The passion for fashion; living ethically to help the planet.

I am giving myself a challenge, I am apprehensive about it and excited to see how I fare out but I am nothing if not stubborn and determined. Pig headed some would say.  Who are they anyway?!

The challenge is “to not shop for any article of clothing for six months”. I have also extended it to non-essential cosmetics and bathroom items but necessary underwear items are excluded from the ban.

The Sun has come out. Cruelty Free Sunscreen Update

The forecast for the weekend says we're in for a hot one so don't forget the sunscreen. 

Wearing sunscreen every day is a must. I'm paler than pale so it's a necessity not a luxury. Breathing in the toxic fumes from the aerosol  version is not what I want for me or you or any furry little friend. Apparently SPF Sunscreen creams are better for you than the sprays, (This statement needs further investigation) which is annoying for me straight off the bat because I must confess to loving the convenience of a spray all the while holding my breath.

Ethical shopping- why I choose what I choose

I choose to walk an animal friendly and now earth friendly path in a world where we could all be a little kinder to each other.  I am not a professional or an authority on anything but if I can provoke thought and start a conversation on ethical shopping amongst my nearest and dearest I'll be happy.

Cruelty free mascara "Too Faced Better Than Sex", "Barry M Showgirl" and "Milani Grandissimo Lashes" review

 
My favourite cruelty free mascaras are
1.) Too Faced Better Than Sex (reviewed)
2.) Barry M Showgirl Extra Lengthening (reviewed)
3.) Catrice Lashes to Kill, Ultra black.
They are rated on look and feel, lengthening and long lasting effect.  There is one here for all budgets.  No excuses, come along the cruelty free road.

More thoughts on unemployment...

Right now I'm trying to find inner peace with coffee and self help books sitting in Coffee Bean in Brentwood; coffee in one hand, bagel and book in the other. "The Road Less Travelled " today specifically. 

Cruelty Free e.l.f Makeup Review

elf cosmetics are a little god send. They have the PETA cruelty free seal of approval and as I am replenishing my beauty products one by one with alternatives that are not tested on animals, I need to have everyday items to reach for when beauty sleep escapes me.  E.l.f stands for eyes, lips and face and can be purchased online, at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS and other retailers.  They are exceptionally cheap and affordable.  All 5 products listed cost me less than $20. My cheap side was dancing. 

Cruelty Free Face and Hair Products for Men

The origins of this post are a little disheartening to say the least.  I feel compelled to write a short note for men.  

To give a little background..   When briefly, via approximately 2 texts of 140 characters each brief I said to my brother the product junkie, that all the products he uses are tested on animals and for every product he has there is an equivalent available made by another company that is cruelty free, that does not test on animals.  To put this into context he is an animal lover, a horse rider and a dog owner.  His response was, "really, how do I find out though?".  Meaning where can I find said products and where do I find the information?   I thought to myself, well wait a minute what have I been writing about for the last 2 - 3 months.  It's a pretty dismal sign if even your family aren't reading your blog.  My text back was something mature to the affect of "MY BLOG!!!" hashtag sarcastic smiley face, or it should have been.   

My American life, the beginning. Emigration & Immigration

Quote -  Bono

I am a freckled ex-pat.  You could say my American life began properly this summer with my marriage and more recently with the approval of my green card. I feel lucky and know I am blessed. The anticipation and anxiety around this coloured card has been palpable.  Not only was there apprehension regarding it's approval and the interview process but now there's the exciting, wonderful, pinch me am I dreaming, I'm so grateful feeling paradoxically juxtaposed along side the realization that comes with all of that. "Permanent residency" and I am terrified.  It's bringing with it it's own kind of loneliness and nostalgia.  

Permanent Residency: but wait a minute, I'm Irish and more importantly I'm from "the Gar".  Now I'm the first one to call out Bono on being a self righteous knowitall so and so, I have a love /hate relationship with him, which I'm sure concerns him gravely. I'm proud that he's Irish, I'm a U2 fan, his wife's a stunner but he does go on a bit by times and I can't stand him holding court like he does but I love this quote from him (picture above) that's stenciled on the wall of the "The Little Museum of Dublin".  When I read it, I was instantly struck by how perfectly it synopsized my feelings about the beautiful island. Lately quotes like this one have been making me cry. 

Paul Mitchell- Cruelty Free Shampoo. A Review

I bought the color care shampoo and the strengthening conditioner. Paul Mitchell is an animal friendly brand and currently has the PETA and The Leaping Bunny cruelty free, does not test on our cuddly companions stamp of approval.

First the shampoo: I bought it on sale for $9 in Bed Bath & Beyond.   Participating in a normal shower routine, I reached for the Paul Mitchell Color Care Shampoo.  My first impression is that the smell isn't strong at all, it's pleasant but faint.  I pour a decent to average amount in my hand and go to work only to find my tools appear to be broken and my tools are not my hands.  

My Brain and Unemployment

This week has been a busy life week. A welcome change from the recent day to day norm. My limbo-land is finally drawing to a close. 

When you have ten to twelve hours alone with only your head and reruns of Grey's Anatomy for company you can discover a lot about yourself.  Meredith and Co. became my best friends.  I enjoyed my fantasies about Hunt and Sloan and which character I am most like on the show, but when the hour turns into three and four episodes this can quickly become old and unappealing.  I unearthed how both resilient and weak I can be at the same time.  A conflicting duality.  

A little tip on going cruelty free - It's as easy as 1-2-3 using cruelty free products

Going cruelty free really is as easy 1, 2, 3 and a-b-c and this I can promise.

For most people money at some point in their lives is a concern and a stressor.  None of us have wads of cash to throw away frivolously on the latest fads and trends.  Starting over and using only cruelty free brands can seem like a daunting step into the unknown where your wallet will be emptied of it's contents quicker than you can say "who's a pretty boy then?" Whilst being frugal and not wanting to spend your money willy nilly is a commendable trait, being animal friendly and cruelty free surely must be more so.  It will bring with it a feel good factor and an awakening of sorts. This uncomplicated endeavour to cruelty free 1,2,3, doesn't have to cost you arm and a leg.

Feminine Care - A review: whatever your preference … can you make it friendly?

This post may make the general population a little uncomfortable and the male reader a mixture of disgust and intrigue; but like a biology reproduction class or that unforgettable birds and bees conversation with your parents, it happens and needs to be addressed.  

I think there were two possible scenarios to your own birds and bees, his and hers conversation; either you totally knew more than you let on and were horrified, terrified and excited by the whole subject or you had no idea what this embarrassing and embarrassed adult was talking about and you were still horrified, terrified and excited. Awkward and as cramped as that may have been, "Menstruation", my period, flow, the painters, your friend, the visitors, me yolks, whatever you call your menses, is a bodily function and a monthly affair and I think it is an extremely important issue to talk about. 


The different choices of all the monthly feminine care products available was brought to my attention approximately one year ago.  I have to credit an old co-worker with  shining the light on this for me.  I shamefully admit that I was in ignorant bliss about the rag(e) pads.  I never really considered what happened to the used ones after I skillfully rolled them up like a thick cigar and strategically placed them in the bathroom bin so they couldn't be seen by other bathroom enjoyers and I blithely forgot about them and went about my day.  

Aspirations of no perspiration, an update. What I have found not wearing deodorant for 5 weeks

My aspiration of no perspiration began just over a month ago now, 5 weeks to be exact.  I took this leap to rid myself of my dependancy on antiperspirant and deodorant once and for all.  I must confess I did attempt this cold turkey in 2009 whilst working in Dublin and well, the results were an epic fail. Two days in I caved and grabbed a co-workers spray and doused myself. I couldn't cope with my own smell and that's saying something. I feared everyone could see this stench surround me like a decomposing discoloured aura. 

I know a few people, three in total that don't use an antiperspirant or deodorant and never have. All three claim that when they do use it they sweat more and smell worse than if didn't put it on.  My interest was triggered again  upon my first visit to Los Angeles.  I bought a cream antiperspirant stick and when I read a possible side effect being linked to kidney function and failure I thought that's a bit weird, what on earth is in this stick that would affect my kidneys? As a side note I did not think that I would be living in the beautiful La La land years later. Life is good that way.  Thinking no more about my kidneys I blindly went about my day.  I carried on as normal smelling powder fresh for the next 6 years.  

This Business of Aging and My Quest for a Cruelty Free Hair Salon

This search made me a little apprehensive.  It was the very first time in my life I had considered going to a cruelty free salon.  It never dawned on me before.  

After salon visit

I sort of welcome the transition from the Spring years of life into my Summer season.  By sort of I mean, I had a meltdown turning thirty, but now a ripe old turrteetree I'm excited to embrace societal norms and settle into married life, put roots down, get a mortgage and have children.. alright steady on.. not that excited... yet.  Lets just pause at mortgage for the time being.    

The inevitability of aging, lets get physical.   

After salon visit

I am horrified and I mean aghast at the physical changes I have to contend with on a daily basis.  I saw a picture of my 23 year old self last week and as Cher so melodically put it "if I could turn back Tii - imme".  Youth is wasted on the young for sure, staring at that photograph I appreciate now what I really didn't then.  Don't get me wrong I am absolutely grateful every day for my health but I'd like this vessel that I travel around in daily to be just a Teeny. Bit. Shinier.  

You know how it is when you stand in front of the looking glass and you don't recognise everything reflected back at you.  You can't resist leaning in bit closer to further inspect every line, wrinkle and lumpy dimple.  Poems and tomes have been written about the age old discussion on aging.   

A Meatless Six Weeks..... My Vegetarian Voyage

Pescetarianism.  

I eat fish and so it is said I'm not a vegetarian.  Some serious googling was conducted to find out what the definitions are and what the etiquette and political correctness is around all of these labels.  I think vegetarians may take up arms with my self professed vegetarian-ness, so pescetarian it is. 
I am a peaceful person see but not ready to give up fish as well. A "green-eater" I have read is a person who avoids meat for environmental reasons.  That's me. 

If asked I say "I'm not eating meat, just trying it out, it's supposed to be good for the environment" to soften the side glances, roly eyes to heaven and the audible whispers "ah jaaayysus here we go, have ya seen yer one, gone all LA she has" followed by something else profoundly articulate referencing a meat injection, "Wha'?" says I, rolling me eyes to heaven.

As of this week I haven’t eaten beef, chicken or pork in 6 weeks and eating out has been fine in-spite of the vegetarian options in most restaurants being pretty poor. With that said I have had some delicious veggie burgers and fish dishes.  Used to it by now I can pick out the veggie alternatives straight away without having to scrutinize the menu. 

No Scream Sunscreen- cruelty free spf sunscreen review

Wearing sunscreen every day is a must. I'm paler than pale so it's a necessity not a luxury. Breathing in the toxic fumes from the aerosol  version is not what I want for me or you or any furry little friend. Apparently SPF Sunscreen creams are better for you than the sprays, (This statement needs further investigation) which is annoying for me straight off the bat because I must confess to loving the convenience of a spray all the while holding my breath.

With a cream it's harder to reach every place under the rolls and folds and much easier to miss spots and end up looking like I stuck part of my body to a grill turning me into the other, other white meat.

Today I'll review 3 brands of animal friendly SPF sunscreen creams, all with the The Leaping Bunny stamp or the PETA seal of approval.

• Kiss My Face Sensitive Side 3 in 1 SPF 30
• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30
• The Honest Company SPF 30

Kiss My Face Sensitive Side 3 in 1 SPF 30 for $12.99

Today (Friday) is a hot one! Providing me with the perfect opportunity to try out my new furry friendly sun screens. I prop myself up outside in the sun at Coffee Bean in Brentwood (come say Hi).  I watch the beautiful people walk by in their version of "The Real World" and I stare enviously at their dry, toned, sun caressed bodies.
All too quickly I look like the sun decided to take a leak on me. I'm not dry, not one bit and nor do I look it. I'm sitting here in the sun sweatin' bullets all in the name of this review (yeh, that and vanity, lets see if I actually tan) wondering how do the beautiful inhabitants of Los Angeles manage to carry off this dry look effortlessly. Unattractive & embarrassing beads of sweat travel from the crease in my elbow down the inside of my arm, to name just one place and I'm left thinking of the saying "horses sweat, men perspire, women merely glow". Well giddy up because I'm obviously a total ride and ready to race in the next Derby!

Grey, Gray Away- A rootless day

I'm getting to the root of the problem.... using....

• Mineral Fusion Gray Root Concealer

Yes I know I'm way too young and attractive to have to deal with the scourge of grey hairs... But we all have our cross to bear. Personally I think they could have been a little catchier with the name and called it something like "Away with Grey". I should consider copyrighting that if it's not gone already or "TM" as Phil Dunphy says; Trademark for those not au fait Modern Family, (TV show).

For all the vegetarians....wash yourself with cruelty free "Yes to Carrots"....A review

Be Cruelty Free (not tested on animals)

• Yes to Carrots body wash

• OGX beauty pure and simple -Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner
• OGX beauty pure and simple -Quenched Sea Mineral Conditioner

To say that this body wash was put to the test and had a lot of work to do is an understatement. My attempt at a greener lifestyle with particular respect to this new found no deodorant or antiperspirant way is leaving a lot to be desired in an olfactory scents. It is now Day 16 and I'm wondering if my body is ever going to regulate itself.  Day 15 was a stinker.   I left the room with people wondering was there onion soup being served up somewhere...  anywhere?!

In the Beginning: A New Mission... lighter footprints... softer footsteps

I am a clueless consumer, I have a new mission.  I wish to leave a lighter footprint. 

The objective: to replace my makeup, bathroom cleaner and kitchen detergents one by one with cruelty free, not tested on animals products. If someone else is considering the same and finding it difficult to find info I hope this is somewhat helpful... Here goes...  

*(I have also not eaten meat in four weeks but I can't with conviction swear to honour that forever, I am trying though)

In the beginning

This is a story and idea born out of a mixture of both concern and boredom. Paradoxical, yes.  
I am a Gemini, an unemployed day-dreamer and as I live in thirsty California the environment is on my mind.

Frizz off - OGX Kukui oil A Cruelty Free Hair Oil

This was the first ever purchase on my quest for cruelty free products.

OGX Kukai Oil $9.99 CVS / $5.99 Bed, Bath & Beyond 
Tesco also sell OGX beauty pure and simple hair care products.The range includes shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and serums. 

Standing in CVS in San Diego killing time, I began my search for not tested on

animals products.  On first impression, I am completely overwhelmed with this brand.  They have what appears at this glance to be a million products with different oils all claiming to do the same or very similar thing.  I simply want a de-frizz and something nice for the dry ends of my hair.   I really don't know which product to go with so in the end I pick the promising "Anti Frizz, Hydrating Oil"