Andrea’s story began as the eldest of six children. Raised by a single mother, Andrea handled a lot of the family cooking and was taught to bake by her grandmother.

She tells us, “My love of making desserts and especially lovely, decorated cakes evolved. The same passion for the aesthetic of decorating was also reflected in my interest for design. This eventually led me from Indianapolis to the Parsons School of Design in New York City and on to a successful career as an interior designer.”

While visiting New York City, her mother took a tumble that landed her in the hospital. This led Andrea to hire chef and nutritionist Christine Waltermyer, who runs The Natural Kitchen Cooking School, to prepare vegan meals to aid in her mother’s healing.

She adds, “Working with Christine in my kitchen reawakened my childhood love of cooking. When business began slowing down at work, I decided to enroll in The Natural Kitchen Cooking School.” It was a proud moment when her mother, even with frail health, traveled to NYC to attend the graduation ceremony and celebrate Andrea’s accomplishment.

Andrea became passionate about the food-body connection and from this journey, Sweet Vegan was born. She is driven every day to bring you the most delicious chocolates…that happen to be vegan.

ENTER OUR INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY!

Join our Valentine’s Day giveaway with Sweet Vegan for a chance to win their delicious truffles! Packaged with love in our special heart box, they include two decadent Midnight Passion Dreamy Bites and two Apricot & Cherry Fruity Bites. The winner will be announced on February 14th. Visit our Instagram post for more details.

Find Sweet Vegan at https://www.sweetvegan.nyc/ and @sweetvegannyc on all social media

The post Win Delicious Treats for Your Valentine (or for Yourself) from Sweet Vegan! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Morrocco Method products have been around for fifty years and a proven way to “detox” your hair and scalp. They maintain that the chemicals you think are cleaning your hair and scalp are actually clogging up your pores and preventing your body from growing your hair and keeping it as clean as nature intended.

The people at Morrocco Method kindly sent me their “5 Elements” Shampoo package to try. I was a bit skeptical, as it didn’t look or smell like shampoos I was used to. I don’t use shampoos with sulfates or a lot of chemicals, but I do like a fresh scent and lather. These shampoos all have very mild, natural scents and do not lather. I really wasn’t sure I was going to like them, but given their reputation and the reviews, I gave it a try.

The principle is to use each product, created around one of the 5 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether. Each provides your hair and scalp with a different nutrient. All together, they are meant to help create and support a proper balance, as it encourages your body to push out any clogging debris.

I followed the instructions and rotated each of the 5 products every time I shampooed. At first my hair felt kind of dry and tangled and not really clean. But, I read that was part of the detox process, so I didn’t get discouraged. I was surprised, as I thought my usual shampoos were pretty clean, but it seems like my scalp was telling me it has some stuff to get rid of! I did use a little conditioner on my ends, to style my long, thick hair and more easily release the tangles.

I don’t usually wash my hair every day, so it took a few weeks for me to go through all of the shampoo. I decided to observe the full process, so I didn’t use styling products and either let my hair dry naturally or kept it in a simple ponytail. The detox process was a little uncomfortable at first, but after the first round of 5, my hair didn’t tangle, my scalp felt clean and my hair felt really soft. I also color my hair and the color did not fade, which also proves how gentle the products are.

I would recommend these products for those who prefer to keep their hair very natural, whether or not they use color. And if you have a particular issue, like “flyaway” hair or dandruff, these products could really work very well for you.

I encourage you to read all of the great information on their website and watch this video on the basics of detoxing your hair with these products. They also have a full line of haircare products that are all vegan, cruelty-free, raw, sulfate free and gluten free. to purchase products, visit http://shop.morroccomethod.com/ Use the code “chicvegan15” for 15% off your whole order.

The post Do You Need to Detox Your Hair? The Morrocco Method appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I love beauty products, but I don’t love toxic chemicals. Eclair Naturals offers products that cleanse and nourish your skin & hair with all natural ingredients.

The people at Eclair Naturals were kind enough to send me some products to enjoy!

I usually prefer showering, but using the Fizzy Bath Cupcake was a lovely, relaxing soak. I could get use to this! Infused with Vitamin E, it’s good for your skin.  With the aroma of lavender and vanilla, it really helps to de-stress. This product is a pretty purple, but not from artificial colors. The natural colors are derived from seeds, pulp, algae and chlorophyll.

Did you know that often, in commercial products, “natural” colors like Carmine, are made from crushed bugs? Definitely not vegan…and yuck.

The All Over Lotion is a good body lotion that’s hydrating, but not greasy. I like the fresh vanilla & orange scent.

 
The Color Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner were great for me, as I do color my hair and I’ve found that more harsh shampoos can make color fade. Usually, commercial shampoos lather up due to toxic sulphates. You won’t find those here and you still get a good lather without stripping and drying out your hair. The Conditioners compliment the shampoos for healthy and smooth hair. The mango scent was fresh, not overly powerful.

Eclair Naturals have many more hair & skin care products. The entire line is vegan, never tested on animals and all natural. In addition, they have the added bonus of being non-GMO, as well as wheat free and soy free for the allergy conscious.

Another great thing about this line is their commitment to Social Responsibility. Everything is made in the USA, they strive for zero waste and support worthy causes like www.thegentlebarn.org

Their conscious mission and reasonable price points make these products a very worthy try!

The post Beauty Review: Hair & Skin Care by Eclair Naturals appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Thanks to Anne Hurley, founder of James&Co., I’ve found my new “out and about” staple!

Based in Australia, the James&Co. line of vegan leather jackets come in an array of styles and various colors for an authentically personal choice.

Not sure how to choose? Here is a guide:

1. Do you tend to dress in neutral colors? Choose a jacket with a pop of color, to make a personal statement.
2. Does your style usually include various colors? Pull your outfit together with a neutral color.
3. Know your body type.

The tight moto style can show off your figure.

The “boyfriend” moto is a bit more forgiving in the middle.

The blazer can really compliment an hourglass figure.

The trench is a great choice if you like more coverage and the option to cinch your waist with a belt.

But those aren’t the only options. Choose a style with a hood or without a collar; add a fabric or detachable faux shearling lining.

The best thing is, that you can either choose one of their stock designs, or, you can create your own combination of cut, color and lining. Very cool!

Anne is also dedicated to running not only a cruelty free, but socially responsible company. They are a listed member of The Ethical Fashion Source, as well as being PETA approved.

My favorite thing about James&Co? They come in sizes xs – 4x. Because you are beautiful and fabulous exactly the way you are and your ethical choices should reflect just that!

Extra special bonus: For the month of September, they are running an animal advocacy campaign called “Don’t Eat Them, Don’t Wear Them”. With your purchase, they will send you a copy of the “Forks Over Knives” cruelty free cookbook!

Find your jacket at www.jamesandco.boutique

The post Can’t Find a Fall Jacket You Like? It’s Easy with James&Co. appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The new trend is to downsize your life and live with the bare minimum of things that “bring you joy”. 

As an Image Consultant, I understand and agree with that.  However, some of us are on the go and need to have various things with us at all times.  I, for example, live in New York City and don’t have (or need) a car. I travel around the city for business and social events most days of the week. I usually need to have my laptop with me, as well my smart phone, back up batteries and all the power cords. Not to mention my wallet, keys and makeup.  Sometimes I need to bring lunch and snacks, supplies for a presentation or a change of shoes. That’s just my reality.

I don’t like traditional briefcases, and backpacks are not my style.  But carrying both a large purse and a laptop bag is not efficient and doesn’t look great. I’ve been dreaming of a handbag that could hold everything I need and I wouldn’t have to awkwardly fish around for a pen or my phone or other smaller items that get lost at the bottom of a large bag. But, of course, I need to have something that suits my personal style and is ethically made.  No matter where I go, I want to feel fabulous and not weighed down. I also want to know that no animals were harmed to make any product I own.

Graceship has come up with an excellent solution!  Their Laptop Purse is light, roomy, compartmentalized and around the same size as my other tote bags. It is designed for the fashion forward with class, using animal free and sustainable materials.

I love my “London” style bag, in black.  It also comes in a very stylish camel color.  The “New York” bag also comes in black (of course).  The new “Hong Kong” design comes in a creamy, light color called “stone”, with an extra front pocket and elongated shoulder strap.  They all have a soft, chocolate colored lining, so nothing gets scratched.  The external material is scratch resistant and the gold hardware is a perfect finishing touch.  There is something for every discerning and sophisticated taste!

Graceship is designed by Emily Gimmel, who has worked as an entertainment reporter.  She really understands what a professional woman on the go needs.

Graceship bags are Vegan Certified by PETA and Fair Trade Certified by the Fair Trade Federation. They are also certified by the Women’s Business & Enterprise National Council where at least  51% of the company is owned, operated and controlled by women. The $175 price point is completely reasonable for this durable, fabulous, ethical product.  This Fashionista Compassionista, looks forward to using it proudly, for a long time.

If you think I carry a lot of stuff, check out this video to see how much it can really hold! Watch here

Find Graceship products at: www.thegraceship.com, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram

The post The Problem Solving Laptop Purse by Graceship appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The founder & owner of Joshik Nail Polishes, JoJo Wanjiku Keiffer is a wife, mother and health enthusiast. She had a goal to bring a much needed vegan alternative to commercial, mainstream nail polishes that were good enough for the luxury set and trendy young woman, yet weren’t full of toxins or tested on animals.

JoShik Polish (Pronounced Jo-chic) JoJo explains, means, “satisfaction, with ease & happiness”. This luxurious, non-toxic, vegan nail polish hits the mark! Free of Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Parabens, Xylene or Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), they are a most certainly healthier nail polish alternative, even suitable even for children and moms-to-be.

Personally, I don’t go for colors like the popular reds, corals or pastels. I like dark, bold, edgy colors. I’m happy to report that JoShik has a wide range of colors for everyone. JoJo sent me a few samples in my favorite purple, blue, grey & black colors. I also love creative color names and Joshik does not disappoint! Who wouldn’t want to wear “Dazzle”, “Entice”, “Groovy”, “Luxe” and “Gorgeous”?

The quality of the polish is quite luxurious and chip resistant, for the most part, with a proper manicure. Joshik does also offer base coat, ridge filler and top coat. Those steps are the key to making your manicure last, so don’t skip them. The polishes dry pretty fast, no smudges or lumps. Joshik is another testament that there products out there that work just as well as the top selling brands and provide every style you could want, without cruelty and without sacrificing quality! At $12 a bottle (less if you buy sets), it’s also affordable.

Another great thing about JoShik is that the company collaborates with events that help empower women and provide food, clothing, and shelter to children. Some of the organizations they have worked with are Midwives on Heels
and LiftUpLift
You can find JoShik online at: www.joshikpolish.com and on Facebook and Instragram

The post Joshik Vegan, Non-Toxic Nail Polish. Beautiful and Strong, Like You! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The February box was fantastic!  There are 4 products this time, but they are full size and will last you quite a while.  As always, with LaRitzy everything is 100% vegan and cruelty free!  Let’s look inside…

Lather Cucumber Milk Facial Cleanser: This non foaming facial wash is very creamy and gentle.  If your skin is sensitive or on the dry side, this will work well for you.  It contains cucumber and sea algae which cleanses well and has antioxidants to help prevent free radical damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. Sulfate- and paraben-free.

 
Palmetto Derma Rejuvinating Antioxidant Mask:  This clay mask is good for oily skin to help clear out your pores.  It also contains glycolic acid, which is great for exfoliating but be careful if your skin is sensitive. It does give a little tingle, so you know it’s doing it’s thing!  There was also a 20% discount code for future orders.  I love when that happens!

Doe Beauty Hair Pact Bora Bora nourishing hair mask:  This is enough for 4-5 applications on shoulder length hair.  My hair is very long, so I got 3 out of it.  It left my color treated and partially highlighted (bleached) hair soft and shiny.  The product is also sulfate & paraben free.

 

Love Fresh Moroccan Rose Absolute 100% Natural deodorant:  This Toronto-based luxury line of fun and natural beauty products includes this deodorant stick, which has a lovely, subtle scent.  The wax is coconut derived and contains baking soda to help keep you dry, as well as fresh, just where you need it ;-).

LaRitzy subscriptions are $24.99 a month and you get 4-5 full size products.  They also have a mini box with 2-3 full size products, for $14.99 a month.  All of the boxes are worth exponentially more, so it’s always a great deal!

Sign up for LaRitzy at www.laritzy.com and follow them on Instagram at @laritzybox

The post La Ritzy February 2016 Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

This month was packed with moisturizing and brightening products for the harsh winters many of us experience.   But if your skin tends to be dry or mature, these products could work for you all year round.

Zoe Organics skin cream.  This shea butter based cream is thick and super moisturizing, developed specifically for very dry skin and conditions such as eczema. This ultra rich cream is packed with vitamins and nutrient-rich oils and botanicals that naturally heal and restore sensitive and damaged skin.  A little goes a long way and is unscented to prevent any irritation.

Otavea lemon body scrub.  The lemon scent is invigorating and the all natural ingredients will scrub away your troubles in the bath or shower.  It came with a bonus 20% off code for future orders!

Glam Natural Lip Cream:  I love this.  Sometimes lip glosses can be sticky and rub off too quickly.  This was really creamy and moisturizing.  It lasted a good while, even for me, who tends to “eat off” my lip products.  The color “Love Affair” was a very pretty and soft, pinkish neutral, as well.

Mai Couture Highlighting Papers:  Dab these disposable papers on your cheeks or anywhere you want to brighten up!  Our skin can look a bit dull in the winter and these are an easy, quick fix.

For $24.99 a month, you get 4-5 full size products. They also have a mini box with 2-3 full size products, for $14.99 a month.  All of the boxes are worth exponentially more, so it’s always a great deal!

Stay tuned for the February box review!

Sign up for LaRitzy at www.laritzy.com and follow them on Instagram at @laritzybox

The post La Ritzy January 2016 Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The team at LaRitzy sent me their November selection. An individual box is just $24.99 and this month’s products were worth over $100!

Here’s what I got:

Jaq’s Organics Mud Mask
This is a clay mask in powder form.  Mix as much as you want with a little water to create a paste and apply.  I like to mix it in a little bowl, with a fork so it doesn’t create too many lumps.
I love a clay mask for my oily skin.  The natural, non toxic ingredients helped to clean out my pores and my skin feeling clean and tighter.

Palmetto Derma Collagen Booster & Restoration Serum
Use this product after washing your face & neck and before moisturizing.  The serum is meant to plump up fine lines and firm up you skin.  Remember, you have to use stuff like this for at least 6-8 weeks before you see any significant change.  I’ve been using it twice a day for about that long, on my face and neck. I definitely am starting to see my skin looking smoother and firmer! My skin is sensitive and I didn’t have any adverse effects. I need another bottle!

Glam Natural Finishing Powder
Don’t be afraid of the white color.  This mineral based powder will set on your skin, completely translucent, so it should compliment all skin tones. You can use it with or without foundation and concealer to set your makeup and keep your skin shine free. If you need to reapply, it won’t build up and get all cakey. Tap a bit of the powder into the cap of the jar. Use a very big and fluffy makeup brush, dab it in the cap and then tap the brush against the jar a couple of times, to release any excess (and put it back in the jar!). Swirl it around your face lightly and evenly. If you use too much, you could lighten your foundation and look too pale.  Start sparingly, you can always go over your face and neck again, if needed.

Lauren Brooke Cosmétique Blush
The color I got for my powder blush was a little too bright a pink for my skin tone.  But it applied evenly with a blush brush and I was able to adjust the intensity without it getting blotchy or streaky.  A very important aspect in a blush!

I like the way this box was curated.  You can use all of the products in conjunction with your regular beauty routine.  As I mentioned, an individual box is $24.99, with no commitment.  But you can sign up for an ongoing subscription for further discounted prices. Shipping within the US is free and only $5 for Canada.  Sign up and give them a try!! www.laritzy.com

The post LaRitzy Beauty Box Subscriptions. A Cost Effective Way to Try New Products! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Why would we need caffeine in a shaving product? The company reports that women are ahead of the curve on this idea, as caffeine is added to many products to constrict blood vessels (called a “vasoconstrictor”). Arguably this creates the appearance of tighter, smoother skin. In a shaving product, a vasoconstrictor could help reduce the appearance of redness and bumps in freshly shaved skin. The products also come without nasty parabens or synthetic fragrances.

The company sent me samples of the shave cream, aftershave and a Nick Stick for, well, shaving nicks. While this is marketed to men, I gave them a try, myself. Sometimes a girl’s gotta shave too, right?

The anti-oxidant rich caffeine is paired with soothing aloe and a pleasant aroma of spearmint. I found the cream to have a thick, yet light consistency, with excellent glide. Then I tried the aftershave. Aftershave. That word always reminds me of highly cologned men with too many gold chains. But I do use other products “for women” after shaving and the ingredients are similar, so there I went. It smelled fresh, it didn’t burn, I didn’t smell like a 70’s porn star and my skin felt smooth. My boyfriend stole the Nick Stick. He says it works well. We’ll have to take his word for it!

I liked it so much, I gave a set to my uncle, along with a fancy (and cruelty free) shaving brush, for Christmas!

BONUS! Pacific Shaving Company sets are discounted on their website right now ! Also available at Target, Rite Aid and Publix.

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