Eat A Rainbow?

Hello again, my lovelies! It's springtime (almost summer!), and I hope you're well on your way to achieving your goals that you set in the New Year.

As health conscious as you may be, you might find yourself in a food rut. You know...eating the same foods every day out of habit. As much as you might love kale (and um, who doesn't?), there's a whole world of other veggies waiting for you. Purlpe, blue, red, orange, yellow, and white fruits and veggies should be in your rotation daily. That Skittles ad that encourages you to "taste the rainbow" isn't that far off the mark. Except I'm talking about a rainbow of colors of fruits and veggies, not sugary, artificially colored candy. Just so you know =)

Phytochemicals

So what gives fruits and vegetables their beautiful color and aromas? Phytochemicals, of course! The word means "plant chemicals". They're what makes eggplants purple-y blue, tomatoes red, and sweet potatoes orange. According to the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), "It is thought that phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber all present in fruits and vegetables, work synergistically in whole foods to promote health and lower disease risk." In other words, eat your fruits and veggies for health! Being the Veganfashionista, you know I believe health=beauty. Read on to find out how you can get both.

Blue/Purple: These fruits and veggies get their pigment from phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which are amazing antioxidants that protect your cells from damage from free radicals. They can help maintain a healthy blood pressure, lower your risk of certain cancers, and support healthy aging. Good, 'cause I'm gonna want to age gracefully, please! These dark-hued guys also contain flavonoids which may help prevent heart disease by keeping our blood vessels healthy. Choose from blueberries, eggplants, figs, plums, purple grapes, and blackberries daily.

Red: The carotenoid lycopene, and anthocyanins (to a lesser degree than your blue/purple fruits & veggies) give red fruits and veggies their color. Lycopene is also an antioxidant that can help reduce heart attack risk, and prostate cancer. It also protects your skin from damage from the sun. Certain flavonoids are are also present that can help reduce inflammation and urinary tract health. 

Examples of these red powerhouses are watermelon, cherries, cranberries, red apples, tomatoes, red onions, strawberries, and red cabbage. Red beets are especially helpful in helping to detox the blood, clearing up dull skin.

Green: Green fruits and vegetables obtain their color from the plant pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is very similar to our own blood. Healthy blood flow and sufficient oxygen allow our bodies to rid itself of toxins. So, it makes sense that some of the health benefits of chlorophyll are its ability to cleanse and detox the blood and body, wound healing, help fight skin disorders, and act as an alkalizer. Sounds like glowing skin to me! Some of these green guys such as cucumber, dark leafy greens, peas, and celery also contain the phytochemicals lutein, which is very important for your eye health. Another phytochemical group called indoles are found in broccoli, kale, and cabbage may help to protect against some types of cancer. Folate, which is a B vitamin found in leafy greens such as kale and spinach, help reduce the risk of birth defects.

Yellow/Orange: You're probably already familiar with beta-carotene. It's one of the carotenoid phytochemicals that give orange fruits and veggies their color. Beta-crypthoxanthin and alpha-carotene are two other orange pigmented carotenoids, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A plays an important role in healthy vision and immune function, as well as skin and bone health. Carotenoids also pigment yellow fruits and veggies. Research has shown that carotenoids can help reduce the risk of heart disease as well, and certain cancers such as those of the lung, esophagus, and stomach.

Orange and yellow fruits are often an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps synthesize collagen formation. As we age, collagen production slows down, resulting in thinner skin, wrinkles, and aching joints. Yuck! Keep that skin smooth as a baby's and creaky knees at bay by keeping your kitchen stocked with these beautiful colors.

Examples of this group are cantaloupe, lemons, carrots, butternut squash, papaya (choose non-GMO!), yellow apples, mangoes, pumpkin, pears, yellow peppers, pineapple, oranges, sweet potatoes.

White: White produce derive their color from phytochemicals anthoxanthins. Many white fruits and veggies also contain allicin, which lab studies have shown to inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells. Allicin may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Choose from bananas, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, potatoes, jicama.

Whew! The fact is, there's over 10,000 known phytochemicals in plant-based foods, and we don't know all of their health benefits. Still, with all of the beautiful colors, aromas, and tastes they provide...along with these amazing health and beauty benefits, there's really no reason for you to eat the same ole kale salad every day. I'm just saying.

Until next time,

Love & Happiness,

Nikki

Sources: www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/allicin.php

               Today's Dietician: Color Me Healthy — Eating for a Rainbow of Benefits 

               By Juliann Scheffer  Vol. 10 No. 11 P. 34

               Gentleworld.org "Phytochemicals: Eating from the Rainbow"

               Livestrong.com "Vitamins That Produce Collagen"

Delicious Quinoa!

Hello, my lovelies! Spring is finally here in my part of the world, and it was sorely missed! It's been a rough winter, and I can't wait to engage in warmer weather activities and lighter foods. Last week though, I was in the mood for something heavier and comforting. I decided on a roasted veggie dish that incorporated sweet potatoes and quinoa. I can't begin to tell you how good this dish was!!

First off, let's talk about quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah"). I'm a big brown and black rice fan for my whole grain fix, but quinoa is a nutrient powerhouse! It's actually a seed (not a grain) of a vegetable that's similar to to spinach, and when cooked, it "pops" open and its appearance changes to little spiral grain-looking beady things. Like my description?  It is one of the few plant-based sources of complete proteins, which means it provides all of the essential amino acids the body needs to function. Chia seeds, amaranth, and soybeans are also some others. It also provides antioxidants by way of flavonoids, and fiber, iron, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Sounding good so far? It should! These all help with controlling your blood pressure & blood sugar, weight loss, and providing anti-aging and anti-cancer benefits! Read more and get additional recipe ideas here.

Quinoa is commonly available in white, red, or black varieties. Of note, when cooking, make sure you rinse the seeds under cold water and rub to remove a natural chemical called saponins. This chemical helps to protect the seed, but leaves a bitter taste if not removed by rinsing. You need to be especially mindful of this if you buy quinoa in bulk. I love how much it expands during cooking, so you don't really need a lot.

So here's the recipe for the fabulous, award winning-dish I made. Ok, maybe not so much award-winning, but it should have been. I'm just saying. I think the veggie combo I chose and the marinade flavors take it over the top. Plus it's so easy!

Nikki's Almost Spring Roasted Veggies & Quinoa

Ingredients:

2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks (about 1")

1 medium onion, sliced and halved

3 large cloves garlic, crushed and chopped into medium pieces

4 oz baby portabella mushrooms, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

9 Brussels sprouts, quartered (cut ends off)

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 large finger hot pepper (optional!)

1 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa, any variety (rinse, and cook according to package directions) ~> rule of thumb 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa, cook covered about 15 minutes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking pan with aluminum foil.

Marinade:

3 Tbsp red wine vinegar

3 Tbsp tamari sauce (or soy sauce if you're ok with gluten)

1/4 cup of mandarin orange segments w/juice

3 green onions (light green and white parts)

2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger

2 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil (melted or softened for easy mixing)

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, snipped (or 1 tsp dried) if you don't have fresh on hand)

1 Tbsp fresh basil leaves (or 1 tsp dried)

How:

1. Place prepared veggies in a large bowl and toss evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour into foil lined pan and put on middle rack in oven. Roast for about 20 minutes, making sure to check on them every 5-7 minutes and stir.

2. Meanwhile, prepare marinade .in same bowl used for veggies. Mix all ingredients together with a fork or whisk and place in refrigerator until quinoa and veggies are ready.

 Prepared veggies 

Voila! Roasted and looking oh so yummy!

3. Once quinoa is cooked and veggies are ready, remove marinade from refrigerator. Transfer both to marinade bowl and toss gently but evenly. You can add extra sea salt and/or pepper if needed.

4. Serve immediately. Get ready to enjoy some serious grub!

Quinoa with Roasted Veggies

I want you guys to all go make this TOMORROW! I'm doing a 30 day spring body cleanse that involves juicing my fruits and veggies, so I won't be able to devour this dish for a while. Do it for me? Please? Thanks! I'll share my spring cleanse with you all in a few days!

Until next time,

Love and Happiness,

Nikki

Almond (Milk) Joy

Hello my lovelies! Hope all is well and wonderful in your world.
I promised a post to show how easy it is to make your own almond milk (or any other nut milk for that matter), so here it is. It's healthier than store brought, and you can tailor it to taste however you desire. Check out my previous post on the dangers of carrageenan, which is added to many store bought dairy and non-dairy products as a thickener.
Some people choose to substitute nut milks because of lactose or casein intolerances and can't drink cow's milk. Almonds, cashews, pistachio, and hazelnuts are a few of the nuts used. Others do it for health reasons-compared to cow's milk, nut milks contain a wider variety of of vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin E. They are also a good source of calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Nut milks are also free of saturated fat, cholesterol, gluten, and casein. All of this at only about 40 calories per 8 ounce serving! Still others (like me) have dietary preferences like a vegan lifestyle, or dietary restrictions that lead them to enjoy nondairy milks. Just remember that if you have a tree nut allergy, you should avoid almond and other nut milks because they could cause a severe and dangerous allergic reaction!
So let's see how to get this good stuff made! As you can tell, almond milk is my favorite, but feel free to sub your own fave.

Step One

I soaked 1 cup of raw almonds in enough water to cover them, about 2 cups purified water, overnight. 

The next morning, to get the skin off of the almonds, I blanched them. Dip in boiling water for about 30 seconds only, then pop off the skins easily.

Step Two

Next, place almonds in blender and add purified water. The rule of thumb is a four to one ratio of water to nuts. In this case, I used 1 cup almonds and 4 cups water. You can use more or less water depending on your desired consistency when done. 

Here, you can add spices and sweetener if you'd like. For instance, vanilla extract or vanilla bean, and/or cinnamon. 1 tbsp raw honey, maple syrup, or 3-4 pitted dates can be added to blender to sweeten. If using vanilla bean, scrape the bean out of the pod and place in blender. Let sit in fridge for an hour or so in order for the flavor to infuse, then blend all ingredients for a few minutes until well blended.

Step Three

Secure cheesecloth or nut milk bag over glass container or BPA free plastic container. Do not use a regular strainer, as the holes are typically too large and parts of the almond bits may pass through. You can try a fine mesh strainer if you have one. Pour almond milk slowly, periodically stopping to squeeze the milk through the cheesecloth. This part takes about 4-5 minutes. Be patient =)

You can use the almond paste left in the cheesecloth or bag for recipes. Or spread out in baking tray, dehydrate for a few hours and place in food processor to make almond flour!

Step Four

Enjoy! You can use in smoothies, baking, cooking, on cereals, or just drink it. Store in fridge for up to 3-4 days for maximum nutritional value.

See? How easy was that? Try it and let me know how yours turned out.

Until next time,

Love & Happiness,

Nikki

Allow Me To Introduce You Two

Hello again, my lovelies! I hope all is well in your world.

You guys already know that I'm on a mission to keep myself and you all on top of the best of health, beauty, fashion, and wellness. When I feel like something got past me, I get highly annoyed. What am I rambling about, you ask? Ok, ok. Allow me to introduce some of you to a sly little bugger who's been hiding in the shadows of my almond milk and coconut creamer. Now, I have to take some of the blame since I hadn't been making my own almond milk at home like I used to. Sometimes convenience is not worth it.

Carrageenan 

As I got into the habit of reading the labels of everything, I became confident at my ability to spot non-vegan and also unhealthy ingredients. Then I found out what 'natural flavors and colors' meant (that's a post for another day), and I was on extra alert. Soon, I noticed the ingredient "carrageenan" in my favorite old brand of store bought almond milk and also coconut creamer. Alarms went off and I decided to do some investigating. Now, I'm not an alarmist or extremist. I know I can't protect myself from every potential harmful exposure to food or environment. Yet, I want the ability to be made aware of what's being put into my food. 

After doing extensive research from many different sources, this is some of what I found:

"All told, I recommend avoiding regular consumption of foods containing carrageenan. This is especially important advice for persons with inflammatory bowel disease." Andrew Weil, M.D. (Source)

"...are a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides that are extracted from red edible seaweed. They are widely used in the food industry, for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Their main application is in dairy and meat products, due to their strong binding to food proteins. Carrageenan is a vegetarian and vegan alternative to gelatin in some applications, although it cannot replace gelatin in confectionery like jelly babies.While some indicate that carrageenan safely passes through rat GI tracts without adverse effect when it is a dietary ingredient,^[2] other animal dietary studies have observed colitis-like disease and tumor promotion. (source: Wikipedia) 

"Research links the controversial food ingredient carrageenan to gastrointestinal inflammation, including higher rates of colon cancer, in laboratory animals." (Source: Cornucopia)

"Research from Joanne Tobacman, MD, professor at University of Iowa College of Medicine, scientist and carrageenan expert, discusses valid concerns that digestive enzymes and bacterial action convert high weight carrageenans to dangerous low molecular weight carrageenans and poligeenans in the human gut—linked to human cancers and digestive disorders. Tobacman’s evidence and conclusions are based upon human tissue samples, not animal studies." (Source)

So this is important not just for vegans like myself, but for anyone who consumes dairy products and may have digestive concerns...or want to prevent any! Yeah, that covers a lot of us.

Here's a shopping guide for you so that you can have alternative options. Go a step further. If you see your brand on this list that uses carrageenan, be vocal about it! Some companies have removed the ingredient because of increased consumer awareness and demand. I've switched from Blue Diamond to Silk Pure Almond, but I will be going back to making my own almond milk now. It's so easy and tastes so much better. I'll blog about it in the near future.

Well, the moral of the story is to research anything you don't recognize on labels or in recipes that you are putting into your body. Don't be Chicken Little and worry that the sky is falling, but just be aware! You and your family deserve the best.

Until next time.

Love & Happiness,

Nikki

Some Great Oils For Your Hair, Skin, and Body!

Hello again my lovelies!

It's been a harsh winter so far, and that sometimes equates to dull hair and skin. Using natural oils is a great way to bring back the healthy shine and glow to both! Some oils have other body benefits as well. Let's take a look.

Castor Oil

This oil is a thick, golden colored oil obtained from the seeds of the castor plant. It had been used thousands of years ago by Egyptians as a way to fight skin infections and cultivate healthy hair. Castor oil is known for its antimicrobial properties, and therefore used for athlete's foot and yeast infections. In India (and in my house growing up!), it was also used as a laxative. For your hair, castor oil has been shown to correct dryness and brittleness, and repair it by providing the necessary nutrients and vitamins to the scalp. Jamaican Black Castor Oil has been heralded by many women suffering from hair loss and thinning. The black castor oil is obtained by roasting the castor bean, which makes it darker and gives a stronger smell. It apparently works by stimulating the production of keratin, and producing shiny hair after a few months of use. Massage into scalp and wash out after 15-30 minutes. It's very thick, so remember you don't need a lot! See more here.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a very popular oil, used both internally and externally. It is one of my favorite oils to use on my skin and hair, and also to cook with. There are 2 types available: refined and virgin. The refined oil is processed under less than hygienic conditions, so it must be bleached and deodorized to remove the impurities and because of this, it appears colorless and odorless. Virgin coconut oil is produced by extracting the oil from the coconut "meat" manually, resulting in a pure form of coconut oil. It retains its brown-yellowish color and scent. It is made up of 90% saturated fatty acids, most of which are lauric acid, which is regarded as healthy. I use the Spectrum organic virgin brand, or the Whole Foods 365 unrefined brand. It is solid at room temperature, so it must be warmed or rubbed in your palms for easier application to hair and skin.

When used in your hair, it provides proteins and other nutrients to increase strength and growth. It also has an antifungal effect when applied to the scalp, creating a healthy environment. Dandruff, sebhorroehic dermatitis, and other flaky scalp issues can be managed with the application of coconut oil.

For the skin, it provides great moisturization and softening due to its high mineral content. Antioxidants present also help with signs of aging of the skin, such as fine lines and sagging.

Cooking with unrefined coconut oil lends a sweet, nutty flavor to foods. It can withstand high heat temps due to its saturated fat content. Since this saturated fat is in the form of lauric acid, it is thought to raise the "good" cholesterol blood levels (HDL's), therefore being heart friendly. Moreover, research has also shown that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil contributes to weight loss by being quickly broken down by the liver to provide energy and  increasing your metabolism.

 

Avocado Oil

Most women at some point or other have mashed an avocado and massaged into their hair as a conditioner. Or bought a conditioner with avocado oil in it. Why? Because avocado is a great moisturizer! If you have brittle or damaged hair from coloring, extensive heat use, or other chemicals, the nourishing amino acids and vitamins A, B6, D, and E can help restore health to your tresses. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can protect your hair from free radicals, and as a humectant will help lock in moisture. The fatty acids will lend shine and softness. For a good hot oil treatment, mix 2 tablespoons of avocado oil with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (increase or decrease amount depending on your hair length), heat in saucepan to a comfortable temperature and massage into clean scalp and hair. Apply a plastic cap and sit under hooded dryer or simply wrap with a warm towel for 15-20 minutes. Wash out as normal and enjoy softer, healthier hair!

As for eating, you can cook with avocado oil (at high temps up to 520!), or use in salad dressings and other dishes. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which again is heart healthy because it can improve your cholesterol counts.

Sweet Almond Oil

There are 2 types of almond oil: sweet and bitter. The bitter type is extracted from the bitter almond plant and should not be used internally or topically. Sweet almond oil is extracted from sweet almond seeds and has a ton of health and beauty benefits. Its composition has been found to be closest to the oil found in a baby's skin. I routinely use sweet almond oil on my face after cleansing at night. It's a very light oil that absorbs easily, so there's no heavy, greasy feel on my face. It's good for helping with dark circles under eyes, improving complexion and glow (thanks to its zinc content), and locking in moisture. If you have eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, or other skin inflammation, I recommend trying this oil because of its high source of vitamins A, B, & E. It is also known to help with hair breakage, excessive hair fall, and split ends. It can also be used in place of store bought leave-in conditioners to bring shine to your hair. Use with an old mascara wand and apply to lashes just as you would mascara to see longer lashes! Massage some of the warmed oil to a sore area or joint for pain relief. See a few more internal benefits here.

Marula Oil

Marula oil is hand harvested from the marula fruit found in South Africa and Madagascar. The oil is extracted from the nut inside the fruit by the local women. It is pale, golden brown color and light textured with a sweet fragrance. It boasts high levels of antioxidants (vitamins C & E, flavonoids) and amino acids that help with fighting the aging effects of the environment. Omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids provide increased skin elasticity and hydration. Antimicrobial properties make it a good fit for those with acne blemishes and scarring. Marula oil is also said to be ideal for stretch marks, sun damaged, and dry & irritated skin. Find out more.

These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. If you are pregnant or nursing, or have any allergies to nuts, please consult your physician before trying any of these recommendations!

Some other great oils for you to research are argan, grapeseed, and black currant. What's your favorite health and beauty oil?

Until next time,

Love & Happiness!

Nikki

Bitter Sweet

Hello again, lovelies!

I'm willing to bet that you ate something with sugar today. Even if it was an apple, it contained natural sugars (fructose). The fact is, our bodies need sugar to function. It breaks down the foods we eat into glucose for energy.

The problem arises when we consume unhealthy, refined sugars (sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, refined fructose). This leads to a whole list of problems such as a weakened immune system, obesity, diabetes, and allergies among other health issues. Sugar feeds bacteria, yeast, fungus, and parasites. It depletes the body of needed minerals and affects our brain function (brain fog, anyone?). In this excerpt from the book Sugar Blues by William Dufty, Dr. William Coda Martin classified sugar as a poison since  when ingested, it causes or may cause disease.

While the healthiest foods are whole foods, you can still opt for alternatives to refined sugar in your diet. Note that even some of them on this list may not be a good fit for you if you already have certain food allergies or sensitivities, or yeast overgrowth. Do your research, check with your health advisor, and then use in moderation if applicable. I didn't include the very popular agave nectar in this list because of the light shed on the amount of fructose it contains-higher than high fructose corn syrup! It's lower on the glycemic index, and extracted from the blue agave plant causing its widely promoted healthy status. Check out this article by Dr. Andrew Weil. Again, do your own investigating and make informed decisions!

Stevia Extract

Stevia comes from the leaf of the stevia plant native to South America, and is not actually a sugar. It is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. It has an aftertaste similar to licorice, and some find it bitter. It has a glycemic index of less than 1, so it doesn't adversely affect your blood sugar level. It also doesn't feed yeast. Be sure to buy pure stevia extract, and not some of the artificial stuff like Truvia or Stevia in the Raw. Instead, try SweetLeaf or Now brands, which contain pure stevia extract.

Blackstrap Molasses

Ironically, molasses is the by product from processing sugar cane or beet into table sugar, so you have all the nutrition left behind. Blackstrap molasses is obtained from the 3rd boiling. Be sure to use an organic, unsulphured brand. Molasses provides iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and is alkalizing to the body. It is dark and thick, and has a very distinctive flavor you may have to get used to, but before processed white sugar came along, it was commonly used as a sweetener. If used in baking instead of white or brown sugar, you'll need to make the correct adjustment to account for the liquid.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut (or coconut palm sugar) was originally made from the sugary sap of the Palmyra palm. It’s also made from the sap of coconut palms. The sap is placed under heat until the liquid has evaporated. Reportedly, it retains iron, zinc, calcium and potassium during this process, but it also is high in calories. Use it sparingly. It has a relatively low glycemic index, because of the level of the fiber inulin. Note that some coconut palm sugar is mixed with cane sugar...please avoid those!

Raw Honey

Raw honey is honey that has not been heated, pasteurized or processed. Pasteurized, liquid honey is easily found on grocery store shelves. You would have to obtain raw honey from a local source. Raw honey is alkaline-forming and contains natural vitamins (vitamin C and most of the B vitamins), enzymes, powerful antioxidants and other nutrients. These nutrients would be destroyed during the heating and pasteurization process. Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Be aware of its high sugar content if this would pose a problem for you.

The bottom line is to avoid as much added sugar in your diet as you can for your optimal health. I continually preach to be aware and informed of what you put into your body. I know there's a lot of information out there and new research coming out seemingly everyday, but make it your priority to stay on top of your nutrition and health. I'll do my best to help you with that!

Until next time,

Love & Happiness,

Nikki

Leather Is Coming Out Of The Closet!

Hello again, my lovelies!

So have you noticed that leather has-albeit reluctantly-come out of the closet? What? Oh, literally...the closet! There was a time when so many of us didn't think twice about rocking a bag that cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars...and was proud to respond yes when asked if it was leather. Other than owning a couture gown, that kept us up there in the fashion echelon, right?

Good thing our consciousness has expanded. According to a poll done by the Vegetarian Resource Group in 2011, 2.5% of the US population identified themselves as vegan. That was like 7.5 million people! With these numbers come the increasing call for fashion designers to acknowledge this growing market. Quite a few did, thankfully. As a former leather toting fashionista (hey, I was vegetarian, not yet vegan), I have embraced and absolutely love my vegan bags. The quality of some brands are amazing, and the designs are worthy of my critical eye. They get just as much attention and compliments as those other ones. In addition to being cruelty free, some of them are budget friendly. Bonus. I've blogged about vegan handbag brands before, and here is another list of designers who have embraced the Faux Leather trend.

Urban Expressions

I personally love this brand! In my opinion, their bags are gorgeous. On their website, they state that they use polyurethane (PU) versus polyvinyl chloride (PVC) because the former is biodegradable and doesn't require solvents to soften the materials during processing. Their bags are certified vegan. To shop their bags, you can search the site for local stores that carry them, or shop online at baghaus and ebags.

 Here's one of my faves that I own:

Isn't she beautiful? I apologize in advance for not being able to find her name inside. I bought this turquoise bag at Marshall's last summer for $39.99. I can't find it online either, but there are similar styles available.

"certified vegan" label inside

Big Buddha

I love the colors these bags offer. The website might need a bit of updating, since their last collection is dated 2011. They also state that since "every handbag in store priced less than $95, there is certain to be a style to please customers of all ages." yet there were bags listed for $105. Hmm. No worries; I'm sure they're working on it =)

Le Petit Crossbody in mustard

 (available in other colors), $45.97

Fiesta in pink, $90
Take a look at the rest of their collection here.

BCBGeneration

BCBGeneration black or lilac faux leather studded strap clutch, $14
Bluefly.com

Wyatt

Wyatt cherry vegan leather pyramid studded tote bag, $38

Bluefly.com

As you can see, I found both of these brands on Bluefly's site. You can search for other brands there also.
Have fun shopping, veganistas! Tell me about other fab vegan handbags that you love in the comments!

Until next time,


Love & Happiness!

Nikki