Coffee facts TO KNOW & a green brand reshaping it all! WICKED JOE.

Today’s topic is coffee. Why?  For three very good reasons. 1) I haven’t met one soul on this lovely planet that doesn’t like coffee. 2) I’m fascinated by it. From the aroma it releases when I prepare it in the morning, to its health benefits (despite all the controversial research articles out there, coffee does have a few health benefits. Click here to read about them.) which put a cute smile on my face every single time! There’s something about coffee that makes us all drool over it, but here’s an eye-opening detail you might have not heard of, since the companies of this second most traded commodity (after oil) do not put in on their products’ labels. Coffee production has a devastating effect on the planet and some of its most delicate eco-systems, and this devastation is increasing by the second. Just imagine this: 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed by us every year for which roughly 200,000 acres of rainforests are being burned on a daily basis. Let me rephrase this.. I wrote DAILY! What does this all mean though? Well, it basically means that this "massive deforestation is one of the leading causes of air and water pollution, soil erosion, the release of carbon dioxide, the loss of biodiversity through mass extinction of plants and animals. Fewer rainforests also mean less rain, less oxygen for us to breathe, and an increased threat from global warming.” (by: Going Green Today) That brings me to the third good reason of today’s topic: 3) There are ways to prevent these harmful impacts of coffee production without having to reduce your consumption entirely! We just need to look for the green options. Companies that are producing organic, fair-trade and rainforest alliance certified coffee. Wicked Joe is a brand that fits all those categories, and many more! Wicked Joe is officially taking ethical and sustainable coffee to the next level! They are a B-Corp (certification based on a company's practices and missions taking nature and people into consideration and showing transparency in all) and focus on producing and selling coffee that protects rainforests, birds, the hands that harvest the beans, the local communities, and soil. They have composting systems in place, work with different non-profits to improve the livelihoods of the children living in coffee-growing communities, and so SO much more! They make coffee that is both good for your health (organic and free of harmful pesticides) and kind to our planet. One you can enjoy every morning guilt-free. 

PS: in case you didn't know, coffee has been proven to be one of the most chemically-treated crops in the world. Solution? GO ORGANIC. Always!

Easy daily steps you can take to go GREEN!

“It is not that we don’t live. Indeed we do, but whether we live rightly, whether we live fully, that is he question. Unless one is conscious, one is not alive. To sit in a room and meditate is not the way to become conscious. To read books is also not the way. We must, in the midst of our day-to-day life, learn to observe, to contemplate, to measure our response, our movements, our words, our thoughts- which are more important than words. We must develop the sensitivity, the urge to appreciate the soul of beauty, a sense of order and harmony. We must find and create beauty everywhere.” 🌿🍃 This year in April, I visited Auroville; a Utopian and sustainable city south of India. Besides having a breathtaking and eco-friendly architecture focused on the synchrony of the universe, there was no single dominant religion (all are practiced and accepted), no politics, and no currency. They live blissfully, respecting nature and humanity. This quote by The Mother (the woman who gave birth to Auroville) describes my view of life completely. See, respect and create beauty everywhere you go. Don’t destroy but add value to places and people. Especially when it comes to nature. Our earth is aching, guys. Badly. It’s heartbreaking to watch. Forests are burning, glaciers are melting, air is becoming unbreathable, animals- crucial to our survival- are dying faster than we ever imagined, and trash has become an overused word in our vocabularies and lifestyles. If I tell you that YOU can  change this, will you listen? Will you do something about it? The solution is at our fingertips. It’s in the way we do our day-to-day lives. How we shop, eat, think, move. Simple daily baby steps that can have a huge impact! Here are a few:

1) Say no to plastic when you go out to eat or shop. Take your reusable utensils (I have them and love them! Bamboo and metal straws) and cotton shopping bags. I'll be selling bamboo cutlery sets that benefit two nature-preserving non-profits I've partnered with on my blog's shop. Give me a few more days and I'll share details with you :)

2) Switch the car for a bike, bus ride, or electric transportation. (I surrendered my car 2.5 years ago. Best decision ever. I’m thinking of getting an electric scooter now. Yes, they exist!)

3) Offset your flight carbon impact. (Yes! That exists too!) I use ClimateCare; a B Corp offsetting your carbon footprint by using a calculator to tell you how much you need to donate to different nature-preserving projects. For example, to offset the 18,000+ miles I traveled from Miami to New Delhi roundtrip, or the 4+ tones of CO2 I emitted, I donated $42.48 to ClimateCare's projects that range from planting trees to preserving rainforests to purifying water in Kenya and many more. Use their calculator to do the math. It's very simple! 

4) Shop wisely! Consciously! Read labels. Choose fair-trade, vegan, rainforest alliance certified, organic, natural and eco-friendly (packaging especially). 

5) Set Ecosia.org as your search engine. They plant trees with each search. So far, 17million+ trees have been planted. 

6) Go vegan. I know it sounds crazy and difficult but it is the only diet that can save and preserve our planet. Besides, if done well, it is one of the healthiest diets! Take your superfoods, eat your fruits and veggies, and watch how your health and our planet bloom back to life. 

7) SHARE the knowledge. We are in this together! 

Conscious Holiday Shopping Guide

The Holidays are here. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas discounts, etc. Sales and low prices meant to catch our attention and push us to shop more than our wallets, home space, and planet can handle. So, this Holiday season, choose to shop wisely. Consciously. Being aware of every dollar you are spending and every brand you are choosing to support. How do you do this? Easy. Ask yourself the following questions before swiping that card or emptying your wallet:

1.     Do I really need it?

2.     Could I do something better with that money? How about adding it to my travel fund?

3.     If I really need it, will I use it more than once?

4.     If not, is it biodegradable? (whatever we throw in the trash- be it clothing or toys- will sit in there for years! If it’s plastic 400+ years, if it’s textiles 30+ years)

5.     Is it ethical? Does the brand or product have our planet and people in mind? Look for labels such as: fair-trade, eco-friendly, sustainable, biodegradable.

6.     Is it vegan? Yes, this word applies to more than food. Clothing, makeup, inks, can also carry animal bi-products as ingredients. Reading labels is always a must!

7.     (The last one and my favorite one!) What’s the story behind it? How does it give back? Will I enjoy sharing its story? Or, will the person I gift it to enjoy it too?

Simple questions that can reshape our mindsets a little and have a positive impact on our planet. With that being said, here are some brands you might want to check out! I also included discount codes for you. :)  You’re welcome! And Happy Conscious Holidays!

All of these brands carry products that are fair-trade, eco-friendly, vegan and fashionable!

YOGA

For my yogis, these are my favorite brands:

1. Satva Living: each piece is fair-trade (meaning that the hands that made them were paid a fair wage and provided with humane working conditions) and made with organic cotton, recycled plastic, plantbased dyes. Use code "WTS30" for 30% off!

2. PortdeBras: each set is made with natural fibers and empowers women in Venezuela.

YOGA MATS & PROPS

3. I love Gurus: mats and shoes made with cork (renewable resource) and natural tree rubber. They plant trees for each purchase

4. Jade Yoga: made from natural tree rubber (renewable resource) and plants trees for each purchase.

5. Yoloha Yoga: made from cork and recycled tires. They also have yoga props, water bottles and yoga wheels with gorgeous designs!

CLOTHING

6. XCVI: each piece is fair-trade (WRAP certified) and the dyes used do not contain harmful chemicals (RoHS compliant). Use code “waterthruskin” for discount.

7. VeganResortWear: each piece is fair-trade and made with natural fibers and vegan materials! Beautiful tops, skirts and jumpsuits for all beach and wanderluster babes! Use code "waterthruskin" for 25% off. 

8. Ni Beach Wear: each piece is handmade, handpainted and supports dog shelters and Puerto Rico. Use code “waterthruskin10” for 10% discount.

9. Miakoda NYC: each piece is fair-trade, made in the US with natural fibers (bamboo, soy, organic cotton) and extremely comfortable!

10. Les Sublimes: each piece is fair-trade, made with natural fibers that produce less water, air, and soil pollution, GOTS certified cotton, and provide a month of feminine products and reproductive education to girls in Africa. Deliveries are also CO2 neutral using Colissimo and also by bicycle in Paris.  Use code “waterthruskin10” for 10Euros off your first purchase.

11. StormieDreams: each piece is made from reclaimed fabrics gathered from large companies that would have discarded them. Also, all designs that don't sell get cut into children's clothing and donated to nonprofits Stormie Dream works with! Use code "wtrthrskn20" for discount.

10. The Onikas: each piece is fair-trade, handmade and blockprinted (antique technique in India where artisans use wood block stamps to print on fabrics) empowering artisans in India and Ecuador.

INTIMATES

11. Chakra Intimates: Have you been looking for ethical and sexy lingerie? Well, look no further! These bras and panties are fair-trade, and made with natural and sustainable fabrics and ethically-sourced crystals meant to transfer the earth’s energy to us when in touch with our skins, helping keep our chakras in balance! Use code "VALE" for a 10% discount!

SWIMWEAR

12. EcoPeace Swim: each swim piece is fair-trade, made in the US, eco-friendly and beautiful! They use natural and recycled fabrics and non-toxic dyes.

ACCESSORIES

13. WaterThruskin Tote: My favorite ever! I use it every day. It is made from old billboards and non-toxic ink. Each bag comes with a palo santo and green aventurine crystal, and gives back to different non-profits. Use code "WTSTRIBE"for discount!

14. Big Bubble Bags: each piece is fair-trade and made with recycled bubble wrap!

15. Matt&Nat: vegan leather bags made with recycled plastic interior lining!

16. Harveys: fair-trade bags and totes made from car seatbelts and recycled plastic interior lining!

JEWELRY

17. 31 Bits: each piece is made with recycled paper and vegetable dyes and glue, and empowers women in Uganda!

18. The Fifth Element: each piece is handmade and sustainable. I adore the mandala rings and the animal spirit cards handpaited by Sarah, the Founder!

19. Lian & Mez: If you are tired of the leather strap watches, these will be your new buddies! Luxury watches made with pineapple leather straps! Fair-trade, sustainable, and beyond gorgeous!

20. Krystle Knight: crystals crystals crystals. The only language I know J This brand is fair-trade and handmade with ethically sourced crystals. Rings, earrings, necklaces. You name it!

21. 4Ocean: made of recycled plastic bottles taken out of the ocean. Your purchase supports ocean clean-ups. 200,000+ pounds of trash taken out already! 

HOME & SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

22. Globe In: monthly subscription boxes and products that share a story. Each product is handmade, fair-trade, ecofriendly and empowers artisans worldwide! Use code "Waterthru" for $10 off your first order. 

23. Live Vessel: For my coffee/tea lovers, I discovered the eco and fair-trade coffee mug of my dreams!!! It's handmade from ceramic (cadmium and lead free) and is enriched with white tourmaline (Brazilian crystal) that releases beneficial infrared rays and negative ions when subject to heat. This purifies and alkalinizes the drink in your mug! Thus, higher pH! Their designs are beautiful too! Go check them out and use code "waterthruskin15" for a discount!

Vegan for Thanksgiving? No problem!

We all know how difficult the holidays can be. Especially for those souls with a plantbased diet! I get you! I’m the only vegan in my family, and every holiday becomes an incredibly stressful scenario where we all fight to use the kitchen to cook our own meals. And, if there’s something I’ve learned in life, is that nothing tastes worst than a meal that has been cooked with stress. Therefore, this Thanksgiving, my family and I have decided to opt for the easy, healthy, and earth-friendly option: WholeFoods' vegan Holiday menu! They have a 4-course menu (alongside other vegan sides and options) for two for only $39.99! All you have to do is place your order 48-72hrs in advance, and voila! Get ready to enjoy a stress-free and delicious Thanksgiving dinner!

To learn more, click here, and then click on "Find a Store" to order from your nearest WholeFoods store! I can’t wait to see all the green recipes and meals you’ll be sharing on instagram! :)

Plantbased for your health, the planet, animals and people. Always!

Simple & Natural Beauty Rituals!

Here is a simple and non-toxic beauty ritual I want to share with you. I apply this clay mask 1 to 2 times per week, and the other beauty products (melt and oil) every single day. Morning and night!

I know I’ve talked about natural beauty many times before but, in short, the reason why we should all choose organic, vegan and non-toxic products is because whatever we put on our skins gets absorbed by our bodies and transported into our bloodstream. What does this mean exactly? Very simple. Just like our diet, products can poison us or heal us. For that reason, you should always perform your research, read labels and choose brands consciously! Here are a few I recommend:

1)   Detox: Bentonite Clay mask. In case you haven’t read about bentonite clay, here is a link to powerful info that will make your jaw drop! Betonite clay has many health benefits and, when used as a mask, helps detoxify your skin and heal wounds or any skin diseases. I decided to give this brand a try and, so far, I love it! You can get it at Whole Foods!

Ritual:

            -Add 1 tbsp of clay, 2 tbsps of water, 1 drop of your favorite essential oil. I used wild orange this time but normally use Lavender.

            -Apply on your face with a brush

            -Let it dry for 10 minutes and wash it off with warm water

2)   Hydrate: To hydtrate, I use two products I ADORE!

a.   LXMI Nilotica Melt: vegan, no-animal testing, organic, fair-trade (LXMI pays 3 times the local wages to African harvesters) and has only ONE ingredient: Nilotica (a rare relative of Shea butter). This melt nourishes and hydrates your skin, removing wrinkles and little pimples.

                                               i.     I apply a thick amount of it at night  (like a melt mask) and a pearl size of it in the morning, especially around delicate areas like my eyes and forehead.

                                              ii.     Ps: you can get it at Sephora! And they also have a travel size!

b.     OSEA hydrating oil: this little roll-on does not only smell DELICIOUS but is also the perfect travel-buddy to carry in your bag. I carry mine 24/7 and apply it every time my skin asks for nourishment. It is natural, vegan, cruelty-free and made with essential oils.

Easy and convenient baby steps to a better, healthier and wiser you! I hope you enjoy them! Xo

Speak up against sexual harassment. #metoo

Here’s the thing about sexual harassment… it leaves invisible psychological and spiritual scars other people can’t see or notice. Like a dozen women and loved ones I know, I’ve done a good job at hiding them too but- simply because you can’t see them- it doesn’t mean the scars are not there. This right here was me seven years go. A 22 year old outgoing girl. Fresh out of college, straight into the corporate world- a world that is still mostly dominated by men. Motivated, hard worker, honor student with exotic physical traits that caught the attention of the occasional bystander and made it easy for men AND women to label me. Big eyes, big lips, big smile, and a skinny body I used to dress in pencil skirts, suits and dresses to play the role of a Private Banker. For the past two years I’ve wondered when it was exactly that I lost respect and admiration towards men and, last night as I scrolled down the 435,469+ photos under the hashtag #metoo, I remembered it clearly. It all started in my teens with the boyfriend that called me a “slut” and punched the wall behind me while I cried my heart out and covered my face with my hands fearing that he wouldn’t be able to control his anger, or the stranger that slapped my ass at a bar while I was talking to my girlfriends, or the drunken assholes who pulled my arm and whispered discounting words in my ear, or the work colleague who couldn’t keep his eyes to himself and undressed me with every stare, or the other married work colleague who told a friend all the things he would do to me if he had the chance, or the “guyfriend” who put drugs in my glass of water, or the neighbor that followed my every footstep. Every word, every touch, every stare, every text, every action did not only push me to see men differently but it also gave birth to a fear women shouldn’t have to experience. The fear of looking too pretty or too sexy, the fear of walking alone at night, the fear of parking your car in a place with no surveillance cameras, the fear of getting in an argument with a man who can’t control his anger, the fear of staying at work until too late, the fear of living alone, the fear of having one drink too much, the fear of getting in a taxi or bus by yourself, the fear of speaking up and losing your job, the fear of men.

It shouldn’t take a Hollywood mogul sexually assaulting and hurting 30+ women for us to finally speak up! Now, more than ever, is the moment when women all around the world should come together as one force. Listen to each other, help each other heal, protect one another. None of us is alone in this and our past does NOT define us. Let's use the painful fuel and memories to become wiser, better, stronger and fierce women. And to all men that keep complaining that women have become too independent, too powerful and too intimidating, realize that your actions have pushed us to get here. Instead of becoming victims of your ego, we chose to rise above it. Want to be real men? Let us pave our own paths without throwing stumbling stones at us. Protect us. Listen to us. Stop seeing us as pieces of meat or toys you can play with. Realize what we could be your sister, daughter, mother, wife, friend. Respect us, treat us equally,  and set the example for your future generations. It’s that simple.

With love,

#metoo #speakup

Valeria

Natural non-toxic Beauty & a major SALE!

Natural and nontoxic beauty. Good for the planet and your health! You have heard me talk about this topic dozens of times before. That’s how important it is! As consumers we tend to trust all beauty brands blindly without analyzing what exactly goes behind those bottles. We forget that our bodies absorb whatever we put on/in them. Hair, skin, teeth, lips. Whatever product we put on them will be absorbed by our body and will go directly into our bloodstream. If these products contain harmful and toxic ingredients (like petroleum, parabens, etc), they will poison our cells slowly. The solution? Become a wiser consumer, perform our research, READ labels, and choose brands consciously! A place that makes shopping easier for me because of their strict mission-driven focus on selling brands that are natural, non-toxic, fair-trade and cruelty-free (no animal testing) is WholeFoods. I shop there for my veggies, fruits, superfoods, AND beauty and hygienge products! I’ve partnered with them to give you guys an intro to natural beauty and show you some of the new products I’ve chosen to try this month based on your recommendations! Another tip? WholeFoods is having a Beauty SALE Oct 6-8! You can save 25% on all body care, hair care, deodorants, facial lotions, cosmetics, soaps, and oils!! Don't miss this chance to stock up on your favorite brands!

Acure: Acure's products are made from plants, essential oils and other natural and organic ingredients without the use of parabens, artificial colors, sulfates, and harmful preservatives. They are vegan and not tested on animals! I love their chlorella cell stimulating facial mask and use it once per week. 

Primal Pit Paste Deodorant: We all know how difficult it is to find a natural and nontoxic deodorant that actually works! I've tried over ten different brands already and haven't been able to find one I truly adore. This month, I'm giving Primal Pit a try. It is made with pure ingredients. Please note it is not 100% vegan since it contains beeswax. 

Juice Beauty: I've heard about this brand a lot in the past few months and have finally decided to give it a try. All products are made with natural, organic, plant-based ingredients and without Parabens, petroleum, pesticides, propylene or butylene glycols, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMO, silicones, gluten, artificial dyes, or synthetic fragrances. They are also cruelty-free (no animal testing). I've been using the SPF 30 Oil Free Moisturizer every morning for the past week and love it so far. 

You can read more about Whole Foods beauty care values and quality standards by clicking here. 

Hurricane Irma Relief (Humans & Animals)

Florida has been my home for the past 10 years and it breaks my heart to see what people, and animals, have experienced this past week. Some houses have been completely torn apart, broken trees lay every two blocks, and dozens of families are currently living in shelters. To help, I've teamed up with @tedgemindfulcoworking and @ayahbrands (two Florida-based conscious brands founded by beautiful humans I'm lucky to have in my life!) to collect as many donations as possible and take everything to the families impacted by the hurricane in Miami and the Keys. We would like to deliver the donations starting this weekend so, pretty please, join our efforts! We will keep collecting for the next month or so. We need EVERYTHING! Take a minute to look around your home and donate whatever you didn't use during the hurricane, or any items that have been sitting in a corner unused. Food (human and animal), hygiene products, clothes, feminine pads, mats, pillows, lamps, flashlights. There are people with no access to water or electricity still, and this is everyone's chance to do something good and realize how wonderful it feels to help others smile again!

For my animal-lovers, I've also partnered with @southfloridawildlifecenter to have a drive specifically for our wild earthlings. I know we've all been busy protecting our own but, reality is, hundreds of squirrels, birds, raccoons and other wild animals have been left homeless too. @southfloridawildlifecenter has been taking all of them in, even though its premises were hit by the hurricane severely. Thus, they need our help! Below is a donation list. If you wish to donate cash, you can do so below too.

1) Please email me if you have items to donate to schedule pick-up or drop-off.

2) If you live outside of FL and wish to donate cash, please do by clicking the link below. Every $ you donate will go directly to helping the non-profits I have partnered with.

THANK YOU. LOVE YOU!

National Bacon Day Vegan Recipe!

HAPPY #INTERNATIONALBACONDAY, WORLD! Today, I decided to try something new and share one of my favorite recipes (transformed into a vegan one) with you, and also give some tips to those souls that might not be ready to go vegan yet. It’s ok! We’ve all been there. Some people are born into vegan families and have never tried meat, others discover veganism by themselves. Like I did. I ate meat until my early twenties when I watched a few eye-opening documentaries that changed my life. I’m the only vegan in my family and, if there’s something I’ve learned in these 6 years of a plantbased diet, is that judging or criticizing others for not making this transition doesn’t create a positive outcome. We inspire and lead by example and by sharing the knowledge. Therefore, below, you will find a delicious vegan recipe for International Bacon Day, and also WholeFoods Animal Welfare practices that focus on improving the life of animals and our world, and providing animal products that have been raised in more ethical ways than those under the ordinary meat production industry. When you go shopping at WF, you will see these steps in a huge banner in the meat section. Something worth reading!

Vegan Stuffed Potatoes

Ingredients:

-Vegan Bacon (you can get it at WholeFoods) Yes, I know it’s processed and we all try to avoid processed foods but you will only be using one slice of it for flavor. All other ingredients are natural :) I bought two vegan bacon brands to choose from for taste. Yves Veggie Bacon was the winner!

-1/4 cup Shiitake mushrooms

-1/4 cup Kale

-3 tbsp Coconut Cream

-Sweet potato or regular potato (up to you)

-Coconut oil

-Low-sodium soy sauce

1) Wash your potatoes, dry them and make little holes in them with a fork. Cover them with a little coconut oil.

2) Set your oven at 425F. Once ready, add potatoes and bake for 30-45 minutes. Check on them to make sure they don’t burn.

3) In a saucepan at medium heat, add 1 tbsp coconut oil with half tbsp soy sauce. Once the pan is hot and coconut oil bubbles up, add the sliced mushrooms, kale and cubed vegan bacon. Stir for about 5 minutes.

4) Once your potatoes are ready, wait for them to cool a little. Make a cut in the middle and take some of the insides out with a spoon to make space for the toppings.

5) Add the sautéed kale, mushrooms and bacon to the potatoes.

6) Top it with coconut cream (For the coconut cream, open the can and only use the thick creamy part on top. Don’t use the water for this recipe)

7) Add cubed avocados.

8) If you want more flavor you can add chimichurri to it or vegan mayo.

 I hope you guys enjoy this super simple yet delicious recipe!

 For my carnivores, Whole Foods is having a National Bacon Day sale today! Their products follow a 5-step Animal Welfare process (no cages/crates/crowding, enriched environment, enhanced outdoor access, pastured centered, animal centered) which means their practices are more humane and ethical than the ordinary meat industry ones. Thus, this is your opportunity to choose wisely when shopping for meats……until the day you are ready to go vegan :) 

The Healing Power of Superfoods & a 25% Sale!!

Supplements have played a key role in my life ever since I went vegan three years ago. Whether you are vegan or non-vegan, getting your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein is extremely important along with a healthy diet. This weekend, WholeFoods is having a 25% sale off all their supplements, therefore, I decided to share some of my favorite supplements and superfoods with you! A few of these I bought yesterday at WF to enjoy the sale, other’s I have at home. They are my everyday musts! The powders I use in my morning shakes. A teaspoon of each combined with strawberries, bananas, blueberries, almond or coconut milk, and a scoop of my vegan protein. The pills and drops I take as described below. You can find all of them at WF, of course

POWDER FORM:

-Moringa: this is one of the best superfoods out there. It is made from the leaves of the Moringa plant. It is known as the Tree of life, and its name couldn’t suit it better! It prevents diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver disease, and respiratory, skin, and digestive issues. It also has seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, four times more Vitamin A than carrots, four times more calcium than milk, three times more potassium than bananas, and two times more protein than yogurt!

The taste: Like green tea.

 -Maca: It is made from the Maca root and found in high regions of South America. Its benefits include: hormonal balance, energy booster, health booster, increased fertility, immune system booster, improved sexual function, and improved memory and focus. It is rich in Calcium, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, iron, potassium, Vitamins B, C and E, and Zinc.

The taste: Earthy and creamy. 

-Camu Camu: It is made from the fruit of a tree that grows in Brazil. The fruit looks like a red version of the Acai. Its benefits include: immune system boost, inflammation reduction, detoxification of the body, and overall body health. It has a massive amount of Vitamin C in it, carrying one of the highest concentrations in any food source. This helps your immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

The taste: Bittersweet.

 -Lucuma: It is made from a fruit native to Chile, Peru and Ecuador containing high amounts of Vitamin B3, calcium and protein. It has a maple-like taste that gives Lucuma a perfect use as a 100% natural sweetener. Use it in your smoothies, desserts, baked goods, nice cream, etc. It is also known for improving skin health, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar levels.

The taste: Like maple syrup.

-Golden Milk: It is the perfect combination of turmeric, dates, cardamon, ashwagandha, vanilla and black pepper. I add 1 teaspoon of it to a warm cup of almond or coconut milk, and drink it in the mornings or right before bed. The flavor is delicious, and it has two of my favorite superfoods: turmeric and ashwagandha. Read below to find out about their health benefits.

-VEGA protein: It is made from greens and grains. I've tried dozens of vegan protein powders and the only one I truly connected with was VEGA. Beside of the delicious flavor, VEGA carries 50% of your daily vitamins and minerals, 20g of plant based protein, omegas, probiotics, fibers and antioxidants. 

The flavors I love: coconut almond, vanilla chai, and chocolate. 

-Cacao: I don't think I need to talk much about Cacao. We've all heard of it and probably LOVE it! It is one of the strongest antioxidant carriers. I use it to create yummy desserts like cacao mousse, or add 2 tablespoons of it to my morning chocolate-mint shakes. Check my daily Instagram stories for recipes :)

PILLS:

-Turmeric (you can also get it in powder form): I take these whenever I have body aches, cramps, headaches, etc. They are 100% natural and vegan. They are made from the turmeric root (looks like an orange-yellow ginger) and traditionally used in Asian foods for taste and color. Turmeric has also been used in Ayurvedic Medicine for years as a natural anti-inflammatory and a source full of antioxidants. It is also known for boosting brain activity and health, lowering the risk of heart issues, preventing arthritis, and fighting depression.

Whether you choose to take it in powder form, golden milk or pills, turmeric is great for menstrual cramps, irritable bowls, headaches, and body aches.

The taste: Strong and bitter flavor. A combination of ginger and oranges.

 -Ashwagandha Root: It is made from the root of one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing: Ashwaghanda. It is used in India to treat stress, fatigue, lack of energy, concentration issues, and a weak immune system.

I take a pill every morning with my breakfast.

DROPS:

-Bach flowers: A combination of water, brandy, and dew from healing flowers. They were developed by Edward Bach who believed in the natural healing properties of flowers. I remember taking these drops when I was little. I’ve always been a hyperactive soul, therefore, my parents used to give me a few drops of Bach flowers to calm my hyperactivity. I now take them during the days I feel stressed, low on energy, or even low on self-love. There are over 38 different flower remedies to choose from.

The taste: Like brandy :p

Para mi gente Latina! <3 (in Spanish)

Ultimamente he recibido muchos mensajes empujándome a que escriba más en español, mi lengua materna. Para mí, se me hace mucho mas fácil escribir en ingles, ya que llevo más de 12 años viviendo en Estados Unidos, pero poco a poco me ire animando a compartirles artículos en español. Empezando con esta entrevista para una revista Boliviana, COSAS. Toda la entrevista se enfoca en mis pensamientos sobre el amor propio, la libertad, los riesgos, y los sube y bajas de la vida. Espero que les guste! 

Aquí les dejo el link.

Un beso enorme!

Natural, non-toxic, teeth whitener!

For all of you looking for natural teeth whiteners and other eco-friendly, vegan and non-toxic beauty tips, here you go! This product is made with coconut charcoal and other organic ingredients, and has become my holistic lifestyle buddy. I use it every night and it has changed my smile for the better! Let me know your thoughts! xx

To buy the natural teeth whitener, click here.

Beauty brand that helps humanity!

Here's a beauty brand I've been wanting to share for a while. It encompasses everything I've been talking about on my blog and social media channels for the past two years. It is a brand that does not only focus on introducing natural, vegan, fair-trade, cruelty-free and organic beauty products into the world but is also reshaping the way companies work with women in the supply chain by providing them with work, fair wages, support, and stable working conditions rather than handouts. They pay three times the local wages for women in the Nile Valley, in their hopes of alleviating global poverty! Each product is also made with the highest, rarest and purest ingredients found around the world. The one I've been using on a daily basis is LXMI's Nilotica Melt. You guys know how serious I am about natural beauty and how picky I can get when it comes to putting beauty products on my skin. I always make sure they are as natural and organic as possible, in order to feed my cells with pure ingredients. LXMI's Nilotica Melt offers all that! Its texture looks and feels like a butter but it later melts and becomes oily when in touch with warm skin. I apply it under my eyes and forehead (delicate places where wrinkles form easily) at night and in the morning, before I apply my makeup. I've been using it for the past two weeks and have started to notice the difference in my skin. The little wrinkles around my eyes have diminished and so have the dark circles. It honestly feels great to use a natural product that does not only benefit my skin and health but also our planet as a whole. Best part? You can get it at Sephora! Easy to use, convenient, and eco-friendly. Need I say more?!

ps: LXMI is having a Mother's Day promotion! Get your natural glow at a discount by using code Mom30.  

A morning of plant-based cooking in Miami!

There is a gem in Miami not many people know about. It is a place near Wynwood any conscious soul would immediately fall in love with. It is like a treasure chest that offers beautiful green gardens, a plant-based restaurant, a plant-based cooking school, and a holistic center. All in one! It is called The Sacred Space Miami for a reason. It is sacred! One of a kind! I’ve been going there often to be part of their personal growth workshops, meditation classes, events full of mindfulness, and yoga. And, last weekend, I took a vegan bread class at their cooking school (Matthew Kenney Culinary School). The class was taught by a lovely human and good friend,  Nathi, and covered over 4 recipes. From vegan bread (different flavors), to cinnamon rolls, energy gels, nut butters, bread butters, and more. My favorite recipe? Cinnamon rolls, of course! Imagine a delicious combination of almond flour, almond pulp, oat flour, cinnamon powder, agave, dates, pecans and raisins. It was something so simple to make yet completely out of this world in flavor and scent. And…100% vegan, organic and RAW! No oven needed but a dehydrator.

Do you want to know what made this class even more fairylike? MY MOM! She came with me to take the class! My mom who didn’t believe in the power of a vegan diet or a holistic life! She’s awakening to it without me even asking. That to me is magic! Priceless magic!

If you guys want to discover the wonders of The Sacred Space or Matthew Kenney Culinary, click here to sign up for their workshops and events. I’ll be participating in a few ones this month. See you there!

Earth Day TRAVEL GIVEAWAY!

The Earth Day vibes are still going on strong over here, and we are celebrating it by gifting a lucky soul a free spot at the retreat I'll be leading in Bali November 6-13! The retreat might be sold out but a wanderluster spirit will receive 13 days at one of the most mind-blowing eco-friendly hotels I've reviewed for the blog, 3 organic vegan meals per day, waterfall walks, a flower offering workshop, a Balinese cuisine class, a holistic spa treatment, organic coffee and tea 24/7, local tours and so much more! A $1225 value gifted by Sunology. All you have to do is:

1) Follow @sunology and @waterthruskin on instagram

2)Comment on our Travel Giveaway photo on Instagram and tag 3 friends

3)Repost the photo, tell us what Mother Nature means to you, and tag @sunology and @waterthruskin

4) Get ready to win this trip and @sunology products!!

The winner will be announced in 13 days on May 6th. I can't wait to meet one of you and spend a week in paradise together!

You can read more about Sunology's eco-friendly, ocean-safe, mineral, cruelty-free and vegan sun care products here. 

More details about the retreat here.

Disclaimer: please make sure you can attend during those dates and purchase your flight to Denpasar, Bali, if you win. Transportation from the airport to the hotel is already arranged. :)

GOOD LUCK!

Mineral sunblock with MORINGA!

Good morning from Pondicherry, India! I’m currently in the south region of India visiting different mind-blowingly beautiful sustainable hotels. It is four in the morning but, I couldn’t sleep (jetlag issues) and decided to catch up with stories and products I’ve been wanting to share with you on my blog. Starting with this brand: Sunology. The reason why I’m writing about Sunology, specially now, is because travelling has taught me the importance of 1) wearing sunscreen 24/7 and 2) how sunscreen can have a positive or negative impact on our health and on our environment and animals. Before I get into the holistic and amazing traits of this sunscreen brand, there are a few things you should know about regular sunscreens. If the brand or product you choose is not eco-friendly, non-toxic, or natural, odds are those chemicals will end up in our oceans- and in your blood stream- one way or another. You must be asking yourself “Why?” or “How in the world!?”. It’s actually very simple. Whatever we human beings put on our skins, is immediately absorbed by our bodies, transported into our bloodstreams, and used to feed our cells. If you are putting toxic products and chemicals on your skin, they’ll become part of your cells and might lead to health issues in the future. The same effect takes place in our oceans whenever you use toxic sunscreens. Either if you go for a swim in our waters, or take a bath at home to remove the lotion from your skin, you are releasing chemicals into our oceans (yes, everything ends up in our oceans!) and feeding those harmful chemicals to our coral reefs, fishes, rays, sea lions, and other sea animals. The chemicals and oily lotion create a non-breathable coat on sea animals’ skins, which ends up suffocating them slowly. It is honestly a no brainer, guys! If you care about treating your body and our planet as temples, use products that are chemical-free!

Now, a new brand I recommend for suncare lotions is Sunology. Why? Well, this brand is not only non-toxic, mineral based, cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and eco-friendly (does not harm our oceans or animals), but it’s also infused with essentials oils and a superfood I’ve been talking a lot about during the past year: Moringa!

Moringa Oleifera is one of the most nutrient rich plants in our planet! The leaves of this tree are used to create either a powder (like the one I put on my shakes in the morning), oil (it is used on body lotions or suncare, like Sunology), and tea bags (entire leaves). This medicinal plant offers 25% of plantbased protein, 31% of fiber, vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Vitamin A, K, E, calcium and magnesium, and is incredibly high in antioxidants (6x the antioxidant levels of goji berries and matcha). The combination of Vitamin A, E and the high antioxidants boosts your skin vitality and helps repair cell damage. This is where Sunology comes to play! Sunology uses Moringa oil as one of its ingredients to help improve your skin’s elasticity and health, and block the effects of free radical formation. This means that Sunology’s products are not only parabens and sulfates free, non-toxic, mineral, cruelty-free, and 50spf, but they also have as their main mission to bring you skin back to life with the power of this miraculous superfood, Moringa!

The Sunology products I use and brought with me on this trip are:

1)   Face

2)   Body

3)   Lips

Give them a try and I hope you guys like them as much as I do. I’ve been using them on a daily basis here in India and my skin has been feeling and looking shinier and cleaner than before.

Much love from India!

Telemundo Interview about a Conscious Lifestyle

This is probably the most beautiful and heartfelt interview anyone has done on my journey and projects, therefore, I felt the need to share it immediately. Some of you may have already seen it on TV, for everyone else, here it is! I'll do my best to try to get someone to add English subtitles to the video soon. 

Love you, guys! Thank you for the constant support and love!

Transforming Animal-lover's Grief Into Trees: GoFullCircle

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!

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

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.

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.