No smell of the factory, no factory seams, no perfect ironing - only a handmade item in its best way. This beautiful outlook is how NOT PERFECT LINEN describes their ethical and eco-friendly products. A small family of creatives based in Vilnius, Lithuania, has built a brand with the intent to handcraft quality items with a greater purpose. Here is an excerpt from their mission statement, "For us, creating handmade goods brings the sense of community and it is like a protest against mass produced goods. We do not make things just to make money. The items are not just for profit. We make goods that involve years of learned skills, passion, commitment and sincerity." All of their products are made with fine quality linen offered in a variety of colors. From jumpsuits to aprons to table cloths, each piece boasts of this practical yet luscious fabric. "Linen (flax) is a healthy and non – waste product of nature. For us it is very important that it does not have any detrimental effects on our earth and ecology. We strongly believe that only thoughtfully selected fabrics from local manufacturers, simple cuts of clothes which usually suits all ages, shapes and sizes, that have a lovely loose fit and relaxed look of the piece is our strength and the best we can offer for our customers. We avoid anything that is not essential for the garment (intricate cuts, non - comfortable fit, zippers, excess details etc.) leaving the priority to the clean and versatile look. Why we work with linen? The beauty of linen is that it is not perfect. If you keep trying to iron it, you will definitely miss the beauty of it. Linen needs to be used and it gets better with age. Linen pieces can be compared to old English leather shoes or old mechanical Swiss watches – all of these things are not new or perfect but are definitely more valuable than any new. We are glad to share with something irregular and something that is not perfect." When I first discovered NOT PERFECT LINEN through Instagram, I was immediately drawn to not only the rustic and minimalistic designs of their clothing but the fabric that so beautifully catches light and shadows. Lately, I've come to develop a great love for linen. Knowing it will last and enable me to get dressed quickly and easily is a definite plus. Choosing versatile low maintenance pieces made with high quality and sustainable fabrics is extremely important to me.
Upon receiving the tank in amber yellow and the light elephant grey jumpsuit in the mail, I was immediately impressed by their special attention to detail and the substaintial feel of the fabric. Each piece feels so soft against my skin while hanging in the most comfortable fit to move with my body while holding its overall shape. Each can be dressed up or down allowing them to meet my versatile clothing approval. I can't begin to express how inspired I am by this company - not just due to their beautiful pieces. Their passion motivates me to push forward and continue raising awareness for ethical and sustainable fashion while pursuing my own dreams and goals. Companies like theirs definitely give a sense of warmth and love through their products and build communities dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
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One of my favorite parts of choosing ethically and sustainably made products is the relationships I'm able to build with insanely creative and passionate individuals who desire to make the world a better place. It gives you a sense of community and allows you to be part of and contribute to a movement no matter your location in the world. When I discovered HOW WE SOUL on Instagram, I immediately knew I had found another way to support slow fashion - through athletic wear. Connecting with Tasha Kendall, creator of How We Soul, has been an absolute delight. I honestly cannot praise her enough! I'm honored to share their brand new striped crop top and Palm capris. I'm always a little nervous when I purchase athletic wear. Sometimes it's a little tricky for me to determine my size... even when purchasing in a store - haha! Tasha was so helpful with the sizing and helped me make my final decision. I'm wearing the crop top in a size S and the capris in a size M. As a shorty, I knew the crop top would be perfect for pairing with high waisted jeans - just enough to tuck in and give that body suit look. I was immediately drawn to the palm print capris - I don't usually go for capris but wanted to try a new style. Let me tell you, I have NEVER pulled on a pair of leggings more comfortable and perfectly tailored to my body shape. Usually I have to tug them here and there or they look all wonky. These fit like a glove and are so incredibly soft! I'm also obsessed with the shorter length - def loving capris now! The crop top fits like a dream as well! So soft - no gaping at all! It fits right against my skin and isn't too tight. Last but definitely not least, here are some important facts about their clothing:
1. FABRIC Our EcoPoly fibers not only create soft, smooth leggings, but also use 70% less water, 70% less heat, and 70% less energy to create than regular polyester. 2. PRODUCTION Each product is manufactured in Montreal, where employees are paid fair wages (above the minimum) and receive paid breaks and paid internships. All paper waste is recycled and excess garments are donated to local inner city shelters. By sourcing and manufacturing in the same city, we help reduce our carbon footprint. 3. IMPACT When you receive a legging or other item from us, it’s not the end of the beauty, it’s only the beginning! A portion of each sale goes directly to the incredible Botswana Orphan Project, which provides daycare and pre-school to young orphans and vulnerable children. This project allows children to remain living with their extended family while also providing education, healthy meals, and a safe, loving environment to grow. So each time you throw on your chic leggings, you’ll know that you are providing adorable preschoolers the ability to enjoy garden grown food and access to information and skills that will lead them to a bright future. 4. COMMUNITY Living with intention takes practice, and we are here to share ideas, give encouragement, and receive encouragement from you! As Mother Teresa perfectly said: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things”. Find us on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, or email [email protected] Over the past few months, I've been on a journey that has, frankly, been empowering yet overwhelming. It's been a journey comprised of learning to shop ethically and sustainably. In the past, it never occurred to me to consider where our clothing is made, how our clothing is made, with what our clothing is made and by whom our clothing is made. Like so many others, I've always shopped at chain stores never thinking about how the products got there or where my money was actually going. Talk about checking my brain at the door! When I first heard the phrase "avoiding fast fashion" I admit that I thought it was just a new trend and seemed like too much work to make a difference. I'm so thankful God placed a nudge inside my heart to become interested in learning more about avoiding fast fashion and being intentional and wise with my purchases. I've learned that not only was I an obnoxious spender and how little thought I put into my purchases but that all of my shopping was based on impulse and trends. None of the clothing I shopped for was good quality and would look worn and nasty after 1-2 washes. I've also realized that here in the USA, we have this desire to own everything as if so much joy and success comes from acquiring it all. Rethinking my shopping habits revealed to me what a slave I am to material items and how I don't even appreciate what I have. And here's the thing... life's a journey. It's taken me a while to barely scratch the surface of the ethical and sustainable world. There will always be information to learn and old habits to correct. Don't panic and think you have to totally shift your way of shopping overnight. If you can - that's great! But for most of us, it's a learning process and takes times. Like my friend Olivia of Simply Liv and Co. says,"Our small choices matter and over time, those choices add up to really important choices. I've gone from overwhelmed consumer to passionate advocate to frustrated influencer to "veteran" participant. I began my journey understanding almost nothing about ethical fashion, only that I hoped it was "real" and that it could make a true difference in my life and the lives of the people making my clothes."
To me, Olivia sums it up perfectly. I couldn't agree more. Remember, we may be one individual, but change is made my individuals doing their part and coming together to make a difference.
Krochet Kids (click the banner above) has quickly become one of my favorite clothing brands. The positive impact they are making inspires me daily to continue to make a difference by choosing to shop ethically and sustainably whenever possible. (Read more about my journey here) Brands like Krochet Kids, allow you to have a direct impact on the lives of individuals with each dollar you spend. As you can see from the photos, I am wearing the Eye See You Tee and the Mesa Bandana. Their clothing comes with a tag inside signed by the woman who created the article. You can then go to the Krochet Kids website, read her story and then have the opportunity to write to her! Isn't that amazing!
They are based in Uganda and Peru where they work to empower women, ultimately communities, to rise above poverty. From their website, "Empowerment is the reason why we exist. Our products, our programs, and our community work in unison to help people accomplish this goal. We believe in the capabilities of people. Our goal is to holistically equip people living in poverty with the skills, education, and resources to change their circumstances forever. Work provides worth. Education breeds innovation. Mentorship nourishes relationships. Through this multifaceted and measured approach we work with each beneficiary to create a path toward independence."
Krochet Kids recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary! WOW! 10 years of helping empower women to make a difference in their lives and others! I don't know about you, but this is where I want to choose to spend my money.
I'm a last minute packer. I also under pack to the extent that I usually forget something. However, for my San Francisco trip, I was determined to FINALLY get things organized and utilize the wisdom I've (hopefully) gained from previous adventures. I knew there would be tons of walking and exploring while in SF. Through Instagram, I discovered a company called BAGGU that ethically produces bags of all types - I chose this rad backpack that I'm obsessed with: The inside has one big pouch with room to shed clothing layers when the weather warms up as well as to carry all the essentials. The outside has two zipper pouches and behind two additional open pouches. It was a dream! Held up great and is ready for tons more adventures! Can't recommend it enough! From hiking on other trips, I knew I was tired of constantly throwing away plastic from water bottles, plus I wanted something safer for my health. HEALTHY HUMAN produces 100% BPA-free bottles made with the highest quality 18/8 stainless steel. It came in so handy and was easy to carry in my backpack. It also comes with a caribeaner to hang in the outside of your bag. With the weather being much chillier than in Texas, I brought along my YOUNG LIVING grapefruit chapstick as well as the MYMATCHA stick from COCOKIND. Honestly, I cannot say enough good things about the MYMATCHA stick. It hydrates and nourishes your face especially after tiring long days of exploring. Plus, it also double as chapstick as well so... basically this is the one essential you need! As you can see from the photo above, I definitely didn't forget about snacks. Gotta stay energized especially when you're so excited sight seeing that you don't always want to eat on time. I love CLIFF BARS, fruit and kombucha (my fav brand is San Francisco's own CLEARLYKOMBUCHA). As fun and carefree as traveling can seem through social media, it can definitely take a toll on your body. The natural high you get from exploring new cities and speed walking to your next destination can definitely leave you feeling drained and almost sickly. Vitamin C is a must for traveling.
Last but not least, don't forget sunglasses! They always come in handy and I always find myself wishing I had them when I fail to pack them. I purchased the sunflower bags last minute to hold all of the items inside my backpack. (Next time I will choose to shop with some of my favorite ethically and sustainably produced shops!) This is my go-to soup for days when eating healthy is rough. There's so many different ways to flavor it and use what's in the fridge. Here's the skinny:
INGREDIENTS: Carrot ribbons for noodles Mushrooms Cilantro Vegetable broth Low sodium soy sauce Ginger (ground or fresh) Avocado Oil DO THIS: Saute carrot ribbons, mushrooms and cilantro in avocado oil and ginger until soft but still a little firm. Add vegetable broth and a dash of soy sauce. Allow to heat thoroughly then serve! (All ingredient amounts are based on your preference. You can't go wrong - just add a little at a time until you reach your desired taste.) When I purchase hair and body products, I do my best to check the ingredients and make sure they're strictly organic and simple - no added fillers or harsh chemicals. It's also important to me to find companies that truly care about my health as well as the health of others. I crave the opportunity to "meet" the face behind the brand and choose to support a world changer. Jillian Haddad, the owner, creator, and maker of Butter Me Up Organics, is a phonomenal woman who has poured her heart and soul into providing high quality products. Here is a powerful statement from her website: "I started Butter Me Up for myself back in 2008. I was living in Pasadena and had always been VERY particular about the products I used on myself. At that time, that meant you shopped at Whole Foods or the lucky boutique you ran across once every 5 years that didn't just make things that smelled good. Finally, one day after spending $25 on a body butter, I thought to myself, 'I can make this'...and Butter Me Up Organics was created. I spent the next THREE years pouring over ingredients, benefits, quality, safety, certifications and where the ingredients came from and carefully crafted each recipe with purpose. Each recipe is my own and many, many hours of care and research was poured into every one. I chose things not on the cost but for the most benefit each recipe could bring. I designed everything to have the most therapeutic qualities possible in the bottle/jar/tin. I continue to hand make each product today." Jillian sent me 3 different products to try: Pink Himalayan Sea Hair Texturizer Spray, Citrus Calendula Soap and sunscreen. She has definitely left an imprint on my life and I couldn't be more honored to share about my experience with her beautifully and purposefully made products. First up is this incredibly smooth and wonderful smelling sunscreen. Jillian has combined simple organic ingredients to naturally protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. My skin naturally doesn't sunburn unless at the beach under the intense sunshine for hours at a time. On normal days, however, I still spend every opportunity outside in the sun. Because of this, I do want to protect my skin and help deter some of the harmful exposure. I've been searching for a sunscreen that I could trust and that doesn't have the chemicals and fillers. I definitely recommend this sunscreen. It doesn't take much product to apply it to exposed areas. I can hardly contain my excitement about this Pink Himalayan Sea Hair Texturizer Spray! Just the name of it inspires me! And the smell?! JASMINE ROSE! I literally want to spray it around my room! I have used it several times and couldn't ask for a better product. I have very fine hair so I'm always looking for added texture - even to just throw my hair up in a bun. It definitely gives the perfect messy beachy waves. Last but definitely not least, is the Citrus Calendula Soap. It reminds me of the homemade organic soap my mom used to make. It's AMAZING! Besides being beautiful to look at, it's silky smooth and has a slight lather. You know that amazing earthy/herb smell when you walk into Whole Foods? This soap captures that scent :) Quick tip - If you're like me, you leave the soap in the shower only to have it wasted by the water continually running over it. Make sure to keep your soap out of reach from the water. :)
A few weeks ago, I cleaned my room. No, SERIOUSLY cleaned my room. It took a total of 10 hours. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and disgusted with how I've allowed myself to literally "buy" into the idea that I need lots of stuff to feel put together or that I should just save it for later. For so long I have collected junk and just shoved it here and there - you couldn't begin to see underneath my bed. Obviously deep cleaning wasn't something I was thrilled to do or did often - it was a nightmare! Throughout the day as I cleaned, re-organized and purged tons of junk, I kept having this sense of mental peace amidst the overwhelming sight of my incredibly messy room. It was as if a heavy weight was being lifted off of my shoulders. All of the things I was holding on to were really just a burden... things I didn't really care about but kept because I felt guilty or that it was foolish to get rid of. It was like starting over - stripping away layers of weight to be left light and airy with a fresh new healthy perspective. I'm a firm believer that less is more. It cuts down on time and money we have to spend making room, storing and cleaning the stuff we fill our houses with as well as the mental stress and anxiety in knowing we're not fully taking care of what we have. We no longer feel like we have to own everything or have collections to fill every single space. I can now walk around my bed and make it nice and neat in less than 5 minutes. Now there is nothing under my bed - I can't remember the last time I could see straight across. From now on I'm going to make an effort to cut down on buying junk just to fill up space and make me momentarily happy - I'm tired of wasting time storing up earthly treasures. I no longer feel guilty about not taking care of what I have or avoiding deep cleaning - it's so much easier now!
My sister challenged me to eat vegan for one day. I initially thought it would be a piece of cake - I'd finish with flying colors. After all, it's just one day, right? I accepted her challenge and couldn't wait until the next morning. Here's how the day went: I awakened early, refreshed and ready for a shoot I needed to complete as well as the vegan challenge. By 7:00 I had made the dessert I was photographing and of course tasted it. (Forgetting there was milk and gelatin) By 9:00 the shoot was complete. Feeling like a boss and hungry, I grabbed a leftover meatball from the fridge before I even realized what I was doing. Lunch arrived as well as more items for a couple of shoots I had scheduled later that day. While planning the next shoots in my mind, I walked through the kitchen and grabbed a handful of grated cheese (milk). Annoyed, feeling like a loser and slightly disgusted with myself, I vowed that I would complete the day as a die hard vegan. I feasted on sweet potato fries for lunch and prepared for the next two photo shoots. After finishing the first I began styling the second shoot and realize the dessert would look better with a bite taken out of it. What did I do? I snatched it up, took a bite of the ice cream then swallowed. WHAT THE HECK! Now I was watching myself like a hawk as well as a chicken my mom had simmering on the stove all day. She had to run some errands and asked me to keep and eye on it. Yeah... you guessed it. As I was flipping the bird - literally and in a non-inappropriate way, I ate a couple of pieces. Then I walked by the fridge and ate a tiny corner of pizza before I realized - oh yeah CHEESE :( Needless to say... I failed the challenge. I don't think I could have done worse if I tried. BUT I finished the day with mushroom tacos so... ;) (but then realized the sauce I used had egg). WHAT DID I LEARN: 1. CONVICTION - Making the decision to go vegan needs to be based on a personal conviction and research NOT a decision based on peer pressure and jumping on the bandwagon because it's a trend. Taking a challenge to go vegan for just ONE DAY opened my eyes to how much passion I would need before changing my diet. 2. ABSENTMINDEDLY EATING - Wow... I had NO idea how much I was eating just because food was there. I didn't even realize I was doing it! Definitely a habit I need to break! 3. CLUELESS OF WHAT I PUT IN MY BODY - I didn't even know what I was eating! Sure I try to intentionally eat healthy but in between meals I have no clue what I'm grabbing to snack on. I think this also goes hand in hand with being in the moment and paying attention to what I'm actually doing in my day to day life. 4. PREPARATION - This is CRUCIAL! (Or at least would be for me) I can't be eating a carrot while everyone else is having cheeseburgers or enchiladas. My sister completed the challenge with flying colors - I was BLOWN AWAY by the delicious and healthy meals she ate that day. And it made sense for her - she wasn't dying and forcing herself to eat that way... it was a personal conviction and a way of eating she sincerely wanted to try. Sometimes eating healthy can seem boring - especially if you're a dip, condiment and sauce gal like me. But eating healthy doesn't mean missing out! Choosing healthy ingredients is key to whipping up your favorite snacks. You can still enjoy what you like but in a healthier way. This hummus is killer and one of my fav snacks when I'm craving junk food. It's super easy and you can customize it in so many ways. INGREDIENTS: (Basic hummus) 1 can organic chick peas Olive oil fresh garlic, roasted garlic or garlic powder salt lemon juice DO THIS: Drain liquid from chick peas (you can use it to make vegan whip cream) then dump peas into blender. The rest of the ingredients are really based on your personal preference. I added the juice of one lemon, salt and olive oil. Blend until desired consistency. |