As a self-employed business owner, I’m a bit of an organization junkie. I crave planning, order, and coordination. And I love the products that go along with that organization and planning—color-coordinated folders, felt tip pens with fine points, pastel highlighters, and most of all paper planners. E-calendars won’t do for me. I need to write things down by hand.

The Bulletproof Business Planner

When I was offered a Bulletproof Business Planner to review, I jumped at the chance. What organization devotee would say no to a new planner?

What does a planner have to do with veganism, you might ask? Well, it’s bound with vegan “leather,” which is kind of hard to come by. I was looking for the perfect planner online a few years ago, and most of them had animal leather covers. Also, I know many chic vegans who are either entrepreneurs or working on side hustles (or both!), and most of them could benefit from the use of the Bulletproof Business Planner.

The Bulletproof Business Planner is brought to us by business efficiency expert Yvonne Heimann. Yvonne is both CEO for Pacific Crest Media which specializes in marketing, website design, and public relations and she’s the owner and mentor at Ask Yvi – Business Efficiency Consulting. She knows a thing or two about planning and organization.

The Bulletproof Business Planner has pages for you to envision your life, set business and person goals, visualize your idea client, work on your elevator pitch, plan out your year, create a marketing plan, track your habits, create to-do lists, and of course, plan out your days, weeks, and months. I love that all of this is laid out for me in one book, rather than having to keep separate books for a calendar, notes, and lists. I’ve seen people create their own gorgeous planners in blank notebooks, but as I’ve got a business to run, I don’t have time to draw my planner pages out every month.

Features of the Bulletproof Business Planner include:

• Size: 6” x 10” (15.24cm x 25.4cm)
• Weight: 2 lbs (32 oz)
• Pen Holder
• Business Card Holder
• Self Dated
• Water Tracker
• Project Planning
• Daily Gratitude
• Personal Goals
• Yearly/Quarterly Goal Tracking
• Self Check In
• Financial Goals
• Income Tracker
• To-Do List
• Milestone Accomplishments
• Affirmations
• Monthly/Weekly/Daily Layouts
• Discover Pages
• Content Planner

The Bulletproof Business Planner has a vegan leather cover, and it is available in teal, pink, black or grey on the Ask Yvi website. When the year is over, you can keep your cover and slide in a new planner insert.

Whether you’re a business owner, working on a side hustle, or are just a person who likes to stay organized, the Bulletproof Business Planner is for you!

The post The Bulletproof Business Planner appeared first on Chic Vegan.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Kim-Julie. We discussed veganism and food, of course!

Chic Vegan: What motivated you to become vegan? Was it an overnight switch or more gradual shift?

Kim-Julie Hansen: It was unexpected, overnight and for ethical reasons. I read a passage in Gail Eisnitz’ book Slaughterhouse and had an awakening of sorts. I had never been an animal person and I loved processed foods, including lots of meat, eggs and dairy, so this came as a surprise to everyone.

CV: Did you notice any changes in yourself when you became vegan?

KJH: Yes, initially just physical changes, I started feeling better overall, less tired and more energized. The mental changes and long-term physical changes came gradually. Being vegan means constantly having to explain and justify your lifestyle, which forced me to approach things differently, but also to listen to others and hear their concerns more. After a while, both my allergies and chronic migraines I had been suffering from for most of my life started disappearing.

CV: When people learn that you are vegan, what is the first question they ask and what is your response?

KJH: The three most commonly asked questions are 1. But where do you get your protein? 2. So what can you eat? and 3. Don’t you miss it?

The protein question is something I personally wondered about as well before going vegan and it’s very easy to respond to. You can find plenty of protein in plants. What most people don’t realize is that the animals we eat for protein, including cows and chickens, get their protein from plants as well, but the myth of protein only being available from animal sources is something we keep telling ourselves to justify killing animals for food when in reality, we really don’t need to. To the second question I usually respond that I can eat anything a non-vegan eats, I just find veganized versions. There’s vegan bacon, vegan eggs, vegan cheese, vegan milk. I didn’t stop eating animal products because I didn’t like them, I actually loved them. I stopped because I could no longer morally justify it, so even though many people criticize these alternatives, I think they’re amazing. When I’m home, however, I usually cook very unprocessed meals using fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes etc. To the third question I would respond that interestingly, I have never missed meat or fish, but I have missed cheese at times, although not enough to eat it again. I just eat vegan cheese instead.

CV: Tell me a little bit about Vegan Reset and what inspired you to write it.

KJH: My book is basically the guide I would have needed to go vegan and to adopt a plant-based whole foods diet. I spent years researching and trying to figure out how to juice, make smoothies, cook simple yet delicious meals, get all the nutrients I need etc. It isn’t only for beginners though, it’s also for people who are already vegan but who want to learn more about meal prepping and a holistic lifestyle. More than just focus on food, the book includes also lifestyle tips. On a more personal level, the book was inspired by my dad who died of a heart attack shortly before I went vegan. He was only 53 but living an incredibly unhealthy lifestyle and I was following in his footsteps. I knew nothing about how to live a healthy life, so this book is also dedicated to those who don’t believe that veganism is for them or who feel too overwhelmed to even give it a try.

CV: What are your favorite recipes from the book?

KJH: My personal favorites are most of the pasta recipes, including the creamy mushroom penne, the nutmeg spinach pasta and the mac’n cheese. Two other top favorites are the carrot coconut soup and the pumpkin spice granola.

CV: What inspires you to create a new recipe?

KJH: The ingredients themselves. I love experimenting in the kitchen and usually start with one or two ingredients and then see how I can combine them and pair them with the right spices and other condiments. Sometimes I’ll also remember a dish my mom or grandmother used to make and then use that as inspiration.

CV: What advice would you give to someone who wants to go vegan but isn’t sure where to start?

KJH: Go at your own pace. That can be overnight, or it may take ten years. If they feel overwhelmed or intimidated by veganism, I’d tell them to start with one meal a day or even a week. The easiest way to start is to think of your favorite non-vegan recipes and then finding ways to veganize them. If a recipe includes eggs, for instance, simply google “vegan egg alternative”.

CV: What is your favorite vegan indulgence?

KJH: Vegan donuts, for sure. I also love vegan macarons and anything sweet.

CV: What vegan product could you not live without?

KJH: Nutritional Yeast and tahini.

CV: In your wildest dreams what will your life look like in 5 years?

KJH: If you had asked me this question a year ago, I would have said growing my company working night and day. A lot has changed for me over the past months and my priorities have shifted, so now I would probably say living a simple yet comfortable life, traveling a lot and impacting people on a personal level, writing more books and enjoying life. It goes by fast. I still want to grow my company, but in a more meaningful way and not at the expense of my peace of mind.

The post Interview Series: Kim-Julie Hansen appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free beauty products to your door each month. You never know what kind of lotions and potions you’re going to find inside, but it’s guaranteed that everything will be vegan. Most of the products are all natural, too. Products can be full sized, as with this month’s Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar and Dr’s Remedy Nail Polish, or they might be trial sized, like the Youth to the People Cleanser. A subscription to the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box means you’re always able to try new products and discover new brands without spending a ton of money. It’s perfect for new vegans who are just getting started in the world of cruelty-free beauty.

This March Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box was all about getting ready for the warm spring weather!

The March Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box contained:

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Metallic Lip Tar – I’m a big fan of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and I try to stop in their New York City store whenever I’m in the area. I’ve been using their Lip Tar for years, so I was excited to find a tube of a color I haven’t tried yet in this month’s Beauty Box. If you’re unfamiliar with Lip Tar, it’s simply liquid lipstick. It goes on like a gloss and then sets and stays put for hours. Really, it doesn’t wipe off after drinking cups and cups of my morning tea, and it still looks fresh after eating lunch. It comes in a tube with a brush, which makes it easy to mix or layer colors. I received the color “synth,” which is a pretty, shimmery rose gold. This color will be getting lots of wear this sping.

Cosmedica Illuminating Rose Gold Serum – Speaking of rose gold, this month’s Beauty Box also contained Cosmedica’s Illuminating Rose Gold Serum. This shimmery serum adds a light glow to the complexion. It can be worn under or over makeup on the high points of the face, or wherever you want to add a little bit of sparkle. It’s formulated with aloe juice, papaya, and pineapple, and it also hydrates and plumps skin.

Youth to the People Age Prevention Cleanser – Made with kale, spinach, and green tea, this cleansing gel is almost good enough to eat! The ingredients in this cleanser help to remove dirt and toxins while also protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors. My face has felt soft and supple after washing with it. Not only do I love what’s in this little bottle, I also love what isn’t in it, as it’s free from parabens, added fragrances, sulfates, and phthalates.

Dr’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish – This polish was formulated by podiatrists after noticing that many of their patients were suffering from brittle, discolored nails, which was caused by the harsh chemicals found in nail polish. This polish is formulated with wheat protein, tea tree oil, garlic bulb extract, lavender, and vitamins C and E to nourish nails. Of course it’s free of the nasty chemicals that are not only harmful to nails, but to the entire body, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. I received the color “passion,” which is shimmery violet. It looks great on my toe nails, and I’m looking forward to sandal weather when I can show them off!

Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover Wipe – When you’re ready to remove your nail polish, this wipe from Karma Organic is ready to do the job. I’ve been using their nail polish remover for years, so I was happy to find this wipe in this month’s Beauty Box. Drug-store brand polish removers smells so awful that I’m sure I’m poisoning myself when I’m using the, but Karma Organic’s removers are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. After using drug-store brands, my nails would always feel brittle and they’d start peeling or breaking, but not with Karma Organic! Their remover is soybean based, and it contains vitamin E to nourish nails. It is free of acetone, petroleum products, and other nasty ingredients. I love that they also offer this handy wipes, which are perfect for travel.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month.

The post Spring into Cruelty-Free Beauty with Vegan Cuts! appeared first on Chic Vegan.

We’ve seen a growing movement over the past few months of those who have been harassed or assaulted. The MeToo movement shows us that there are countless stories of men and women being victimized by those in power. I’ve watched with dismay as each new name comes to the forefront, as each story is told.

I was surprised to see MeToo make its way into animal rights when leaders of well-known organizations were accused of sexual harassment. This is nothing new – Carol J. Adams has been writing about the sexual politics of meant for years (and published a book with the same title), so why would it be surprising? I had perhaps naively expected a movement built on not exploiting others to include people who did not exploit others. Unfortunately, exploitation runs deep within our human nature.

In recent weeks, we’ve all watched in horror as another school shooting took the lives of seventeen students and teachers. The difference this time is the young leaders who watched their friends die. They are standing up. They are speaking out. They are, as one of them said at a CNN town hall last week, speaking up for those with no voice. These are the leaders we need in all of our intersecting movements. And they are already making change, as companies end their business relationships with the NRA and supporters donate to their cause as marches and walkouts are planned. Many of them will be able to vote in the next elections. Voting is power.

I know that it’s controversial to compare animal rights to human issues. Slavery, the Holocaust – they are horrible marks on our history. There is a common thread whether we compare them or not. Exploiting another – human or non-human – is a violent act. Harassment and assault, as experienced by those with a MeToo story, is violence. The gun debate pivots on whether guns are necessary and whether they should be easily accessible to people. Guns are by their very nature violent – they exist to do harm. Hunters use guns with one goal in mind – killing their target.

Of course animal rights doesn’t exist in a bubble. It’s just one piece of a prism of violence that exists because we do. But there’s an awakening happening right now, and if the tide will turn for some pieces, then maybe the others will follow.

Feature Photo: Will Montague

Stop Sign Photo: Mikko Kapenan

The post Animal Rights Doesn’t Exist in a Bubble appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff!  Here’s what came in my June/July box:

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovecraft – I don’t often (read: rarely) wear lipstick.  I never know what color to get and it always wears off in like 5 minutes, so I never bother.  This liquid lipstick from Kat Von D Beauty might make me a lipstick convert.  The Lovecraft shade is perfect and goes with pretty much any look you’re going for and I LOVE the matte finish.  Plus, it actually lasts all day and has natural moisturizers so it doesn’t dry out your lips.  Win-win.

Faby Nail Polish – I always have nail polish on my toes in the summer because I’m always wearing sandals.  I never realized all the junk that is in most nail polishes until I found out that Faby is free of DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor, TPHP, Paraben, and Xylene.  Yeah.  That could all be in your nail polish.  I got the Save the Drive-in color which is a navy blue color.  I would never choose blue for myself, but it goes perfectly on my toes!

Gemtype Custom Heart Bracelet – I always love when my box includes a little bling and this stretchy bracelet also doubles as a cute hair tie.  Ladies, you know you’re wearing your hair ties on your wrist, so why not make it cute?  I love the turquoise heart and it’s perfect for dressing up a casual summer outfit.

Fred + Far Trillion Pin – The message behind this little pin is one that I try to support every day.  Fred + Far started when founder, Melody Godfred, made a promise to love herself more.  She put on a pinky ring and chose to honor and remember herself every single day and the Fred + Far Self-Love Movement started.  The pin I got is just another reminder to put time and effort into loving myself more.  All the yes!

New Chapter Perfect Hair, Skin, & Nails – Anyone not want perfect hair, skin, and nails?  I didn’t think so.  New Chapter’s supplement includes Biotin for stronger and healthier hair, skin, and nails as well as probiotics and other natural ingredients to support energy and decrease stress.  This supplement is also vegan, non-GMO, organic certified, and made in the USA.  I’ve noticed my hair is a little shinier and my nails definitely grow faster than before.  Both great reasons to keep taking this supplement!

The post The June/July Love Goodly Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Chic Vegan: What motivated you to become vegan? Was it an overnight switch or more gradual shift?
Maya Gottfried: Before I became vegan, I was vegetarian for a year. I had discovered Farm Sanctuary and reconnected with the love of all animals I’d had as a child. I learned about the individual personalities and experiences of the animals who live at Farm Sanctuary’s shelters, and at the same time I was learning about the horrors of animal agriculture. I, like so many, had always considered myself an animal lover, but had been completely blocked from that love when I was putting food in my mouth. Farm Sanctuary made the connection for me again, and I finally saw that I was in fact hurting the beings who I loved: beings with friends and family, likes and dislikes, and a desire to live, just like I had. Vegetarianism was the first step for me, but I soon realized it wasn’t enough. Sitting at my desk one night, I realized that I simply could not deny the suffering I was causing by eating (and using) any animal products and at that point I instantly went vegan.

CV: When people learn that you are vegan, what is the number one question they ask and what is your response?
MG: It’s funny, I do still get the classic questions about protein. Asvegans, we do so much to dispel the myth that a plant-based diet lacks protein yet people still cling onto it. As much as I can demonstrate to people how healthy and happy I am, I do. I think that by seeing me thrive is the best way to show people that I get plenty of protein. I also explain that I had stage three colorectal cancer which has not come back in the nine years since I was diagnosed, and eating a healthy plant-based diet is the best defense I have against its return. “I’m healthier than ever,” I tell them, and that I’ve never had a problem with protein.

CV: Tell me a little bit about Vegan Love and what inspired you to write it.
MG: I re-entered the dating scene following my cancer treatments a relatively new vegan. At the time a friend suggested that I not tell potential partners that I was vegan. A close relative suggested that men would see me as “high maintenance” because I was vegan and that it was not a smart choice for a single woman in her thirties. I have to admit, in the back of my head I was a little nervous about what the response would be. But I realized that veganism was a beautiful part of me, something I was doing to save animals’ lives. Why would I want to hide that? I decided to be an out and proud vegan, and included the fact that I was on my online dating profile. I met vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores. I found that when I was a proud, happy vegan, not ashamed or insecure, and also not telling others how they should live their lives, the men I dated responded in a very positive way. I wrote an article about my experiences and the response was strong. Clearly there needed to be more of a conversation about this topic. I decided to write a book to support other women who were trying to navigate their love lives as vegans. The book is for women (heterosexual and LGBTQ) who are dating or in long-term relationships. I didn’t want to be a guru, but rather provide the collective wisdom of many. I interviewed more than 30 vegan women and some of their partners. In addition to chapters on relationships, the book also takes on more practical matters like fashion, makeup, date destinations, and planning a vegan wedding.

CV: Why do you think it’s important for vegan women to tell their dates that they’re vegan?
MG: There are two reasons I think it’s important to share. One is, that most dates take place over a meal, or beverages. In interviewing so many women for the book, the one date disaster story I heard was when a woman didn’t want to tell her date she was vegan, and he proceeded to order food for them to share that was not vegan. She sat in silence and suffered, not eating, afraid to tell her date that it was because she was vegan. There’s no reason to be ashamed of being vegan. It is a beautiful part of us. Simply gently sharing that one is veganprevents an uncomfortable date such as this one. Dating is about having fun, not suffering. If someone criticizes or judges you for being vegan, is that someone you really want to date? I’m not suggesting that we all need to announce to our dates in a dramatic way that we are vegan, but that we shouldn’t hide it. If our veganism is coming into play such as when we are going on a dinner date, of course we should bring it up to be sure that we will be able to eat. I consider veganism a beautiful part of me, so when sharing who I am with someone I am getting to know, I want to include it. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Veganism is a shining light in our lives, why would we want to hide it from someone we are interested in?

CV: What is the top piece of advice you would give to a vegandating an omnivore?
MG: To really tune into their own feelings. Many vegans will be completely happy dating omnivores while others will find it too uncomfortable to bear. It’s for each of us to decide in what situation we are happy. So many of the women I interviewed for the book who were involved with omnivores saw those meat-eaters inspired to move in a vegan direction. Time after time I heard about vegans in relationships with meat-eaters who began eating fewer animals and animal products, sometimes going vegan themselves. Vegan love truly spreads and those omnivores may not have cut out the cruelty if it weren’t for the vegan in their lives. So by living an example of a happy healthy vegan within the context of a relationship with an omnivore, you may be helping the animals by inspiring someone else to stop eating them.

CV: What’s your favorite thing to do on a date?
MG: My all-time favorite date is visiting a farm animal sanctuary. My partner, Dietrich (who is also vegan) and I are lucky enough to live just a few minutes away from Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary in Poughquag, NY. For my birthday we spent the morning at Safe Haven, meeting the residents and learning about their histories. We then ate a wonderful lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant (which is mostly vegan), and then explored a local village that we enjoy. When we have more time we sometimes will spend a weekend at Farm Sanctuary, in Watkins Glen, NY.

CV: You’re a cancer survivor. Do you think your veganismcontributed to your recovery?
MG: Absolutely. I had stage 3 colorectal cancer in two places. While I was going through chemotherapy I read the book The China Study. I learned that eating a whole foods plant-based diet was key to my recovery and preventing the cancer from returning. Not only did the healthy food help me combat the difficult side effects of the treatment, but I am certain that it has helped prevent the disease from coming back. It was also helpful to see Kris Carr as a guest on Oprah while I was sick. She also promoted a plant-based diet, yoga, and green juices as key in fending off cancer, and provided a community of people incorporating these into their wellness journeys. It was wonderful to have that community to turn to in my path to good health.

CV: What is your favorite vegan indulgence?
MG: I have to say that nothing compares with the glory of a fresh, ripe avocado.

CV: What vegan product could you not live without?
MG: I am all about Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick.

CV: In your wildest dreams, what will your life look like in 5 years?
MG: I have a few book projects in various stages of development that I would love to see come to fruition. And I greatly enjoy my work for the nonprofit Animals Asia, so I hope to continue that. Really, I would love to continue along this path of writing, working for the animals, living with Dietrich (my vegan love), our three rescued cats (Bunny, Lucian, and Gandalf), and enjoying our home in the country. And life often hands out beautiful, unpredictable surprises, so I will stay open to what the universe brings my way.

The post Interview Series: Maya Gottfried appeared first on Chic Vegan.

If you’re not familiar with the Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box, let me introduce you. The Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that sends 4 to 7 new cruelty-free products to your door every month. The products range from unique cosmetics to luxurious skincare. All of the products in the beauty box are vegan and cruelty-free, and most are organic and all-natural, as well. The products are mostly full-sized or deluxe-sized samples, and the total retail value of boxes usually ranges from $40 to $60.

It’s a great way for chic vegans to discover new brands, and it’s perfect for new vegans who are just getting started in the world of cruelty-free beauty products. I’ve discovered many products that I love and use every day through the beauty box. Thank you, Vegan Cuts!

The April Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box contained:

Naked Scrubs – This handcrafted scrub is made with sugar, mint, and natural oils, which are perfect for exfoliating skin that might still be feeling a little rough after the long cold winter. I received a mojito scrub, which has a sweet minty-scent that’s perfect for awakening the senses in the morning shower.

PHB Ethical Beauty Lip Crayon – Most people typically use pencils like this one to line their lips, but I used it to color them as well. I received a peach-colored crayon, which is a nice light hue that’s perfect for early spring. PHB’s lip crayons are hand made with natural and organic ingredients. It’s long lasting and smudge-proof.

Love Jivana Tridosha Balancing Skin Treatment Oil – This ayurvedic skin care oil was created exclusively for the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box. It’s formulated with lavender to balance, rose to moisturize, aloe to calm and treat eruptions, neem for antisepsis, anatamul to promote a clear complextion, and marshmallow root to soothe. My skin has been looking a little rough lately – it never likes seasonal weather changes – and this oil has helped to soothe and heal it.

The Granola Goat Green with Envy Face Mask – This powdered mask is made with Hawaiian spirulina, quinoa, French green clay, and patchouli essential oil, and it’s loaded with natural nutrients that nourish the skin. To make the mask, simply mix the powder with water and apply to the skin. My face felt clean and refreshed after using it.

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Rose + Vanilla – I sweat a lot, and most natural deodorants don’t really cut it with me. I’ve been really happy with Schmidt’s though – it keeps me dry and odor free even on the hottest of days. This deodorant is made with arrowroot, coconut oil, sea butter, baking soda, and other natural ingredients, and it’s free of the nasty stuff such as aluminum and propylene glycol.

Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum – Made with vitamin C, aloe vera, green tea, and other natural ingredients, this serum helps to brighten skin and boost collagen heath, minimize the look of fine lines, and improve the appearance of an uneven skin tone. I found that a little goes a long way with this freshly-scented skin treatment.

The Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month. If you like the samples in your box, you can order their full-sized counterpart from the Vegan Cuts Marketplace.

The post Beauty Blooms with the April Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

Just turn off your phone!

Why can’t you just switch it off?

Can’t we just talk to each other?

You’ve probably received many warnings to turn off your phone and other devices. You may have even rolled your eyes when you heard them. I mean, can you imagine living without technology? It opens up possibilities for communication previously past generations would have deemed impossible.

Is it really that dangerous to stay connected to our devices? The answer is a resounding YES.

The Effects Of Always Being On

Electronics make our lives better in many ways, including keeping us in touch with friends and family around the world. But being connected to others constantly can wear on our well-being. It can cut into our long-term happiness and lower our overall satisfaction with life.

The benefits of taking a digital detox (or even small steps toward one) are far-reaching. People who have taken a break from technology report a sense of feeling more closely connected to those around them. When we’re tied to our technological devices, our priorities shift from spending time with our loved ones in person and can easily disrupt our well-being. Stress can easily increase. We may feel more depressed and more alone in general when we spend an excessive amount of time using electronics to communicate with others, rather than communicating face to face.

How To Do A Digital Detox (Without Going Crazy)

A digital detox doesn’t have to mean you cut out technology altogether. You can take gentle steps toward using your devices less and listening to your body and mind more.

Here are a few guidelines to create your own digital detox. Use as many or as few as you desire:

1. Purge yourself of unnecessary electronic equipment. This approach can apply to entire devices all the way down to the apps on your phone. Take time to be critical about which electronics you use with regularity. Even eliminating half the apps on your phone narrows down your electronic clutter. It can lighten your mental load, even if you don’t stop using your phone altogether.

2. Schedule your social media posts. Taking just a little extra time to schedule social media posts ahead of time frees you up to post on social media at your leisure. There’s no need to update the world (or your pages) every day if you already have content scheduled.

3. Write in a journal. Give yourself a break from structuring every sentence to be perfect for Facebook. Some free writing in a journal can ease your mind and ease your desire to record yourself.

4. Reach out to friends in person or through a phone call. One easy break you can take from technology is to reach out to your friends personally whenever you need support. Most of us will just text when we want to communicate, but taking some time to call or meet in person can create welcome break from electronic communication.

5. Give yourself “breaks” for 1-2 days. You don’t have to give up your electronics for a very long time if you’re not ready to do so. Just take the weekend off, or stop at a certain time after work. Over time, you may even find these breaks to be addictive!

Have you ever attempted a digital detox? How did it go? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The post Is it Time for a Digital Detox? appeared first on Chic Vegan.

The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of cruelty-free cosmetics and skin care times to your door every month. It’s a great way to find new products that you might not of heard of and to support new vegan brands. It’s also a perfect way for new vegans to get started in the world of cruelty-free beauty.

The Beauty Box is stocked with 4-6 cruelty-free beauty, hair-care, and cosmetic samples (and sometimes full-sized products!). I’ve discovered some new favorites with the Beauty Box, and I’ve saved money, because I don’t need to plunk down a fortune to try something new that I may not like.

The January Beauty Box was full of items to get you started on your cruelty-free skin care journey.

The January Beauty Box contained:

Jersey Shore Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Rouge – This shimmery Red Hibiscus cream can be used as either lip color or cheek color. It’s formulated with natural plant oils, minerals, and flowers, and it’s made in m home state of New Jersey.

Enfusia Muscle Bomb – Sadly, I can’t take baths in my bathtub at the moment (my bathroom needs some updating), so I’ll be giving this bath bomb to a friend. If I could, I’d be all over this fizzy bath bomb, which is infused with muscle-soothing epsom salts and invigorating essential oils. It smells minty and refreshing.

Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions Face Mask – This powder is made with natural salts, sweet almond nut powder, and activated bamboo charcoal powder, and removed impurities to leave skin leaving clean and refreshed. Simply mix a little with your favorite cleanser and gently scrub into your skin.

Stinkbug Naturals Deodorant – Tangerine and clove oils are combined with shea butter, coconut oil, sodium bicarbonate, and corn starch to get rid of odor in this deodorant cream. I’m a sweater, but this cream kept me dry all day.

Goddess Garden Firming Eye Cream – This cream is made with seaweed extract, black elder, and red tea extract, and it’s formulated to wake up tired eyes, reduce puffiness, and smooth the appearance of fine lines. It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and is great for sensitive skin.

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray – The name of this conditioning spray comes from the blend of rosehip, argan, and coconut oils it’s made with. It’s lightweight, and doesn’t leave hair feeling heavy or greasy. It’s great for fighting the dry, split ends that cold wintertime air can cause.

The Vegan Beauty Box is available as a monthly subscription, which means that once you sign up, a box of new goodies gets delivered to your door every month. If you like the samples in your box, you can order their full-sized counterpart from the Vegan Cuts Marketplace.

The post Try Something New in 2017 with The Vegan Cuts Vegan Beauty Box appeared first on Chic Vegan.

10 Vegan Soup Recipes to Get You Through Winter

Punched Up Potato Leek Soup from The Perfect Blend by Tess Masters – Roasted garlic and a touch of curry pull the classic potato-and-leek combo up to a new level.
Photo by Anson Smart

Tomato Black Bean Soup from Vegan Mexico by Jason Wyrick – This soup, named after the Tarascos people of Michoacán, is a soulful blend of black beans, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chiles.
Photo by Becky Striepe

Many Greens Soup from Superfood Soups by Julie Morris – Too cold to have a salad? Here’s your answer in a cup of cozy soup.
Photo by Oliver Barth

Loaded Potato Soup from The Book of Veganish by Kathy Freston – This soup is a total sneak. It has a really satisfying taste like baked potatoes, but even when loaded with indulgent toppings (if you so choose), it’s still low in fat; and be­cause it’s vegan, it has no cholesterol.
Recipe by Robin Robertson, photo by Nicole Axworthy

Butternut Squash Soup with Quick Cashew “Cream” from Laura Theodore’s Vegan-Ease – This simple-to-prepare potage is rich in taste and creamy in texture, without the use of dairy.
Photo by David Kaplan

Tuscan Kale Soup from Christina Pirello’s Wellness 1000 – Silky, white, and smooth—this creamy soup is rich with oil and garlic and laced through with energizing leafy green vegetables to create beautiful skin.

Chef AJ’s Sweet Potato and Yellow Split Pea Soup
Photo by Wendy Solganik of Healthy Girls Kitchen.

Chilled Almond Soup with Garlic from The Almond Milk Cookbook by Alan Roettinger – Almost everyone is familiar with traditional red gazpacho, but this cold, tomato-free version, known as ajo blanco, was its precursor.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Vegan Bacon from Baconish by Leinana Two Moons – This potato soup is hearty, comforting, super easy to make, and loaded with all your favorite potato bar fixings.

Quick Red Lentil Curry Soup from Laura Theodore’s Vegan-Ease –Needing only fifteen minutes to prep, with only seven ingredients to assemble, this Quick Red Lentil Curry Soup is an excellent candidate for a nutritious lunch or informal supper.

What are some of you favorite soups?

The post 10 Vegan Soup Recipes to Get You Through Winter appeared first on Chic Vegan.