On a Wednesday evening in Downtown Los Angeles, a diverse yet intimate group of plant-based and plant-curious individuals gathered in the low-lit event space of the Au Lac Restaurant. They slurped vegan noodle bowls and demolished platters of the restaurant’s fried mushroom specialty, “Octopus”, in anticipation of the evening’s featured guests.

After an hour of mingling, Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan and his wife, Chef Charity Morgan, took their seats in front of the present and Facebook Live audiences. Sure, both looked like supermodels, and yes, it’s not every day you meet a professional NFL player, but the attendees were more interested in the Morgan’s other claim to fame: both are vegan, and they convinced eleven of Derrick’s Titans teammates to eat vegan as well. This couple’s story demonstrates the allure and power of plant-based food, no hardball tactics required.

The Morgans fully transitioned to a plant-based diet about one year ago, after a gradual weaning off animal products. Charity was motivated by a drastic change in her health.

“I lived in hospitals and saw specialists for three months,” Chef Charity explained. Prior to going vegan, she had experienced horrendous headaches and dizzy spells. “If you’re thin and beautiful people think you’re healthy. I got really upset with doctors so I started doing holistic things, like changing my diet. When I started giving up [animal products], I didn’t feel dizzy anymore. I knew there was no going back.”

Charity admitted that the most difficult food for her to release was cheese. However, after retraining herself in plant-based cuisine, she no longer misses it. “Vegans eat every single thing that non-vegans eat; you just have to change the ingredients,” she advised.

For Derrick, who’s approaching thirty, his inspiration to go plant-based was based on the longevity of his athletic career. He took baby steps, first cutting out red meat, then chicken, and eventually fish, eggs, and dairy. Charity supported him every step of the way by providing nutrient-dense, plant-based meals to fuel the never-ending needs of a professional football player. Derrick raved about the benefits of his new diet, “I lost a lot of body fat and inflammation. My cholesterol went down. I felt good in my training, I was able to push through harder sessions, and recover faster.”

As Derrick chowed down on enormous plant-based burgers, his teammates began to take notice. Although typically not one to share food, he let the guys try a bite, and they were hooked. In fact, many who had raised an eyebrow at his new way of eating were the first to sign up for Charity’s catered meals. To date, eleven Titans have signed up for at least some portion of the Morgan’s vegan meal plan. 

For twenty-four weeks, Charity supplied the team with veganized versions of whatever they were craving, from French, to Cajun, to Indian cuisines. She strived to provide nutrition, taste, and variety, though the guys clearly had a few favorites. Burgers, empanadas, and Philly cheese steaks made it into the rotation on a regular basis.

“There’s no sacrifice,” Derrick said. “I let the food stand for itself. ” With all the creative and comforting dishes Charity prepared, it’s no wonder the team got on board. As an added incentive, “The first meal is free,” Charity chimed in.

The Morgan’s story is a powerful one. Derrick did not push his diet onto his teammates, nor did Charity prepare the stereotypical vegan fare, such as quinoa and steamed vegetables. The couple believes in meeting people where they are at. “Don’t speak to their ear,” Charity advised, “Speak to their heart. Ask them what they want.” In essence, listen to others and let the vegan food do the talking. By doing so, there is the power to make a positive impact in the lives of others human beings, animals, and the planet. The Morgans agreed, “We’re making a change. It might be small, but we’re making a change.”

We disagree. Convincing eleven southern, meat-and-potatoes-loving football players to eat vegan? That’s not small. That’s huge.

Thanks to the Morgans, we have developed a new interest in football, and we will be rooting for Derrick next season. In the meantime, we look forward to whipping up recipes from Chef Charity’s blog and stalking her drool-inducing plant-based creations on Instagram. Zucchini Butternut Squash Lasagna, here we come!

Tanya Flink is a vegan, foodie, and certified Master Personal Trainer based in Orange County, CA. She is also the host of the podcast, “The Vegan Potluck.”

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Corn casserole is a dish that is as easy to put together as a boxed cake mix is to transform into a cake – it’s a one-bowl sensation that takes minutes to prepare! Even so, the ingredients list is not exactly the most redeeming and could use a makeover. Traditionally, cornbread mix is folded into butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, milk, and cream-style corn, and the result isn’t something that is doing your body any favors.

In this fluffy vegan cornbread casserole recipe, we not only nix the animal products but also embrace healthier versions of the refined sugar and flour. Cornmeal and spelt flour are supported by the sweetness of applesauce and the creaminess of vegan butter and nut milk. Baked to a warm, fluffy finish, the casserole tastes nothing like compromise and everything like the real deal.

What You’ll Need

The ingredients are pretty straightforward and not hard to find. When it comes to the almond milk, I strongly suggest making your own to avoid the sneaky sugar, stabilizer, and preservative add-ins.

Meanwhile, it’s important to note how you can turn this recipe gluten-free. Corn is naturally gluten-free, but the spelt flour and baking powder are not. To go gluten-free with this recipe, replace the spelt flour with oat flour or with a store-bought gluten-free flour mix. For the baking powder, all you have to do is replace the three teaspoons called for in the recipe with two teaspoons of cream of tartar and one teaspoon of baking soda.

Vegan Corn Casserole Recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup spelt flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 4 scallions, finely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, spelt flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the nut milk, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup. Once well combined, stir in the frozen corn kernels and scallion. Stir until just combined and then transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish.

Pop the casserole dish into the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cornbread casserole is tender throughout and has a golden brown glow.

Serve while it is still warm to enjoy the casserole at its fluffiest. Once it cools, it will have a bread-like consistency.

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Okay. So, there aren’t really that many things better than chocolate, but these Valentine’s Day beauty goodies are a (really) close second. Whether you’re giving yourself a gift for being super freaking fantastic, or you’re shopping for a friend, who’s also way cool, we think you’ll adore these consciously curated and completely adorbs V-Day picks.

1. You’re Blushing

I’m not blushing, you’re blushing! Or, at least you will be when you swipe on some of this rosy rouge from cruelty-free beauty brand, Too Faced. Packed neatly in a sweet, heart-shaped compact, you’ll enjoy using each of the three colors individually, or mixing them to create a flattering, multidimensional cheek flush. The adorable heart shape doesn’t hurt either! Priced at $33.

2. Coming Up Roses

You da bomb, baby, so take a bath like the diva you are by tossing in this gorgeous, oversized rose fizzer and watching it fill your tub with yellow rose petals, nourishing oils, mineral-rich sea salt, and your senses with perfumes of rose and lemon. Great for putting you in a relaxed mood, we’d suggest pairing this oversized bath bomb with a nice glass of wine. Priced at $19.95.  

3. Polished to Perfection

Customize everything from the box to the contents with this trio set from vegan and cruelty-free nail lacquer brand, Miami Deco. With beautifully designed bottles and gorgeous colors, you’ll want to keep these on display. Not only that, but we’re kind loving the names of some of these polishes, especially Boy Bye, Male Tears, and Don’t Call Me Baby Girl. Priced at $28.50.

4. You Are Loved

This sweet boxed set from Olivine Atelier includes two of the most popular beauty products from the shop. The Love + Roses is a hydrating and refreshing mist that’s made from rose essential oils and an array of other beneficial extracts that make up the “unparalleled emollient, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.” The second item in the box, Love + Salt is a beach mist that will help you achieve those perfect, beachy waves no matter the time of year or circumstance. Priced at $28.

5. Ready to Roll

This useful and luxurious tool is the perfect addition to everyone’s beauty kit. As we recently found out, facial massage has huge benefits, and this is exactly the tool you need to reduce puffiness, drain the lymphatic system, and relax your facial musculature while feeling pampered. The aesthetic of this piece is lovely–the tumbled rose quartz is simply gorgeous–and would make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you or a friend! Priced at $32.

6. Pucker Up Buttercup

Sure, we apply lipstick, gloss, or balm, but your pout could use some exfoliation and deep hydration, too. Ensure your beauty routine doesn’t neglect your lips by using this cruelty-free, vegan, Strawberry Bunny Lip Scrub. Blended with cane sugar, shea butter, other nourishing oils, and topped with a berries and cream flavor, you might get the sudden urge to make out. Priced at $8.

7. Don’t Be Cruel

If you love makeup, just not more than you love animals, then you’ll definitely want to snag this vegan, cute-as-a-baby-bunny “cool not cruel” makeup bag. Perfect for stashing the essentials and then tossing in your purse, this piece is as practical as it is precious. Plus, who can resist that adorable little bunny face? Priced at $26.

8. Kiss and Makeup

Lime Crime is paying homage to moms who “feel comfortable in their skin and own it” with this velvety smooth lip bundle, titled M.$.L.F. (Moms I’d Like to Follow). This “pack” includes four wear-with-everything, carcinogen-free, neutrals and cautions that slathering these on “may cause increased confidence.” We’ll take two please! Priced at $30.

9. Bomb-Shell Brushes

Bring out your inner merbabe with this set of vegan makeup brushes that look like a totally luxe version of Ariel’s underwater treasures. With twelve brushes and a carrying case that could pass for a quirky clutch, this is ideal for the makeup lover who wishes to replace or seriously expand her brush collection with a high-quality set. The perfect jaw-dropping gift, your Valentine surely someone special. Priced at $94.99.

10. Get Fresh

This little kit is an essential in every busy beauty lover’s makeup kit. Whether you wear makeup intermittently or daily, this brush cleaner is practical and useful. The tin features a quick change sponge that allows you to change colors on the same brush sans water or chemicals, and the heart-shaped silicone mat/glove makes cleaning brushes with soap and water easier. Priced at $12.95.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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My latest culinary love affair: Blue Majik. The blue-green algae type is a lot like the spirulina we are used to, except it’s tropical blue. We needed a shake up and we got it. In this cheesecake recipe, the blue variety of spirulina not only excites the senses with its baby blue color but also adds incredible nutritional benefits (that are clinically proven!).

What is Blue Majik?

Blue Majik refers to the company E3Live’s branded version of the spirulina extract, but the name has stuck. It is a proprietary extract of the blue-green algae Arthrospira platensis (the green species of spirulina is called Arthrospira maxima).

Like other types of blue-green algae, Blue Majik is chock-full of nutrition. It contains protein, B vitamins including B12, phytonutrients, vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, selenium, and gamma-linolenic acid, a type of essential omega-6 fatty acid.

Unlike standard spirulina, it contains both phycocyanin and non-phycocyanin compounds, lending to its uniqueness. According to E3Live, phycocyanin is “clinically shown to relieve physical discomfort, which means consumers feel better, can do more activity, and enjoy an overall better quality of life.”

If I can get all these benefits from a cheesecake, count me in!

What You’ll Need

This Blue Majik cheesecake is easy to put together. Because it is raw, you don’t need to bake it. All you need is a high-speed blender and about 20 minutes of your precious time.

Besides the Blue Majik itself, there are no other evasive ingredients, just highly nutritious ones. Instead of refined sugar, white flour, eggs, butter, and cream, this cheesecake is vegan, derives sweetness from coconut sugar and maple syrup, and gets its density from macadamia nuts, almond flour, and coconut oil!

Blue Majik Cheesecake

Serves 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1 cup macadamia nuts
• 1/3 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon nut butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

For the filling

• 2 cups cashews, soaked in water overnight
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• ½ cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon E3Life Blue Majik spirulina powder

Directions

Line a rectangular or square baking tin with parchment paper.

For the crust, add all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend until the mixture beings to clump together. Transfer the mixture to the tin and press the crust evenly across the bottom. Place the tin in the refrigerator to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

For the filling, melt the coconut oil, maple syrup, and coconut sugar together in a double broiler. Stir until evenly combined and fully melted. Set aside.

Drain and rinse the cashews and add them into the food processor with the remaining ingredients. Pour in the heated mixture. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blue cheesecake mixture over the cheesecake crust and use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the surface.

Place the cheesecake into the freezer until it has lightly hardened. Remove the cheesecake, slice it, and garnish each slice with dried coconut and fresh berries!

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Being “real” is the new perfect. Social media is bursting with memes of lazy days with sweatpants and pizza, in celebration of “imperfections” and minor slips of willpower. We’re told it’s okay to be human, and yet, why do all these women gobbling gorgeous looking cupcakes look so damn perfect? Then there are the accounts that only highlight vibrant green juices, or elegant yoga poses, or perfectly-plated raw meals, and its like, do you ever just eat a brownie that isn’t date-sweetened, gluten-free and low glycemic? We all strive for wellness, but sometimes it can seem like a never-ending pursuit – always in sight but never quite there. In comes the GOOD Fest.

The GOOD Fest helps women to realize that they can still be health-conscious and enjoy a tall stack of gluten-heavy pancakes. This one-day event features a plethora of wellness topics, breakout sessions, yoga, and a supporting community of experts and like-minded attendees.

It all started in a coffee shop when the founders Kate, Jen, and Jess, decided to curate the “The. Best. Day. Ever for a wellness-lover.” Each of these dynamic women came to wellness after leaving their established careers in the marketing and restaurant industries. Now, they work as bloggers, yoga instructors, and health coaches.

Kate, Jen, and Jess are thrilled to host the second GOOD Fest at the Hudson Loft in Los Angeles on February 3, 2018, to share their love of wellness with four hundred women from around the world. People are traveling from the East Coast, as well as other countries, to attend this empowering festival. To keep the conversation relevant and intimate for everyone, each attendee has been assigned one of five unique wellness tracks. Each track addresses various wellness interests through its specific breakout sessions and panels.

“This day is designed to give you a taste of multiple facets of wellness so you can find what works for you. It might be crystals or it might be an inspiring career talk – our goal is for everyone to walk away from this day feeling inspired in some way,” said the founders.

Although the tracks are unique in themselves, each includes a yoga session with a local instructor, a veggie-centric lunch courtesy of Sweetgreen, time to shop the marketplace of wellness vendors, and of course, a concluding cocktail hour to mix, mingle, and make new friends. Plus, everyone will receive an epic swag bag loaded with healthy goodies from over a dozen festival partners – like Hu Chocolate, Nektar, and Rebbl. 

Attendees can look forward to hearing from prestigious speakers who are both knowledgeable yet relatable. Panelists include Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie, Katie Horowitz of Women Against Negative Talk, Jordan Younger of the Balanced Blonde, Lynn Chen of The Actor’s Diet, and so many more. The panels are packed with nutritionists, powerhouse female entrepreneurs, natural healers, and successful creatives.

If you’re getting the “woo-woo” vibe, its true, some opinions may be considered a bit out there. There is a discussion on crystals, and you are likely to hear the words “high vibrations” and “energy,” and perhaps even a few “the universe has your back”s. However, the founders ensured that all feel welcome, no matter their beliefs.

“In the end, it’s all knowledge, and you can do with it what you’d like. Maybe you’ll brush it off, or maybe it will be the thing that inspires you and changes your life.  We have speakers covering everything from living a more eco-friendly lifestyle to taking charge of your sexual health – so if you’re anti-woo – woo, no worries, we’ve got you covered too.”

The most important role of the GOOD Fest is creating a safe and nurturing space to foster a wellness community and personal growth. “If there’s something we’re most proud of, it’s being a place for people to truly connect & support each other,” said the founders. They hope to inspire the attendees to continue on their wellness journeys, no matter where they are, and support them when they feel less than perfect.

“We all have each others backs as we navigate and define this wellness space for ourselves. We aren’t ashamed that that we love a good burrito and IPA as much as a green juice and a Kundalini class. When we are real about our own lives, it creates a safe and accepting space for [attendees] to share theirs!”

There are still a few spots left. If you’re interested in wellness, or even just looking to meet a new friend or two, tickets and the full agenda are available here.

Tanya Flink is a vegan, foodie, and certified Master Personal Trainer based in Orange County, CA. She is also the host of the podcast, “The Vegan Potluck.”

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Vegans in the UK have a lot to celebrate as the popular Co-op market is bringing a huge focus to vegan wine. 

That’s right — a lot of wine isn’t vegan because of the use of filtering and fining agents that can come from eggs, gelatin, milk, or a substance called isinglass, which comes from fish bladders. They’re used to remove unwanted bacteria and yeast, and some are used to improve flavor and clarity. But they’re used not because they’re most efficient, but because they’re most common — historied practices that haven’t been updated.

According to the Guardian, the Co-op has been working with “winemakers across the world to develop a wider range of vegan-friendly ‘fining’ agents used to filter wines.”

For vegans, determining if a wine has been filtered with animal products is a near-impossible task. A few websites exist that catalog vegan wines, but producers aren’t required to disclose the ingredients used in the fining process, and most winemakers don’t.

The Co-op says it will have eight vegan wines next month, and expects 100 by the end of the year.

“Now a new generation of animal-free agents made from peas and even potatoes are finding popularity, and favoured by the Co-op along with other vegan-friendly options including carbon and clay-based agents,” notes the Guardian.

While pints won’t likely ever go out of style, it seems the Brits are beginning to develop a taste for grapes, too. “We are anticipating vegan wines to pick up momentum throughout 2018,” Simon Cairns, category trading manager for Co-op wines, said, “so our range will be expanding throughout the year and we will continue to challenge suppliers to make wines vegan where they can without affecting the attributes of the liquid.”

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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There are few meals that capture comfort quite like meatloaf does. However, the traditional sit-down family meal centerpiece is anything but animal-friendly. It’s based in meat, after all. While it may be difficult to capture the exact meatloaf experience with animal-friendly ingredients, the following vegan lentil loaf recipe sure comes close. The experience is just the same – each bite is warm, rich, filling, and full of flavor. You and your family will walk away completely satisfied, and healthier because of it!

What You’ll Need

There are no enigmatic ingredients in this lentil loaf recipe. All of the ingredients are straightforward and what you’d likely find in a traditional meatloaf recipe. Instead of eggs and meat, however, the recipe calls for flax “eggs” and a lentil, walnut, and almond “meat”.

The apple glaze is essentially a homemade version of refined sugar-free ketchup that is sweetened with some maple syrup and apple butter for a hint of seasonal charm.

Together, the loaf and the glaze make for the perfect winter meal. Enjoy!

Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe

Makes one loaf

Ingredients

For the loaf

• 1 cup dry green lentils
• 3 tablespoons flax meal + 9 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large white onions, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 small crisp, red apple, peeled and diced
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the apple glaze

• 1 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple butter (or unsweetened applesauce)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the lentils and then transfer them to a pot with three cups of water. Bring the water to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently. After the lentils have soaked up the water, use a spatula to mash them so that they make a thick, rough paste.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flax meal and water. Set aside for five minutes prior to using.

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add in the olive oil, garlic, and onion. Stir while cooking. Once the onion begins to turn translucent after a few minutes, stir in the celery, carrot, apple, and raisins. Cook for another five to 10 minutes and then transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Fold in the remaining loaf ingredients and mix until well combined.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and firmly press the loaf mixture into the pan. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together all of the apple glaze ingredients together until smooth. Spread about half of the apple glaze mixture across the top of the loaf, reserving the rest of the mixture for topping later.

Pop the loaf into the oven and cook for 40 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned and firm. Let the loaf sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, with the extra sauce being used as a topping.

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This vegan caramel apple cream cheese spread will bring delicious substance to your party platter and can be prepared in minutes!

If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful vegan, refined sugar-free dessert appetizer at your holiday party, look no further than this caramel apple cheese spread recipe. It requires only a few ingredients and a hungry crowd to please.

What You’ll Need

Even though traditional caramel sauce is quite easy to make, it can be quite dangerous if you aren’t melting the sugar with caution. To avoid this step and to avoid the refined sugar inherent in regular caramel sauce, this recipe involves a homemade vegan caramel sauce based in coconut milk and dates.

Other than the caramel sauce, the only other ingredients you need are cream cheese and sliced apples for serving and dipping! You can find vegan cream cheese at health food stores – Kite Hill, Daiya, Tofutti, and Follow Your Heart make delicious versions. However, if you want to make your own vegan cream cheese, the recipe is below! The cream cheese recipe is easy to make, but it does require some forethought (about two days) and preparation (if you choose to go that route).

Vegan Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

Serves four to six

Ingredients

• Homemade caramel sauce
• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water overnight
• 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Drain and rinse the cashews and place them in a food processor or high-speed blender. Add in the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy – about two minutes.

Spoon the mixture into cheese cloth and hang the cheesecloth with the cashew cream “cheese” so that is elevated above a bowl or pitcher that collects the moisture that drips from the cheese. Let the cheese sit in a warm place for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, transfer the cheese to a serving plate, shape it into a flattened ball, and then spread the caramel sauce all over its surface area. Feel free to add any chopped nuts or dried fruit atop the caramel sauce to add more texture and color.

Place the sliced apples around the cream cheese spread and serve! Enjoy!

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Social media is packed with image after image of flawless-looking women living life to the fullest. No matter what their platform is, be it fitness, food, or lifestyle, all of these influencers do what they do with a dazzling smile, perfect hair, and glowing skin. With holiday parties galore and tons of pictures being snapped (with or without our permission), we all want to look our best at any given moment. Let’s be real, sometimes we just can’t edit away an awful hair day, and we all have that friend who doesn’t have an eye for the right filter. To help us through the holidays, we got the insider tips on how to achieve effortless, cruelty-free glamour from the social media mavens who are always on point.

Meet The Influencers:

1. Devyn Howard (@DiningwithDevyn): Television host, media personality, and Instagram darling. This San Diego native epitomizes an effortless, laid-back Southern California style. Her daily Instagram and Instastories will have you drooling over her tantalizing plant-based meals and make you envy her photo-shoot-ready beauty.

2. Agnes Muljadi (@artsyagnes): Professional ballerina, vegan advocate, and entrepreneur. One scroll through Agnes’ gorgeous Instagram profile – with 329K followers – made us beg for her beauty and fashion tips. Fully embracing the ballerina image, Agnes’ look exemplifies classic beauty and grace. 

3. Nicole Derseweh (@NicoleDerseweh): Actress, personal chef, and curator of the wildly popular plant-based Unicorn and Mermaid brunches in Los Angeles, this stylish redhead spreads good vibes through her colorful food and vivacious personality. With fun accessories and a statement-making wardrobe, Nicole can make any style look straight from the runway.

4. Taryn Rasgon (@Vegetaryn): Entrepreneur and owner of her own plant-based apparel line, Vegetaryn, this girl rocks a laid-back vibe of sweatshirts and tees while still looking fabulous. With perfect hair and expertly-applied eyeliner, Taryn makes sweats look good.

5. Michelle Marquis (@ellemarquis): Personal plant-based chef with a clientele of celebrities and Los Angeles elite. She rocks a punk style with bold lips and dark accessories, but in person she is as sweet as can be. She focuses on allergen-friendly, vibrant meals, and is most recently known for her pop-up “Awful Waffle” brunches.

Learn Their Secrets

1. Eat the Rainbow

All of the influencers we asked swore by eating a plant-based diet; in fact, it was their first tip. There’s no doubt you are what you eat, and your diet is reflected in your hair, skin, and nails. Taryn swore that her vegetable-heavy diet makes her glow naturally from the inside out. Agnes seconded this idea. She drinks a glass of green juice every morning to keep her skin clear, naturally. Nicole makes her own weekly beautification tonic, which includes fresh young coconut, water, raw aloe, lime juice, and fresh mint. 

2. Take Care of Your Skin

When your skin looks good, you look good. Each gal has a slightly different routine, but all focused on daily cleansing and moisturizing. Taryn keeps things basic by cleansing with Pacifica’s Coconut Micellar Water Cleanser, which is available at Target.

For those with super sensitive skin, try Agnes’ suggestion. She uses Naturally Lindy products for everything from simple cleansers to acne prevention. “It’s aloe vera based, vegan and cruelty free!” she promised.

Devyn is a bit more regimented, due to her occupation as an on-camera host. “I have to wear a lot of makeup everyday, so it’s very important to me to make sure I take it all off at the end of the day,” she cautioned. “I use the Alba Botanica Volcanic Ash Cleanser and the Osea Malibu Eyes & Lips moisturizer. They’re made of seaweed, and I absolutely love it! I also occasionally cleanse with Micellar water and will do a red algae or clay mask if I feel a break out coming on. Weekly, I also apply the Osea Malibu Hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen production and prevent wrinkles. I also recently started applying a Vitamin C serum each night that helps reduce blackheads and brighten skin. I’m loving it!”

3. Cruelty-Free Makeup Tips

With a clear canvas of beautiful skin, makeup isn’t necessary, but it can add a nice touch to accentuate your natural beauty. Plus, its fun to play! Each influencer emphasized the importance of purchasing cruelty-free brands. Favorites included Kat Von D, NYX, Lime Crime, and Elf.

Elle shared her secret to her stand-out look: focus on just one element. “I pretty much only do eye make up and maybe a matte lip,” she said. She uses the NYX liquid black eyeliner for her signature pop. “Usually, I don’t have a lot of time between cooking, visits to the gym and delivering food around to my clients, so you’ll almost always find me with my thick black eyeliner! I love this look, because it is so versatile.”

4. Wear Timeless, Sustainable Fashion

Of course, all of these animal-loving glamour girls steer clear of clothing made from animals. However, each upped the fashion game by insisting that sustainable, ethical fashion is an equally important factor. For unique finds from shoes, accessories, and clothing, the gals suggested Bead & Reel, Mat & Nat, MooShoes, and Reformation. On a budget? Nicole, Devyn, and Michelle advocated thrift shopping. Michelle, who attended fashion school, gushed, “Thrifting is a great way to not only save money but it also allows you look cute as Hell without harming the environment!”

When shopping for that perfect outfit, Agnes advised, “Comfort and ease is everything to me. I typically prefer high waisted, loose clothes since I find them to be more flattering and give the illusion of longer legs.”

For a cute, comfy look that makes a statement, check out Taryn’s vegan apparel line, Vegetaryn. All of her tanks, tees, and sweatshirts are incredibly comfortable and surprisingly flattering. With tongue-in-cheek sayings like, “If Looks Could Kale,” “#VeganAF,” and “Basic Vegan Babe – Extra Hot,” you’ll look cool and confident.

Want to stand out? Follow Nicole’s fashion sense by adding statement accessories to your wardrobe. Think colorful, chunky necklaces, vibrant sunglasses with unique frames, and eye-popping, attention-grabbing earrings.

Tanya Flink is a vegan, foodie, and certified Master Personal Trainer based in Orange County, CA. She is also the host of the podcast, “The Vegan Potluck.”

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The post 5 Social Media Influencers Share Their Top Tips on Cruelty-Free Glamour (Always Be Camera-Ready!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

This whole roasted stuffed cauliflower recipe will blow your mind.

If you don’t eat meat, this dish is a sight for sore eyes and a welcome source of plant-based nutrition that your gut is going to love, both for its digestion-enhancing as well as its filling and flavorful properties. Make it the centerpiece for your next vegetarian meal or enjoy it as a shared side dish for a larger crowd.

What You’ll Need

Be sure to pick out the largest and most beautiful cauliflower you can find at the market. The bigger it is, the more people who can enjoy it! The ingredients in this recipe are easy to come by and straightforward, although it is important to note the flaxseed “egg” component, which requires that you have ground flaxseeds (not whole flaxseeds) on hand.

Whole Roasted Stuffed Cauliflower Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the cauliflower

• 1 large cauliflower
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 bunch fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup gluten-free or whole-grain bread crumbs

For the stuffing

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 pound kale leaves, chopped
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Trim off the outer cauliflower leaves and discard the stalk so that the cauliflower sits flat across the base. Try to remove as much of the stalk as possible while still keep the cauliflower florets holding together, only now with a cavity in the center. Place the cauliflower on its base in a casserole dish.

Peel the garlic and add it to a mortar and pestle with the paprika, olive oil, and thyme. Muddle the ingredients until they form a thick paste. Rub the mixture all across the outer shell of the cauliflower. Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Squeeze the lemon juice over the cauliflower.

For the stuffing, first prepare the flaxseed “egg” by combining the ground flaxseeds with the water, stirring, and then letting sit for five to 10 minutes, or until gluey. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the onion and olive oil. Cook and stir for one to two minutes, then add in the garlic. After another minute of cooking and stirring, add in the kale leaves and salt. Cook for another two minutes, or until the kale has substantially wilted. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add in the parsley, one-fourth cup water, and the flaxseed “egg”. Blend until thick and smooth.

Use a pipe to squeeze the stuffing mixture into every corner of the cavity of the cauliflower. Return the cauliflower to lie on its base in the casserole dish and pop the dish into the oven. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender, lightly brown, and giving off a heavenly aroma!

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