BellaSugar

Does "Cruelty-Free" Food Affect Your Eating Habits?

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:52 PDT

When you're eating out, there's never any true guarantee as to where your food comes from. Even with claims of "cruelty-free" practices, complaints come up, the most recent filed Wed. against the International House of Pancakes by the Humane Society of the United States.

Although IHOP says the animals used for their food receive "dignified and humane treatment" and have decent living conditions, the HSUS alleges that those eggs come from chickens residing in cages too cramped to spread their wings.

Now when you're picking up a dozen at the grocery store, you may choose cage-free eggs but do you ever check with restaurants about their cruelty-free practices before you enter and order?

How Much Does Animal Testing Matter to You?

BellaSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:00:33 PDT

I love animals and have been a vegetarian for 12 years, but I admit that my medicine cabinet probably has some products that have been tested on bunnies, rats, dogs and guinea pigs. This has inspired me to do a little more research, which I'll share with you soon. For now, though, I want to know where you stand on the issue.

Source

Kate Hudson's Animal-Friendly Haircare Collection

BellaSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:00:07 PDT

Oscar-nominated actress, Hollywood mom and all-around cute lady Kate Hudson is about to add one more title to her resume: Co-creator of a haircare line. She's teaming up with stylist David Babaii to develop David Babaii for Wildaid, a forthcoming eco-friendly haircare collection free of sulfates, parabens, animal products and animal testing. Slated to feature shampoos, conditioners and styling tools, it should hit stores later this year. According to the press release, part of the revenue will go to wildlife-protection group Wildaid, which means your purchase will help protect endangered animals such as sea turtles and tigers.

Here's what Kate has to say about the collaboration:

"I've been asked to do a lot of campaigns in the past and this feels like the perfect fit for me. David is the best at what he does and he's put so much of himself into the development of this line. And the fact that we can do it in an ecologically responsible and animal-friendly manner that can help preserve wildlife is what makes this truly special."

If this line is able to replicate Kate's locks and help animals, what's not to like? Thanks to mmooney7 for pointing this out!

Nature's Gate: Good For You AND the Environment

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 02:00:00 PDT

If you're like me, you can spend hours in a health food store, perusing through the aisles of natural snack foods, fresh produce, and organic dairy products.

Once I get to the beauty section - forget it. I love to look at all the brands of lotions, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, make-up, and soaps. I read all the labels and smell everything.

The amazingly rich scent is what drew me to Nature's Gate products, and it's what had me going back to try more. My first "taste" was of the Shampoos and Conditioners. The Herbal scent for All Hair Types was a staple in my shower for many years. Then I switched to Chamomile for its unforgettable calming effects.

Since I loved their hair care products, I had to try their lotions too. I'm sorry to say that although the Herbal lotion made with aloe vera and organic jojoba oil smells wonderful, the moisturizing effects didn't last as long as I hoped. I think it might be my personal preference though, like when I buy all-natural crackers and I wish they had more flavor. Everyone's hair and skin have different needs and you may LOVE Nature's Gate lotions.

Nature's Gate also has a newer line of organic hair care, baby care, lotions, soaps, and deodorants. They make anti-aging products, whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, sunscreen, and self-tanners. If you're wondering, they also have a line for acne treatment.

What I love most about Nature's Gate products is that they are ecologically safe, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free. All their products are packaged in recyclable containers and/or are made out of recycled materials. I know that buying these products supports a company that supports the Earth and all its inhabitants.

Fit's Tips: If you can't find Nature's Gate products at your local health food store, you can order from the Nature's Gate website.

iWant: Vegan Matt & Nat Laptop Bag

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:06:51 PDT

What is better than a stylish bag that fits your 13-inch laptop? One that is also animal- and eco-friendly. Matt & Nat's lineup of tech bags are cruelty-free with linings that are made of 100 percent recycled bottles, so you know you're doing good by mother earth while still looking fierce in the concrete jungle. The Ritual bag ($225) is especially handy for tech geeks since it stores your slim 13-inch laptops inside its cushioned walls and comes with an easy-access smartphone pocket in the back, with two pockets inside for other tech necessities. The dual-zipper detail looks ultrachic, and bonus - you can remove the straps (and your machine) to totally rock this bag as an oversize clutch, too. At this price, the Ritual is an investment, but one you can feel good about.

Nail Art That Takes Flight

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:08:14 PST

This past year, unusual nail polish textures (crackle, magnetic, etc.) and feather hair extensions were both huge. So it's no surprise that for Spring, there's a new look that cleverly remixes both trends. Manicures that use real feathers are popping up at haute salons all over, but you can wing tip yourself at home, too. Find out how to DIY some plumage below.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST

Beauty Must Reads From the Bella Community

BellaSugar — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 06:00:53 PDT

How to have a low-stress transition to natural hair - Blaq Vixen Beauty
Be zit-free with Bliss No 'Zit' Sherlock Spot Treatment - Kiss & Tell Blog
Beauty without cruelty: vegan cosmetics to try now - Peace Love Sexy
The top six ignored areas to protect before going out in the sun - Jacqueline Luxe
Waterproof beauty essentials - LesleyKat

Link Time: How to Choose Cruelty-Free Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:28:53 PDT

Tips for choosing cruelty-free products - Naturally Curly
British Vogue can't tell Asian models apart, apparently - The Cut
Spoil yourself with these beauty tools- Beauty High
Bright makeup you can really wear - InStyle
The best bar soaps - Real Simple
Six beauty crimes to avoid this Summer - Yahoo Shine
Three sexy hairstyles to try now - Refinery29
Dakota for Marc: then and now - Elle
How to get the perfect beach waves - College Candy

Unabashedly Over-the-Top Romantic Decadence From the New Shakespeare Film Anonymous

Elka Karl — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:00:13 PDT

Opening Oct. 28, Anonymous posits the question, "Was Shakespeare a fraud?" The theory has been raised many times throughout literary history, and the upcoming drama directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Rhys Ifans and Vanessa Redgrave is only the latest.

While Anonymous may not answer any definitive questions about Shakespeare's identity, it does address the luxurious look of Queen Elizabeth's castle, seen in the photo below. The look may be a bit over the top, but when you're lazing with your lover in Elizabethan England, a warm fire and furs are sure to warm up the nippy air in the drafty castle.

Want to get the look at home? Start with some luxe-looking furs - cruelty free, of course - with the Austin Horn Collection
Faux-Fur Throw ($550). The soft faux-fur throw is crafted in the style of clean-edge French mink and finished with handmade fur pom-pom tassels. Made of cotton and backed with silk, it won't shed.

To add some ambience, mix a historical chandelier with a modern one. Start with the traditional Bree Candelabra in Distressed Gold by Aidan Gray ($580), whose traditional materials will contrast beautifully with the modern lucite and artistic shape of the Boom Lucite Candelabra ($90).

For the rest of the look, from romantic organic roses to an actual fireplace mantel, just click on each image!