Vegan Shoes & Bags - Why I stopped wearing leather

I really love dressing up. I always have. You might know that I have studied fashion design!?
While I try my best to shop ethically or find secondhand treasures, my best fashion decision has been to give up leather! Yet I have not had to compromise to wear cool sneakers, nice heals or comfy & stylish sandals. I own a luxurious wallet and pretty bags.
All of which are: Vegan!

There are so many good reasons for it! It was just about aligning my actions with my beliefs.
I know, we are all so set in our ways and it's easy to overlook buying decisions that we are just to used to. Although I have been a lifelong Vegetarian and long-term vegan, I have still had leather shoes and bags in my wardrobe until last year. Many times I made an effort to buy non-leather pieces, yet I still owned quite a few. There was a time this just didn't feel right anymore and items had to be donated. I felt like a fraud walking around in these things that so clearly weren't in line with my ethics.
I don't want any animals to suffer for my vanity, in 2017 we simply don't need fur, leather, wool or other animal products to keep warm or look good. Leather has a huge negative impact on the environment, just in case you thought of it as a "natural" material. The way it is processed is highly toxic and pollutes waterways and harms the people who are producing it.
Once you do your research it becomes clear that it is the most unsustainable material and simply a bad choice.

Today I wanted to share a little interview with Debbie, founder of the Humankind online store.
She brought more beautiful,  high-quality vegan brands of shoes & bags to Australia, which
You might have spotted my current favourite sneakers and oxfords already on my personal blog and Instagram, which are available at her fabulous little store.

Tell us a little about yourself!
I am a mother of 3 and originally a dietitian by profession. I have always been an animal lover - as a 10-year-old child I would gather signatures from family and friends for petitions to ban the Canadian seal hunt and the culling of kangaroos. I stopped eating meat at the age of 16 and in the last 10 years or so I have been gradually reducing my use of all animal products, including leather. It was my search for high-quality, fashionable and affordable vegan leather bags, shoes and accessories, and a desire to make these more available here in Australia, that led me to establish Humankind.

Why did you stop wearing leather?
Although I stopped eating meat many years ago, the more I read and watched and learned I realised that if I really cared deeply about animals and wanted to avoid harming them, I needed to stop wearing leather too. Many people view leather as a by-product of the meat industry, however, as animal skins, sold as leather, are very valuable, they should really be considered more a ‘co-product’ of the meat industry, which contributes to an increased demand for more animals to be raised and killed.

What are the benefits of not wearing leather?
Knowing that you are not contributing to the harming of animals.

What is the biggest difference in wearing vegan leather alternatives?
The biggest difference would be that no animals are harmed in the process of making vegan leather alternatives.

Is vegan leather better for the planet?
A lot has been written criticizing vegan leather but the truth is animal leather is terrible for the environment. This is because of the tanning process, which conditions the skins, involves the use of many toxic chemicals, which are hazardous to the environment, waterways and the workers who work in the tanneries. The alternative leather industry has developed methods to produce materials from natural products, such as pineapples and mushrooms, and is continuously evolving. I think we’re going to see a lot of new leather alternatives, that not only avoid harming animals, but also avoid harming the environment, in the next few years.

How can people find fashionable alternatives?
When I stopped wearing leather about 10 years ago it was really hard to fashionable vegan leather bags and shoes. I would carry around a grungy canvas bag and wear Converse sneakers in the winter and Havaiana thongs in the summer. Things have changed so much since then and there is a great range of products now available, especially online. Humankind is a great place to start ;-)

How did you select the brands in your store?
For me to stock something in my store I have to personally love it and have tried it out myself. I certainly had lots of fun sampling things in the early phases – all in the name of research of course! I only sell great quality products as I want customers to have a good experience with their vegan bags, shoes and accessories.

What's next for Humankind?
I intend to expand the range of vegan leather bags, shoes and accessories I stock so people who choose not to wear leather here in Australia and around the world have a great range of products to choose from. I’m on a mission to prove that you don’t need to sacrifice style or quality just because you don’t wear leather and I’d like to take that message mainstream!

Do you have a vegan style muse/inspiration?
I love nature and colour and I’m drawn to a casual, earthy aesthetic.

All Images of vegan Bags & Shoes available at the Humankind online store
/ Credits: Via Humankind Instagram

Thank you for your time and for bringing more vegan accessories to Australia, Debbie!

The Latest in Natural Indie Bath & Beauty

Relaxation! So important for a new Mama! Or most of us really! Mama or not, we wear many hats and have countless responsibilities. With work lined up around the corner, I am creating little pockets of calm for me. Recharging pockets!
Yoga in the morning, a mask, bath, meditation or back rub at night... the little things are making all the difference.

I have recently tried some wonderful pampering products from some cute Indie Beauty labels.

Freya's Nourishment has won me over with their Rose Hand Scrub. Constant hand washing and nappy changing have left my hands a little dry and rough in some parts and this is such a treat! Very restoring with a gorgeous balancing Rose scent I kept the little jar close to the basin and have enjoyed it so, so much! This would make such a lovely gift as well!
Freya's Nourishment is a small batch Australian beauty company with beautiful handmade bath & beauty products! The products are vegan and cruelty-free.
I have really enjoyed her Rose And Pomegranate Bath Salt and Wild Rose & Peony Candle.
(All her candles are phthalate free made with non-toxic fragrance!).
I felt comfortable burning this one beside my bath at night. Real Mama bliss.
(With our little baby in the house I am currently not burning any candles or oils in rooms that she is in. Babies developing lungs are very sensitive and it's best not to perfume the house!) 

Another one to watch is Bear Lake Finds. It's an online store with a small selection of indie beauty products imported from the USA & carefully curated by the founder, who wanted to bring her favourite beauty products home and make them available in Australia. 
Most products are on the website are natural, all are cruelty-free and from small batch beauty labels.
I had never heard of the brands or products that she stocks so I was naturally curious!
Moon Rivers Naturals is a true gem. With Organic Ingredients and cool eco-friendly packaging, the products are great quality.
I discovered a luxurious Peppermint Lavender Body Scrub & Rose Geranium Bath Soak that made my skin glow and worries melt away. I am always on the hunt for a candle made with 100% essential oils and no synthetic fragrance, which is very hard to find! A candle that was so pretty I just wanted to keep it out on the shelf and sniff it.... Yep, that's the Slow North Lavender & Cedar Candle. If you like candles you will love these! And non-toxic !!! Stock up!
(We actually have a trip to the mountains coming up and I can't wait to light it there when soaking in the jacuzzi of our little chalet) 

And last but not least: Good Vibes Oil!
Which smells of Hippie (in a good way!) I have used it a few times when my emails and phone calls were overwhelming, with great success and a now carrying it in my handbag! Just in case... When the need arises I use a few drops on temples & neck and voila. Good Vibes all around! It is minty fresh with some earthy notes. Def unisex, on the masculine side. Not all the magical oils are revealed on the ingredient list, but we can be sure about chamomile & lavender working their soothing magic. It's a blend of organic flowers, essential oils and even a little quartz crystal swims in the little bottle. 

I will do a separate post about Aromatherapy for Mum's real soon! Stay tuned. 
Now excuse me while I take a bath in candle light ;)

Liv's Radiant Rawnola Recipe

This Rawnola is the perfect snack when you have a sweet craving, a yummy dessert and perfect topping for smoothie bowls!
Best of all it's packed with vital nutrients for radiant skin and overall health.
Oh, and did I mention that it's super quick and easy to make?

If you haven't heard of Rawnola before: It's a cereal substitute for baked crunchy granola.
While it does get crumbly it stays chewy and tastes more like cookie dough. Yummmmmm!
If you prefer more crunch add some "Buckinis" which is Activated raw Buckwheat to the final mixture. As always use certified organic ingredients of the best quality and without any additives or preservatives.

Equipment:
You can use a food processor or high-speed blender. I used my Vitamix. It's important to only use the lowest setting and not to overdo it with the blending! And a jar for storage. That's it!

Ingredients:
1 Cup of Organic Oats
1 Cup of Organic Dried Mulberries
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1/2 a Cup Coconut Flakes or Shredded Coconut (organic and preservative free)
10 Dates (in the pictures I ran out of enough Dates and added some mixed dried berries instead, you can also use just Mulberries and other dried berries, but Dates are stickier and have the perfect sweetness)

How To:
Basically, you just chuck it all in and switch that thing on. I like to add two dates at a time and blend, add another two and so forth until you have the right sticky/crumbly texture.
Start with the Oats and add Mulberries then add all the other ingredients and 2 dates.
Blend. Add another two dates.... Until done! You might have to give the jug a shake ever so often.

I hope you enjoy! And don't eat it all at once ;)

Beauty Hacks For New Mums - MASKS

Masks are like a mini facial at home. They are so fun and give your skin a boost.
While finding time to mess with a traditional clay or creme mask can be tough, I have found some clever next generation masks that are perfect for new Mums. Or at least they work for me :)
I have been drafting on this Beauty Hacks post for a while and I always end up adding more and more tips and content...
This is not just for Mum's but for everyone that is time poor but feels in need for some special treats and boosters :)
I am in no way suggesting that Mum's need to look good at all times. I personally love to pamper myself a little bit and do something healthy for myself. Nutrition, rest, movement and meditation are most important as self care! But there is nothing wrong with Masking either :)

So: I was deciding to turn this into a little series instead!

1. Overnight Masks - Think Sleeping Beauty
While we miss out on a little bit of our beauty sleep we can help our skin by using night time masks. The next generation of these combines cleansing actions of clay masks with hydrating and regenerating oils for the perfect balance. Of course, you can use them during the day too.
I put mine on the evening when we sometimes get to watch a movie (or Star Trek Episode... we are totally addicted guys! How good are all these old Star Trek Episodes?) or read or chat. By the time we go to bed it has absorbed enough so I can leave it on over night without making a mess. It actually happens pretty quickly but I don't want to risk smothering my pillow cases.
If you want to apply it right before bed, use a thin layer instead.
The next morning my skin glows! I then wash my face as usual and am fresh for the day.

There are two new masks that I like:

Divine Ultra Perfecting Mask
Ultra Perfecting is a pretty high claim. What is perfect anyways? I surrender to the imperfect beauty of things these days...
But: This mask does really balance the skin. It's a clever combination of White Clay (cleansing), Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating) & a combination of nourishing oils. It's certified organic and without nasties.
 

& Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse
This has made me waking up radiant, which is pretty amazing. It's a real treat to use in the evening especially since this has the most luxurious natural scent of Rose Otto! But besides that it feels good for the soul the ingredients are top notch.
 Australian Pink Clay and the volcanic mineral Zeolite purify the skin, removing impurities to prevent breakouts whilst at the same time support skin cell renewal and rejuvenation. Avocado Oil (5 Alpha Avocuta) reduces excess oil production and soothes whilst Acai and Snowflower Seed Oil hydrate and nourish the skin, promoting flawless radiance.

2. Sheet Masks

I can't get enough of sheet masks. Easy-Peasy, rinse free and immediate results. Can be used any time of day! These are best for an immediate glow effect.
My favourite is this one, which I have already told you about.
Make sure not to use Sheet Masks on very dry skin though, you want to moisturize and treat your skin first. Sheet masks are hydrating boosters but they don't offer the richness or comfort of a cream mask. That's why I love them most in warmer weather! Also perfect for holidays, for plane travel and to bring to little getaways.
If your skin is dry/flakey you want to use a balm or right night cream as a treatment instead and use the sheet mask when your skin is back to normal.

I hope you got inspired! Mask On Mamas!

Jane Irdeale's All New Gloss & Spring Collection

The look above can be achieved with Jane Iredale "Rose" Lip Pencil and "Pink Lady" PureGloss on the lips and new PurePressed Eyeshadow Kit "Naturally Glam" and "Clearly Pink" blush!
Editorial for Hello May Magazine photographed by Steve Baccon

One more month of Winter left, it's time to get ready for Spring! Whooop!
I just received the brand new stunning Jane Iredale Spring collection with newly formulated vegan Lip Gloss and beautiful new shades.

As always, everything is very wearable, beautifully soft and neutral colours, classic red lips "Gwen" and three beautiful glosses. To be honest, I was worried when I heard they changed their gloss, as it's a real favourite product of mine and I thought it was perfect. Well, turns out there was room for minimal improvement and I still love the new PureGloss. Even a tiny bit more.
They have more of a lemony scent but nothing overwhelming or artificial and the texture feels even lighter and less sticky. Other than that they are just as great as usual: Hydrating, super-glossy and very well lasting for a gloss! It comes in three colours which are all great.

I already loved using the new colours and can't wait to play some more with them.
Jane Iredale, you are just sooooo good in making cruelty-free, toxin-free makeup that is professional quality! Thank you!

Most Jane Iredale Products are vegan, even the lip gloss and lipsticks!
(With very few exceptions The Crayons and Lip Plumpers sadly do contain beeswax/lanolin, some products contain Royal Jelly or Carmine. They have a great website though, which clearly states vegan or non-vegan products, so there is no confusion! Again: All products are certified cruelty-free though)

Also: did you ever check out all the One Minute Makeup Looks, I created for them last year?
It was just a great and fun experience, yet bad timing. I just found out I was pregnant and the morning/all day sickness was in full swing. Yet it was still a secret, so I flew over to Noosa, all green in the face filming all these videos. Super long days on my feet and I was feeling soooo squeezy guys. It's funny when I think about it now. I am still wondering if people thought I was a bit weird on set...
Anyhow, there is your fun fact and check out some of the videos for quick makeup inspiration!