Transforming Animal-lover's Grief Into Trees: GoFullCircle

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For all animal-lovers out there, this is a post you will want to read. <3

I discovered this product a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to share it with you. GoFullCircle is focused on the concept of providing relief to an animal-owners' pain after losing their babies by introducing the option of giving life to an eternity tree using your animal's ashes. Owners of dogs/Cats (ferrets, mice, rats... you name it! Same love!) receive a bamboo container with soil, fertilizer, wood chips and a tree or plant with their purchase. All you have to do is combine the ashes with the fertilizer and soil, and give life to a tree in memory of your animal.

A plus? GoFullCirle uses seedlings (baby trees) instead of seeds to make it easier for non-expert growers to have success growing a tree, and you get to choose the tree that best matches your baby's personality. And, once you've planted your tree, you can recycle the bamboo container and use it to store things. The container is beautiful, as is!

I know the pain associated with losing a four-legged child, and only wish this had existed 10 years ago when I lost mine. It's honestly amazing to experience how new brands come up with these sustainable and heart-felt products! What do guys you think?

Use code WTSFIVE for discount. 

A sustainable watch that will leave you speechless!

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Here is a brand I am incredibly excited to share with you: Lian & Mez.

It’s the first time in 3 years I wear a watch. I kind of gave up on the designer ones I had and the leather-strap one I used to wear 24/7, the minute I entered this conscious journey. Since then, I haven’t been able to find a watch that embodies the new person I’ve become. A watch that represents the way I now view life. A watch I can wear every single day and smile every time I put it on. My sister and I even joke about this. Every time we talk about watches, she says something like “So…you’ll never wear a Rolex?” and I reply with a “Not until they come up with a fair-trade and eco-friendly one!”. And then, out of the blue, Lian & Mez watches came to life. The perfect combination of sustainability, elegance, and style! When I first heard of them, I simply couldn’t believe what I was reading on their website. They represent everything any human being that cares about our planet, seeks in a brand or product. Let’s start with their most impressive feature: Piñatex. Piñatex is the new sustainable alternative to leather. It is vegan leather made from pineapple leaf fibers. The best part? No extra land, water, fertilizers or pesticides are required to produce these fibers since they are the by-product of the pineapple harvest. This practice also provides new additional income for farmers in Philippines while creating a new industry for pineapple growing countries. Do I have your full attention already? Well, there’s more! Lian & Mez, a brand designed by two German millennials, uses this pineapple leather for all of its watches’ straps with over 5 colors to choose from (the gold one is my favorite). The watches are also waterproof resistant (50m), fair-trade and handmade in Germany, and have been delicately designed with sapphire crystal glass and stainless steel for durability. I don’t know about you guys, but this is like a dream come true for me and also proof that the conscious movement is pushing brands to come up with beautiful products that are good for our planet and our people. Julian and Feramez (Founders of Lian & Mez) are a visionary example of how we can reshape the fashion and lifestyle industry for the better.

Lian & Mez is currently hosting their kickstarter and they need our help to make their sustainable watches an ongoing reality. Are you guys ready to support the change you want to see in the world? If so, head to Lian & Mez’s website for more info.

 Happy planet-loving Sunday, babes!

 

 

 

WaterThruSkin Sustainable Home Design

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This is a post I’m very excited to share with you. Not only because I finally have my own place after being a homeless nomad for almost a year, but also because I’ve decorated it in the most sustainable and ethical way I could…at a really low budget! Please do have in mind that there are some eco-friendly home items that are either extremely difficult to find, or mind-blowingly expensive. Hence, on those cases, I chose products from companies that have very transparent and philanthropic values. (Don't forget that it’s all about the balance and baby steps!) With that being said, let’s jump straight into the topic because this post might be a long one!

As you may already know, I am a full-time conscious lifestyle and travel blogger, which means that I travel almost every month to review different hotels and brands for my blog. For that reason, and because I’ve finally discovered the powerful value of simplicity, I chose to turn a studio into my new home. And, in this 630sf space, I managed to create different environments: a boho living room, a wanderluster bedroom, a relaxing reading station, a yogi corner, a mandala breakfast area, a welcoming hallway, a balcony with a tiny orchard, and my bathroom and closet.

BEDROOM: 

This area is one of the most important ones in your home. This is where you’ll get to rest and recharge and dream about all the things you want to achieve in life, so make sure you design it in a way that collides with your personality. Since I love to travel, I glued an entire worldmap on my wall (8.3ft wide x 12ft tall) and used pins to mark the places I’ve visited since I started WaterThruSkin 3 years ago. After doing some research and lots of brand comparisons, I chose to purchase the map from Gilt because it came with eco-friendly and non-toxic glue while the other brands didn’t. The map came with 8 different pieces and it took me about 5 hours to measure, glue, and cover the entire wall with the map. It’s not an easy task but very much worth it.

WTS tips: I first laid the map on the floor to make sure I was placing the countries correctly (you can never be too sure!). I then pinned them to the wall, got the glue ready, and added glue to the borders of the map only. Be careful with the bubbles. They were really hard for me to avoid! I also used Onyx & Green’s natural stick glue for some tricky places.

Lastly, I placed LED lights around the map. They are energy efficient and can light up an entire room, thus, I chose to use LED instead of a night lamp. Plus, it looks cooler too! You can get them on Amazon for $9-$12. They come in strips with a tape on the back, and are super easy to stick to the wall. I used two strips/rolls. Don't forget to buy the power source too. ($9)

Bed pillows and bedsheets: can you say BAMBOO? Yes! I have bamboo bedsheets, a bamboo comforter, and pillows made of bamboo and other natural materials! They are not only beautiful, sustainable and hypoallergenic, but also incredibly comfortable! The brands I recommend are these:

-Pillows: Essence of Bamboo, and Savvy are two sustainable pillow brands. 

-Bedsheets: Cozy Earth has some 100% eco options, but you can also get them at Overstock. Cheaper prices.

-Comforter: Cozy Earth, or you can get it at Joss&Main for more affordable options. 

-Mattress: Here's a really good article I found about he best sustainable mattresses. It all depends on your budget and vision. 

Instead of using a bed base, I decided to make one myself with recycled wood crates I purchased at a wine store. Besides being planet-friendly, they were half the price of the ones people normally get at Arts & Crafts stores. I purchased eight crates for $4.99 each at Total Wine & More, placed them next to my mattress in a line that surrounded the bed, and filled them with books, succulents, crystals and more. (Note: you will have to go to the store to purchase the crates. I don't think they sell them online)

READING STATION:

 I’ve dreamed about having a hanging chair at home for years but never found one that was affordable and ethical enough to purchase, until this one came along! I bought it from Jet after going over their company’s values on Jet's website. They revolve around transparency, ethics, and giving back. They’ve even set up a charity to provide the living essentials to families in need, and match every dollar we donate to this cause. The chair (with the stand, cushion and shipping cost) was $289. I added two handmade bohemian pillows I purchased at Anthropology to give color to the chair. In case you don’t know, Anthropology is part of URBN, and they take global community initiatives and sustainability very seriously. They also support arts and education programs through different non-profits, focus on handmade products and carry vegan leather options! These pillows were on sale. Approx $35 each (with insert).

Next to the chair, I hanged a Dieffenbachia (oxygen cleaning plant) using a beautiful macramé planter that was handmade with recycled cotton by Yerbamala Design.

YOGI CORNER:

This is my spiritual corner. I designed it with items I’ve collected throughout these years. Some of them were gifts, others I made myself, and some I purchased. I won’t go into specific detail, but here are some WTS tips:

1) This is the corner that reminds you about your essence. Your spirit. The religion or philosophy of life you connect to the most. Your temple.

2) Some products I recommend: Himalayan salt lamp, aromatherapy room freshener or oils, plants, recycled wood crate for your spiritual books, a mala, a dream-catcher, and a Buddha statue.

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LIVING ROOM:

I chose to go crazy with colors here! No boundaries, no design pattern.

1) SUP paddleboard: I purchased this baby about 5 years ago. It was designed by my brother and, instead of storing it, I decided to transform it into boho home décor. I wrapped LED lights around it to add eye-catching spiciness to it.

2) Pink chair: It’s ethically made, in the US, with car seat belts by Harveys.

3) Yellow Owl Planter and White Vase: They are handmade and hand-painted by women in Colombia. Fair-trade and packaged/shipped using the cutest eco-friendly boxes by HabibiLiving. You get to choose the plants on their website. Prices range between $16-$85.

4) White-Silver boxes: I bought these in Bali.

5) Gold bottles: A wine bottle and a VOSS water bottle I painted myself using gold non-toxic and water-based paint from Martha Stewart, and White Chalk non-toxic eco-friendly paint by Renaissance. 

6) Yoga mats and wheel: All three are eco-friendly but made with different materials. The beige ones, and the wheel, are made with renewable cork and recycled tire rubber by Yoloha and ILoveGurus. The pink one is made from natural tree rubber by Jade, and they plant a tree for each mat sold.

7) Rug: Fair-trade and handmade, empowering artisans in India by Guadalupe Design.

8) TV-stand: made from recycled wood by my handyman. Cheaper, faster and more sustainable than buying a TV-stand at a store. $150 with installation.

9) Sofa and floor Pillows: WestElm. Another favorite store of mine. Their products are not only fair-trade, but they also support local artisans, artists and charities. The prices of these ranged between $28-$45 (with inserts).

10) Plants: Midtown Garden Center in Miami is my place to go for plants. Nature, vegan food trucks, recycled wood furniture, and little lights everywhere

11) Soy candles: better for your health and the environment! I have Anthropologie ones around my home, and also Thx Co's (fair-trade, philanthropic, and eco). 

MANDALA BREAKFAST AREA:

I purchased the table and the stools at IKEA. One of the reasons why I love visiting and supporting IKEA is because they take sustainability and ethics to the next label by sourcing their wood sustainably, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, and even installing solar-panels in their stores. Approx $290 for the table and three stools.

I then painted mandalas with eco water-based chalk markers on the stools, and coated them with clear paint.

Aromatherapy Diffuser: This product changed my life! All you need to do is fill it with water and your favorite aromatherapy oils.

KITCHEN TIPS:

-Use laundry (wood) clips rather than plastic clips

-Use mason jars as glasses, and also to store your superfoods

-Use planetfriendly cleaning products. My favorite brands are: Mrs Meyers and Seventh Generation

-Get a water filtering pitcher. I use SOMA. Their filters are made with 60% recycled and plantbased materials, and their handles with sustainable oak. Plus, their designs are flawless!

BALCONY TIPS:

-Use recycled wine crates as décor

-Use recycled glass water bottles, paper coffee cups, coffee mugs as planters. 

-Plant your favorite herbs, spices, veggies, and fruits. I have basil, mint, lavender, rosemary, mint, cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, pineapple, and succulents everywhere.

BATHROOM TIPS:

-Recycle your wine and glass water bottles, paint them and transform them into decorative pieces. For eco-friendly and non-toxic paint brands, scroll up to LIVING ROOM. 

-Add some plants (The elephant planter is from HabibiLiving as well. Fair-trade and handmade)

-Get soy candles. Mrs Meyers is a great option. The scents I like are Lavender and Basil.

-Paint a mason jar and use it to store your toothbrush and toothpaste.

-Use fairtrade and handmade bath rugs. Mine is by Guadalupe Design and empowers artisans in India.

HALLWAY TIPS:

-Use your cotton shopping bags as décor. I insterted some dried lavender in mine and hung it on the wall.

-Add a vase with water and crystals next to entrance to your apartment/home. This will absorb people’s negative energy when they enter your home. Once they leave, pour the water down the drain, clean your crystals, fill with fresh water, and repeat as needed.

CLOSET TIPS:

-Use newspaper to give a twist to your mirror. I glued mine with Onyx+Green natural glue.

-Hang toquilla hats around the mirror.

LIFESTYLE TIPS:

This is for everyone who is on their phone and computer 24/7. Get a radiation protective case from SafeSleeve. I have both the laptop and iPhone ones and use them every single day. Radiations are extremely harmful to our health and have been proven to cause cancer. Safesleeve’s cases protect you against 99% of all three types of harmful EMF radiation. They have vegan leather cases available too! :)

And lastly, for all dog-lovers, GoFullCircle is a great option for when that painful moment comes and we have to say goodbye. GoFullCircle gives you the option of giving life to a tree from your dog's ashes. You will receive a beautiful container made from bamboo with fertilizer, soil and wood chips inside. All you have to do is combine your baby's ashes with the fertilizer, soil and wood chips. GoFullCircle also gives you the option of choosing which tree you want. It's a wonderful way to honor your dog and create life from life. Once you plant the tree, you can recycle and use the bamboo container to store things or memories. Use code WTSFIVE for discount. 

 

 

 

 

 

ToGo Smoothies! No cutting, chopping or pealing!

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I want to share a little secret with all my On-the-go peeps! Now, morning shakes have become easier and faster with Daily Harvest's frozen cups full of mouthwatering ingredients ready to be placed in your blender and go! No chopping, peeling, or cutting. They are vegan, 98% organic, unrefined, paleo and full of superfoods and natural ingredients. In case you're wondering how this works,  Daily Harvest offers 12 different flavors you get to choose from and ships out your frozen cups right to your doorstep. Then, all you have to do is open your cup, add water or nut milk to it (all the way to the top), pour all ingredients in your blender, and blend at full speed. That's it! The cups are made from paper and come with a lid for you to take them everywhere. The lid even has a hole for your straw. PLEASE use paper or bamboo straws. We all know the devastating effects of plastic straws on our oceans, animals and mother nature.

The flavors I've tried so far and LOVED are:

-Cold Brew + Almond (photo below. Mine looks a little greener because I added a teaspoon of Moringa powder to it! :p) 

-Pineapple + Matcha

-Blueberry + Hemp

-Cacao + Avocado

-Apple + Greens

Another secret worth sharing? ....Use code "waterthruskin" and get 3 free smoothies from your first order!! Happy Tuesday!

Live TV Interview About a Conscious Lifestyle! (SPANISH)

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(En Español abajo)

So this happened. First LIVE TV interview ever but SO MUCH FUN! I blushed, I laughed, I talked nonstop, I didn't know which camera to look at, I talked in Spanglish, and I probably got off topic many times but I also shared what I know about following a conscious lifestyle and being a blogger. My experience, how to make a difference in the world with daily baby steps (from fashion purchases to a plant-based diet to my daily thoughts) and how chasing my dreams has opened new doors for me. What a beautiful experience guys! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. The interview was broadcasted in my home country, Bolivia, which means it's in Spanish. Thus, this one is for all my Spanish-speaking soulmates out there! Let me know your thoughts. :)  ps: wearing recycled plastic peep-toe booties by Melissa Shoes and a recycled paper necklace empowering women in Uganda by 31Bits.

Primera vez que escribo en español por aquí. Creo que ya ameritaba siendo que, por más que vivo en Miami hace 10 años, soy Boliviana y llevo mis raíces muy marcadas adentro y ahora estoy en la cuidad que me vió crecer: Santa Cruz. Más hermoso que eso, hace dos días tuve la oportunidad de hablar sobre un estilo de vida consciente en el show de TV "Palabra de Mujer" de PAT en Bolivia. Desde los pasos chicos diarios que podemos tomar para proteger nuestra salud y medio ambiente hasta mi experiencia como bloggera. Cubrimos temas sobre la moda que ayuda al medio ambiente (ej. Plástico reciclado), una dieta vegana sana, viajes ecológicos y también como la práctica de yoga y una mente positiva nos mantienen sanos espiritualmente. Que orgullo ver como este movimiento consciente esta creciendo en mi país! Aquí se vienen muchos proyectos más! Espero que disfruten esta entrevista tanto como yo lo hice, incluyendo mi Spanglish!! Pd: para la entreviste usé botines de plástico reciclado de Melissa Shoes (tienda en Santa Cruz IC Norte) y un collar de papel reciclado que ayuda a mujeres en Africa por 31Bits.

Plantbased Superfood Drinks On The Go!

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Let’s talk superfoods and plant-based protein, shall we? Two words that are essential to a healthy diet. Be it vegan or not, we all need to make sure we are getting enough nutrients, minerals, vitamins and protein in order to thrive. Here’s the thing though. If sticking to a plant-based diet seems hard to some of us, sticking to it while traveling or during those on-the-go moments can seem extremely difficult! One of my tricks is to carry an organic protein drink or bar in my bag. ALWAYS! Why? Well, first of all to make sure I’m constantly nourishing my body and, secondly, to eliminate my cravings in between meals and avoid stuffing my face with the wrong foods. A brand that has made my lifestyle easier is REBBL and its name says it all: Roots, Extracts, Berries, Barks, Leaves. REBBL produces plant-based drinks made with organic superfoods (turmeric, maca, cacao, matcha, reishi, ashwagandha, spirulina), coconut milk, stevia, pink salt and more. As if that were not enough, here are a few other points worth mentioning about REBBL:

1)   REBBL focuses all its practices on promoting sustainability and social impact. They source all ingredients ethically (and provide an interactive traceable sourcing map) making sure the suppliers have local communities in mind and provide them with health care, housing and clean water projects.

2)   Every single one of REBBL’s products is Certified Organic. By refusing to work with GMOs and Pesticides, they are protecting not only our health but also Mother Nature.

3)   REBBL donates 2.5% of its revenues to Not For Sale, an organization dedicated to putting an end to human exploitation and trafficking worldwide.

With 6 different Elixir flavors, and 2 protein blends, REBBL has me head over heels! Literally! I’ve tried them all! And each one is as good, or better, as the last. The ones I carry with me while traveling are the protein blends: Dark Chocolate or Vanilla Spice.  16grs of protein made from peas, pumpkins and sunflowers! Imagine that purity combined with fair-trade certified cacao powder, reishi, ashwagandha, vanilla, stevia and more mouthwatering superfoods!!

The 6 Elixirs are to die for too! Matcha Latte, Turmeric Golden Milk (YES!), Maca Cold Brew (Double YES!!), Maca Mocha, Reishi Chocolate, Ashwagandha Chai. I have to admit, there were a few superfoods I had never heard of but was incredibly happy to add to my diet. Ashwagandha was one of them. It is a powerful super-herb that is used in Ayurveda to support physical health, cognitive function, recovery and relaxation!

You guys can use REBBL’s interactive map to find stores near you and stock your fridge with these holistic drinks!! I honestly can’t wait to keep promoting this brand and other plant-based ones with you to make our conscious lifestyles easier!  xo

Organic, Natural & Cruelty-free Spa in MIAMI!!!

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Yes, you read right! Ladies and gents, I'm incredibly happy to introduce you to a spa that is reshaping Miami's beauty industry! Organic facials, manis and pedis with natural and toxic free polishes, a coffee/tea bar with plant-based milk options, natural and cruelty-free beauty products, fresh mimosas and SO MUCH MORE! From the minute I walked in through those doors, to the cup of organic mint tea I was welcomed with, to the wooden floors, the white walls and natural light, and the water with floating lavender buds I soaked my toes in. Blissful Me-Time! This planet-friendly spa is honestly everything a conscious person has ever dreamed of!

Founded by Noelia Olmedo, B-Livinn is a spa and beauty shop with the goal of showing its visitors that they can have that luxurious lifestyle while supporting products and treatments that are kind and healthy to their skins, bodies and our planet. To keep in sync with B-Livinn's mission, the spa offers facials, blow drys, hair treatments, kids services, and makeup, brow, hand and foot treatments with a wide variety of products all packaged with recyclable materials labeled as: vegan-friendly, cruelty-free (no animal testing), paraben free, eco-friendly, 5-free (non-toxic nail polish made without the 3 common chemicals found in nail polishes: Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate/ DBP, Formaldehyde, but also without 2 other very dangerous ones: Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor), and with love! 

Last week I had the opportunity to get a mani, pedi and facial at B-Livinn and absolutely loved it. Not only did I feel I was getting pampered with products that were nurturing my body and skin, but the staff made me feel at home and relaxed every minute of every treatment. That to me is priceless, guys! There's nothing like entering a zen-looking spa, taking a deep breath, smiling it all out, and trusting the faces that will pretty much own your body during every treatment. Peace of mind and organic pampering at its finest!

I'm counting the seconds to go there again and can't wait for you guys to see the photos and fall in love with this spa as much as I did. 

Let me know your thoughts.

xx 

Photos captured by Christine Michelle. 

Should my dog go vegan too?

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I've been wanting to talk about this topic for a while now. As you know, I've been vegan for over 2 years (vegetarian 3 years prior to that) and attached to that diet change came a lifestyle shift as well. The decisions I now make as a consumer are full of conscience; always trying to find ethical, cruelty-free and eco-friendly brands to use and promote. Something that makes my mind spin are the billions of dollars we as consumers spend on our furry best friends. The dog and cat food industry alone made $21Billion in 2014. And, obviously, those numbers raised a big question in my mind: Why, if I'm trying to limit my footprint on this planet, am I feeding my dog, Coco, meat-full food?. I also wondered if the food I was giving her was as good as the box and the brand said. So, of course, I did a little research and found out that most commercial dog foods are made not only of animal parts (such as beaks, brain, spinal cord tissue, bones, lungs, intestinal tracts) but also of animals that fit the category of the 4 D's: dead, dying, diseased, or disabled. That right there said it all! If you guys have taken a meditation or a very spiritual yoga class, your teacher might have covered a few of the reasons why we yogis choose a vegan diet. Number one being to avoid ingesting suffering and pain. If you think about it, that's exactly what animals experience before they become human (or in this case, dog) food: stress, pain and suffering. Dogs are animals of loyalty and compassion, naturally! So why would we want to change that?! For this reason and the fact that animal agriculture is responsible for 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions,  34-76 trillion gallons of annual water consumption, and is the leading cause of species extinction, dead-zones and habitat loss, it seems natural to me to feed my furry baby food that is eco, natural, healthier, compassionate and plant-based. Don't you think? You might be wondering if dogs can survive and thrive on a plant-based diet, well... they can! Here's a link to an interesting article you might want to read to help you make a decision. For those ready to make the shift, V-dog is the brand to choose! From vegan dog food that contains 24% of plant-based protein, minerals and vitamins to doggie breath-bones to cool doggie bandanas. They have it all! Use code: WTSjuly for a little discount for first time customers!! <3 

Morning, and everyday, natural rituals!

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Have you guys ever taken 5 minutes of your busy schedule to sit down and analyze what you are doing to your body? How you're nurturing it? How you're feeding your cells? Or even how you're slowly poisoning them? As you guys might've seen on snapchat, I attended a documentary screening at Dr Smood in Miami last night. This was yet another reminder of the importance of a natural, organic and at least 51% raw diet in our lives. And above all, about performing our research. Food can seriously be our medicine or slowest form of suicide! And this applies to a vegan or vegetarian diet as well! I know a lot of people who went vegan and thought they could survive just on eating pasta and bread and processed vegan junk food (yes, we have that too!) but later found themselves borderline heart-attack in their late 20s and 30s. Going vegetarian and later vegan was a decision I made years ago based on my values and compassion but has now transformed into the best decision I could've made for my health. I've stopped consuming toxic pills and have even been able to balance my Thyroid disease with my diet choices and overloads of superfoods. I honestly can't remember when was the last time I had a headache or took a pill for it! Superfoods like Turmeric, hemp oil, diatomaceous earth, Moringa and many others have become rulers of my kingdom now. BUT, I wouldn't have been able to achieve any of this if I hadn't read as many books as I could and watched as many documentaries out there on how to eat healthy and feed my body with the right nutrients, vitamins and protein from plants! I also changed my entire lifestyle. From the products I put on my skin, to the clothes I use and brands I choose to support. Everything is connected guys! It's a way of living! A conscious way of living! And, to make it easier for you, I've added a search box on the blog at the bottom of the home page where if you type "documentaries" or "natural beauty" or whatever it is your looking for, you'll find articles I've written with helpful tips and summaries on how to live your best life! Are you ready to make the change? The most amazing part about life is that everyday is our new change to start living better, wiser and healthier, and we've been blessed with bodies that have the power of gettting rid of all our toxins if we provide them with the right nutrition. 

Below is a link to a few of the stories I've written about the powerful documentaries that changed my life. One I wish to add to that list is "FoodMatters". It will open your eyes to the magical and miraculous wonders of food as your medicine! From curing cancer and depression to living a longer and happier life. xx

Documentaries: http://www.waterthruskin.com/blog/2015/10/22/must-see-movies-that-will-change-your-life?rq=documentaries

Natural Beauty Tips: http://www.waterthruskin.com/blog/2016/3/23/natural-organic-beauty-rituals?rq=natural%20beauty

Superfoods: http://www.waterthruskin.com/blog/2016/1/25/yummy-vegan-superfood-smoothie-tutorial?rq=superfood

 

Happy Reality-Check World Oceans Day!

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Did you guys know the oceans contain 99% of the living space in the planet and over 200,000 identified species? Or that they absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by us reducing the impacts of global warming? Yeah, neither did I. Besides my love and admiration of nature, I also keep learning new things every day. I try to research as much as I can, especially when it comes the impact of our steps on this planet. From brands that are natural, ocean-safe, and cruelty-free, to products that are sustainable, to hotels that are eco-friendly. There's honestly so much we can do and learn from each other during this chosen conscious journey. All we have to do is spend less time analyzing the meaning of life, and more time recognizing it when it stands right before us. Like the ocean. It beholds the secret to life and instead of protecting it, we are poisoning it with products we buy out of habit with zero clue that they may end up in our waters. Plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic caps. Plastic! It's been said that enough plastic has been thrown away by us to circle the earth 4 times!!! That is plastic that takes up to 1000 years to degrade! And plastic that ends up floating in our oceans and killing thousands of species per year. Plastic bags, facial scrubs (YES! Those micro-beads are non-biodegradable!), shoes, plastic bottles and dishes, etc. Our trash is the leading cause of "44 percent of all seabird species, 22 percent of cetaceans, all sea turtle species and a growing list of fish species" being documented with plastic in or around their bodies. Luckily, like everything in life, there's a solution. We CAN put a stop to this and it all starts with our daily actions. Nope, you don't need to be a millionaire to make a difference in our world! Together, with baby steps, we can help heal and preserve our planet for our future generations. With that being said, here are some suggestions for you guys. I apply them to my day-to-day and they are easier than they seem. Trust me! Happy #WorldsOceanDay!

1) Ditch the plastic bottles and cups! I know it's hard. Specially when you're on the run. I've reduced my consumption of plastic bottles and cups significantly by taking my glass water bottle or flask with me everywhere.  Here are two eco-friendly options that will make your life so much easier.

2) Say no to plastic straws. This is a huge issue, guys! I've seen heartbreaking videos of rescuers taking plastic straws out of the nose of sea turtles! Please order paper straws or no straw at all whenever you get a drink. A friend of mine started a movement in Ecuador called #sinsorbeteporfavor (no straw please). Let's start something like that everywhere. What do you say?

3) Use beauty products labeled as ocean-safe. Specially sun-block! If not, the chemicals of whatever you put on your skin will end up in our waters and poison sea earthlings and reefs. Here are my favorite brands:

  • Baiser Beauty (natural, eco, vegan and cruelty-free beauty products)
  • Raw Elements (ocean-safe, natural and organic sunblock. Tinted one is the best one!)
  • SpaRitual (best scrubs! No micro-beads but tons of brown sugar!!)

4) Recycle! Take your own bags when you go shopping and say no to plastic bags. 500 billion plastic bags are used annually worldwide. Time to put a stop to that!

5) Don't throw away things from your closet. They will end up in landfills. Donate them to people in need or give them a fashion makeover and keep using them. I've done that with most of my jeans (I have jeans from 6 years ago!), tees and even shoes! Grab some scissors, eco paint and go crazy!

6) Buy consciously! Choose brands that have nature and the community in mind. Brands that are using materials no one ever thought possible and are going beyond their ways to make a powerful statement. Brands that come up with products such as recycled plastic shoes or bags made from recycled plastic bottles or cork yoga mats. They exist! Here are some of the ones I adore, but you can also find more under the "Green Blog" tab or under "Kind Fashion".

  • Melissa Shoes: beautiful and comfortable shoes made from recycled plastic. Company also reuses 99% of waste and unsold shoes from previous collections.
  • Harveys: amazing bags made from car seat belts and recycled plastic bottle interior lining. Use code waterthruskin10 for discount
  • Yoloha Yoga: yoga mats made from cork, which is a renewable source. No plastic!
  • Inner Fire: yoga pants made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Matt & Nat: bags made from vegan leather and recycled plastic bottle lining
  • G-star Raw: jeans and clothing made from recycled plastic taken out of the oceans. LOVE this brand so much!!

7) Reduce your consumption of seafood. If you're not vegan yet, try to reduce it to 1-2 per week and see how you feel. That's how I started. It's hard, because most of us were probably raised eating meat and seafood on a daily basis, but it's worth it. By reducing our seafood consumption, we reduce the by-catch (whales, dolphins, seals and other animals that get caught in fish nets by mistake and are killed in the process) and the chance of depleting and killing our oceans. 

8) Say no to aquariums and zoos and support animal-freedom activities when you travel. Go snorkeling in the ocean and interact with Nemo. Those memories are priceless! Read about my adventures with the wild here. 

9) Keep your home eco-friendly. Click here to read the tips I recommend. 

10) Spread the word!! Let's inspire each other and create a massive wave of awareness. 

** Numbers and research gathered from: 

http://ecowatch.com/2014/04/07/22-facts-plastic-pollution-10-things-can-do-about-it/

http://www.ipsnews.net/2016/06/world-oceans-day-a-death-sea-called-mediterranean/

Doggie Giveaway! Vegan, eco-friendly & charity-oriented!

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Hi guys,

As promised, June's doggie giveaway is finally here! I've partnered with two incredible brands to gift these items to a lucky winner. Before I get into the participation details, let's talk about the products.

-Dogs Before Dudes Tee: 100% cotton made by TheTreeKisser with 10% of all sales being donated to the Love Infinitely Project Animal Fund that supports different animal rescues. The giveaway winner will get a tee directly shipped by TheTreeKisser. Applies to EVERYONE. Winner can choose Male or Female design (tank, a tee, or a sweatshirt), color and size!

-VDog Doggie Breath-bones: This is the only brand I give to Coco, guys! Vegan, healthy and natural food for your furry best friends. I wrote about V-Dog, and all the reasons why I recommend it, on the blog before. In case you don't know, commercial dog foods are not only made of animal parts (such as beaks, brain, spinal cord tissue, bones, lungs, intestinal tracts) but also of animals that fit the category of the 4 D's: dead, dying, diseased, or disabled. For this reason and the fact that animal agriculture is responsible for 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions,  34-76 trillion gallons of annual water consumption, and is the leading cause of species extinction, dead-zones and habitat loss, it seems natural to me to feed Coco food that is eco, natural, healthier, compassionate and plant-based. V-Dog sells both dog food and breath-bones, and a lucky winner will be getting two bags of doggie breath-bones made with 100% natural ingredients including cinnamon, parsley, chia seeds, sweet potato and broccoli. They smell incredibly delicious too! Plus, a "I'm a vegan dog" bandana. 

To participate, all you have to do is the following:

-Follow @thetreekisser, @vdogfood, and @waterthruskin

-Post a photo with your dog on IG sharing one of your stories/adventures, use #wtsdoggiveaway, and tag @waterthruskin, @vdogfood, and @thetreekisser. 

-Make sure your IG account is PUBLIC. If not, we won't be able to see it.

-And that's it!!! Winner will be announced June 20th. 

Good Luck!!

Giving Matcha a try!

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You guys might have already seen on Instagram and Snapchat how obsessed I am with coffee. I've been drinking it since I was 16, intensified my dosage when I was in the corporate world, and now I'm trying to get rid of it. Fully! Coffee may smell deliciously and give us the energy boost we need every morning but that does not mean it is healthy for us. Therefore, I've decided to try new things and, while performing my research online, I found the wonders of matcha tea and a company that is taking it to the next level: Matchaful. 

Matcha has 137x the antioxidants of green tea. That's more antioxidants than the levels found in blueberries, pomegranate and dark chocolate! Did you guys know that?! This means that drinking matcha helps our bodies shield themselves from cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and even aging! As if this were not enough, a daily cup of matcha also provides us with focused and sustained energy throughout the day due to the amino acids found in it. 

Now, the company that is reshaping the matcha industry is Matchaful. It is not only making high-quality organic matcha accessible to consumers, but it is also working directly with tea farmers in Japan to assure transparency and donating 1% of the sales to non-profits that help preserve the health of our planet and future generations. How incredible is that?!

Here's a recipe I made today with Matchaful and my favorite vegan protein, Vega. You can add a teaspoon of matcha to hot water and drink it as tea, or add it to your favorite smoothie bowl or shake. I chose smoothie bowl! I hope you guys enjoy it!

Ingredients:

-1 banana

-1 pack Vanilla Chai VEGA

-1 tsp Matchaful

-1 tsp Diatomaceous Earth

-1 tsp Moringa

-1/2 cup of Almond milk

All in blender, serve and top with your favorite superfoods and fruits. I chose: straweberies, bananas, blackberries, granola, cacao nibs, toasted coconut, hemp seeds and agave. 

Superfood Smoothie Bowl + Coco Cream Recipe!!

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Happy Friday, babes!

I've been getting a lot of questions from you guys lately about my everyday breakfast options so I decided to show you what I prepare almost every morning. And I mean literally show you with this step by step video :) Plant-based, organic, fair-trade, easy to make and delicious smoothie bowl with coconut cream and superfoods on top. 

I felt really inspired after I received a call from my doctor yesterday with my annual lab results. Everything is balanced, healthy and normal!! Even my Thyroid hormones!! I’ve had Thyroid disease since I was 7 and had to take pills for over 20 years until a year ago when I decided to switch those toxic pills for natural remedies such as hemp oil! Even my doctor was surprised with my results. The secret? A healthy and delicious plant-based diet!! I first went vegetarian 5 years ago and then vegan over 2 years ago. Best decision I’ve ever made. For our planet and my health!

I hope you guys like this video!

For more recipes, click here. 

xx

Cruelty-free & Natural Beauty Products with a Delicious Scent!

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A topic I want to cover today is beauty.  I know I’ve talked about this before but every time I find new vegan and natural products, I feel I must share them with you. Specially since the beauty industry is estimated to have reached $63Billion in revenues last year with most of us contributing to it. It all sounds great but here’s the downfall. Most beauty products do not only test on animals (all animals!) but they are also extremely toxic and can increase our risks of developing cancer cells since there is a direct connection between our skin and our bloodstream. Yes, ladies and gents! This means that whatever you put on your face and skin travels directly through your pores to your bloodstream. If you are using products with chemicals, the odds are those chemicals are floating in your blood right now. Don’t blame yourselves, I didn’t know about this either until I researched it two years ago. The articles I found were beyond disturbing and I decided to immediately make the switch and choose brands that were not only kind to this planet and its earthlings but also kind to my health. And it obviously did not make much sense to be following a plant-based diet but keep using toxic beauty products! 

So, with that being said, here is a brand I have been using for a while now and have become addicted to! From their nail polishes to the dry body oil to the body butter, I use these products on a daily basis. 

Spa Ritual: This brand is meant to nourish your body, soul and mind, guys! The products are formulated with vegan ingredients and selected plant essences that are Certified Organic and Fair Trade. Their nail lacquers and nail care essentials are vegan as well and do not contain DBP, toulene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin. None of their products are tested on animals nor do they contain synthetic dyes, parabens or petrochemicals. As if that were not enough, SpaRitual products are also packaged with the planet in mind using soy ink and recycled paper! On every box, you’ll also find the cruelty-free bunny logo proving that SpaRitual cares about our animals and does not test its products on them.

My favorite SpaRitual products so far are:

Nail polishes!!! I carry them in my purse, specially when I go get my nails done at salons that do not carry a vegan or organic line. I am head over heels over these colors: black (Bravery), white (Clearly), and Turquoise (Caring). How about those spiritual and uplifting names?! Another plus! PS: I also like SpaRitual's fast drying nail polish oil. A must!

In case you are wondering about cruelty-free and organic nail salons in Miami, I adore The Palms Hotel’s spa. They carry SpaRitual and Aveda ONLY! You will want to spend the entire day there!

Yuzu Rose Dry Body Oil, Body Scrub and Butter. These are to die for! I’ve been looking for natural, vegan and organic body products that leave my skin soft and moist while also carrying a nice scent for months now and Spa Ritual’s Yuzu Rose combo gives me all that! The oil is made with Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E and Grapefruit Peel Essential Oil. The body butter with Aloe Vera, Yuzu Oil and Shea Butter. The scrub with Yuzu Oil and organic sugar crystals. And don’t even get me started on the aroma of these products, guys! It’s beyond delicious! A sugary lemon scent that lasts for hours! Give these natural beauties a try and let me know your thoughts.

xx

Go Vegan for Earth Day?...Tips, Videos and More.

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Earth Day is coming up and our planet is probably one of the main reasons why most of us go vegan. Some do it for the animals, others to reduce soil and water depletion, others to help stop climate change, and then there are others who also do it for health issues. Whatever the reason behind it, there’s honestly no excuse not to go vegan or at least try it for 21 days and see how it feels. (I recommend 21 because, as research says, that’s the number of days it takes for something to become a habit/routine).  For me, it was mother earth: Animals and nature. I’ve been a big fan of them since I was little. Saving cats, mice, lizards, frogs and whatever other lonely earthlings I found in my way. I also remember talking to trees when I was little, specially the Weeping Willow trees. I somehow felt protected by their size and the way their leafs hung all the way from top to bottom as if they were trying to cover whomever sat next to their trunk from the world. So of course, going vegan was a no-brainer the minute a friend of mine sent me the link to Paul McCartney’s PETA documentary revealing the cruelty behind the meat industry. I have to be honest though. Back then it was not as easy and simple as it today. , Today, the vegan industry has grown so big worldwide, we have hundreds of healthy alternatives to animal products compared to 5 years ago! Today, the US alone has 13million vegans and 25million vegetarians and growing! Can you believe that? Those numbers put a huge smile on my face. Seriously!

With that being said, I want to challenge you guys a little (or maybe a lot. Depends on how you see it! :p) Yes, I want you to go vegan! For Earth Day, April 22. If you don’t want to do the full 21 days, try it for 3 days or even 1 day! Every action counts and each person who switches to a vegan diet can save 1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 sq ft of forested land, 20 lbs CO2 equivalent per day, and dozens of animals’ lives. Incredible, right? How the power to help heal our world and solve every human-inflicted issue is in the palm of our hands? Think about it, babes!

For more info about how a vegan diet impacts our planet as a whole, please watch “Cowspiracy”. Another documentary that gave me a different perspective of life.  

PS: I leave you guys with this yummy 100% vegan, healthy and organic smoothie bowl recipe. Besides the regular ingredients I use on my morning smoothies, this time I also used Pure Potions superfood box. Inside of it came the prettiest glass jars and tiny bottles (Beauty, Longevity & Brilliance) with different superfood powders, dates, coconut oil and hemp seeds. Talk about happiness in a box! I put a little of each and Voilá! Vitamin, vegan protein, minerals, omegas, antioxidants and everything I need to become the best and purest version of myself all in one smoothie bowl serving. <3

Natural & Organic Beauty Rituals!

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You must be wondering what's up with all the fuzz about natural skin care. Every day more consumers are talking about it and more companies are coming up with products to match that demand. Here's the deal and it's very simple. There are 3 main topics you should consider when shopping for beauty products:

1) Health reasons: Everything you put on your skin goes directly into your blood stream. If you use beauty products with chemicals and toxic ingredients, odds are those ingredients will end up in your blood and might cause health issues in the long run. There is nothing healthier and kinder to yourself than natural and ORGANIC (please!) beauty products. 

2) Animal testing: Unfortunately, we live in a world where most beauty and cleaning products are tested on animals before they can hit shops' shelves. As if testing on animals were not horrible enough, the practices companies use take cruelty to a different level and most animals (monkeys, bunnies, dogs, cats, mice...) become blind, sick, incapacitated or even die. Luckily, there are brands that have become the voice for the voiceless and have made it their mission to avoid animal testing. Tip: ALWAYS read labels and look for words like cruelty-free, no animal testing, not tested on animals, Peta certified, vegan. Most of these products also show the pink bunny (represents vegan and cruelty-free product) on their packaging. 

3) Planet as a whole: Natural and organic products are not only kind to your skin and animals but also to the planet as a whole. Most natural and organic beauty products are handmade, fair-trade, sustainable, and eco-friendly and come in recycled packaging. Nonetheless, please, always read labels and perform your research. You will not regret it, guys! In the end, every dollar we spend is our vote on how we want our world to be. Think about it. 

With that being said, here's my beauty ritual from morning till dawn! xx

BEFORE BEDTIME:

-Teeth whitening: take 1/2 TSP of banking soda with 1 TBSP lemon juice. Wash your teeth with the bubbles created by that combination. Repeat every night for 1 week and see the results. 

-Dark under-eye circles: mix 1/2 TSP turmeric powder with 1/2 TSP olive oil. Make a paste and place under your eyes for 10 minutes every night. BE CAREFUL because turmeric stains everything yellow so make sure you don't touch anything while applying the paste. 

-Face Cleaning, Hydrating & Anti-aging: I'm totally obsessed with Baiser Beauty. I've been using their natural and organic face cleansing oil, cucumber spritz and anti-aging serum before bedtime every night. 

 

MORNINGS:

-Face Hydration: I use Aveda's botanical skincare for my morning rituals. Aveda's mission is beautiful, guys. From not testing on animals, to taking mother earth into consideration, to creating products with only natural ingredients.

-Body Hydration:  Baiser Beauty Body Oil with 35+ SPF is THE product! Natural, organic, cruelty-free and yummy smelling. It will leave your skin soft and moist while protecting it from the sun. 

-Makeup/Blush: Another product of Basier Beauty I adore! Their natural and organic Cream Blush. It's made from beetroot powder... Do I need to say more?  

-Makeup/Bronzer: Who doesn't like a natural suntan? I highly recommend this Bronzer made from Cacao Powder and cinnamon!! 

-Makeup/Mascara: I've tried several natural mascaras but it wasn't until I discovered Tarte's Amazonian Clay Mascara that my lashes began to look beautiful naturally. Tarte does not test on animals and you can find its products at any Sephora store or online. 

-Makeup/Concealer: We've all dealt with dark circles under our eyes, haven't we? Well... Tarte's Concealer has become my soulmate! Creamy, natural, and cruelty-free. 

-Makeup/Lips: Love this brand and product. One of the only natural Lip Balms that leaves my lips smooth and moist without chapping them or becoming addictive. (Please note that this product has beeswax)

Why Yoga? And what eco brands to use?

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I was introduced to the world of yoga over 7 years ago but, to be honest, I never really got the grasp of it until 3 years ago. I remember my mom dragging me to yoga classes and my mind spinning at a million miles per hour during every move I made on my mat. It felt as if time went by too slow and I even remember getting frustrated because my muscles were stiff and my spine had no idea what elasticity meant. It wasn’t until I graduated college and starting working in the private banking world that my health begged for yoga. Sitting on a chair from 8-6 every day puts a lot of pressure on your hips and spine, and within a few months my back began to scream for help. The stress levels were also insane for a girl my age which led my stomach to develop a tiny ulcer. That right there was my tipping point. I immediately signed up at the nearest yoga studio and that’s how my yoga journey started. From taking 2 yoga classes per week, to becoming a certified yoga instructor, to practicing every single day. My recommendation to all of you yogis and yogis-in-the-making, try to practice at least for 10 minutes every day. It doesn’t have to be the whole hour or 90 minutes (of course, if you have the time, by all means practice an entire sequence) but whatever length of time you can dedicate to yourself fully. By practicing every day you build a discipline and that’s extremely important in yoga. And lastly, BREATHE! Breathing is everything! Through every asana on your mat, and in life off your mat. Breathing calms your nerves, calms your body and calms your mind.

With that being said, here are a few of the planet-loving yoga brands I’m head over heels for:

-Yoloha Yoga: brand that designs yoga mats and props from cork and recycled tires. In case you guys don’t know, cork is a renewable natural source that comes from cork oak trees. The process this brand uses is focused on stripping the bark of trees by hand every 9 years. Not a single tree is cut down! This process also helps trees absorb up to 5 times more carbon dioxide! (Carbon dioxide helps trees regenerate their bark). Lastly, Yoloha also uses recycled rubber tires to make the backing of the yoga mats. It doesn’t get more eco than this, guys! PS: I have the Mendhi Yoga Mat, the wheel (great for back bending) and the flask. Love them all! And the fact that the material is cork makes them non-slippery and more durable!

-InnerFire Yoga: We all know how incredible yoga pants look like and this brand is taking them to the next level by designing comfy and beautiful yoga wear from recycled plastic bottles (BPA free) and other eco-friendly fibers and materials and… they are all sweatshop-free! InnerFire also donates a portion of the sales to the School Fund- an organization that helps facilitate micro-financed educational scholarships for youth in developing countries. PS: I have the lotus legging and the goddess legging.

-Gurus: this brand makes yogi flip-flops from renewable natural rubber and plants a tree for each pair purchased! Need I say more? The ones I carry with me everywhere are the orange ones.

-PortdeBras: This brand has just opened its online doors to the world. Elegant, colorful, comfortable and eco-friendly yoga wear. The designs I have are the Emilie bra (white with mauve elastic), the Christi Legging (black/grey/White) and the Letitia Bra (black). 

This story was also published on CocoEco Mag. Read it here!

 



The perfect eco-friendly home....

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You know how some people dream about the perfect wedding, the dress and the huge cake? Well, there are a few others like me that dream about the perfect eco-friendly home. One with open spaces, huge windows, solar energy panels, water reuse systems, plants and herbs everywhere, and rescued animals running around the house! That's what I envision almost on a daily basis! Honestly! So much, that I've created visualization boards on my phone and now on Pinterest to share those dreams with you and maybe inspire you to start your own eco practices at home. It doesn't have to be anything huge like solar panels (I mean if you can, please do so by all means) but you can start with the daily essentials like the cleaning products you use or planting herbs at home or switching plastic cups and bottles for glass ones. That's a big powerful start already! Everything makes a difference, guys! Give it a try!

Here are a few basic recommendations:

Cleaning products: In case you didn't know, most cleaning products have toxic ingredients (for you, your pets and our planet) and test on animals. A brand that I'm obsessed with is Mrs. Meyers.  These products are natural, do not test on animals and have aromatherapy oils as ingredients. I mean... It does not get better than this! Mrs Meyers' products will have your house smelling like paradise! My favorite scent is "Lavender".

Shower head filter: Whoever came up with this idea is a GENIUS! A shower head filter that illuminates and changes to different colors based on your water use. It turns green while you are using less than 10 liters of water, purple when you go over 10 liters, orange when you hit the 30 liter mark, and RED when you hit or pass the 50 liter mark. This will not only lower your utility bills but it also has a HUGE positive impact on our environment. Water is a FINITE source and each American household uses approximately 100 gallons of water per day at home. That amounts to a total of 355 Billion gallons of water per day (2010 stats). And that is the US ALONE! Add the rest of the world to that.....

Eco-friendly Paper Products: Just like water, same happens with paper use. We use SO MUCH OF IT! From paper towels, to toilette paper, to paper cups and printing paper. It's insane! Here's a great solution for you guys at home. There are many brands, including Walgreens affordable "Ology", that offer recycled paper products. Seventh Generation is another good eco brand. You can find it everywhere! Literally! Whole Foods, Walgreens and online. 

Now, let's get to work! A healthier, cleaner and better world awaits. <3


Valentine's Gift Ideas Full of Kindness!

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Good morning, sunshines! With Valentine's Day around the corner, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite products that are not only fashionable, beautiful and cool but also really good to our planet! Feel free to go crazy guys. Buy it for your loved one or for yourself! This is the type of shopping you never regret! <3 Details below. Happy almost V-day, babes!!! Let's spread some conscious love around, ok? xx

Harveys Wallet: I love this brand so much not only because they were one of my first sponsors when I started the blog 1.5 years ago, but also because ALL of their products (bags, totes, wallets...) are made with car seatbelts and recycled plastic bottle interior lining. How incredible is that? Not to mention the unique, comfy and jaw-dropping designs they have. 

Wood watches: Who doesn't like these? Specially if they are made from recycled wood (Jord Watches) and also plant a tree for each one purchased (WeWood Watches). No-brainer here guys. I use big watches like the ones in this photo. Both designs are unisex but they also carry a line of smaller and more delicate ones. 

Yogi Jewelry by Bu Design: for all my yogi soulmates, this is THE line! Their products are made with eco-friendly materials and aimed at adding more spiritual sprinkles to your days. Malas, necklaces and Buddha keychains. Happy to announce you can now shop these on the blog with 10% of your purchase going to this quarter's WTS charities. 

Rudraksha Hand-mala: This bracelet is a WTS limited edition babes. Designed with fair-trade Rudraksha seed beads to represent compassion and strength. If worn close to the skin, they are believed to increase clarity, calm the mind and balance the chakras due to the amounts of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen they contain. Each bracelet also carries a Silver elephant to represent the WTS logo and 10% of the sale of each goes to this quarter's WTS charities. 

Handmade Beauty: THIS LINE!!!! All natural, organic, cruelty-free, handmade, yummy smelling, healing and eco-friendly products! I don't think I've ever seen beauty products more beautiful or kind to our health and planet as these. The ones you see on the picture are: Nail polishes (clear and red), cuticle oil, All In One balm (healing) & a Balancing Oil for those well-deserved bubble baths.  

Planet-loving GIVEAWAY!!!!

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***The Winner of this Giveaway is: Jessica Tejera (The Walking Mermaid Blog)

It's that time of the year again guys... Giveaway time!! Over $200 of planet-loving gifts that will brighten up your days while helping heal our world. One product at a time! :)

For this giveaway, I don't want you to repost this picture but to upload a picture of yourself promoting a conscious lifestyle. Be it cooking vegan food, cleaning the beach, wearing a vegan outfit, recycling, volunteering at shelters, or even doing yoga. I  want you to post that activity that plays a big role in your life and is also mindful to our planet as whole, and describe why it is important to you and what a "conscious lifestyle" means to you. Who knows?...Maybe in this way, the movement will finally catch on. Nothing to lose and so much to gain!! Why not give it a try? <3

Ok, so...basics. These are the steps you will need to follow:

1) Make sure your Instagram account is public

2)Follow @waterthruskin @shopbubblebags @simplygum @consciouscoconut @rawelementsusa @agentnateur

3) Post a photo of yourself doing your favorite conscious activity & describe why it plays a big role in your life & what "Conscience" means to you.

4) Tag your friends and share the love!!! Use #wtsgiveaway #lifestylewithaconscience 

Winner will be announced on February 14th (happy v-day!). My international soulmates can participate too! Worldwide love and shipping, babes!!!

PRODUCT INFO: 

-BBB Bubble Clutch: This clutch is made from recycled bubble wrap! Very fashionable, cool, big enough to carry all your daily essentials and EXTREMELY kind to our planet!! ($181)

-Conscious Coconut Oil: Ever wanted coconut oil that is travel-friendly? Well, this is it! Organic, cold pressed, travel sized,  AND provides a meal to a child in need in the US.($15)

-Simply Gum: Natural, vegan, and organic gum that has eco-friendly post chew papers in that cute and chic box. Winner will get 2 different flavors. ($6)

-Raw Elements: My favorite sunblock ever! Natural, organic and ocean-safe (does not harm our ocean or its animals). It comes as a stick which makes it so much easier to apply to your face and neck. ($15)

-Agent Nateur: The only deodorant I use. Vegetarian (has honey as ingredient), organic and natural. Made from avocado, coconut oil, raw honey, lavender & eucalyptus. ($19)