. I'll base each of the 10 things this products does for your hair on a scale of fair, good or great as follows in my own personal experience after using it only a handful of times. 

• repairs dry & damaged hair ( GREAT )
• Adds shine ( FAIR )
• smoothes & controls frizz ( GREAT )
• seals & protects hair color ( FAIR )
• detangles ( GREAT )
• prevents slit ends ( GREAT )
• stops hair breakage ( GREAT )
• creates silkiness ( GREAT )
• enhances natural body ( GOOD )
• flat iron & thermal protector ( GREAT )

Keep in mind that all hair types are different and I lucked out in seeing immediate results. I know not all will have the same experience so allow time for this product to work it's magic if needs be. To sum up, if you're hair needs of dose of something good to help restore it's luster, control damage and restore it to life,  it's a 10 will do just that. All you need is 3-4 spritz of spray (or more depending on your volume of hair ) on your washed, damp hair and style as usual. Retail price: $18 - 4oz. Pricey but lasts a long time and well worth it. To check out It's a 10's other products, click the link below.

LINKS:

It's a 10

Vegan Chocolate Cream Pie!

INGREDIENTS:

Pie Crust:

• 1 pie crust 

For Filling:

• 3 Tbs cocoa powder 
• 1/4 cornstarch
• 1/4 salt
• 1/4 organic sugar
• 3 Tbs agave nectar (optional but recommended)
• 1 + 1/4 cup chocolate almond milk
• 1 14 oz can coconut milk (the higher the fat content the better)
• 100 grams/4oz 70% dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1 Tsp vanilla (alcohol free is preferred for better taste results) 
• vegan whipped cream of choice
• extra chocolate for topping
• 
  

Method:

• 1. Make and bake your favorite vegan pie crust.
• 2. Whisk cocoa powder, cornstarch, organic sugar and salt in saucepan.
• 3. Whisk almond milk and full can of coconut milk into dry ingredients. (The coconut milk used in this recipe had a fat content of 14%). 
• 4. Over medium heat, whisk constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
• 5. Whisk constantly at a boil for approximately 2 minutes until thick like pudding. Do not over cook. Remove pan from stove. 
• 6. Taste test to see if you would like to add a sweetener such as organic agave. Add sweetener and stir. 
• 7. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla. The heat from mixture will quickly dissolve chocolate pieces. 
• 8. Pour pudding mixture into pie crust and let cool for at least 3 hours in fridge.

  9. Serve with your choice of vegan whipped cream. This pie was served with So    Delicious Vegan Coco Whip and yes, it was so delicious:)

Note: Pie is more easily cut if it has been in fridge for more than the required 3 hours resulting in a more presentable pie slice if you're shooting for presentation when served. 

I was really happy with the way this pie turned out. I didn't know if it would be too bitter having used 70% chocolate but it wasn't bitter at all. I ended up adding agave because during the taste test it lacked sweetness. Rather than add more sugar, I chose to add agave to keep things a little healthier. I don't think the recipe would have turned out nearly as well had I not added some additional sweetener. 

Try it, I think you and your family will love it vegan or not!

Healthy, Raw, Vegan, Berry Tarts

INGREDIENTS:

• Crust:
• 1 cup almonds
• 10 pitted dates
• 1 Tbs shredded coconut (optional)
• 2 tsp chia - ground
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch sea salt
• 2-3 Tbs water 
• 1 tsp organic confectioners sugar (optional)

• Filling:

  1 cup fresh strawberries 

  1 cup black berries (or blue berries)

  1 ripe avocado

  2 Tbs vanilla (with no alcohol results in a better taste)

  pinch salt

  1 tsp fresh lime or lemon juice

Method:

  1. Combine all crust ingredients, except water into a food processor such as a Ninja or Vitamix and process until ground. Add the water while the processor is running. This 

will help combine ingredients and result in a better texture.

  2. Press crust into the base of individual tart pans or pie plate of your choice. If using a pie plate, it's preferable to choose one that is shallow rather than deep. 

  3. Combine filling ingredients into food processor and process until smooth. Pour filling over crust and even out with a spatula. 

  4. Place in freezer for at least 2-3 hours to set. Keep in mind that this dessert is better served when mostly frozen. You do not want to serve it thawed. Makes for a wonderful summer treat!

AG Hair Cosmetics Professional Shampoo & Conditioner Review

About Product: Colour Savour Sulfate free shampoo - Gently cleanses hair with rich, luxurious lather. Proteins and herbal extracts soothe and repair. Contains sunflower seed extract and natural polyphenols to provide both UV and free radical protection and significantly extend the life and vibrancy of colour. 

Sleek argan conditioner - Transforms coarse, kinky hair into sleek and smooth. Formulated with nutrient rich organ oil and shea butter. Leaves hair shiny and soft. 

No salt

No Parabens

No Gluten

Not tested on animals

Every bottle contributes to educating girls in Africa

Review: What I love most about AG hair care is that it revives dull, frizzy, dry, lifeless hair. It makes your hair look and feel incredibly healthy and soft. Both shampoo and conditioner lathers so well that a small amount goes a long way. I realized after having purchased the one liter bottles that I am most likely to have them on hand for up to 6 months before I possibly run out. It smells heavenly and cleans without stripping down natural oils or hair colour. Though I don't wash my hair every single day because I find that's not personally healthy for my hair and scalp, I believe anyone who wishes to do so would benefit from using AG hair care products as they contain excellent ingredients such as keratin and herbal extracts to help retain moisture. The line is also specifically designed for color treated hair and caters to other hair care such as volume, curls, dry shampoo and more. It's being sulfate free is a big bonus as sulfate can tend to irritate and strip away natural protective oils from hair. Products price range is around $25 to $50 per bottle depending on size. Take into consideration that every bottle purchased contributes to building schools for girls in Africa, is cruelty free and should last you a long time depending on how often you wash you hair. Can be purchased at many salons, online stores or at AG cosmetics website. 

https://www.aghair.com/women-leading-change/

“Women are at the core of AG Hair’s business and we feel both passionate and obliged to help women without any means achieve their potential to create change through education. With each bottle of AG Hair product that we sell, a contribution is made to Women Leading Change. 100% of our donation goes directly towards building schools in Africa. Learn more about where you can find AG Hair products.” - AG Hair Cosmetics

LINKS:

aghair.com

Looking for an excellent waterproof eye liner?

About Product: No - Tug Waterproof Gel Eye Liners glide on saturated rich color without tugging on your delicate eyelids. These liners are clinically proved waterproof even after eight hours of wear! They're also infused with anti-aging technology and skin care benefits including hydrolyzed collagen, silk proteins, and vitamins C and E for younger looking lids. Paragon-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free. 

Review: Finally I've found a great eyeliner that I love! I've been searching for a good eyeliner for the longest time because I've been disappointed repeatedly. I don't like eyeliner pencils that you sharpen because most don't apply easily. I don't care for gel liner where you dip the brush in the gel because it takes some real talent to get that technique down. Lastly, most liquid liners I find to dry to come out the tip of the pen. 
I love this liner because it's a gel based pencil which glides on smoothly and makes application so much more easier. I chose my color in black which proves to be a rich and bold color. The one set back as is with most eyeliner pencils, I wish it were a more thinner. It can be a little hard to achieve the perfect line along the upper lash and generally I need a Q-tip to even things out just a bit. However, in comparison to other eyeliners, this is my absolute favorite. It does come with a sharpener you pull out at the base of the pencil which is kinda cool. Doesn't smudge, doesn't run, lasts all day! Retail price $22.00. Kind of pricy for a pencil but it works well and contains ingredients that are good for your skin. 

Dairy Free, Cherry Cheesecake

Vegan or not, you're going to love this recipe! It tastes very much like real cheesecake and it's easy to make.  My last vegan cheesecake was made with cashews which was delicious but this time around I wanted to try a different method. My goal is to discover new methods to create desserts or dishes which are both vegan and in many cases healthier than ordinary recipes that contain dairy. Though this cake calls for powdered sugar, sometimes you just need a little sugar in your life:) 

I used organic powdered sugar which I purchased at the "Harvest Health" store but you can get it at most any health food store around. To my understanding that makes for a true vegan recipe because organic sugar is bone char free. If ever I use sugar in my future recipes it will now be organic which is a win win because it's  both vegan and as far as sugar goes, organic may help you stay closer to your health goals. Here's the recipe...give it a try!

INGREDIENTS:

• Crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (Nabisco graham crackers are 100% vegan)
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs non dairy butter such as Earth Balance, melted
• 2 Tbs organic powdered sugar only if using graham crackers without honey to make for a true vegan recipe)

• Filling:

  1 (8 oz) package of Firm Silken Tofu ( I purchased a 16 oz and had to cut it in half )

  1 (8 oz) container of non dairy cream cheese ( I used Tofutti purchased at health food     store)

  1 freshly squeezed lemon

  1 Tbs vanilla

  1 cup organic confectioners sugar

  1 Tbs cornstarch

  2 Tbs non dairy milk

  1 (21 oz) can cherries or 1 1/2 cup fresh cherries

Method:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees

2. Mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into lightly greased spring foam pan (or pie plate). I choose a spring foam pan to make the unique crust as pictured. The crust can be pressed upwards against the interior of the spring foam pan. Bake for 5 minutes. 

3. In blender ( I used my ninja for extra smooth results but you can probably use a regular blender ) combine tofu, vegan cream cheese, lemon, vanilla, sugar and blend until smooth. Add cornstarch to soy milk and whisk. Add to blended ingredients. Poor filling into crust and smooth with spatula. 

4. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes then reduce heat to 325 for 15 minutes. Let cool for 2-3 hours. I let mine cool in the spring foam pan in the fridge. 

5. Prior to removing spring foam pan, gently add cherry topping without touching the sides of the crust as it is delicate. Gently remove spring foam pan without disturbing the crust. Because the crust is delicate I did not remove the spring foam pan base when cutting and serving. The crust was was crumbly but it sure looks beautiful doesn't it?!

ALBA BOTANICA HAWAIIAN Makeup Remover Towelettes- Cruelty free

                                                         

About product: Makeup Remover, Cleanser & Toner

• Removes makeup, dirt & oils without water or rinsing
• Hypo-allergenic & alcohol free for sensitive skin
• pH balanced formula leaves no residue
• Soft towelette made from natural, biodegradeable fabric
• Deep pore purifying
• Hypo-allergenic, natural
• 100% Vegetarian Ingredients 
• No animal testing, artificial colors, parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Methyl Sulfate

Time to Clean

Can't do the whole sink-soap-water routine?  No worries!  Get cleaned up fast:  First, gentle cleansers remove makeup.  Second, fruit enzymes break through oil & grime for a pore-deep clean.  Finally, aloe & awapuhi tone & balance without tightness.  A full clean routine doesn't get any easier than this. 

Package qty. 30.

Review: This is the first time having tried a product by Alba Botanica and I'm definitely impressed. Purchased at target for $5.29. That approximately 18 cents each! Not bad price wise. I have no problem removing makeup except the little extra it takes to get black mascara off which I find is the complete norm with facial towelettes. Removing makeup is done in about a minute or less. If you wear heavy foundation you may require the use of two facial towelettes. These wipes have a delightful pineapple smell that's uplifting to the senses and makes you feel good. I love that Alba Botanica uses natural, organic, 100% vegetarian ingredients and doesn't test on animals.  

This brand also has a pore purifying pineapple enzyme facial cleaner which is used to remove makeup, impurities and brighten skin if you do prefer the sink-soap-water routine. Can't wait to try it out!

Coola, Sun Care - SPF 20 to 50 - Organic & Cruelty Free

I recall my mom and grandma telling me during my teen years of wanting to achieve a glowing tan from the sun, "Make sure to put sunscreen on, it will save your skin from aging too fast!" However, I was young and aging wasn't something I had to really worry about for a very very long time...right? 

Taking care of our skin even in our youth is essential to the outcome of our skin later in life. It has been proven time and again that the sun is the leading cause of premature aging and wrinkles. So who wouldn't want to invest money into a product that is truly anti-aging? 

Introducing Coola! This is by far one of the best leading sun care brands available. Products range from 20 to 50 SPF. Talk about excellent skin protection from the suns rays! Products contain natural and organic ingredients such as acai oil high in omegas 3/6/9, rose hip, prime rose oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, photo-plankton extracts, cucumber, strawberry, shea butter, vitamins etc. Each product specifically designed for lips, face or body is packed with good for your skin ingredients. 

Products are non-oily, nourishing and hydrating for skin. Enriched with vitamins to fight free radicals such as air pollutant smog. 80 minute water resistant sunscreens available. SPF 50 sunscreen for baby and SPF 30 spray for pets! 

Let's make it a Coola summer! 

LINKS:

COOLA_SUN_CARE_FOR_SKIN

ULTA.com

Honey, Lemon, Sugar Scrub

I was feeling the need to do a facial exfoliation after hearing about one of Christie Brinkley's secrets to aging well...exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Here's what you need:

1/2 cup of granulated sugar 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 tbsp of honey 

1/2 of a lemon, fresh

Now is the hard part. Mix the sugar, oil, honey and lemon together until they are blended well. Voila! Add it to your favorite jar and "Easy peasey, lemon squeezy" it's done!

Lemon:  Acts as a natural brightener while evening skin tone.

Olive Oil:  Excellent moisturizer packed full of antioxidants to protect against sun damage and environmental pollutants.

Sugar:  Granules for scrubbing away dead skin cells.

Honey:  A moisturizer excellent for skin without clogging any pores. Effective for assisting to prevent and clear acne. Anti- aging. 

When making home made scrubs feel free to choose from a variety of other ingredients. 

1). Choose your oils. Organic almond, organic coconut, jojoba, organic olive, rose hip oils are all excellent choices for your skin. 

2). Sugar. Choose either white or brown sugar. Both work great to exfoliate dead skin!

3). Choose more than just fresh lemon juice. You may like to add the lemon rind in addition. You may also prefer to use essential oils such as lavender, rose or orange.  The right kind of essential oils have excellent benefits for skin and can otherwise be used to make your scrub smell oh so nice!

Enjoy your super soft skin!