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simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
- Leonardo da Vinci

Experimenting with Summer Capsule Wardrobe

7/5/2018

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Nothing screams "simple living" as a simply and mindfully curated wardrobe that makes getting dressed a breeze and also makes us feel and look our best.
This is my first time assembling a capsule wardrobe - so this is honestly a work in progress, but here is how I did it. 

But few other things first. So, what is a capsule wardrobe?


Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.

Taken that straight from wikipedia because where else?
Why capsule wardrobe? I have lots of reasons: 
- Timeless pieces
- Less shopping
- Not following trends
- Wearing what you like and what makes you feel good
- Everything in your wardrobe goes well together 

​So here is how I assembled my "summer capsule wardrobe" (keep in mind, I live in Florida so summer for me is much longer than it is for most people that don't live in Florida, or at least in the south. 

1. I took all of my favorites and put them on display - tops and bottoms I always reach for - those are the staples of my capsule. I know I will wear them (because I already do) and I know they fit well.

​2. Then I added two dresses and a light cardigan (which are also my absolute favorites but I haven't been reaching for them in a while). Both dresses can be dressed up or down, so they are very versatile. I also added a light cardigan just in case we get a cooler weather (not likely though). 

So here are all of my tank tops (8​ in total):
My color scheme is not where I want it to be yet at all, but I'm getting there. Also the lightning is weird so the top that looks pink is actually a purple lilac color just as the first one.
​I made the blue stripy one :)
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Here are all of my t-shirts (5 in total):
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Here are all of my skirts (4 in total):
I made the mustard one and the chambray one with a bow. They all are midi skirts.

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Here are my dresses (2) (one midi and one mini) and a cardigan (1) (which looks carrot yellow but it's actually mustard color): 
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And my chambray tops (3) which I also often use as a beach cover ups ( I don't like traditional cover ups and chambray blue looks so nice over the swimsuit)
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Here is my 23 piece (3 of those are hand made) summer capsule wardrobe. This however does not include my swimsuits (I have 2), my jeans and shorts as I'm still working on this (picking favorites and such), my loungewear, pajamas, my activewear and my shoes.
I only wanted to capsule pieces that I wear outside daily, so that dressing will be much easier for me.

A thing to keep in mind is that this is an open capsule wardrobe - if I feel like I'm missing something I will go ahead and add it (I have more clothes in the main closet which for the duration of summer and my summer capsule I shouldn't reach for unless for the reason stated above) and if I feel like I'm not getting use out of something too much I will go ahead and remove it.
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Say NO to fast fashion. Sweatshop practicing stores to avoid.

5/3/2018

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There are a lot of amazing articles on the internet about why "fast fashion is bad for the environment" , "fast fashion and cruel work environment", "fast fashion and sweatshops" - you are just one click away from the horrible truth. So I will not go into the details why we should stop supporting fast fashion, but instead I will list a few retailers that you should (at least for starters) avoid at all costs. 
1. Forever 21
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Man I used to love Forever21. Affordable! Cute! - right?
Long lasting? Quality? - not so much. I started to notice quality issues (and some very questionable looking designs) first, and then I learned about how they can afford to sell their jeans for 9.89$ a piece. 


Have you ever noticed the smell of the mall stores, particularly one in retailers such as Forever21, Charlotte Russe, Rue21 and more? Horrible, chemical smell. That my dears is a lingering scent of sweatshop production. Do you think they also spray their garments with chemicals to mask the smell of sweat their workers drip on the clothing while working in horrific conditions for 2$ an hour? I do. ​


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2. Victoria's Secret.
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Just because their bras sell for 50$ a piece does not mean that they pay their employers a fair wage. Because they don't. Victoria's Secret is one of the biggest companies who use sweatshop production and unfair employe treatment. Sure, they pay their models well, but how about people who make all of those garments? Not so much.
Also, just as the ex-consumer of Victoria's - their bras are torture devices and I cannot believe that I thought that it was considered normal (or as Victoria Secret would say) "sexy" to wear those contraptions. They definitely don't make their merchandize for women's comfort! 

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​3. GAP (Old Navy included as it's owned by GAP)
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​GAP has had a number of "ethical labor" scandals in the last 10 years and although it seems as they are trying to improve their practices and become more transparent they are just not doing enough and definitely not fast enough.
​And why would they? GAP remains to be an American go to brand for jeans (at least in the malls) so if they can resist making  environmental and ethical changes that will cost them millions they will. ​​​
4. UNIQLO
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This new Japanese-american fusion store might have been taking the clothing market in United States by storm but behind the scenes of its production isn't pretty. 
​UNIQLO is unfortunately known for "slave like working conditions" and severe underpayment to its workers. ​
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5. PRADA
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Sadly "high end" brands are not above manufacturing in China. So unless you do your research, paying 200$ for a purse doesn't mean that you're supporting the workers, but just paying into the brand "name".
Prada, and many other high end brands dropped slow but knowledgeable artisans for fast, skilled, easily adaptable and most importantly, cheap, factory workers. 



Those brands are just a tip of the iceberg of clothing companies that exploit China's sweatshop practices which include poor working conditions, underpayment and health code violations. Is your clothing worth somebody's blood and sweat? Do you really want to support companies who only care about the final product and not about how you get there?

Thankfully slow fashion is slowly coming back. People are making conscious and ethical choices - choosing quality over quantity. It's hard and involves a lot of research, and it's definitely more expensive, but is it worth it? Totally. 

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Moving, packing and decluttering tips

4/26/2018

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Moving is stressful. Moving to another state is stressful on another level. Moving truck companies charge an arm and a leg for their trucks, so downsizing and decluttering before a big move is a must. Everything you bring is valued in truck money - the less you have the smallest the truck you have to rent and that can make a 1000$ difference! 

Not even kidding there. 16ft truck from Budget Truck Rental will cost you somewhere around 1200$ while a 26ft truck will rake up about 2500$. 

​So here are some packing and decluttering tips for your next big move (I am in a middle of one right now and let me tell you - it ain't a walk in the park). 

​1. Boxes.
If you don't have access to free boxes you will end up paying hundreds of dollars for cardboard that you will just throw away after you're done moving. Wasteful! Both to your wallet and to the environment. 

Here are some places where you can get free boxes from:
​- Starbucks (call and let them know that you need boxes for moving, they will save you some).
- Barnes and Nobles (they get book shipments every day so if you call in the morning they will save boxes for you as well).
​- Hospitals (this one is hard as you have to actually have somebody work in a hospital, but if you do - you're golden. Hospitals get tons of shipments every day (we actually got 90% of our boxes from a hospital). 
​- Office supply stores (they get tons of shipments in nice sturdy boxes, make sure to call and ask nicely to save some for you).
- Beer stores and distributors (if you are looking for boxes with no tops to transport plants, lamps and things that don't need to be covered - beer store boxes are your friends. All of their boxes have no tops, so only get them if you know you can use them.) 




2. Declutter
I've been trying to declutter and minimalism our possessions for quite a while now, and the need to move will definitely help me to finish it all up. I only want to bring things I love and use to my new place, so I am decluttering hardcore. 

Packing also puts everything in perspective - you think you don't have much, but then you realize that you still own so much junk. Eye opening! 

Easy areas to declutter:
- Kitchen (get rid of any double big utensils you might have, expired foods and snacks, downsize your mug collection and do you really need 13 butter knives?)
- Medicine cabinet (medicine expires about every 2 years so chances are half of the things you own aren't good anymore). In the trash!
- Bedsheets (pick your favorite ones and keep few spare ones for guests - old ones, ripped ones, insanely colored ones that you never use can just go). 
- Filing cabinets (paper clatter is the hardest clatter - documents, receipts, contracts - what to keep and how long?). Keep all of the important documents, chances are you have some random grocery lists and 5 years old receipts laying around there - get rid of those. 
​- Under the sink cabinets (surprisingly things accumulate there - cleaning supplies, extra bottles, dog toys - you name it).
3. Big furniture.
Remember that you will need to pack, load and then unpack and unload every single thing you own. So pick and choose your battles. Hate your heavy dining room table? Is it worth moving it (think of all the stairs you might need to climb if you're moving into the apartment) or can you sell it and then buy a new table later which you will love. 

In our case we decided to sell and get rid of most of our furniture (about 80%). It wasn't anything fancy and we wanted to make a fresh start in our new place. We decided to let go of the heaviest things we own - the bed frame (we were sick of it, and it was getting quite old, although it still functioned perfectly). A hand-down couch that we got for free and absolutely hate because it's the most uncomfortable thing in the world  Office table, because it's old, ugly and I'm just tired of it. Book shelves, because we have all black ones and I'm ready to switch to a more gentle color.
There, now we don't have to carry that up the stairs. We only picked few of our favorite pieces and then when we are settled in the new place we'd buy things as needed. 
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​4. Adjust your wardrobe.
Depending on your long distance move you will need to adjust your wardrobe. If you're moving from South to North (let's say Florida to Illinois) you can kiss about 50% of your summer wardrobe goodbye, as you will now live in perpetual winter. If you'e moving from North to South you might want to sell some of your Ugg boots and parkas, because you aren't going to need them, believe me. 

Even if you have a minimal wardrobe already, you will still need to adjust to weather in the new place - add some pieces and remove some pieces. I try to practice balance in my wardrobe - if I buy things I also make sure that I have something to swap out and donate.



5. Sell whatever you can
Moving trucks are expensive, so if you can make any cash to help out, by all means do so. We sold a lot of our furniture, dvd's and some of the clothes and made some cash. When you're moving long distance every penny counts. Here are some places we sold things on.
Furniture:
LETGO
OFFER UP
LETGO and OFFER UP are local selling apps, very much like Craigslist, but way more user friendly. I had better luck on LETGO, as OFFER UP seems to attract weirder type of buyers. So be careful, do your research and make some cash! 

Clothes:
You can also sell clothes on LetGo and Offer UP, but I have no experience with that. I sell my clothes to Plato's Closet and Style Encore. They aren't the best, but you can still make few bucks if you have nice, gently used, trendy things to sell. 
Plato's Closet
Style Encore
If you have designer purses I would recommend selling them on Ebay and Amazon, as you can get a better price for them there. 
EBAY
Amazon
DVD's and video games:
I would recommend going to local dvd and video games stores (privately operated, not GameStop - they don't pay enough for stuff you sell them). 
​We had great luck and our local dvd store took all of our films and old retro games. I will also be trying to sell them our old TV as they buy those too. 
​If you don't have any local ones, try Ebay - you might get a good price there. 


6. Donate the rest
​What you can't sell, but still in good condition you can donate. Goodwill will pick uproar big furniture for you, and so will Salvation Army. Books can be donated to libraries- they will thank you! 



It's very important to declutter and minimize before a big move, and not only because of money, but because you should start new in a new place. Envision it, fill your new home with things you like looking at. Minimize your belongings so you don't need to rent a storage or hide things under the bed (in case your new place is smaller than your current place). 
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Why the Konmari method decluttering Is not for me

4/20/2018

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The KonMari Method took the world by storm a couple of years ago. I've watched tons of Youtube videos of people decluttering their closets and lives with this method, but I myself was never too keen on it. I still think that it's a great way to declutter and live more simplified life, but it just doesn't work for me. 

I've never read the actual book (I am very picky with my reads) but I know enough about the method to see that it won't work for me. Here is the KonMari Method statement. 

The KonMari Method™ is a way of life and a state of mind that encourages cherishing the things that spark joy in people’s lives.
Belongings are acknowledged for their service and thanked before being let go of, if they no longer spark joy.


And here is why it doesn't work for me:
- KonMari Method is way too "materialistic" for me. Cherishing things? Acknowledging things for their service? Thanking things? That is definitely not something I believe in. 

​Minimalism for me is practicing non-atttachment to things. It's letting go of things because they are just that - things. When I get attached to things and I cherish things I definitely am not living mindfully - I am living materialistically. And I am not bout that life. Even if I only have few possessions - if I cherish them, I am still a materialist. 

​- KonMari Method decluttering follows the rule of "if things don't spark joy - they can be rid of". This is very similar to my first reason, but I don't judge my things by the amount of joy they spark, I judge them by their usefulness. If I use things - I keep them, if I don't - I let them go.

Things shouldn't bring joy - people bring joy, memories do. And if some things are associated with good memories that's great - but remember that things were only secondary in those memories - feelings and people were probably the main factor of the said joy. 
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Minimal skincare favorites (cruelty free)

11/30/2017

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As promised here are my skincare favorites. I don't have many as I have a very minimalistic approach to skincare, but the ones I have I really love! I will group them by brands.

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PACIFICA 
Pacifica is ultimately my favorite brand for skin care. Ever since I discovered their products I didn't want to use or even look at anything else. 
​(from left to right)
Walnut face scrub is my absolute favorite - it's not too rough, but neither it is too gentle. Exfoliating my face is a breeze now. 
​Kale Water tonic is great for days when I don't feel like washing my make up off, as this tonic is great at removing make up and cleansing your face - without actually washing it.
Quinoa face wash is gentle, good smelling and keeps my skin in check. It also is great at removing make up - even mascara!
I also have my favorite face lotion by them, but I am currently all out of it (hence it's not on the picture), but it's called Dreamy Youth day and night cream - and it's heavenly. 

Pacifica has so many different products and I cannot wait to try more of them as I absolutely adore this brand. 

​P.S. I am not affiliated with them, I just really love their products and statement mission <3


pacifica website
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I like C.O.Bigelow for many of their products, but especially for their lip balms and foot creams. I used to have their famous rose save long time ago and I loved it. However this lemon lip cream is quite spectacular as well - so easy and nourishing! 
The mentha foot cream is nice and tingly - refreshing!
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They can be bought online as well, but I usually find them at Bath and Body Works.

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This is my recent find, but it's quickly became one of my favorites. The brand is called Pearllessence (I've never heard of it before), but I really like this Aloe and Green Tea face spray.
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It's light and refreshing and it smells divine. To be honest I spray it not only on my face, but sometimes on my arms, if I feel like I need some extra moisturizing through the day. 
I can also see it being great for an after sun-burn spray. 

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Here is a very boring but very favorite lotion of mine. I don't use it on my face, but it's great for hands and body - it's super moisturizing and it's unscented! 

I wanted an unscented lotion for the longest time and couldn't find one from the brand I trust. Till I found Everyone brand- they are cruelty free and natural and have an amazing array of products - from lotions to essential oils. 


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And last but not least - here are the two things I currently use on my hair. 

They are from Trader Joe's (yes, the grocery store) and I love them so much.
First of all they smell amazing. They are natural, organic, cruelty free, sulfates free and safe for colored hair. 
​And they are extremely affordable - this is actually my third time re-buying the set I like it so much.

Those are pretty much all things I use - I covered my face, body and hair products. I don't have many, for the ones I have work wonders and I like sticking to basics. All of these brands are amazing in their own way, but all of them are cruelty free and most of them are organic too - which is a big deciding factor for me. 
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Thrifting Haul (Goodwill and Plato's Closet)

11/27/2017

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So it was my birthday recently and one of the things I did that day was - go thrifting. Thrifting is my hobby, and what is a better way to spend birthday than to do things that you love? Here is my small thrifting haul. 
​I went to Goodwill and Plato's Closet and I think that I found some pretty great finds. 

1. My new favorite dress (Plato's Closet - $14)
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I've been looking for a dress like this for ages. I wanted something bohemian, but with long sleeves and mid lengths. I wanted pretty details and interesting sleeves. Needless to say that this dress is everything I've been looking for. It looks great with boots for Autumn season and will look great transitioning into spring. 

2. Chic blazer (Goodwill - $7.49)

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This blazer was originally from Express and I found it in a mint condition at a Goodwill store. It can be dressed up or down, especially with rolling the sleeves up and pairing it with jeans. 

​3. Burgundy sweater (Goodwill - $5.49)
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This sweater immediately caught my eye with its rich, burgundy color. Now I have few pieces of this color already in my wardrobe, but I didn't have anything with such great knit texture. The sweater was originally from Sonoma and I can tell that the quality is excellent. 
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4. Cold shoulder sweater (Plato's Closet - $6)
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I've been looking for a sweater like this for ages, but never could find one that I liked. Either the price was too high or material too flimsy. So when I saw this one for 6$ I was so happy - the fabric is so nice, and it's in my preferred grey color. Score!

​5. Grey sweater with cut-out back (Plato's closet - $6)

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One can't have too many grey sweaters - am I right? That is the way it is with me at least. I don't have anything with cut-out in the back, so I thought this would be a nice little addition. 

​6. Wrap up floral skirt (Plato's closet - $8)
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I know it's winter and I won't get to wear this till spring at least, but I just couldn't pass up on this pattern. It's a wrap- up high low skirt - and the material was very, very nice. 


This is it for my small thrift hall. some days I go and have awesome finds and some days I find nothing - but that is the thrill of thrifting. 

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Favorite cruelty-free cosmetic brands

11/22/2017

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I am quite minimal when it comets my skincare and make-up. This is why I take great care to research the companies I buy my staples from. Because the things I buy - I use all the time. Here are 5 of my favorite natural, cruelty free and eco-friendly brands. 

I think they are great starters for those of you who are trying to transition to cruelty free cosmetics as each brand covers a wide range of different products.

Let's start with my absolute NUMBER 1, shall we?
1. PACIFICA (natural makeup and skincare)
​CLICK HERE TO SHOP -------------->
pacifica
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Pacifica is my number 1 to go brand for all my skin care needs. I actually only discovered the company about a year ago - but I've been a huge fan ever since. Besides being cruelty free, organic and vegan, Pacifica also has the best packing ever! They are so fun and colorful!

Our mission is complete when we have delivered the best performing products, using safe ingredients, in recyclable packaging and components to the largest possible audience of beauty consumers. All Pacifica products are gluten-free, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free.

Pacifica color is formulated without: Animal testing, animal ingredients, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, peanut oil, triclosan, and other ingredients you do not want on your skin. Plus all the good ingredients your skin craves.

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2. TRADER JOE'S (skin and haircare)​
CLICK HERE TO SHOP -------------->
Trader Joe's
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You heard it right, Trader Joe's has some amazing hair and skincare products for even more amazing prices. They are cruelty free and many are formulated with natural and organic ingredients (not all, but many). Their shampoo and conditioner sets are 2.99$ each, and you just can't beat that. Don't let the low price fool you though - the products are extremely good. In fact, that is the only shampoo I use now. They also have hard soaps, shower gels, face creams and serums, coconut oil and much more. 

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3. C.O. BIGELOW (hair, lip and skincare) 
CLICK HERE TO SHOP -------------->
C.O. Bigelow
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C.O. Bigelow has been one of my favorite brands for a while. I especially love their lip balms and salves, as well as their amazing shower products. My husband enjoys their hard soaps and shaving cream. They also have a great array of other products - such as house cleaning products, products formulated specifically for energy or relaxation and much, much more. 

​Their lemon line is especially delicious. C.O. Bigelow is cruelty free (PETA confirmed) and they list all of their ingredients on the front of their packing so you can see exactly what you are buying. 

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4. EVERYONE (EO) (skincare and much more)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP -------------->
EO (EVERYONE) products
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I've discovered EVERYONE when I was looking for a good, ethical and fragrance free lotion (apparently the simplest things are the hardest to find!) I'm so happy to say that the lotion is now my most favorite lotion of all. Me and my husband both use it, hence the fragrance free, and we absolutely love it. 
EO products are organic, gluten-free, GMO-free, cruelty-free and synthetic fragrance free. 
Here's EO's little motto :

We think what we put on our bodies is as important as what we put in our bodies. We like to know what’s inside our lotions, soaps, and shampoos. So, here at EO®, we research, develop, manufacture, and ship our own products. We didn’t dream of being manufacturers--it’s hard work and often thankless. But we learned that the only way to ensure that the quality inside every bottle was up to our standards was to make it ourselves.

I cannot think of a better brand for people who are sensitive to perfumes and smells. They have a wide range of products from skincare to essential oils. 
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5. HERBATINT (hair-coloring)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP -------------->
HERbatint
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I have been resisting dying my hair for as long as possible. Granted I had dyed my hair a few times years ago: once back (a big mistake) and a few times into magenta-purple (that I loved). But as I grew older I found that I preferred natural hair color. Alas, the grey hair kept popping up (I have a hereditary early grey-hair). 
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​But I never found a hair dye that would satisfy all of my needs. Mostly because they all STINK. Literally. The hair dye smell is horrid to me and it gives me headache. That's why I was so thrilled to find Herbatint - their hair dye have the most minimal smell I have ever experienced while dying my hair!
Plus they are all natural, vegan and cruelty free. I am planning on using this brand forever and ever. The stay of the air dye is also longer than the average one, at least it was for my hair. Absolutely recommend. 
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Those are my most trusted and favorite brands of skincare, cosmetics and haircare. Most of the products I own are from these brands. Next week I will make a 'minimalistic skincare blog post' , where I share my staples and favorites, so look out for that one. 

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Say NO to cosmetic Animal testing!

11/15/2017

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Cosmetic Animal Testing is one of the cruelest industries in the world. You know why? Because it is the most selfish one. 
Why must innocent animals suffer just so you can powder your nose or apply mascara on your lashes? 

How often do you think about animal cruelty? I'm going to say not often, for if you did - you wouldn't be supporting all of the companies who still condone it. It's 2017 - why do companies need to test things still? Hasn't everything already been invented? 
If it still needs to be tested - it makes one wonder - what is truly inside of out cosmetics?

I am not going to insert horrible pictures and facts that expose the cruel animal testing industry. It leaves me a blubbering anxious mess for days, so if you need proof - google it. I know I did, about 8 years ago, and for me everything changed on that day. I was so furious that I threw out about 90% of cosmetics and cleaning supplies I owned, just because they weren't on the cruelty free list. Excessive? Wasteful? Sure, I agree, but I couldn't stand a thought of supporting these companies and their practices even a second longer. 
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If you think that you not supporting companies who test on animals won't change anything - think again. Sure it won't help if only I do it. Or 10 people even. But what if there's a 100 of us? A 1000? A whooping 10,000? What happens then?
​Companies start losing revenue. Don't believe me? Why do you think big companies such as Unilever and Johnson and Johnson started buying out smaller cruelty free companies and converting them to their practices? Because they couldn't compete in an honest competition. So they cheated.

​Buying out smaller companies successfully accomplishes 2 things:
- It takes care of the competitor, for the competitor ceases to exist.
- They keep getting revenues from the people who were supporting the cruelty-free company previously (it takes a while for people to notice the change, for why would we read labels of the companies we already trust?).
Remember when St. Ives and Tresemme were cruelty free? Them being bought out came to be a very unpleasant shock. 

Big companies buying out smaller ones is both bad and good.
It is bad, because we lose great companies that used to be ethical and made great product.
It is good, because it means that the animal testing companies are panicking.
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It's easy to support cruelty free companies- all you have to do is read the label and look for a bunny sign on it. Some companies also just put words "not tested on animals" without the bunny sign.

You don't have to clean out everything you own and go buy all the new make up. But you can start shopping smart and choosing your products wisely in the future. Stop putting money in the animal cruelty. Please.

I understand that it is a long way for us to stop eating animals completely, to stop promoting fast fashion industry that abuses its underage workers. A long way to help the climate and clean up the pollution. But we can do something about Cosmetic Animal Cruelty now! It is not necessary and it  is not ethical. All we have to do is:
- Stop buying from companies that still condone cruelty.
- Share the message of Cruelty-Free make up with our friends, and everybody else. 
The results won't come quick, but they will in time. The companies will either be forced to stop their testing and convert to cruelty-free methods, or hopefully with time go out of business. But that won't ever happen if we all don't do our part. 

There are so many great Cruelty-Free makeup companies - I am sure you will find all of your substitutes easily. And cruelty-free companies are very often also organic and natural - hence, better for you. Cruelty Free Kitty has a list (which they constantly update) of Cruelty - Free companies. Check it out below. 
Cruelty Free make-up companies
And if you need more inspiration about going cruelty-free check out Evanna Lycnh on Instagram (she's an actress who played Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter films). She is a great inspiration. Her Instagram link down below.
Evanna Lynch instagram
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Minimalistic gift guide for the holidays

11/9/2017

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It's still a bit to go till the holidays start, but I know that this is when most people start their holiday shopping. 
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If you are like me, you are probably already dreading all of the useless knick knacks that people usually get as presents. Here is a little (self-comprised) guide on how to shop for people who have minimalistic taste and tendencies (I don't call myself a minimalist, but I do have minimal approach to many things in life). 

- Ask. 
Asking if a person needs something specific for the holiday season is only a good sense. Instead of buying cute, but useless things, you can gift things that somebody needs and will actually use! I don't know about you, but I end up re-gifting or donating many of small gifts I get, because I don't have any use for them.

- One gift is better than many gifts.
When it comes to minimal people that is. I'd much rather have one nice gift that I will use ( and therefore always think of the person who gave it to me) than many, many small tinker gifts that will just clutter my space. I hate clutter. 
- Gift cards.
Many people think that gift cards are impersonal and just a cheap way out, but I disagree. As long as you know the other person's taste and ask for their favorite place to shop - you are doing them a big favor! I'd much rather buy my own things, as I am very picky, than trust people to buy them for me. So yes, give me all of the gift cards! 

- Food baskets.
Food baskets is an amazing gift. they are personal (as hopefully you will be making them yourself) and it's food, so everybody needs it. As long as you know other person's taste, allergies and food preferences - you can create amazing food basket that they will enjoy and think of you while they do. Food baskets ideas: tea and cookies basket, coffee basket, granola and dried snacks basket, array of cheese basket.

-Minimal wrapping.
When it comes down to it, people with minimal views on the world don't want any clutter, and wrapping up your presents in layers and layers of paper and bows will just make them cringe. Pick neutral colors, tie it with a simple ribbon and write a nice message on the card. Make sure that your wrapping is just as personalized as your gift for that person. ​
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October 2017 favorites

11/3/2017

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I am hoping to do a 'favorites' post every month - it will be comprised of random things I've enjoyed during the month. Music, anime, books, food, etc. 

​Favorite song: I had two one repeat this month

A soundtrack from Seven Deadly sins anime - Seven Deadly sins by Man with a mission.

And since it is October: This is Halloween from The nightmare before Christmas 
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​Favorite anime:
You'd think that I'd watch something scary this month, but I haven't. At all. I binge watched a lot of Cardcaptor Sakura (they have it on CrunchyRoll) and Avatar the last Airbender (I know it's not technically an anime, but it just feels right to put it with others. I love Avatar so much - I don't think there ever will be a show as good as avatar. My favorite characters are : Zuko and Sokka (but I honestly LOVE all of them so much!). I've also watched The ancient magu's bride, but I wasn't much into it. I loved the animation, it was beautiful and the magic system was unique, but I couldn't stand the main character. Maybe I will do a mini review on that. I will watch the next episodes, hopefully I will change my mind and start liking it. 
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​Favorite TV-show:
This one is easy. Stranger Things (season 2) no competition. Binge watched it in one and a half days. So good. Favorite characters this season are: Dustin and Steve! 
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Favorite book: I've read 10 books this month, but many of them were barely mediocre. My favorite one was actually a re-read, And then there were none by Agatha Christie. And the short novella The emperor's soul by Brandon Sanderson. I highly, highly recommend those two. 
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READ REVIEWS HERE

​Random favorite:
 random favorite this month goes to scarves! I've been wearing a scarf every day - I love Autumn weather and I love, love scarves! (P.S. this picture literally looks like me)
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Favorite beverage: What a better question than to finish favorites with a favorite drink? And no it's not PSL! I'm not into that (although I did use to work at Starbucks). I'm pretty boring when it comes to my coffee - it's usually a vanilla flavor,or no flavor at ll. I've been drinking just regular coffee with milk, raw sugar and whip creme on top a lot lately. 
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    ​A woman on a mission to simplify her life, while reading as many books and drinking as much coffee as possible.

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