DIY 3 Ingredient Beauty Mask

As you probably know if you follow me on social media, I really love beauty and face masks. I always opt for the natural kind and almost always take a selfie to share with you all on twitter!
They are a little pricey. I do realize the benefit is greater than the cost, however wouldn't it be neat to have a DIY way to make them yourself sometimes too?

I really like the coffee flavored beauty masks for the smell and also that light exfoliation, but I don't want to overdo it with the caffeine. I thought, Postum would be the perfect ingredient in this beauty mask and I'm lucky to have it on hand in my pantry! Here's the recipe and my experience with using this DIY mask on my skin.

 What you will need:

• 2 teaspoons Postum (any flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sticky sweetener (I used a nectar made from apples to act as a "honey" type product - it worked perfectly!)
• Sprinkle of sea salt (I used medium-fine, but use whatever you like for your preferred level of exfoliation)

What you will need to do:

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Put mask on hands or face, gently rub to exfoliate a little, then rinse off with warm water and finish by drying your skin and applying your favorite moisturizer. Use immediately and discard any leftovers. This makes one mask, enough for the face or for two hands. 

If you have any allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients, obviously do not make or use this mask. Although the ingredients are all edible and smell awesome, do not eat it, just use the mask for beauty treatments. Also, do not put this in your eyes, nose or ears. This is an external mask to be used for the top of the nose, cheeks, hands, arms, stuff like that. If you notice dry legs, try it on your legs. I will certainly be trying that this summer!

I used this mask on my hands this time. In the winter I tend to get dry skin on my hands that evens itself out this time of year. I noticed a little bit of dryness today, so I used this mask and it made a noticeable difference. With the exfoliation of the Postum grinds and sea salt, then a little moisturizer, my skin felt amazing but not irritated in any way. Plus I love the smell.

Literally three simple and all-natural ingredients make this mask and it feels and smells almost identical to one of the coffee beauty masks I use. I was shocked at how spot-on the texture and consistency was.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. I hope you get to do some DIY or crafts this weekend - my favorite!!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

7 Fun Things To Do With Postum!

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Postum gives you a lot of "bang for your buck" since it yields 75 servings per container! I have been drinking it regularly because it is delicious, but I wanted to find other uses for it too. So here are some recipe, beauty, and other fun ideas. Enjoy!

1. Postum Granola! Make your usual granola recipe but this time, sprinkle some Postum on it to season it! It gives the granola almost a caramelized flavor, which us vegans always appreciate.

2. Postum Beauty Mask! Mix a little Postum with some apple nectar and apply to face. If you don't mix the Postum in as much and leave some granules, you'll even get some light exfoliating action going on when you wash it off your face.

3. Postum Frosting! Add Postum to your frosting, icings and glazes to make your desserts extra special!

4. Postum Art Projects! Instead of using coffee grounds in your arts and crafts, why not use Postum in your DIY projects? Especially important to keep caffeine from coffee grounds away from children and pets, where Postum is safe for most - it is just wheat and molasses.

5. Postumpourri! Add some Postum to your homemade potpourri satchels; the smell of Postum is devine!

6. Postum Topping! Use Postum as a topping for ice cream or granola by taking a very tiny amount and sprinkling it over top. Yum!

7. Postum Baked Goods! By adding Postum to your baked goods, like muffins, pancakes or breads, you get to enjoy such a beautiful flavor. All of your family and friends will be begging you for the secret to your exciting new recipes!

You must really want to try Postum now, huh? You are in luck! I am hosting a Postum giveaway on twitter where you can win a Postum prize pack! There are still a couple more days to enter! Click here to get to the giveaway tweet, then:

• RT the giveaway tweet
• Follow me on twitter 
• Follow Postum on twitter

That is it! Such an easy giveaway to enter, it literally takes only a few clicks that can be done right from the giveaway tweet! Voila!

Good luck!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Random Post: Hair Dye?

I stopped dying my hair around 2010 and the last hair dye that I used was temporary and it washed out after however many showers. It was to bring my color back to brunette after highlights, even it all out. Since then, I've grown and donated my hair several times, at one point a couple years ago cutting my hair super short, in a real micro-bob.

I'm not opposed to hair dying whatsoever. I used to love changing my hair color, but I didn't like the way it made me feel after the excitement wore off. I didn't feel like myself anymore. It always felt like this sigh of relief whenever I was able to get that box of black hair dye and turn myself back into myself. I felt like "me" again. So that is why I stopped dying my hair. I probably will do it again someday, at some point. Probably will do it when I start to get gray hairs because I'm vain. Nothing wrong with gray hair, I think natural aging is beautiful and I admire it so much on others. Women with gray hair are beautiful and gorgeous in their age and salt and pepper haired men like John Slattery are sexy as hell, but for me I like being brunette, the way I was born. I'm sure that will change once I do get a gray hair or two because maybe at that time I will be ready for it, who knows.

Sometimes it looks like I have streaks of gray in my pictures where my shiny hair hits the light, but it is just lighting. I don't like it. My hair has gotten so shiny from my healthy vegan diet that I can skip hair conditioner sometimes after shampooing because my hair is rich with natural oil.

I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of a wig either. Imagine that? Never having to style your hair or throw it back in a messy bun (screaming to the world I AM LAZY TODAY). Then you can color your hair differently every single day with just the change of a wig. I feel like a Marilyn today... bam... blonde bombshell.

Ehh, I never looked good as a blonde. Oh yeah, I did the blonde thing before, believe it or not. It was 1999 and I was doing one of those blonde highlight with the holes in the cap and plastic pick things. It went terribly wrong because my thick hair wasn't going thru the holes properly and I panicked since I already had the hair bleach mixed up and sitting in the tray. I just slathered it all over my head then used a comb to kind of even it out. So it was like a frosted look. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I could post the picture right here, but I'm not gonna. That was another one of those times where I truly felt myself again once I took hold of that brunette hair dye and made myself feel old-and-familiar again.

I have no idea what the point of this blog post is. What is the lesson here? I guess, do whatever it is that makes you happy. I don't judge and you shouldn't judge yourself or others either. If you like your hair a certain color, do it. If you want to change your hair color or style like the weather, go for it. If it makes you happy, how can it be bad? Don't worry about the haters or the judges; they aren't happy with themselves that is the only reason they are judging others.

And for now, The Dirty Vegan is signing off. I hope your day is super sunny and colorful! It's gloomy out here in New England right now, but I hope we all see rainbows today - no - double rainbows!

Natural Teeth Whitening

I was asked to try out this Black Is White vegan teeth whitening toothpaste by Curaprox...and here is my result after using it for a few weeks.

I didn't dive right into using this toothpaste the minute I received it. I was told before they sent it is vegan, but I had to do research to make sure - I know, I know...trust issues. I also researched the company to be certain that Curaprox does not test on animals. There's some old info confirming that they do not test, however there's not really anything about that fact on their website, which I think is important for them to include because a lot us animal lovers and activists care about that - and also base our decisions to purchase products on that knowledge.

Their website does state that their fluoride is not of animal origin and is a naturally derived fluoride, unlike many of their competitors. They also state that their ingredients are free of harmful chemicals or anything that can be dangerous to you. So I like that a lot.

So without the chemicals, how does the whitening happen, you ask? Active carbon. So as you guessed it, the toothpaste is black, but ultimately leaves your teeth whiter. My teeth were pretty white to begin with, so this is not a dramatic reveal, and I do think my teeth appear whiter after using the product, so it does seem to work nicely. I would say that although this is not a professional whitening treatment (like getting laser teeth whitening at a doctor's office or something), this is a great solution for coffee or tea drinkers in order to maintain those pearly whites.

My teeth felt cleaner after using Curaprox, Black is White...they look whiter as well. 

So that's all for now, Folks! And the Dirty Vegan is signing off - I hope your day sparkles like my teeth.

Feel Like a Star On Your Period

Say Whaaat, you crazy broad!? <--- is what you want to say to me.

Hear me out. A company by the name of Cora contacted me to try out their tampons. I'm like, alright! Especially after hearing about their mission and what it means when you purchase this product. Here is their welcome to the Cora movement:

Every year 100 million girls miss school during their periods because they don't have access to feminine menstrual hygeine products. For every monthly supply that you purchase, Cora will give menstrual supply products to a girl in need, so she can have the freedom and ability to go anywhere or do anything during her period!

Wow, this is something that many women, including myself, take for granted. We have the ability to stock up on pads or tampons during a shopping trip at Target, at any grocery store, or pharmacy drug stores, that are on practically every corner in most areas. Cora products make me feel good about doing something that I have to do anyways. I have to have my period and I have to buy tampons. Might as well help other girls in need while I'm doing something that I already have to do. So instead of buying tampons manufactured with chemicals, I can buy Cora's premium 100% organic cotton tampons that are in BPA-free plastic applicators.

Where does feeling like a star come in, you ask? 

I'll tell you. Besides feeling like a star by doing an amazing service to humanity every month, you open the box of Cora tampons and you literally feel like a celebrity. Like who else gets a box of glamorous looking tampons that come with a chic vegan-leather carrying clutch?? They even include Stowaways that you can keep in your bag to give to a friend, which just so happens to be a little cardboard tube that says something like, Congrats on your free month of Cora tampons you lucky b! (there's a code on there for your friend to sign up for a free month, for reals)

Without getting too TMI on you, these tampons work awesome! Thank you, Cora, for sending me these fab tampons to try and for all of the good work you do! You've got a fan in me for sure! 

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. May your period be Beyonce fabulous!

How I Cured My Baby's Cradle Cap Naturally!

If you have a baby, chances are you've heard of or experienced Cradle Cap. There are lots of theories or reasons behind Cradle Cap. Some experts say it can be from overactive oil glands, fungus or yeast, and a number of reasons for different types of Cradle Cap cases. Each baby is different and if you suspect your child has Cradle Cap, it is advised to have your child treated by his/her pediatrician. This is just what worked for me as a natural remedy to remove my baby's Cradle Cap on her head. I waited until she was 10 months old and it did not clear up on it's own. Since she has already consumed a number of foods that were in this, I ensured she was not allergic to the ingredients before I treated her with this natural remedy. Her Cradle Cap was gone after just one treatment! I treated her again 2 days later to be sure I got it all, and she had absolutely no more cradle cap. Her hair and scalp look fabulous! Here is what I did:

• Spread a little Earth Balance vegan butter on her head and let it sit for a minute or two
• Gently brushed her head with a soft, fine plastic baby comb
• Washed her head and hair with California Baby Calming Shampoo & Bodywash (Lavender and smells amazing!)

Please note: I was careful to ensure my baby was not allergic to the ingredients in the butter. I was careful not to get any in her eyes as the butter melts right in on contact. I used a soft and gentle brush and method. If you suspect your child has a skin condition, you should consult with their doctor prior to trying any remedies as you do not want to misdiagnose the problem and not treat the issue properly. If your doctor has confirmed that your child truly does have Cradle Cap, you should ask him/her about using a natural remedy such as this one.

Voila! I actually did not expect this to work as well as it did and was pleasantly surprised! All of the Cradle Cap came right off as soon as the butter melted in, in the baby comb, and when I washed her hair. No more cradle cap; I cannot believe it! If it does end up coming back, I will do this again, but so far it seems to be gone forever. It was a gentle, easy, and natural remedy of clearing this up. Some babies have to be treated with prescription creams, ointments, or medications that sometimes don't work. I'm so happy that we were able to cure this naturally. Baby's hair and scalp look healthy and her hair even looks thicker now. I think her hair is able to grow much more easily without the dry patches blocking it's way. What a great remedy! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. French Lavender smelling babies forever!

Spring Beauty and Fitness Favorites

Happy Spring! Spring is in the air and now that the cold winter is over, we want to be out and about in minimal clothing, at least I do! Two important factors in looking good in warmer weather is your skin and your body. So it makes sense that everyone is thinking about skincare and fitness. Over the winter I tested two products to see if they worked and share them with you. I wanted to use them most of the winter in order to prove that they work, and for me they did. So here is my opinion on a couple cool products that are getting me ready for beach and bikini season.

For skincare, I've been using products from Juice Beauty and I am pretty impressed! For one, they are a 98% organic skincare line and they do not test on animals. Also, it looks like pretty much everything they offer is vegan-friendly, or at least the stuff that they sent to me. I'm loving their Cleansing Milk and am almost done with the bottle. I use this as a cleanser and also as a makeup remover. It removes better than any other makeup remover I've used before and is tough on eye makeup but gentle on your skin. Other oil-based removers have made my skin breakout in the past, but after using this vegan cleansing milk this winter, my skin has stayed hydrated and clear. I also used my samples of their serums (I love their Soothing Serum), cleansers, and moisturizers and love them! So if you are looking for gorgeous glowing skin this spring, Juice Beauty just might be for you.

For fitness, I have been using a workout DVD from Collage Video. They offer a HUGE variety of workout videos that can satisfy anyone's fitness needs, no matter what your taste or fitness level is. The workout I've been hooked on is Ellen Barrett's Live, Grace & Gusto. And what this workout is, is pilates and ballet with a little bit of yoga. In my opinion, this is the perfect workout to achieve a toned and lean figure, along with your vegan diet. In fact, my body has responded so well to this workout and I have not changed anything in my Dirty Vegan diet and lifestyle. I have been doing this workout consistently for about one month (I wanted to be sure I tried it in order to give you guys an accurate review), and I have seen changes in my weight (small loss of a few lbs - but I would probably see more if I replaced my cookies with salads, not happening!), in the way my clothing fits, and in the way my body looks. I feel great and look toned and leaner. I love ballet, pilates, and yoga; this workout is perfect for me for this reason! It is also important to do something you truly enjoy, or else you might not stick with it. So be sure to check out collagevideo.com because they really do have everything when it comes to fitness. The prices are awesome too. I plan on doing an update sometime this summer because I plan on stepping up my game with this workout and will let you know if I see any more results, maybe even a before and after picture, we will see. Here is a video clip of this workout so you can get an idea of the exercises and energy. I really like Ellen Barrett because she is not annoying, which is also another important thing to me in a workout DVD.

What are you doing to prepare for the upcoming skin-baring seasons? Have any good tips? And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Namaste.

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Vegan & Eco-Friendly Mineral Make-up

Picture taken from Mixology's website - look at that stunning look created with mineral make-up!

We've talked about vegan beauty products before (here and here about Tarte). Today I wanted to talk specifically about mineral makeup. I received some samples from Mixology Makeup to try out. Their mineral makeup is all vegan, all natural, and eco-friendly (they were voted Best Green Make-up in the 2009 Beauty Olympics); I just adore Mixology! Their products are free of chemicals, dyes, and any other harsh ingredients that are responsible for causing breakouts or allergic reactions. I love that their stuff is vegan friendly. That makes it easy because you don't have to seek out what is and what isn't vegan, you can shop with peace of mind. Please keep in mind that this is my very first time using loose mineral makeup like this. I didn't know what to expect whatsoever.

The same look in artificial (indoors) light

Mineral makeup look in natural light

As you can see, this look is very light and pretty.

So here is what I did with Mixology to achieve this flawless yet natural, beachy, and fun look!

Once cleansed and moisturized, I applied my first Mixology sample, which was their Mineral Foundation called Sand Girl. A little bit goes a very long way with this. I used a complexion brush (E.L.F's Studio Complexion Brush - and I love how on their website you can search "vegan" or research brushes and it says "vegan" if the brush is - amazing!) and lightly dipped it into the foundation. It's buildable coverage, but I found I didn't need much at all! After trying the product it really justifies the price - if something is quality and goes a long way, I think it is totally worth it. This foundation felt weightless on my skin and almost like my skin felt better after putting it on.

Next, I used their Paste Eye Primer on my lid. I used my finger and it definitely feels like paste. It went on well and was sticky at first, but I think that helps the shadow stick better. I found that I used too much on the first lid. A tiny amount definitely can go a very long way with this also.

Then I used Dune shadow (a pretty light sandy color - pigmented with a slight iridescent sheen) all over the eyelid, building more color on the lower lid and inner corner. I used Parlay shadow (a brown with a little plum or purple - very pigmented with a little shimmer) in the crease and blended that in. The two colors complimented each other beautifully and created a gorgeous natural beachy look that can be kept light or made glam by adding more Parlay and lots of liner.

I used their Jet Liner with a liner brush and smudged it into the top and bottom lash lines. It created a very natural look on my dark eyes, accentuating features without looking too dramatic. The liner has a little sparkle to it when you look closely, which I like for twinkly looking eyes.

Last out of my Mixology samples was the Rosy Cheeks Blush in color Rosy Cheeks. This was also buildable and a little bit on my blush brush went a long way. You can use a little on your apples for some rosiness or build the color on your cheekbones. This can also be used very lightly on the face to add warmth and color. A very beautiful blush.

I really like mineral make-up! For my first time using it, I felt it was easy to use. I can't believe how much of the samples I have left, really demonstrating that a little does go a very long way. I would say it is worth it when you find a product like this that you like, since it will probably last you a long time. I love the way the make-up felt on my face after wearing it for a long period of time. It felt almost like I had no make-up on and somehow made my face feel enriched. I think I just found my new fave make-up! Thank you Mixology, I'm sure I will be ordering in the future (it may not be anytime soon since it seems I can use what I have from these samples for a while)! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Go Green, You Vegan Beauty!

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art". -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy St. Patrick's Day all you Naughty People! Today, some people are turning their beer and food green. That is fun, but I wanted to talk about cosmetics being green! So, as I become aware of more and more vegan friendly beauty products and cosmetics, I am definitely going to talk about them with all of you fabulous people. 

Recently, I received some products from Tarte to try (thank you, Tarte!). I am falling in love with their cosmetics and I adore how they are conscious of their vegan customers. None of their products are tested on animals, however for the vegan products, they work with PETA to ensure they are truly vegan and even have a vegan section on their website in which you can view all of their vegan products easily on one page. Thank you Tarte for really taking the guesswork out of cruelty-free beauty products. Sometimes it can be tricky, especially for those of you who are just beginning to familiarize yourself with ingredient lists, so I really like when companies accommodate their vegan customers like this.

From Tarte's Vegan section of their website

Bravo Tarte, for making glamorous products that are not tested on animals and for providing so many cool vegan options. I really admire companies who are natural focused and conscious of animals and the environment (a lot of their product components are recyclable or post-consumer recycled materials!), while still being stylish and hip. Also, this is professional quality and natural! You just can't beat that! I really love the way Tarte's natural products feel on my skin, and they look just as nice; bonus! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Stay gorgeous!

A beautiful and natural look from Tarte's website

What are some of your favorite vegan beauty products? Also, what's on your St. Patrick's Day food and drink menu today?

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Haute Couture Makeup Being Haute Compassionate: Be Kind & Look Good Doing It!

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows." -Audrey Hepburn

Hair done with vegan brand, Pureology. Makeup mostly Too Faced Cosmetics applied with their cruelty-free Teddy Bear Hair brushes. Adorable Willi Smith jacket made from polyester and viscose; all man-made synthetic fibers.

I would like to share this website link from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This is an awesome search tool for companies that do not test on animals. You will also find a list of animal ingredients, coupons, and more on their page. I will talk about some products in this blog, but please do use this search tool to inform before purchases. There is also a printer-friendly list available on the site, so you can bring it to the store with you, if you wish so. There is a special feeling in being your best possible self and not harming anyone else in the process, not to mention it is also GOOD karma! The horrors involved in animal testing are unthinkable, so please do not support companies who test. When you are kind, you can be more beautiful than you ever dreamed that you can be!

PETA's Search Tool for Cruelty-Free Companies & Products

Hair Products: 


Like I was mentioning earlier, Pureology is a 100% vegan product that make hair products. Their shampoo and conditioner is simply the best! Their product smells so amazing and like all their ingredients, they are completely cruelty-free, so no animal testing. That's what I love to hair hear! Pureology made my hair super soft, shiny, and great smelling...but of coarse if you are vegan, those things come naturally to you, right?


I also adore Paul Mitchell products. I received a beautiful telephone message years ago from John Paul DeJoria in reply to an e-mail I sent to him about his people and dog products. In the message he shared some history about his company. John shared that his company was one of the first companies in the early 1980s to protest and be against animal testing. He shared, that at the time, his competitors were all conducting animal testing, however John's company stood their ground and refused to test. A bold move back in the 80s when cookie cutter companies were most successful. I love that the Paul Mitchell brand was thinking outside of the box and being compassionate, bravo! 


*Dirty Vegan Blurb! Now just because a company does not test, does not mean they are completely vegan either. Be sure to always read your ingredients list. If ingredients are unfamiliar to you and internet research proves unsuccessful, call or write the company! Use the PETA search tool and take a peek at their Animal Ingredients List. Its a simple task and if we all did it, the demand would decrease for products tested on animals and for animal ingredients, thus decreasing needless animal suffering.*


Skincare:


I used to use Clinique and Clarins since their products do not test on animals, however I switch up my products a lot and like to try different things. I still use Clinique and Clarins cosmetics stuff sometimes, but right now I'm hooked on Lush for skincare. I use their Coal Face cleanser, which has lasted me so long, probably close to 6 months, great bargain right there! I also like their fresh face mask called Cupcake, that one is vegan. A few of their others are and one of the masks that is not fresh, but still so awesome, called Mask of Magnaminty. This mask is minty and cool and lightly exfoliating and just plain awesome! I use their Tea Tree Water toner. I switch between their moisturizers, sometimes depending on the season or the need. During the winter, I use Skin Drink. Personally, my face just soaks it up nicely and it is especially nice for me in the winter when skin tends to be its driest. All Lush stuff that is vegan has a nice green "V" on it, so they've made it easy.


Makeup:


I am in love with Too Faced Cosmetics! I love the fact that they make professional quality make-up brushes and promote them as cruelty-free! Bravo, Too Faced! Their Teddy Bear Hair brushes are made with fine quality synthetic materials and were purposely made that way to spare animals from the cruelty involved in obtaining their hair for makeup brushes. Word on the street is that their founder, Jerrod Blandino (sounds Italian, just like me!), helped develop these fabulous brushes. Thank you Jerrod and Too Faced for being conscious and kind about animals. Too Faced also makes lots of vegan friendly make-up products, which I love to use (always read those labels for ingredients list). To achieve my look above I used a combination of Too Faced products and since the quality is very good and professional, it came out really nice. I enjoy using this brand.


Other makeup brands I like to use are Stila, Clarins (they are big on vegan products and are against animal cruelty), Tarte, Bare Escentuals, and other products that when I see them I ask if they test or about the ingredients. Always check labels, even if you use the same product, because ingredients can change, or their animal testing policy may change. Always try to be aware and have the most up-to-date information.


I would like to say that being beautiful comes from within. Makeup is definitely fun and helps you achieve the high fashion look that is so popular in our society, however being the best possible you, being compassionate and kind to all walks of life, being happy, being positive, and being good natured is always in style, is always sexy, and is always glamorous! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

PS - how fun would it be if the Dirty Vegan was ever in the running for PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian contest? Just sayin'....





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Vegan Newbury Street

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination".  -Oscar Wilde

Newbury Street in Boston: Fabulous Vegan Fun!

If you have never been to Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts, you are really missing out. From the chic designer boutiques, trendy cafes, delicious dining, to the spas, salons, and bath and body shops, Newbury Street is your one stop shop for fabulous.

Johnny Cupcakes always has vegan cupcakes! LOL

Beginning at Betsey Johnson, I scored some cute pink lace tights and some useful vegan advice from a very helpful sales professional. I raved about the vegan friendly fashion at Betsey Johnson boutique (has some cute non-leather handbags and tons of vegan friendly items), and the saleswoman sang like a canary. I totally got the scoop on where to find the best vegan stuff on Newbury, and she was such a cool chick! She also mentioned the Hempest, but she obviously doesn't know the Dirty Vegan very well. While the Hempest's vegan and natural fashions are all well and good, it really isn't what I was looking for in terms of couture.

Next stop, Juicy Couture's chic boutique (yay I rhyme!). Juicy has really expanded their vegan options over the years. And the more you buy them, the more they will sell them. They had the cutest fleece hoodie that was so soft you would swear some innocent bunny lost his life over it...WRONG....all man made materials! They even have some canvas and pleather handbags and accessories. If you like something trendy at one of these boutiques, be sure that no animals had to suffer for your happiness (which is BAD karma), and make your values known in the stores. Trust me, it will get around. Lead by example...and your platinum charge card! If these stores sell enough of something man-made, they will make more like-items.

I wouldn't be the Dirty Vegan if I didn't eat every few minutes; that just wouldn't be me. One of the many beneficial tips from Betsey Johnson's sales gal, was a bakery called Sweet Newbury Street. They have some vegan options for cupcakes and select goodies. I enjoyed this yummy Vegan Chocolate Cupcake. The frosting was OUT OF THIS WORLD! Best vegan icing I have ever tasted. Rich, creamy, sweet, and perfect. The nice gal who worked there also helped me take the photo and was really cool. Too bad the whole bakery wasn't vegan...I would have purchased so much more!

If you would like to be beautiful on Newbury Street, there are several cruelty free options. MAC Cosmetics does not test on animals and has great stuff. Also, my personal favorite, Lush! Lush stuff is all natural, handmade, and mostly organic and vegan. Lush does not test on animals. Trust me, once you step foot in a Lush store, you will be addicted, I don't even have to go any further with it, just trust me.

After a long day of shopping out in the cold (burning mega calories, I assume), it was time for lunch. Newbury Street eateries have vegan options in almost every single one. Boloco is a fresh burrito joint that will make yummy burritos however you like them. Lots of vegetarian options right there. Thai Basil is a Thai restaurant that has amazing veggie options and a nice chill atmosphere. It is a hidden gem since it is lower street level, so look for it. I have eaten on Newbury so many times, and have found vegan options at each restaurant I tried, so please don't fear. If you don't see something already made vegan on the menu, just ask and most likely you will receive.

Give Peas (and Peace) a Chance!

We finally decided on Other Side Cafe. Super trendy bar and restaurant located on...wait for it...the other side of Newbury. The atmosphere is chill, anti-establishment, and very rock-n-roll. The music is awesome too. The food is even better! Pretty much everything on their menu can be made vegan (little "v" next to things that they can make vegan). They make vegan BLTs, grilled cheese, chili, raw dishes, and tons of vegan desserts! The desserts range from bon bons, cheesecake, to delectable chocolate mousse. This place is truly amazing and has something for everyone.

                                                              Nature Boy - raw starter

 Vegan Chili and Grilled Cheese Combo....warm and comforting

 Vegan Chocolate Mousse fruit plate - AMAZING!

Vegan Bon Bons! Woah!

So whether it is cruelty free fashions, treats, eats, or cosmetics you are after, Newbury Street in Boston has it all! Such a cool place that welcomes the vegan diva in us all! Happy shopping Naughty People! For now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off...