Closing 2015 with a lovely feature on Cosmo Latinas!!!

No words to describe my excitement right now guys! Not only do I feel incredibly honored to have been contacted for this piece and to represent the country that saw me grow, Bolivia, but I also find it truly inspiring that Cosmo agreed to feature the conscious brands I promote on a daily basis. From head to toe, once again, dress in planet-friendly LOVE! What an amazing way to close 2015, babes! This Cosmo issue was published in November 2015 but it wasn't until yesterday that a friend of mine called me to share the exciting news. The issue will be on newsstands until 2/16/16. Can't wait to keep spreading consciousness in 2016! Anything is possible. Never forget that! And stay kind. Always! xx

-Kimono by BohoHunter. Made by artisans in Colombia. You can find it at one of my favorite stores in Miami. This store promotes handmade, fair trade and charity-oriented fashion garments. Shop it online too!

-Flower carved boots by Melissa. Recycled plastic. The Brazilian brand “Melissa” focuses on designing shoes that have the environment in mind by reducing water and waste pollution, using recycled plastic, and reusing unsold shoes from previous collections. 

-Boho necklace by Yvera. Handmade in Bolivia. 

-Jeans by Gap. In case you haven't heard, Gap is taking new initiatives to reduce water use and pollution and is part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition where companies are evaluated on material types, products, facilities and processes based on a range of environmental and product design choices. Retailers also plan to add measures for labor and social standards. Read more here.

Photography by Bea Pernia for Cosmo Latina. 

Not your ordinary Holiday gift inspiration!

It's that time of the year again guys!!! Lights everywhere, people singing, stores getting crowded, and money "mysteriously" flying out of our wallets like free birds. And don't even get me started on the post-Holiday remorse we get once the credit card bill hits home! But what if we could give all that shopping a meaning other than showing affection towards our loved ones? What if we could help our planet with every dollar? And no, I don't mean making a donation on someone else's behalf (even though I love that type of gift, most people don't appreciate it!). This type of giving involves your loved ones getting their awesome gifts while your Benjamin Franklins make a difference in our planet. Yeap! All that is very much possible! I’ve been doing it for 2 years now, not only for the Holidays but every day, by looking for and shopping eco-friendly and charity-loving brands. To save you guys the hours of research, here are some of the gifts I have in mind this year. I hope you like them as much as I do! <3

Sunnies: ever thought about buying cool shades that give eye-care to people in need? Well, these are it! For women and men. TOMS is revolutionizing they way we shop completely!

Bags: Let’s be honest ladies…we can never have enough bags in our closet. Something that makes me truly happy though, is receiving a vegan and eco-friendly bag that looks like actual leather but is made from recycled plastic bottles and other cruelty-free materials. Here are some great options. For women and men (briefcases).

• Matt&Nat (Beige bag & black briefcase)
• M.R.K.T Backpack (vegan and eco-friendly. LOVE this brand!)

Scarves: Now this brand has me completely head over heels! Scarves that are not only fashionable but are blessed with 4 knots in each corner representing Love, Adventure, Happiness and Mystery AND also give back big time! For each one you purchase, the owner (Matt) designs a blessed blankie for homeless children and doggie beds for homeless dogs.

Winter Booties: This topic is HUGE!!! I’m sure you’ve all heard of UGGS but did you know there’s an overload of cruelty behind them? Even though they are made from wool and companies have painted and sold us this peaceful and beautiful picture of men and sheep hugging while they are being shed, reality is…THAT IS NOT THE CASE! Sheep get tortured and suffer tremendously with some of them bleeding to death because of the brusque treatment. Click here to read more. Fortunately, Pammies have come to the rescue! These incredibly soft and comfy booties are made from recycled polyester, TV screens and other vegan and eco-friendly materials!!

Cruelty-free & Natural Makeup: In case you babes didn’t know, most beauty products are not only toxic but also tested on animals in horrendous ways. Therefore, I’m always looking for natural and kinder alternatives and Tarte fits this concept completely. Most of my makeup is by Tarte. Plus, their packaging designs are flawless!

Clothing with a heart: This brand does not only have fabulous day-to-day essentials with cool designs but they are all fairtrade and provide school uniforms to girls in Nepal for each clothing piece sold! This tee is by far my fave! It helps victims of Nepal’s earthquake too.

Eco Yoga mats: For all yoga and planet-lovers, this is a must! JadeYoga produces yoga mats entirely made from renewable tree rubber with amazing colors AND plant a tree for every mat purchased!

Eco Skateboard: Now this is what I like to call “flying through the streets without leaving a trace”! These skateboards are made from ocean waste (recycled fishing net), vegetable oil and more.

Diamonds: Who doesn’t like jewelry? Specially when it’s the type of design that involves ethical diamonds and charities that educate and empower women! Unleashed diamonds is reshaping the diamond industry BIG time! (PS: Santa.. I want this necklace please!!! ;) )

Reclaimed Wood Clock that plants trees: This entire store has incredible products made from recycled materials and plants trees for each one bought.

Eco coffee mug: I have this one at home and LOVE it! It is made from bamboo and keeps the temperature of your tea or coffee hot for hours!!

Make it yourself: In my opinion, there’s nothing that shows more dedication and love than a gift that is actually made by the person who gives it to you. I saw this little baby and thought it was a cute and delicate gift idea or even home décor. All you need is a mason jar, gold paint, and a plant.

Between watches.... eco-friendly & spiritual.

You might be looking at these photos going all “what the hell?!” on me. Yes, two are beautiful wood watches that SHOWS TIME, while the other one is an arm-piece based on the whole concept of living in the moment and stealing time back! And YES, the three of them have become my everyday companions! You see, my life is a little more complicated than any 27 year old’s. My lifestyle is no black and white but it’s the lifestyle that is shaded with multi colors and sprinkled with glitter. Monday through Friday I'm usually running between meetings for the blog (except for now that I'm taking a raw vegan 4-week cooking course from 8-2) for which I need to know time. I need a watch that keeps me on schedule and either rushes me or gives me a second to relax and work on my Uyaji breath. That brings us to the “other me”. The “me” after meetings and during weekends. The “me” that became a yoga teacher, the “me” that is vegan, the “me” that has been involved in philanthropy since the age of 16 and shops brands that are sustainable and give back… the “me” that started this blog to make a difference. For that part of my lifestyle I need my NOW arm-piece. It’s my reminder that once I'm done with work, time ceases to exist. It’s all about the moment. My yoga practice. My family. My friends. My dog. This blog. Me! Time loses significance and Timebandit’s NOW arm-piece serves as a reminder for the moments I forget to be present and to just simple be… be there and be one with everything and everyone that surrounds me.

Now, less about me and more about these amazing products.

WeWood & Jord Wood Watches: Let’s cut to the chase. We’ve all seen products made out of wood in today’s market, right? I don’t know about you guys but I’ve always wondered how they could be called “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” if trees are being cut down to make these products. Well, these two brands had my answer.

JORD Watches: It focuses on sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living. A brand that designs and creates watches with a value that goes far beyond the ability to tell how much times has passed. This brand's watches are not only setting a new level for wood watches but are also all about making time count! To JORD, "moments are bigger than minutes and a watch should tell more than time." All designs are made from different sustainable wood parts and have enough elegance to be worn to meetings or on any casual day. The Dover Koa & Black is my favorite one and has become my weekday must! It came with a beautiful wood box too, which I'm using as my jewelry box. Click here to receive a $20 gift card to buy yourself a Jord Wood Watch. :)

WeeWood: This brand uses reclaimed wood that is more than 20 years old and is 100% recycled to make the most delicate, fashionable, sporty AND elegant watches and sunglasses out there. And, as if not cutting trees to make wood products was not beautiful enough, WeWood plants a tree for every product sold! WeWood is all about the design with a green heart for every personality. What can be better than that? 

Timebandit’s Steal Time Back: These jewels! I never imagined I would find a product so simple yet with a powerful concept. Living in the moment is everything. If you are present, you feel and breathe and drink and taste every detail that is happening in front you. These arm-pieces serve as our daily reminder that sometimes we just have to let go and live! Live every second to the fullest without focusing on the fact that another second has passed us by. And, like all the brands I choose to write about, this one loves to give back too… in a big way! 50% of their profits goes to help children in need. So, what are you guys waiting for? Get your own “Time” machine, be present, and give back at the same time. I’m thinking of getting one for each of my family members and those I love, but shhh… it’s a surprise. Don’t tell anyone! ;) 

Au Naturel is always better: Natural gum, coconut oil deodorant & cosmetic bag that gives back!

As I promised you guys, Tuesday's of every week will be dedicated to talking about beauty & health products that are REALLY good for you while also being INCREDIBLY kind to our planet. Three of those products, and the ones I carry in my purse at all times, are "Simply Gum", "Agent Nateur" and Iniva's cosmetic bag. Now, you might be wondering what makes these products different from the commercial ones you see everywhere. Let's start with the most basic one and a daily need in every gum-lover's life. G U M. I bet you didn't know that the ordinary chewing gum you see on every grocery store shelve is filled with artificial and harmful ingredients just like the ones used to manufacture car tires, plastic bottles, white glue, and artificial sweeteners. Sadly, we as consumers are being kept in the dark about which ingredients companies use because the FDA allows gum brands to hide up to 80 synthetic ingredients in the catch-all term "gum base" on the label. How pathetic, confusing and frustrating is that? Specially when, according to research, about 56% of the US population consumes gum giving birth to an industry that generates over $4.3 billion in sales every year!! That also means that more than 178 million Americans are consuming toxic ingredients in their daily minty chewy candy without even knowing. Believe it or not, that includes me as well. I had no idea about this until I started doing more research and came across a fabulous, 100% natural, biodegradable and organic gum brand called: "Simply Gum". This work of genius comes in 6 different flavors- mint, coffee, maple, cinnamon (my fave), ginger, fennel licorice (my 2nd fave)- and is made from the following 6 ingredients: all natural chicle, organic dried cane juice, organic vegetable glycerin, organic sunflower lecithin, organic rice flour and natural flavors. Not to mention that their packaging design is made to perfection (clean, simple and natural!) and carries 15 yummy gum pieces with "post chew paper wraps" for whenever you are done chewing. (See pics below) How BRILLIANT is that? A definite must-have in your pocket or bag. The box of 6 is around $14. A lucky winner will get the chance to win one of the flavors in October's giveaway along with 4 other vegan and natural products. Stay tuned for details in October!

Next is Agent Nateur. The reason why this product made it to my MUST HAVE list is because it has taken me forever to find a 100% natural deodorant that is free of GMO's, parabens, sulfates, aluminum and petroleum while also having a delicious and captivating scent. The ingredients used in this wonderful creation are: coconut oil (nourishes skin and also acts as a bacteria killer), avocado butter, raw honey (NOT for vegans who avoid using honey bi-products), and lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. It smells delicious and comes in a clean, stylish, vogue-looking and beautiful packaging. And of course, this brand does not test on animals. :) (If you haven't heard of animal testing, click here to find out and always look for products labeled as "cruelty-free", "vegan" or "no animal testing".) The 1.7oz sells for $19 and a lucky winner will get the chance to win one in October's giveaway along with 4 other products. Stay tuned for details in October! 

And last but not least, Iniva's cosmetic bag. This store is located in Wynwood (Miami, FL) and is slowly changing the way Floridians and tourists view fashion. With a colorful and Africa-oriented store, Iniva promotes and sells products that are not only eye-catching, unique and fashionable but also support African artisans and help children go to school.

Help animals. One beauty product at a time.

This weekend I went to visit a 30 acre primate rehab center in Florida that got me inspired to write a blog post about this subject once again. Over the two hours I spent there I couldn't stop myself from laughing and smiling at all the little monkeys jumping around the trees (or on my head and shoulders once they saw I had nuts) FREE. This rehab center has rescued primates from circuses and people who just didn't know how to treat animals with a little humanity. Watching these 150 capuchin monkeys run in freedom made me appreciate even more my decision to go fully vegan and motivated me to write more about animal testing on the blog so I get to open as many eyes as possible. I've talked about this subject many times before but I wouldn't be surprised if it still left some of you in awe. It wasn't until a few years ago that I found out about this and couldn't believe my eyes either. But sadly, we live in a world where humans have gotten used to using and exploiting animals for our their own profit, success or pleasure. Animal testing is one of those horrible practices. Most beauty products test on animals to make sure the ingredients (chemicals, if you ask me!) they are using won't cause any harmful reactions on us, humans. Why do I say chemicals? Well, I'm no doctor or chemist but I've done my extensive research in the past 4 years I've stopped consuming or using products that hurt animals. Something that got to be pretty clear to me was that almost all beauty brands that use 100% natural and organic ingredients have NO NEED to test on animals. Why? Because most of their products are made from fruits, minerals, vegetables, and any oils made from fruits and vegetables. What does this mean? They don't hurt our bodies or add toxins to our system in any way. Therefore, they won't harm us. My point being, ALWAYS (for animals sake and your health) buy vegan and organic products to use on your skin. From make up to body lotions and shampoo. Avoid all ingredients that are hard to pronounce and stick to products that are PURELY made out of things like avocado, or beets, or coconut oil, or aloe vera or sunflower oil, or lavender, etc. 

Secondly, look for the BUNNY in all labels. What does this mean? It means that no monkey, or cat, or dog, or bunny was hurt in the making of that product. Thus, no brain or body was opened and injected with chemicals and no innocent animal was tortured and left to die. Click here to watch a 60 second video summarizing animal testing practices.

That being said, join me in the fight to end animal testing by supporting brands that are vegan and cruelty-free and have the cute little bunny logo on all of their products. Here are a few of my favorite products I just can’t live without. Products every girl should have in their cosmetic bag. It’s time to shop smart, kindly and natural, ladies! Xoxo PS: scroll down for pictures of the primate rehab center I visited this weekend.

For Lips

Tarte’s Amazonian Butter Lipstick- Angelic Nude. It’s infused with precious Amazonian butters that hydrate your lips while also coating them with a coral-nude color. Does not get more natural than this. And it comes in the most adorable eco-friendly packaging. (inside and out!) And what I love the most? The box is labeled with all things green and kind and beautiful! See the pictures.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie- Trail Blazer: I used it every day! Just pure nude glitter. It’s naturally derived from Shea, Avocado and Murumuru butters that help hydrate your lips.

For Cheeks

Tarte’s Blissful Cheek Stain.

This is like my prayer answered. Small roll one that you can use on your cheeks and lips to get that natural pink color. Plus…it smells delicious! I take it everywhere with me.

For eyes

Something I can’t live without is a good concealer. Tarte’s Waterproof Amazonian Clay Concealer is my newly found lover. Waterproof, silky, natural, and cruelty-free. It’s not sticky and does not create any line marks (those horrible wrinkle lines, you know). It leaves my eyes looking young, no dark circles, no puffiness.

Mascaras. I have a bipolar relationship with them. The waterproof ones act like plastic on my lashes and it takes me hours to get rid of every drop I put on. The non-waterproof ones… let’s just say I’m an emotional human being who crie during sad movies on dates. Yeap. It happened and I looked like a human-size raccoon! Lesson learned, new mascara, and I chose Josie Maran’s Agan Black Oil Mascara. No parabens, no sulfates. It curls and nourishes my lashes in a delicate way AND it’s cruelty-free! 

Tarte's "Brow Architect". An eyebrow liner, shaper and definer all in one! I’ve always believed in natural and beautifully shaped eyebrows and Tarte’s Brow Architect does the work. Incredibly easy to use and its pencil shape is thin and light enough to take it with you everywhere.

For body

And last but not least, SpaRitual’s Handprint Hand Salve lotion. I don’t know about you babes but it took a very long time for me to find the perfect hand lotion. One that is not greasy and leaves my hands moist for hours. This one was like love at first touch. Organic, vegan and cruelty-free.

Courage is contagious! A bracelet with a purpose.

Let’s talk bracelets. Who in this planet doesn't love them? In case you have noticed already, I’m a HUGE hippie-chic jewelry fan and kind of love to stack up my wrist with as many bracelets as possible. But here’s the trick. I don’t just wear any bracelet or necklace or ring. I like wearing things that have a meaning. Bracelets that are either spiritual, give back to our world, or are unique gifts I’ve received from family and friends. And to be honest, I believe in their healing power so much I never take them off! They are my protectors, my positive energy charms and my constant reminders that there’s hope in this world and that limits don’t exist. One of those is my “Brave” red wrap-around braided bracelet. I wear this one with pride because the story behind it is nothing less than truly inspiring. The bracelet’s brass charm says “Brave” (Klaa-han) in Khmer and was handmade in Cambodia. A country where gender inequality still stains many aspects of the Cambodian society and the illiteracy rate of women is much higher than that of men. In order to create opportunity to counter all these wrongs, Jessica Hendricks designed "The Brave Collection". Beautiful jewelry pieces carved and woven by hand by local Cambodian artisans who come from underprivileged backgrounds. Each piece serves as a symbol of bravery to empower women across the globe and to support the work of fair-trade artisans. To make this jewelry line even more breathtaking, 10% of the profits are donated to fight human trafficking and fund leadership programs for women. Each piece comes delicately packaged in a silk pouch hand-woven in Cambodia, and a Brave jewelry box. 

Are you guys as touched with this story as I am? I hope so! Christmas is around the corner and “The Brave Collection” makes the perfect opportunity to inspire those you love to believe in shopping with a conscience and giving back. There are many injustices going on in this world we are completely unaware of, guys. Lack of courage in women is one of them. Let’s help put a stop to that by wearing the courage and being the voice.  

Love, Valeria.

Click here to browse through the collection.