New year's eve reflections

It's hard to believe another year has come to a close. Is 2011 really over? Time seems to be speeding up. And I am reminded how short and precious our time on this earth is. 

I generally don't do "resolutions" at the new year. Probably because they feel like just one more "to do". One more thing to feel like you're not doing well.  What I like to do instead is spend some time "visioning" what I hope to manifest in the year ahead.  And generally I like to do this in a really non-linear way - like a vision board. I plan to set aside time tomorrow with a pile of magazines, scissors and glue and see what my subconscious is yearning for in the coming year! 

For now I will say that I am grateful for my health, my sweet rescue dog, Zandia, my friends and family and my ongoing commitment to veganism.  I'm saddened and horrified by the regular investigations that uncover  unspeakable cruelty and squalor at major meat and dairy facilities. And I know that by eating vegan I am consciously choosing not to support this kind of inhumanity.  If you're looking for a resolution that will allow you to be healthier, more environmentally responsible and compassionate to animals then you should consider giving vegan a try!

The good news is that vegan diets are getting more and more attention for all the right reasons!  Check out this piece called “The Mainstreaming of Vegan Diets” in US News & World Report.  It begins, “nutritionists now believe that a well-thought-out vegan eating plan could be the most healthy way to live for most people.” Now, that's something to lean into in the new year!  And Mark Bittman just wrote a piece in the NY Times called “No Meat, No Dairy, No Problem.”  Absolutely!

So, as you reflect on the year that's about to slip away and imagine what's possible in 2012...I hope you think big! I hope you find a way to live the life of your dreams - one that has purpose and meaning and is aligned with your values. And one that tries to make the world a better place.  After all, isn't that really why we're here?  

Wishing you a truly wonderful 2012!

xoxo

Laura

Shine on, ladies

Oh, aren't these just over-the-top, outrageous,

"nobody puts Baby in the corner", fun!?

Below are some real-life options for putting

some sparkle in your new year's eve. 

(vegan of course!)

They are definitely not for wallflowers.

But then, you don't need

to worry about that, do you?

Sunday Meditation

Merry Christmas!

"Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me."

- Seymour Miller & Jill Jackson

A little magic

I have a regular run I like to take 

along a path by the lake near my house.

There are trees dotted along the path. 

And in one spot there's a small cluster of trees

that for some reason I started 

referring to as "the magic forest".

I always feel good when I run through those trees.

I don't know what it is.

And I thought it was just me.

Until the other day when I was running

I saw an elderly Asian woman going up

to the trees and pressing her

palm into each of their trunks. 

She was loving those trees.

Intentionally connecting with them.

Pressing her skin against theirs.

So on my way home I decided to do the same.

I felt a little silly.  But why?

Who wouldn't want to connect with the 

ancient wisdom and grounded strength

each of those trees represent?

Trees represent something

a little bit magical to me.

And I like that.

May your holidays be full of magic!

Merry red soles

Every girl knows red shoes

add a certain dose of magic to an outfit.

Below are some vegan

options that will let you kick up

your heels in style...

and with a happy heart.

Faux suede pumps

Faux leather slingbacks

Faux suede red slippers

Burgundy vegan suede wedges

A little change of pace

I have been blogging now for almost six months!

I started my blog shortly after I made the decision to go vegan.

Once I became aware of the true horrors we inflict

on animals to satisfy the short term fix of a food craving or

fashion statement, I felt compelled to personally do 

something to spread the word that being vegan

is healthy, chic, environmentally responsible

...and of course kind.

My passion for this remains stronger than ever!

But my posting daily has started to feel like 

a little too much at the moment.

So, in the spirit of being kind to myself, 

I'm going to cut back a bit.  

We'll see how it goes.

Just wanted to let you know 
that I'm changing pace just a little.

And thank you for reading along as 

I continue this journey!
Remember, it's chic to be kind!

Sunday Meditation

Christmas Light

I love Christmas lights.

So cheery and bright during

a time of year when
we don't get much daylight.

Faux fur wrap

Need a wrap for a holiday ensemble?

How about this chic faux fur stole from Garnet Hill?

I like it because it's not a tiny shrug.

It actually looks substantial enough

to keep you warm!

Gorgeous grey bootie

I've been loving booties this season!

Especially wedges.

These little lovelies are

on sale at Vegan Chic

for just $43.99.

I heart the 

gunmetal grey color.

A perfect neutral.

I think it would look especially

cool with brown.

Gift idea

Looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for friend?

I just ran across this lovely bangle from Kate Spade's

Hand in Hand program.

It's inscribed, "there's strength in numbers"

and 25% of the proceeds benefit

Women for Women,

an amazing charity doing

life-changing work around the world.

Proof again that it's definitely

better to give than to receive.

Merry, merry!

Faux fur vest

Looking for a fun accessory to stand out

at holiday parties?

This faux fur vest from H&M

would be perfect with skinny

jeans and a boho blouse or over a dress.

Chic and cozy...and kind.

The Roxy

The Roxy is meant to make a statement.

Vegan leather with rhinestones and riveting

add some sass and sparkle
to any holiday ensemble.

Sunday Meditation