*draata

Now, according to Cruelty Free International, there are over 115 million animals suffering from abuse (in f*cking 2019) for animal testing every year all over the world. While there are a lot of companies that have made a decision to stay or become cruelty free, there are still tons of companies that only makes the advantage of it by entering the China market.

Speaking of which..

For all who didn't know this before (just like my stu*id a**), Chinese government requires tests on animals for all imported beauty products, regardless of where they were made. That means, by buying make-up products made by brands that do import and sell their beauty products in China, we are sponsoring animal abuse. It is that simple. 

Nowadays it's not taking as much from us as it used to. Oils and soda water is not the only options for cruelty-free skin care. We don't have to mix colours for the perfect shade or use only natural colour make-up. The cruelty free products are available in almost every store and the price range is very wide. So many affordable products for every skin type and personal preference.

I used to use liquid face foundation made by big, fancy brand (far from cruelty-free status) that cost 40 euros and up for one bottle. Now I'm using vegan, cruelty-free and (almost 100%) natural liquid face foundation for less than 10 euros.
Cruelty-free doesn't mean more expensive in any way. As I said before, the range is huge! As some of you have already noticed, one of my favourite cruelty-free brands is Urban Decay. They show an example of how big and different variety of products and shades there can be! All rainbow colours without animal abuse and Chinese consumers. Wondering about the quality? Actually, I chose their make-up products years ago, long before I became cruelty-free myself and the main reason why, was the high level of quality standards. 

There are a lot of smaller, local brands that stand up for animal rights in every country. MÁDARA Cosmetics is a Latvian brand that manufactures organic skin and hair care. Fully vegetarian and mostly vegan, cruelty-free and free from any kind of synthetic preservatives. Their products are certified by EcoCert and all the goods have recyclable packaging! Does it get any better than this?

I once heard a good quote, how there will be the end of the world when people will lose all the compassion to animals. Sadly, we have reached this point years ago.. or maybe we just have to open our eyes (finally) and watch all 'horrible pictures and videos' that people refuse to watch, because this is reality. This is what is happening! This is the truth and people are afraid to look at it.

Will your closed eyes help those tortured animals that are treated with chemicals? Chemicals that are making horrible bruises and putting them into unimaginable pain until the lucky day they die? No. Not at all. So watch. And cry (just like me).

However, there are more human ways of testing beauty products in the 21st century than putting live being with heart and soul into suffer. Buying cruelty free products shows our stand against animal living a life of suffering. I'm not blaming anyone for actions taken they weren't aware of. Society is kept in the bubble that is being played like a ball from one lie to another. But the worst thing of all is that we are the ones who allows it to keep going. We have to be the voice of the ones who don't have one. 

How? By being conscious. 

You are involved as much as I'm, so start to act like it.

BTW

I'm still using up some of my beauty products made by companies that support testing on animals (yes, sadly I wasn't born cruelty free). Throwing them in the garbage doesn't really make sense to me, as a less-waste activist. In the meantime, I'm choosing, buying and using cruelty free make-up I have already found and tested on myself. There are so many brands that offer natural, vegan, cruelty free beauty and make-up products!

HERE you can find a link to official PETA (I bet you have heard of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and have seen before their logo with running bunny) organization list of brands that DO and DON'T test on animals. Most popular brands that DO test on animals you will definitely recognise and find in this PETA article HERE.

HERE is a link to an amazing and easily digestible video interview with Moby by PBN on YouTube.  You may have seen it on my Instagram Story as well. Not the latest one, but I have found it very inspiring for myself and I hope you will too! Must see!

I'm still looking for cruelty free and vegan beauty products that meet my needs and fit my skin type the best. So, I will try to make a new post soon of beauty brands and products I have found and I'm using. Maybe this will be helpful to others, because it's not actually that hard or expensive to be cruelty free! But (oh, Goooood) how good you do to the animals that way!

I would appreciate questions and suggestions from you guys. That way I'll have a clearer vision of what you would like to see more on the cruelty free beauty product review post.

BTW2

I'm still looking for a very light acne treatment for my face. The one I used to use is tested on animals (this road i'm not taking anymore). This is a problem I'm dealing with right now.. so if you can give me an advice, please let me know! You can send me a Direct message on Instagram @draata or just leave it here in the comments section!

If you're still looking for reasons to go cruelty free now, just look up for more information, even better, visual materials #animalabuse #notcrueltyfree #testingonanimals.

Be conscious. Be ethical.

*draata

I'm a beach girl. Literally. Born and bred in 10 minute walking distance from the Baltic sea in Jurmala, Latvia. My very first memories of a pure, white sand beach are from my early childhood by taking naps under a tree on my moms favourite summer scarf. There she used to hide me from the hot summer sun in a nearest, coolest shadow and let the sea waves sing me to sleep.

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

I remember spending most of my school summer holidays in Majori beach. My mother used to pack everything we needed in her big, straw beach bag. She always took one big blanket to sleep on and loads of towels (imagine 3 girls enjoying water, sand, wind, snacks and of course ice-cream) and (oh, God yes..) loads and loads of attention.

She made the impossible possible. 

Different kind of fresh fruits on breakfast?

Sun-kissed with the best view in the world.

Berries?

Extra sweet from the local market.

You wanted lemonade?

Peppermint leaves and lemon in water bottle made all the magic needed. And she knew it.

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

We were spending at least half of the day there. Full of people. Full of chit-chats, laughs and happiness. Place where castles were made of sand, jewellery from shells and trust was built on a friendship. Sounds like a paradise, huh? Place where unknown (but surely stalked before) neighbour kids became friends, enemies and then again friends. Place where secrets were born and afterwards buried under the pine trees. 

Later on, the beach became a place where I went for a walk. I went for a cigarette. I went for a book. I went for a run. I went for an answers and a moment to think. I knew that the beach will put my mind right. Eventually. My inner self was searching for a feeling.. or more of a relief from the world?

Only now I understand that there is a link between power of water, walks on the beach and my inner peace. But at that stage, I barely knew how to deal with everything that was going on in my mind. But it was enough. And the beach did all the rest. 

Inhale. Exhale. 

I have always known that I'm privileged by having beach right next to me. I really can't imagine how my life would've turned out without it. There wouldn't be me. I would be someone else. Only the beach would stay the same.

As you can already tell, it isn't about fresh fruits and ice-cream trucks. Sunbathing and jumping into the waves. Sand castles or dreams that never came true. Not at all. Somewhere deep down even as a kid I knew it. This feeling of being set free. Touch of the freedom. Fresh air and the sound of the waves cuddling the shore. Something words can't describe. Place where my problems got shared by two. The harmony and peace after everything opposite, is something we will never be able to put into words. This is something that makes my eyes sparkle and skin glow. This makes me return to my true self no matter how many years have passed me by. When I reach the end of the road, I will always be looking for the shore.

This is not about me, you or anyone else. This is about the beach.

Inhale. Exhale.

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

BTW

As you can see, pics are from my recent travel to Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Totally a city to return. Because of colorful personalities and active lifestyle lovers, beach have extra live vibe. It is full of people non-stop 24/7. Even in the hottest summer days it doesn't get quiet. They have actually found a way to do all sort of sports there. From volleyball, beach tennis, surfing, paddle boarding, etc. that sounds pretty mainstream, to amazingly equipped gyms every hundred metres under the clear sky and running tracks, that are full of people (and dogs) actually running not walking. I promise, you won't be able just to sit in the bar and watch. Don't hesitate to join them!
We managed to participate partly and took electric scooter (yes, one and it was very romantic, haha) from the company called Lime (they have a fool proof app and cheap, good quality service). As we found out, that was the best way to get around the city. From the city center to the old town and to all hidden vegan restaurants. Yum.

If you have any questions about my trip to Israel, feel free to leave them in the comments section and I might give you more specific tips and tricks!


Travel more and travel beaches!
*draata

Sunday morning! Oh, that glorious weekend morning that doesn't make me feel guilty about getting up from the bed just to open the curtains, then get straight back to the bed and stay there for as long as it feels to. Watch the clouds swimming by in this aquamarine coloured ocean, hear the city waking up from the tightest sleep and feel the gentle touch of the warm sunshine. Love it. Mornings like this are the best and makes me feel pure and vulnerable (not for long, my ego is going to wake up at some point).

Next thing on my mind is BREAKFAST. The second good thing about Sunday mornings is plenty of time (well, until you get h-angry) to mentally put together breakfast menu from products in the fridge with breakfast images in my head. The result depends on the mood.

Porridge?

It's a daily workday thing. Today we are celebrating. It's Sunday.

Smoothie bowl?

Too often.

Pancakes?

Too often.

Sandwiches?

I'm on a diet (of course, because pancakes are 'too often'!).

So, as you can see my ego is up. Great. Makes the job two times harder. Thank God my boyfriend knows how to handle the situation. Or me.  You're the best!

Let's go out for breakfast!

Ok, that sounds good. But where? That's the next issue. I actually don't know how people were dealing with situations like this when there was no internet. Just walking around the city and judging the menus by the windows? Or just choosing the same place over and over again? Nope. That's not enough for a 21st century gal like me. 

Facebook. Foursquare. Google. Instagram #veganbreakfast #bestveganplacesinriga #veganbrunch. Near me. Search! Looking just for a nice and casual vegan breakfast place. Easy? Not really.  Healthy. Fresh. Nice looking. Not too fancy. Someplace we haven't been yet. Something new. Trending.. but that's optional. Good menu. Nice reviews. 4+ stars and surprisingly vacant table for two on Sunday morning. (30 minutes later) Found it! Let's go!

What to wear? I have nothing to wear ..and it starts over again. I am that kind of person who hates leaving home with no make-up, no hairstyle or no proper outfit. My rule is to choose at least 2 out of 3 to feel good about my appearance. But as I'm feeling today like 70% lazy and 30% fashionista, make-up and outfit combo will work fine. Let's go!

90 minutes and few insta worthy photos later my belly is full and my ego is satisfied. Totally ready for some Sunday activities. 

Big Bad Bagels, Baznicas street 8, Riga, Latvia

In the end of the day.. once in a while it is nice not to think about breakfast menu by ourselves (yes, we love having big, healthy breakfast, that doesn't consist only of cereals and rice milk). I love to eat and, actually, I enjoy cooking for myself and my beloved ones, but even more I love to know what is on my plate. I would define this as the main reason why I really enjoy the process from A to Z. That way I don't have to question anyone (including myself) where did the veggies came from or was this banana organic in my amazing smoothie and was it all worth the calories overall. 

Some time ago (have no idea where) I heard or read this unknown author wondering about getting back the calories that wasn't worth the meal. Haha. That would be awesome. But as it is not really a fairytale we are living in, let's rethink possible results one more time before taking any actions. 

So.. my advice for you is just to be wise, more importantly, to be conscious of whatever you are putting in your belly. There are SO many cool information about what is good for your body and what is not. SO many recipes for any style and taste. Remember, it's totally worth to mind what you are eating, because as someone once said- you are what you eat. 

BTW

Photos are from Sunday breakfast in very nice bagel place Big Bad Bagels in Riga, Latvia. At the moment there are two of these in the city, I chose the one with convenient location for me on Baznicas street. Very nice menu for vegan (not only) bagel lovers with more than one vegan bagel option. I am a bigger fan of freshly squeezed juice cocktails than bagels.. so, I definitely suggest not to stick with a usual go to orange / grapefruit mix and try Mellow Yellow or any other of the menu. Delicious! You won't regret it :) 

Have a lovely Sunday mornings.
*draata