ETHICAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Check out these 5 amazing ethical gifts for anyone on your list this year

Happy Holidays, Friends! The following is a hand picked guide of ethical gifts that are great for everyone on your list this holiday season. The magic of giving an ethical gift is the unique and meaningful story that goes along with it. Not only is there a quality you can feel in these products, but the one of a kind journey it makes, that has a real impact on the lives of the hands that crafted it. My passion for ethical products happened to sprout from a gift given to me, as the story goes for so many other people.

1. Yuhme Water Bottle

Single-use plastics are so last year. Yuhme's reusable water bottles are made in Sweden from sugarcane, are CO2 negative and for every water bottle sold they give 6 months of clean, plastic-free water to someone in Central African Republic. Check out all the chic styles of this slick, flip-top water bottle. Give the gift of hydration and help someone across the world in need for half of the year!

Shop at Yuhme.se

2. Beauty by Earth

Every product that Beauty By Earth makes is non-toxic, all-natural and organic. They use NO parabens, chemical fragrances, phthalates, alcohol, soy, corn, gluten, petroleum, or any other fillers for that matter and almost everything is totally vegan. Beauty By Earth is also a cruelty-free brand and everything is made right here in America. They have such a wide variety of products, there is bound to be something for everyBODY on your list. I am crazy about their self tanner bundle.

Read all about this brand here!
And shop at BeautyByEarth.com

3. Panda

Panda is a men and women's accessory brand that carries eco-friendly and sustainable Bamboo Sunglasses. Every pair of Panda Sunglasses purchased gives the gift of vision to someone in need. In addition to their bamboo sunglasses, Panda also expanded their products with a collection of Portuguese Cork and Mosu Bamboo wrist watches. They are eco-friendly, vegan, made from 100% sustainable materials, and for every timepiece sold they give the gift of education by making a donation to Pencils of Promise on your behalf.

Read all about them here.
And shop at WearPanda.com 

4. Keap Candles

These non-toxic candles are hand poured in New York and smell so natural and surreal I'm always hesitant to burn them, knowing eventually it will be gone. Instead of paraffin, Keap Candles are made with pure coconut wax that is sustainably produced. It also makes them clean and slow-burning. The candle jar itself was made to be repurposed. It easily wipes clean after your final burn to be given new life as a drinking glass or make-up brush holder. Keap also donates 25% of their net profits to SolarAid, to bring light to those without access to the electrical grid.

Check out their full story here!
And shop at KeapBK.com

5. HelloMD

Give the gift of rest and relaxation with CBD oil, delivered right to your door thanks to HelloMD. I suffer from migraines, PMDD, and mild anxiety. As someone who prefers a natural, non-toxic and non-addictive alternative, CBD oil products have opened the doors of relief for myself and so many of my friends and family members.  I am so happy to be able to share HelloMD with you. If you give this a try or give as a gift, I would love to know about your experience!

For $20 off your first order use my code: e6cf9 at checkout
Shop at HelloMD.com

Thank you for reading along,
Until next time...

Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

P.S. This gift guide contains some affiliate links, so if you make a purchase I may get a small percentage of the sale price (at no extra cost to you). As always, I only recommend brands that I love. 

H.HONEYCUP // Feel Happy in Your Skin

H. Honeycup is a plant-based skincare company that uses only natural and organic ingredients,
designed to make you to feel happy in your own skin.

H. Honeycup is a dreamy, online indie brand that creates organic, natural, vegan, plant-based and cruelty-free skin care products for clean-living women and happy skin. It was founded in 2017 by Cindy Barberes, after leaving a successful corporate career behind. Cindy needed a way to decompress and began taking health and wellness courses. It was in her self-care where she found a new "peace" of mind and a relaxed sense of confidence using natural remedies. She felt inspired to create and share great products, with results she could feel and see for herself. After a lot of thought and consideration she found the company name, a mash-up of Honeysuckles and Buttercups, two flowers Cindy is most fond of.

H.Honeycup Palmarosa Pomegranate Body Oil Roller and Orange Sunflower Lotion Stick

This playful and delicious line of skin care currently comes in two totally natural scents- a dreamy citrus, Orange Sunflower and an absolutely pleasant floral Palmorosa Pomogranate. Both come in full and "humble" sizes of body scrubs, body oils and a very unique and amazing lotion stick, perfect for on the go and travel (because it's solid!) Humble Bundle Kits of products are also available if you're obsessed like me or want to give a great gift to someone. All of their ingredients are simple, their labels are super clear, and their website has an entire section of every ingredient they use and why. H. Honeycup believes you deserve to know what you're putting on your skin. Luckily, they make it really easy to treat yourself to products that are simple, fresh, and downright fun.

The H.Honeycup Palmarosa Pomegranate Body Oil Roller 

H.Honeycup is also committed to reducing their impact on the planet with their choice of non-toxic ingredients, their careful manufacturing process, and the packaging they use. Cindy says she loves working hard every day on the next fun product and the next lovely scent. She's happy to promote self-care, encouraging a giving community and a relaxed lifestyle that directly translates to her products. She is continually asking women what they like, what they want, and what they need to feel happy in their skin.

Check out the full H.Honeycup collection and keep an eye out next year for new scents and treats at HHoneycup.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram at @HHoneycup

Until Next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

PLACES // A Tiny Dollhouse Staycation

Unplug and relax at this Tiny Dollhouse in Altadena, CA available on AirBnb

A tiny home can teach you a lot about yourself and what truly matters in life. Perhaps one learns that enough is enough, and that less really is more. In world of constant consumption and collecting, living in a tiny house demands that you keep only what you use/value and leave everything else behind. Although this may sound like a terrifying and drastic decision to make, those who have taken the leap to tiny-living often report it was the best choice they've ever made.

At less than 400 sq. feet it's no surprise tiny homes are more eco-friendly. They use fewer building materials, requiring only half a truckload of lumber instead of 7 truck loads for a standard home. This means fewer trees cut down and less fuel burned in transporting materials. Building tiny also allows for the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials that aren't available in large quantities during normal builds. The largest environmental impact of a tiny home is the significant reduction of energy use, simply because there are less outlets, smaller or less appliances, less space to light, less air to be cooled/warmed and some even fully function off-grid using solar power, etc. The financial freedom that accompanies this lifestyle is something I have to mention. It allows a quality of life to pursue and spend time doing what you love, isn't that what life is ultimately about?

This comfy tiny house has a lofted bedroom with a pulldown ladder, it was such a unique and memorable staycation.

It was a windy, fall morning when we arrived at the tiny Dollhouse in Altadena, CA. With the change in seasons, I was longing for a staycation and this tiny home was the perfect price and distance from our "real" lives should they come calling. From the moment we arrived I was overcome with a whimsical state of escape. The little olive, tiny house was nestled in nature on an estate property, filled with giant fruit trees, a swimming pool,  hammocks to nap in and little sitting areas for outdoor eating or morning coffee with the birds. It didn't take long but I was so excited to look around and not to mention, climb the ladder to the bedroom loft. The word quaint doesn't do this place justice and my heart melted the longer we stayed. Tiny trash bins, tiny kitchen sponges, a tiny coffee maker- I loved every detail. Two stained-glass windows made the common room glow with wild colors as the sun set on our first day. We made dinner in the kitchenette and watched a (rare) thunder and lightening storm that night from the giant, bedroom loft window. In that loft, as the rain fell and lights flashed in the night, I felt like a kid in a tree house for the first time. It was a magical moment I'll cherish forever.

Tiny little trinkets in every room at The Dollhouse in Altadena, CA 

It was the little things (pun intended) that made the difference in this stay. The small yet open space felt so homey and secluded, while the nature that surrounded us felt so much closer. This tiny house was so charming without sacrificing functionality. I imagined all the things I'd be forced to give up if I ever made the choice to live in a tiny home and there was a sense of freedom I could almost taste. Less space would ultimately mean less waste, and over a lifetime what an impact that could make. Tiny home owners also find themselves in nature way more often than the rest of us, its almost like a second living space for them, and to me, that sounds amazing. We only stayed for a weekend and what I packed in my bag proved to be enough, in fact- I didn't miss a thing I left at home. Learning to let go of what we don't truly need (in all parts of life) is a valuable tool in self discovery and real happiness. It might sounds strange but without all the clutter, you find a deeper appreciation for everything else that actually matters. I often look back at my time at the Dollhouse and long to return to it's humbleness. I have a feeling I'll be back again and perhaps some day having a tiny home of my own.


Book your stay at The Dollhouse in Altadena, CA on AirBnB.com

until next time..
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

The dollhouse in Altadena, CA is a perfect place for two people to escape 

The private property has hammocks and little sitting areas hiding everywhere 

LAUREL & REED // A discovery in clean beauty

Laurel and Reed is a cruelty-free, non-toxic and all natural, luxury, clean beauty box.

Laurel & Reed is a luxury beauty, wellness and lifestyle subscription box featuring top-shelf, non-toxic, all-natural and cruelty-free, full-size products ranging from hair care, body and skincare and other surprises. Each box features 4 to 6 full-sized curated products with a minimum total value of $100 + , they feature small notable indie brands to mainstream, well-known, powerhouses like OSEA. Each month is curated to a specific color scheme, so all items in that month's box are tied together cohesively based off of color. Laurel & Reed was created 4 years ago after Natalie Duell found out her father had cancer. With his depleted immune system, Natalie sought out healthy body care alternatives for him at retail stores with no luck. After researching the horrible effects mainstream beauty brand ingredients can have on even a perfectly healthy body, she chose to shift to a pure, clean and organic lifestyle too. Natalie started Laurel & Reed as an avenue to provide everyone with the best in pure, clean, beauty that is always cruelty-free.

Each Laurel and Reed Box contains 4 to 6 full size products valued at over $100

While Natalie's journey with Laurel & Reed hasn't been a walk in the park, she believes that every hiccup or battle along the way has made her stronger and more appreciative of the struggle. She was most surprised by the amazing kindness and support she received from the brands they partnered with from the very beginning. They believed in her message, no matter how small the numbers were. They saw something in Laurel & Reed and she is eternally grateful.  Curating each box is by far Natalie's favorite part of the process and she wants each member to know how special they are and how important of a decision they've made by switching to clean beauty, weather they are just testing the waters or have been using clean products for years.  That's why every box includes a handwritten note expressing how proud they are of YOU for making the switch. They know it's not an easy one, clean products are typically much more expensive than store-bought mass brands, but in the end everything that we put in and on our bodies 100% matters.

I'm using the Noto Botanics Hydra Highlighter from the Sept. Laurel and Reed box, on my cheeks for some extra sparkle 

Laurel & Reed wants every member to feel special and for you to have full access to them. Natalie personally sends every new customer an email to welcome them to the Laurel & Reed family. They treat each and every member exactly like they want to be treated because they truly appreciate that you've chosen them, among all of the beauty boxes out there to introduce you to clean beauty. They also want to make their footprint as small as possible and their goal is to only use recycled products and partner with other eco-conscious brands too. I loved my September Box from Laurel & Reed. It featured a NOTO BOTANICS Hydra Highlighter, perfect for achieving that glowy-look on every skin tone. I love clay masks and the PURE ELEMENTS Youth Exfoliating Botanical Mask doubles both as a mask and an exfoliater- it turns a beautiful purple color when wet and is formulated with powerhouse antioxidants like as organic matcha and organic rosehip powder. The DR. LILY ROS Bamboo and Japanese Cherry Blossom  100% Natural Deodorant was super effective and easy to apply. And the RAD ALCHEMIST Rose Garden 3-in-1 Sugar Scrub was such a delicious shower treat and my skin was so smooth all day.

See all that Laurel & Reed has from past boxes- with one time or subscription offers available at LaurelandReed.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram @laurelandreed

Until next time...
Erin-Elizabeth 
xoxo

ELEMENTAL PRODUCTS // Recycled Bath Tissue to your Door

Elemental Recycled Products is a new and better way to buy toilet paper.  Premium quality, sustainably produced , at a competitive price and conveniently delivered to your home.

Steve Poleskey spends as much time outside as possible. Hiking, biking, camping or boating, the outdoors have been a refuge for him especially after he started a corporate career that confined him to an office. After 10 years working in various management roles at Google, Steve Poleskey really wanted to do something with his career that aligned with his values and passions.  He wanted a career that could improve and protect the natural world that he loved so much. As he investigated what he could do, he grew increasingly interested in recycling and realized it is one of the simplest things we can do to support the environment and limit our impact on the natural world. He met his future business partner, Stephanie Roach, who specializes in teaching people, especially children, about recycling. Together they dug deeper into recycling to understand where they could make an impact.

Founder of Elemental Recycled Products Steve Poleskey and Molly Taylor-Poleskey at Saturday River Swing supporting Harpeth Conservancy 

They extensively researched and saw that the biggest need was getting more consumers to buy products made from recycled materials. While more and more people were recycling, we also need a LOT more people to be buying products made from recycled materials, in order to close the sustainability loop. They saw an opportunity to bring together Steve's experience in product development and online sales and Stephanie’s experience in recycling education, to launch a home products line where everything was made from recycled materials. In June of 2018, Elemental Recycled Products was born. It started with toilet paper because it's something most people use everyday and it can easily be made from recycled material. Today, most recycled toilet papers are low quality and uncomfortable to use. Elemental worked to make a product that is super comfortable, high quality and would encourage people who hadn’t considered sustainable toilet paper before to give it a try.

Save trees, water, and energy by using Recycled Bath Tissue made in the USA by Elemental Recycled Products

Elementals paper comes from home, office and industrial paper that is placed in a recycling bin. This paper is then sorted and processed at a material recovery center and then taken to their paper plant to be turned into toilet paper. Most toilet paper is made from fresh cut trees but by using recycled paper as their starting point, Elemental significantly reduces the amount of water, energy and chemicals needed to create toilet paper. Their paper is also processed without Chlorine, a major river and ocean pollutant and is 100% septic safe. All of Elemental's products are made right here in the USA. A lot of sustainable products are made in China. It's great that China has these capabilities, but you lose a lot of the impact when you ship something across an ocean. By producing in the US, they significantly reduce their carbon footprint while getting their product to your home.

Elemental Recycled Bath Tissue is available in packs of 12, 24 and 48 rolls (best value) with free shipping,
delivered one-time or subscribe and save 5%

Elemental is most proud of the commitment they've made towards giving back. They give a percentage of their profits to educating kids about recycling and land preservation. Elemental is mission oriented and they aspire to become a public benefits corporation (B-corp) as they grow. Ultimately, they want to promote recycling and the use of recycled materials. They hope to have a full line of items that people use everyday in their homes and offices that are all made sustainably and from recycled materials. They want to open people’s eyes to the impact they can have with the choices they make in their everyday purchases. They want to make amazing products that people want to buy not just because they are sustainably produced, but because they are awesomely designed, convenient to get and delightful to use. Elemental knows they are asking a lot of people, when it comes to changing their habits. But bath tissue is something you know you'll always need regularly, so why not have it show up at your door step when you need it? If you're someone who wants to live more sustainably, it's small changes like toilet paper that can really make a difference to our environment.

Take $7.00 off your first order on me by using code:
erinemiller2018 (expires Nov. 12 2018) at check out on Elementalproducts.com
and be sure to follow them on instagram @ElementalProds

Until Next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

MZ FAIRTRADE // Fair Trade Textiles from Oaxaca Mexico

I love my Jagged Diamonds Leather and Wool Duffel Bag by MZ Fair Trade, it's the prefect getaway bag for fall

Shelley Tennyson grew up in a nice suburb of Chicago, Illinois. From a young age she was aware of economic inequality and studied social sciences and economics in college. She was most interested in community programs that helped alleviate poverty. Shelley's career choices over the years have included social justice programs and even an outdoor adventure company.  MZ Fair Trade (formerly Manos Zapotecas) was founded in 2009 after Shelley went to a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a volunteer for a micro-finance program working with Zapotec indigenous artisans. Their traditional craft is handwoven wool rugs with ancient patterns. Each family household compound had several looms where almost everyone worked on their designs. These beautiful rugs were piled up in stacks in every artisans home. The volunteers were there to teach the weavers money management skills, but with no market for their craft due to lack of tourism and over saturation, there was little money to be managed.

Founder and CEO of MZ Fair Trade Shelley Tennyson stands with artisans Malena and Antonia

Shelley's first idea was to sell the rugs in the US and pay the artisans fair trade wages, in order to help the village economically and preserve the weaving craft. However, companies were already ordering rugs from the village at bottom dollar prices and selling in the US. Shelley then partnered with Liz Moffett and together they turned their focus to handbags. After a few trade shows they realized they had an ethical handbag business. Receiving orders from boutiques, resorts, fair trade stores and western apparel stores, the challenge then became one of production to keep up with the orders. The original group of artisans eventually had to hire additional artisans to help keep production on time.

MZ Fair Trade now carries wool rugs and wool pillows in a variety of patterns and colorways

MZ Fair Trade continues to grow both online and with products in retail stores across all 50 states, and a handful of stores carrying product in Europe, Japan, Canada, and Australia. They're also expanding back into home decor with a select line of beautiful hand woven rugs and pillows. MZ Fair Trade never loses sight of their original mission which is to provide an economic boost to the indigenous artisans while preserving their cultural traditions. They feel they are succeeding at both, by sending over $200,000 a year in payments, employing over 50 people, while distributing their incredible designs internationally.

MZ Fair Trade's variety of styles and patterns at a trade show

Shelley feels this business is a natural result of all of her life endeavors, including a love of different languages and cultures, social service and responsibility, business entrepreneurship and adventure. She believes in some ways it was inevitable that she would start this brand. For the artisans, she see it as a way for them to continue their rich cultural heritage and weaving tradition, make a decent living and permit them to work from their homes to remain close with their entire family. Ultimately, MZ Fair Trade wants to educate the world on the production of socially responsible fashion items in hopes that eventually, everyone will choose to buy products that are ethically made.

See this absolutely beautiful hand made collection on MZFairTrade.com
and be sure to follow them on Instagram @MZFairTrade 

Until Next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

I am so in love with my Jagged Diamonds Leather + Wool Duffel Bag by MZ Fair Trade, it has a leather base and siding, protective metal feet, two rounded leather handles, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap and an inner zip pocket. 

All of the MZ Fair Trade artisans looms are hand operated like this one

Sturdy but lightweight, this MZ Fair Trade Duffle is the perfect size for an overhead compartment or weekend getaway.

Ethically sourced wool sits on spindles awaiting to woven by MZ Fair Trade

NOW // Organic Plant Protein

Now is a Natural Products company that empowers people to lead healthier lives. I love their wide selection of organic plant protein shakes, vanilla, chocolate, toffee, and MORE

The NOW story goes way back to 1948. It all began with a man named Paul Richard, who bought his dear friend's company, Fearn Soya Foods, a natural soy product company. With his 3 sons by his side, they worked together in an industry, that at the time, was viewed simply as a bunch of granola-loving hippies. Paul was the first person to sell soy protein powder in the United States and his son Elwood recognized its undeniable benefits in his and his classmates athletic performance. It was in 1968 in the back room of his health food store when Elwood Richard founded NOW. Having grown up in the health food world, Elwood had always believed that natural was better from a very scientific perspective and wanted to provide quality, health products at an unbeatable price for everyone. To ensure quality and cut out the middle men, Elwood sought after real raw organic ingredients and even packaged every product he made himself. This is essentially the same business model for NOW today, only on a much larger scale of course.

NOW Celebrates 50 years of commitment to natural wellness

NOW's passion and mission is to empower people to live healthier lives. The ultimate goal is to create value in the health food industry and that's exactly how I came to find NOW products. I live a (mostly) plant-based lifestyle and needed a quality protein supplement. What mattered to me was the ingredients, the quality, the flavor, and let's face it, the price. I wanted organic ingredients I could easily pronounce, with no sugars or preservatives that wouldn't break the bank. I found NOW online and ordered the unflavored Pea Protein without any hesitation. I was sold from the beginning, it checked every box on my ideal protein list. The label told me everything I needed to know. This glorious find had only one, simple, organic, ingredient: Golden Peas. It also happened to be the best value for my money. I felt I'd struck vegan gold and I knew after my first order I'd be a customer for life. Here are some of my favorite, super simple, go-to recipes for the Unflavored Organic NOW® Sports Pea Protein Powder:

My favorite flavors in one, meet the Matcha + Banana

MATCHA + BANANA
1 banana (frozen is best, but any form will do)
1 C unsweetened almond milk
6 ice cubes
3 scoops NOW® Sports unflavored organic pea protein powder
1/2 t matcha green tea powder
2 scoops of NOW® BetterStevia® powdered stevia

Blend until smooth
BONUS: Add 1 C. Kale for extra greens, fiber, and vitamins!
SWAP:  The unflavored Pea Protein for the NOW® Sports Vanilla Pea Protein and omit stevia

PEANUT BUTTER + "JELLY"
1/2 C frozen blueberries
1 C unsweetened almond milk
6 ice cubes
3 scoops NOW® Sports unflavored organic pea protein powder
2 T. peanut butter
2 scoops of NOW® BetterStevia® powdered stevia

Blend until smooth
BONUS: Add 1 T. Chia Seeds, they help you stay hydrated and feel fuller longer
SWAP: The unflavored Pea Protein for the Vanilla OR Chocolate Pea Protein and omit stevia

When you need extra nutrients and antioxidants, go green with moringa, kale and chia seeds

GREEN MACHINE
1 C. kale
1 C. unsweetened almond milk
6 ice cubes
3 scoops NOW® Sports unflavored organic pea protein powder
1/2 T. organic moringa powder
1 T. chia seeds
2 scoops of NOW® BetterStevia® powdered stevia

Blend until smooth
BONUS: There isn't one, this whole shake will have you feeling so healthy
NOTE: Fair warning, Moringa has a very earthy/grassy taste, use sparingly if you're not into that.
SWAP: The unflavored Pea Protein for the Vanilla you can also swap the Chia seeds for Flaxseed/meal and omit stevia.

For everyone at NOW this isn't just a job, they are collectively committed the health industry and on a mission together. Because they are a privately-held company, it allows them to make investments and decisions based on what's best for the customers, not whats best for the investors. The best part? Pea protein powder is only ONE of their many natural and organic products. They have vitamins, beauty products, essential oils, natural foods and so much more.

See everything organic, natural and awesome at NowFoods.com
and follow them on instagram @NowFoodsOfficial

Until next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

KOFFIESTRAW // Eco-Friendly, Reusable Silicone Straws

The KoffieStraw is a slim, reuseable, eco-friendly, silicone straw made especially for hot coffee and whiter smiles

In case you weren't aware, single use plastics are SO last year. In L.A. plastic grocery bags are no longer a "thing" and if you're caught using a disposable plastic straw in a hip part of town, prepare for some concerned looks or even a few opinions from total strangers. Don't get me wrong- I agree with plastic bag ban and the single-use, straw-hating, but here's the thing- I'm a straw person... (eek!) So I went on the hunt for a better alternative so I could keep sucking in a more eco-friendly fashion.

I found a variety of options of re-usable straws in terms of materials- but what chose was the Koffie Straw. Because lets be honest, if I'm not drinking water, I'm drinking coffee. This clever little number was founded by a family that wanted to solve a problem. In efforts to maintain a brighter smile some people drink their coffee through plastic straws- oddly enough most (if not all) of those straws have a warning on the outer wrapper that clearly states, it's NOT to be used in hot beverages. This is because the heat melts the toxins from the plastic into your drink. If you do this, knock it off right now and keep reading!

The eco-friendly Koffiestraw is perfect for sipping cold drinks too

If you've ever tried a metal straw it not only effects the taste of what your sipping, but also conducts the temperature of your drink. Glass straws are out there too, but if you're clumsy like me it might not be the best option. There are also jumbo-sized milkshake straws out there, made of silicone but flood your mouth if used with liquid, thus defeating the purpose of using a straw in the first place.

Together this family took their own straw-using experiences into consideration and designed and patented this slim, soft, flexible, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, 100% silicone straw, made especially but not exclusively for coffee and the cups it travels in. Finally there was a way to enjoy hot coffee safely and keep a bright smile, all while reducing plastic waste on our planet. The Koffie Straw comes in packs of two at 7" or 10", includes a cleaning brush, has a slight bend like a traditional straw, and comes in shades of pink, blue, purple and brown so there's something for everyone.

Sipping on iced coffee with my Surf colored Koffiestraw

For me, making this seemingly small decision was a no-brainer. I remember when they had just banned plastic bags and grocery stores started to really push re-usable. At first there was a bit of resistance, but now only a few years later- when I walk in the store I'm one of MANY people bringing my own bags. I think about all of the single-use bags we all could have gone through since the ban and I'm so glad I chose something better and other people did too. You don't have to give up what you love to help preserve the planet- you just have to find or MAKE a product a little better, that could spark a change in everyone.

Check out these straws and get sippin' at KoffieStraw.com
and be sure to follow them on instagram @KoffieStraw

Until Next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

I love the Surf colored Koffiestraw, the silicone can be easily cut to fit your to-go cup, comes in two sizes with a cleaning brush! 

KOOSHOO // Plastic-Free, Organic and Ethical Hair ties

Kooshoo's best selling, organic cotton twist headband- ENSO, can be worn with the twist in front for a cute, turban headband, or at the nape of the neck for a wide headband. Available in solid colors and "Batik" hand dyed colors as seen above. 

Kooshoo are the makers of the world's first plastic-free hair tie, expandable kids pants, multi-way shawls and super versatile headbands. It was founded by Jesse and Rachel, two yoga teachers that also happened to be soulmates- yes, they're married! They started their brand for one very simple reason- to help others feel good. For them that meant everyone involved in the process, from the farmers who grew the organic crops, to people like you and me who buy the end product, every person mattered along the way.

Meet the LILA hair tie by Kooshoo, Plastic free, 100% biodegradable, strong enough for thick hair, yet soft enough to not cause hair tie headaches.

While Kooshoo is designed in Canada, their dedication to ethical and sustainable practices lead them to family owned and operated businesses right here in Los Angeles. This brand provides jobs and opportunities for our local community. They weave the organic cotton, hand-dye, cut, sew, package and distribute every single product within a 20 mile radius of downtown L.A. The dye house is solar powered and every item is shipped in a 100% recycled paper bag.

The founders of Kooshoo, Jesse and Rachel with their daughter

The word Kooshoo means "feeling good" in Norfuk. Often used as a way to return a "Hey how are you?" "Kooshoo, you?" . Co-Founder Rachel and Kooshoo's product developer Leilani, are both from Norfuk Island. And although they both live in Canada now,  the island is forever apart of them and so it became a sort of moto and question- "does this feel KooShoo?" In other words, every time a decision was made within the company they asked themselves and each other "is this in support of the greater good?" Kooshoo believes businesses can be used for better thats why they donate product and profit to charity. Sometimes its the little things, like giving 1000 people from underserved communities yoga or meditation classes that can make all the difference.

The co-founder of Kooshoo, Rachel and her daughter in the Enso Twist Headbands

Kooshoo's ultimate goal is to think good, feel good, create good and share that goodness. I love my new wrap headband and my plastic-free hair ties, but what I love even more, is that someone cared enough about so many others and the earth, in order the make it in the best way possible. Its something I wear with pride and gratitude all at once, its not just another headband. It has me feeling "kooshoo" for sure <3
Check out all they have for EVERYONE at Kooshoo.com
and be sure to follow them on instagram @FeelingKooshoo

Until Next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

I'm wearing an organic, Kooshoo ENSO twist headband in the Batik print 

HIPPEAS // Giving (chick)Peas a Chance

Hippeas are delicious, USDA organic chickpea puff snacks

Chickpeas also known as Garbanzo beans, happen to be an excellent vegan and gluten free source of protein and fiber. They're packed with vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, selenium and exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium. In some parts of the world even the chickpea leaves are cooked and eaten. They have a significantly higher mineral content than other cooked greens like cabbage and spinach. This powerful plant provides important dietary nutrients around the world especially those in malnourished populations. While the list of health-benefits go on and on for us, mother earth loves these little peas too. Chickpea plants naturally release nitrogen back into the earths soil as they grow. So they’re good for the planet, simply by being themselves.

Chickpeas are a great source of vegan protein, Hippeas are perfect for after a work out!

Hippeas is an organic chick pea puff company based in sunny Santa Monica, California.  It was founded by Livio Bisterzo in 2016. With Livio's years of experience working in the natural food space and his passion for living a healthy lifestyle, he created Green Park Brands. His goal was to produce healthy options for consumers that also had a positive social impact in the world. Hippeas was his first star product and with high profile investors like Leonardo DiCaprio,  it has quickly become one of the fastest growing natural snack brands in the world. They are on a global mission to bring the world peas!

The founder of Hippeas, Livio Bisterzo at the Santa Monica Office 

This delicious crispy snack was made for the modern hippy, the people who care about mind, body and the soil. Hippeas are USDA organic, certified gluten free, nut free, soy free, vegan, non-gmo, kosher and baked never fried. They currently carry 5 flavors, Far out Fajita, Sriracha Sunshine, Vegan White Cheddar, Pepper Power, and Bohemian Barbecue. I am head over heels for the Vegan White Cheddar, its far out weighs any and ALL other cheese puffs I've had in my lifetime. The Pepper Power had me drooling too. Honestly they were all good in their own ways, exploding flavors, the perfect crunch, and texture unlike anything I've had before.

Doing good is at the heart and roots of Hippeas. Thats why a portion of their profits goes to Farm Africa to support chickpea farmers in developing nations, helping them grow their way out of poverty. They've also embarked on a 5 year project to invest in and develop a fully sustainable supply chain in Ethiopia. Livio says Hippeas will buy land and invest in technology for local farmers. They will create a fair-trade co-op that will become their main supply of chickpeas and close the cycle. Livio is so proud of the journey ahead, and I can't wait to see where he goes next!

You can find these incredible crunchy snacks at Starbucks, WholeFoods, or Online!
Dive into to this brilliant brand at Hippeas.com and be sure to follow them on instagram @Hippeas

Until next time!
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo