The holiday season is here, and Christmas and Hanukkah are right around the corner - ten days away! Anyone else feel like this year went by incredibly fast?!

I decided to put together a list of mindful, ethical gifts for anyone. Make sure you read closely as there are some blog-only discounts!

I'M AN INSPIRALIZED AMBASSADOR! This is kind of the most amazing thing ever. You all know I've been spiralizing for about a year and a half now and I don't know how I ever lived without this incredibly little kitchen gadget. It's seriously improved my quality of life and my health; I've been able to maintain a healthy weight, I nourish my body with significantly more vegetables (than I did when I was vegan!), and I honestly don't miss pasta (this coming from a gal who's part Italian!).

There's something about a messy, unkempt bowl of veg noodles smothered in a vegan cashew cream sauce that totally hits the spot; and the best part? There's no guilt! It's amazing: I can eat a massive bowl and I don't feel like I gorged myself, nor do I feel physically sick or grossly stuffed! My chronic inflammation stays at bay (I have arthritis) and I find myself making healthier choices overall. 

Honestly, I've tried other spiralizers and they were pretty poor quality - the plastic would break apart, or it would waste too much of the item I was spiralizing through too wide of a core/hole. The Inspiralizer, created by Miss Inspiralized herself Ali Mafucci, is the queen of all spiralizers. It's quality-made, more compact, more sturdy, has FOUR blade options, and it actually stays suctioned to my countertop! It also produces way less 'waste' than other brands (I tend to use the core bit and the end as well versus tossing since they're both slim enough). And it's easy to clean - just use a palm brush with some soap.

Right now, you can purchase your own Inspiralizer and get 10% off! Just use the promo code "LA_JDV" and you'll be spiralizing before you know it!

Trust me - it's a life changer. If you've followed my blog since the beginning you'll already know this is a true fact, and one I've strongly believed in for a while now. So do it, don't be scared! There are so many great [free] recipes out there and even books from Inspiralized that teach you the basics and even some easy but unique/cool recipes.

Please let me know what you think of this incredible kitchen tool, I promise it's going to completely shift your relationship with food. 

- S

Everything about this site and what it stands for is amazing. They also have a great collection of ethically sourced clothing brands, jewelry, beauty...so dreamy!

If you're curious about how to make smarter choices with clothing purchases, or just interested in educating yourself, watch this video - you'll learn a lot!

- S

I completely forget how I actually found this Kickstarter campaign today, but I am smitten and had to post about it!

As you all know I'm trying to be a more responsible human, and I've been trying to be significantly more conscious about the clothes I purchase. I've started taking a closer look at my closet and wardrobe and am trying to really figure out what pieces I love, what pieces I wear, and what pieces I still need - then finding ethical companies that make quality pieces to obtain those "need" items.

Cue this new company Vetta, which has a Kickstarter campaign currently active. They've created a luxe yet affordable stylish/simple/classic capsule wardrobe that is...impeccable. I chose to donate $59 so that I will get that gorgeous blouse (black or white, I can't decide!), and I am definitely eyeing other pieces for future purchases, once the company is up and running. I love that a) it's run by two women, and b) it's ethical, eco-friendly, US made...clothing fantasies, people!! 

They've already raised over $18k, and their goal is $30k by March 31st...bravo! I highly recommend checking out their Kickstarter, where they have a brief video detailing their story.

If you're looking to learn more about building a capsule/sustainable wardrobe, check out this article.

If you're also looking to learn more about making more ethical choices, check out this article.

- S