Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Why Vegan?

Vegan. The word itself invokes many images when thinking of the word. Many people associate the word vegan with hippies, nose-ring wearing, Bay Area living, eccentric, yoga-practicing people who are on a limited and strict diet of eating.

Check out this cool viral trend on Twitter, #for what a vegan really looks like! Vegans are healthy, athletic, strong, and there are many bodybuilders and competitors who are very muscular and fit(ie- remove that myth about needing animal protein!) And I will discuss this in another blog.

I kind of thought that, even though I have been vegetarian all my life. Butter, ghee, yogurt, icecream- our whole family ate these on a regular basis. Unfortunately, we didn't see the reality of what dairy was and what it meant for the animal giving the milk. We grew up with a culture that incorporates milk into almost every dessert, ghee is an ayurvedic miracle to many, and dairy was supposed to "make your bones strong." How strong? Strong like a 1300-1600 lb cow?!
This is what COW MILK is supposed to create- a huge bovine animal.

The average weight of an adult cow was 1400 lbs. The milk of a cow is meant for her calf to grow to that huge extent and size. The milk that is mass produced is laden with hormones, puss from her teets being over-pumped with cold metallic clamps. All this no matter how you pasteurize it, ends up in common milk. Raw, organic milk doesn't have the growth harmones but it is still unnecessary for the human body, and still not worth the abuse and torture. The emotional state of these cows- frustrated, tired, sad, distraught, stressed- all of that energy is in the milk. It is no wonder so many are ill, diseased, obese, and finding curious conditions in themselves. Dairy is usually tainted with various harmones such as rBST - which make the cow pump hundreds of gallons of milk when it really should only be pumping out enough to nourish its baby. The ONLY REASON A COW PRODUCES MILK- is for it's calf to get nourished and fed, and grow to that large 1500 lb size. Human beings are the ONLY MAMMAL to drink the milk of another mammal. This is not natural.

The Vegan Food Pyramid- so many great choices.
But my turning vegan earlier this year was not for these reasons stated above. As an advocate for animals, and a member of PETA, having a brand of natural eco-conscious cosmetics that are almost fully vegan, I came across a few videos on social media sites, that showed what really goes on in dairy farms. I learned through a friend, some research, and the reality of what happens on dairy farms via hidden footage videos from PETA, and Mercy for Animals on the realities of what was happening.

Truly, I have no idea how anyone with a heart and soul can consume dairy, let alone MEAT after watching only 5 minutes of the extreme torture, suffering, and torment that these animals go through. From the conditions of dirt, bugs, feces that the cows stand in, to the pus that gets excreted from their nipples being so sore because they produce so much excess milk because of the hormones. This in itself was bad enough to witness. But what ALARMED me was the ABUSE and TORTURE that the cows and their babies went through for that cold glass of milk that we selfishly enjoy.



The Milking Process
It is so saddening. I only thought the torture was with animals who were slaughtered for meat. Boy was I wrong. A cow only produces milk for her baby calf. In dairy, they pump cows with hormones to produce gallons more milk than the cow can normally produce. They clamp on cold, heavy metallic milkers and pump on her already sensitive milk-giving area leaving her soar, in pain, and tired. They literally TOSS AWAY the calf, only 1-3 days after it is born, and leave it crying and suffering for its mother- the mother also gets frustrated and aggravated looking for her baby- it is in nature- for a mother to WANT to NURTURE and CARE and FEED her BABY!!!


Can you imagine what sorrow, suffering, and torture this is to both the cow and her baby calf?? Energetically speaking- can you see how much negative, painful, sad, depressive energy exists in such situations? That is the energy of milk, cheese, dairy and any other product YOU consume from an animal. They suffer. They see and watch their fellow animals suffer. And this is what you consume(if you are not vegan).
Cows die of infection, exhaustion, and the incessant levels of hormones they are injected with.

Not only that- your body is not made up to take a COW's milk!! As a baby, it is recommended that a mother feed her baby breast-milk. After a year to 2 years max, even that stops. The amount of fat and nutrient dense content in a COW's milk- is meant to build HER baby calf up into a full grown, several hundred pound COW!!! It is not meant for you.

DIRT AND SLUDGE LIVING CONDITIONS
Cows, thousands of them, stand lined up in small pens, that are concrete(not even hay and let's forget grass). They are chained, with stapled piercings to "mark" them for identification.  They are lined in metal bars, that encage them, leaving them very little room to sit comfortably or stand. They excrete right there, and have to wait for the farmhands to come clean up after them. This can take up to the next day. What are they to do? In such small enclosement, they end up sitting right in it. Can you imagine the level of disease and parasites, bacteria, and germs that begin developing in the cow itself? Please don't fool yourself thinking this only happens some places, some farms, but not yours. I assure you, the farms are FACTORIES with HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of animals. They only have so many people who can clean up after them.
This filth and feces invested pen is TYPICAL and very COMMON in dairy farms.

ANIMAL FARM WORKERS- ABUSE
Take a look at this JERK abusing the cow, with his foot on her- this isn't the worst of it - FAR WORSE happens.
From the time a baby calf is born, within a day to three days she is literally RIPPED AWAY from her mother. The baby cries in hunger, feelings of being lost, and despair. The mother cries in frustration, pacing and getting angry and violent at times, because her maternal instincts cannot be gratified. Nature cannot take its course. The cows are impregnated by sticking a huge needle up their private area, to impregnate them. They go through extreme pain in this unnatural process. Can you imagine cold, metallic prodding down there, with a hand inserted after? If your DOG or CAT has feelings, and can feel pain, what makes you think this mammal does not? The cow is one of the more intelligent and social animals in the mammal family.

PETA videos to watch:



Unfortunately, the level of care is extremely low. These workers seem to take their frustrations out on these poor animals, who themselves are doing nothing but giving up their lives for humans to be more comfortable and have dairy(or even steak if we talk about slaughter farms). They cannot even HUMANELY stand in their torture chambers aka pens- to top it, they are BEATEN, KICKED, PUNCHED and many times bleed profusely. Cows witness each other being tortured, and even killed. They sadly witness their calves being dragged away from them, and are helpless, and cannot do anything to defend themselves. They are absolutely defenseless. Does this seem FAIR, JUST, or RIGHT to you? It doesn't to me, and if you have a heart, a conscience, and a soul, it should have some affect on you. It should at least be getting you to think.

This cow, giving its sweat, blood, everything, is chained up in very TIGHT quarters and is PUNCHED by this fool.




Wisconsin farmer CAUGHT RED HANDED kicking and abusing innocent, bovine cows. This farm was under fire for this- and RIGHTFULLY SO.



The point of all this- everything has a consequence. We think we are just having that glass of milk, slice of cheese, or bowl of icecream. But if you look beyond it, and see where it all comes from, you will never see dairy the same way. If you have not seen the level of torture that these animals are tormented with- I urge you to watch the videos, 3 examples of millions of tortures happening every day. Please go to PETA or Mercy for Animals and investigate for yourself. It will be life-changing for most of you.

It is for this reason, Be Natural Cosmetics is going 100% vegan, from being 95%vegan(using beeswax in lipstick, and pearl/silk powder in finishing powders).

For more information on veganism, animal cruelty, and dairy farm torture, please visit PETAand go to Mercy For Animals, and you will see first hand what animals go through for human pleasure. Another great site- Click Here.

Think twice, and eat smart, and better! GO VEGAN. The choices are abundant the options are unlimited.



New Cosmetics ON the WAYYYYY!!!

Hey guys!

We have been busy behind the scenes and are super excited to present in the next few months(in time for the holidays!)

All new products will be 100% vegan, almost 100% organic, and all-natural, gluten-free and cruelty-free. Look out for them in the next few weeks.

And you might have noticed that Be Natural Cosmetics (formerly Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics) is rebranded, with a new logo, and new site. This is all part of the new and improved Be Natural Cosmetics!


Monday, April 28, 2014

My Fav Paraben-Free Mascara!

Since I have and love my line of all natural cosmetics, Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics- you will only find me wearing cosmetics from it. However, since we are still in the process of coming out with new products, and haven't yet come out with a mascara- it led me on to search for a fabulous, well-working, long-lasting, paraben-free, and gluten-free mascara.

Luckily, my need for Band-Aids and a few other drug store items led me to go to the local Rx Store, and I came across Physician's Formula Sexy Booster line's Va Va Voom Volume Mascara! I have used their regular paraben-free mascara, and loved it, and was super excited to see what the Va Va Voom Volume was all about.

Now, while I appreciate pretty packaging, too many times I have found that the packaging often covers up for the lacking in the product, and/or functionality of it. I have a famous Versace perfume, with this gigantic lid on top- non-functional, although it is pretty. I like to carry my perfume in my purse(and no I don't care to get a small sample size-which is seldom found anyway)- this shape just doesn't allow for that. Same goes for too pretty packaged cosmetics- they look great, and then something tends to be off about the product. So I don't get too caught up in the packaging, rather more so the contents and quality.


BUT- as for the Va Va Voom Volume Mascara's adorable packaging- it was just as fab inside as it was outside. The red, with the lace, and the cute heel charm on the outside was equally matched by high quality, VOLUME(yay!!) and long lashes that I got after 2 coats. I really, really love this product because it is more natural in ingredients, paraben- and gluten-free,  dermatologiest-approved, for sensitive eyes and skin, AND it actually works and does what it says- which is give you voluminous lashes.



I am loving the gorgeous after effect of when I have it on! Highly recommended- you should try it!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Get Stronger, Shiny, Healthier Hair- Naturally!!

Changes in temperatures, especially extreme temperatures like summer and winter weather can be the cause of damage to hair, making it brittle, dry, frizzy, oily, and with dandruff.

There are some excellent natural remedies which if done on a regular basis you will see results!

1. The Yogurt Mask- As simple as it sounds- take a half cup-1 cup of yogurt(depending on the length of your hair). Add some water to slightly thin it out(like a shampoo consistency). Apply thoroughly root to ends. Leave in for 15-20 mins. Rinse out with warm water, and then shampoo as usual. Yogurt gives your hair a nice shine, and is soothing to the scalp, and is great for anyone with dandruff. Optional- add some lemon(about half a lemon).
2. The Egg Mask- Yes. Eggs in your hair. It does work! Take 2 eggs(adjust per the length of your hair), whisk them till you get that omlette ready consistency. While in the shower(it gets messy- and make sure no water is on your hair yet)- apply roots to ends. Keep in your hair for 15-30 minutes. The egg helps to really bring out the shine, and makes your hair stronger.
3. The Avocado Mask- Take 2 avocados, pit and take the flesh of the avocados out into a bowl. Mix and whisk. Add half a lemon, and stir in. Apply mask root to ends and leave in 25-45 minutes. This mask is excellent for shiny, soft hair with the oil of the avacado and the lemon working their magic to make that happen!
 

4. Yogurt, Milk, Honey, Lemon Mask- Take a half cup-1cup of yogurt, add 3 tablespoons of milk, add 2 tablespoons of honey, and squeeze in 1 lemon. Add to hair, root to tips, and massage in thoroughly. Leave it in your hair about 20 minutes. This leaves hair conditioned, soft, shiny, and strong.

For all the above masks- apply and leave in the recommended times, and if you want an ADDED effect, wrap it up in a hot wet towel, or plastic wrap. Then blow your blowdryer onto it for about 8-10 of the total amount of time. Also, after you rinse out the masks, shampoo and condition as usual.

Keep this up, doing the masks once a week, and you will see great improvement in your hair.

Also, I highly recommend paraben-free and pthalates-free shampoos that have naturally derived ingredients. For that you can see some of my earlier blog posts, or just see the beauty section in Whole Foods to see all the amazing natural brands out there! Alba is one of my favorites(their entire body line)!

Try these out and let us know how it works out for you!

     

Friday, January 17, 2014

Massage For Beauty

Well Hello! And Happy New Year 2014 Glam Dolls!!

Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics has been blessed to have customers worldwide see what we are all about! So the blog has been on the backburner for a little while, but we are gonna make that not be a constant!

I just had a massage a week ago, and I am already craving another..! Not only is massage relaxing, great for your muscles, but it also helps your blood circulate, your tissues and every part of your body including organs are instantly benefited, AND you have that great release of endorphins and seratonin that give you that great and relaxed feeling!
YES- massages are awesome!!- but did you know they had so many beauty benefits as well? Massage is anti-inflammatory- yes- if you are feeling bloated, or like you are carrying some extra water, a massage is great for that!

Massage is also great for the complexion- the oxygenated blood flow that encourages lymphatic drainage(which removes toxins out of cells so nutrients can travel in), and ultimately adds vitality to dull complexions.

Massage can help during PMS! And a happier you- is a prettier you! It helps with bloat, and releives and relaxes aches and pains, and research has shown that regular massages helped alleviate the common symptoms associated with PMS.

Scalp massage is great for the hair. So a few minutes during your session not only helps relax the muscles around the head and face/jaw (which are all areas that if stressed cause headaches)- but also helps with hair growth and health.

So get out there and get a great massage and get glowing!




Monday, October 14, 2013

Get Beautiful and HEAL Yourself With Your Face!

You read it right. You can heal your body and get beautiful with your face! Yes, you. And how you might inquire? Well inquisitive one, it is through the ancient practice of ACCUPRESSURE that this is accomplished!

You see here, below, there are millions of nerve endings correlated with the body parts and organs of the body.

You have them in your face, hands and even your feet. Each runs from top to bottom of your body in energy meridians, and each point is connected with nerve endings of a specific organ. For instance, the tip of your nose- that's connected with your HEART. That's right. And on either side of your nose, is your lung nerve-ending points.

So how do you do this? Simply apply some pressure to those points with clean, dry hands, and gently massage. This will soothe the areas that you are looking to placate.

To cure acne and blemishes: touch and apply pressure 1 inch below your eyes, and this should be on your cheekbone. Massaging this area will soothe and alleviate skin ailments. Why? Because it is touching the liver and kidney area that purify and cleanse toxins away from your body, and is also touching the heart area, so you are circulating fresh oxygenated blood back to your face. 

Get a GLOW: Massage the area smack in between the eyebrows- also known in yoga as your 3rd eye, and the sixth chakra. This is also connected to the pituitary gland, that balances the hormone levels in the body via the endocrine system.

So get massaging, and heal your body! Visit our website for amazing gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free products that you will love. Always a good sale, and an amazing investment for your health, body, beauty and GETTING GLAM! And most definetly a great investment for the environment with our non-toxic, chemical free ingredients in our products!

Ciao bellas, until next, stay glamorous, stay healthy, stay beautifyl, and GET GLAM NATURALLY with Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Gluten-Free Vegan Wrap- Protein Rich, Flavor-full and Delish!

I used to live by this great vegan place called Terri's NYC, and now that I don't, I had to come up with my delicious kind of vegan wrap!

I used my ingredients from Trader Joe's.

Ingredients:
1 Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Brown Rice Wrap
1 ounce Trader Joe's Firm Non-GMO Tofu
1 handful of Trader Joe's Baby Spinach
1 quarter of Trader Joe's Red Onion
1 quarter tomato chopped
1 1/2 Tb Trader Joe's Original Hummus(so yumm!)
1-2 Tb Trader Joe's Smokey Chipotle Salsa- use as much or as little as you like
1 oz of Feta
salt to taste
pepper to taste
red chilli (cayenne) to taste

Method:
Take your wrap, and lay on top of a sheet of aluminum foil. Spread over it your Hummus. Then add your spinach, and chopped up onion on top. Add next your tofu. Top with salt, pepper, cayenne, and the salsa. Carefully wrap up, and wrap the foil right around it. You will need it to toast and then hold all the juices in.

Toast in your toaster oven for a few minutes. You can also skip this and eat it cold. I like mine a little warm!

Take out, unwrap at the top, and ENJOY!!!

I like this because every component has nutritional value and is protein packed.




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