local beauty product!

A friend of mine knows that I'm writing on this blog, and she is a big makeup lover. While her passion is for animals and cruelty-free products, she knows my passion is for the environment. So when she found this local makeup line that is both vegan and paraben-free, she emailed me about it!

The line is Stript Makeup. The creator, Gina Austin, is an Asheville native and that always makes us proud. The makeup products are all plant-derived. The website also has neat "how-to" tips, which is always helpful for the makeup lover. Not to mention, they've got really cute designs and packaging. So if you are looking for a pretty, safe alternative to your regular makeup - check out Stript.
~Am~

Skinny B*tch

Hiya! Tis Kimberly here! I realized I haven't been pulling my weight by posting lately so I thought I would share. Whilst on bedrest due to the impending delivery of my 2nd child, I was watching the Ellen Denegeres show and came across a provocative book called Skinny B*tch.

Now one may ask why am I bringing up a book like this on the lu 'n am site? Well, despite it's "chick lit" cartoon cover and "fly in your face" title, this book is about healthy organic eating. (Yes, can you believe it?!?). According to the Vegetarian's Paradise website, "beneath the irreverence and the salty language sprinkled throughout, is a thoughtful argument for adopting a vegan diet and lifestyle".

Once readers get over the rough writing style, it seems that s/he will walk away enlightened for the book discusses artificial sweeteners and other chemicals in our food supply and the horrific conditions of animals that are the stable of most meat producing factory farms. The book discourages the use of caffeine, cigarettes and other unhealthy choices whilst also demanding a respect for the environment and our own bodies.

Critics of the book have apparently purported that the book shouldn't promote "skinniness" over health and that it is hard to take two former models (the authors) seriously when the modeling community constantly promotes an unhealthy lifestyle. Other criticisms say their diet plan contains no scientific proof that their plan works. Then, of course, there is the language used - the "b word" and the gaunt fashionista cover - which only seem to promote a misogynist competitiveness amongst our fellow women.

I haven't had the chance to read the book but plan on exploring it soon. Perhaps if nothing else, Skinny B*tch will foster debate and conversation about some very important issues. Let us know if you have read it and what you think! We would love to hear from you! ~Cheers, Kimberly