It's still so crazy to me that six years ago I decided to start a blog because we were living in a rural town in Florida -- and honestly, I was going stir-crazy for the year we were there. I needed a creative outlet and settled on a blog that I somehow still enjoy writing more than half a decade later - just now I get to do it while living in my dream city instead. You never know where things will go, or where life can take you in a matter of just a few years. (Which makes me want to remind anyone else who is currently feeling stuck, just like I was in good, ol' Spring Hill, that things do get better. We just have to work towards what we really want every single day, and eventually, we'll get there. Okay, sorry - promise that I'm done with the motivational speech... for today.)
Anyways, as I type this I am at my mom's house in Ohio with snow outside the window... aaand with hair that I dyed BLONDE kinda on a whim last night 👀 What better way to celebrate another "blogiversary" than with a brand new personal lewk? 😉 Just kidding, dying my hair had nothing to do with LunaVida turning six years old today. (And no, these photos don't show my new hair. You can see it on IG @alliegee319!)
White open front knit cardigan (also seen here, here & here): Target
Off topic but the photos in today's post were taken in Julian, California back in October. I've discussed my love for this tiny town on more than one occasion, but the fall colors that were starting to pop through during this particular day trip made for the prettiest backdrop. Funnily enough, I'm now bundled under multiple blankets living that winter life back in the Midwest. Makes me feel like I'm really (temporarily) experiencing all the seasons this year!
Hey there! When did it get to be mid-April? I ask this because, if you didn't know, for the past six months I've been working on a ballot measure that aims to reduce the suffering of animals on factory farms. We are so close to our goal and only have a few days left, so it's both a very exciting and exhausting time! After this phase, it makes it onto the California ballot in November. After that? It changes the world for the better, people! I'm incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to work with this amazing group of human beings, and I'm so excited to see our future unfold to be less cruel. 💚
Blush pink ruffled wrap dress with bell-sleeves: c/o PinkBlush
Breaking News: After years of gazing lovingly at them from afar, I finally tried out wrap dresses. (I know what you're thinking. And yes. I am so, so brave.) This blush pink was perfect for spring so I couldn't resist. And boy oh boy, am I glad I went for it because this dress is going to be a new go-to. How perfect would it be for spring weddings?! Pretty darn perfect, that's how.
Report nude strappy stacked heel sandals (also seen here, here & here): Famous Footwear
(This is WAY off topic now but... Remember when I said I colored my hair for the first time ever? Well, this here is the first ever LunaVida post featuring said new hair! I can't imagine going back now. Every hairdo I do now automatically looks more interesting. Why oh why did I wait so long to bayalage?!)
Did anyone else just now realize it's 2018? We are almost two weeks into the new year and I am just now feeling like I can take a second to stop and breathe. That said, I've been really behind in the resolution arena. I've been racking my brain and couldn't narrow what I want to accomplish this year down to only one main resolution; therefore, I decided to craft a list of 8 goals for 2018 (in no particular order).
Matt and I love to travel, but we rarely get to take a vacation together. This is due to the fact that we have two cats and two dogs (one of whom is... difficult and can't be trusted with any old pet sitter). We hate to leave them behind, so it seems like one of us usually stays home with them while the other goes back home to visit family, attend weddings, etc. I realized how long it's been since we were able to take an actual vacation together and it bummed me out. So this year, a trip has to happen.
2. Spend more time with my family
Moving to California was a lifelong goal of mine; however, the downside of living in SoCal is that I am super far from my family back in Ohio. I have two young nieces in Cincinnati who I want to see grow up, and I have to make sure I can get home more often to do so.
3. See our out-of-town friends more often
Having moved around the country so much, Matt and I have been blessed to make friends in each city we've lived in. This is great because we've been #blessed with some many amazing relationships. The unfortunate part is that also means we are split all across the world, which makes seeing each other a rare occurrence. This year I want to make more of an effort to better plan trips to spend time with as many of these pals as possible.
4. Help get the ballot initiative we are currently working on onto the California ballot (and then voted "YES" in November!)
If you didn't know, I am working on a campaign to get a bill on the 2018 California ballot that will help prevent cruelty to animals on factory farms. This is a dream come true because my #1 professional and personal goals revolve around reducing the suffering of farmed animals. We have to get 600,000 signatures across the state by late April, and then it gets on the ballot to be voted on. I am so motivated to help however I can to make this happen because when this passes it'll be the biggest legislation ever passed in the name of farm animals!
5. Take the time for self-care
Believe it or not, but I am incredibly low maintenance. I know this may shock some of you, seeing as I have a "fashion" blog. But really, there is nothing I like more than wearing sweatpants and no makeup. I can count the number of times I blowdry my hair in an entire year on one hand. I will go weeks without using a styling tool, on the reg. Even though I've always liked clothes, I've never been super into "beauty." That said, I am turning 29 this year and it's probably time I become a real adult. (It had to happen at some point, I suppose.) In my head, real adults actually take the time out to take care of themselves. I need to do this, big time. I need to make myself actually schedule the yoga classes, book the hair appointments (especially since 28 seemingly was the year my head decided gray was the new brunette), get in the habit of going to the doctor more than once a decade, stop feeling guilty for spending money on myself, and take advantage of the beautiful weather here and get out in nature for those hikes I've been missing.
6. Make "tidying up" a habit
Growing up, when I heard the term "tidy up" it was an automatic eye-roll from me. I was never a slob per se (germs gross me out) but I have never been super clean at home. My work desk? Organized to a tee. My home life, though? Far from it. I want to change that as I head into the last year of my 20s. I read that you should always do a task that takes under 60 seconds right away, no matter what it is. Those little tasks add up, so getting them done with quickly makes a difference throughout the day. I've been trying to incorporate that and it's already helped in my tidiness. (Obviously I need to do much more than just that, though, so if you have any tips, please share!)
7. Read more
This kind of goes along with the lack of making time for self-care in my life, but it deserves its own goal. I used to enjoy reading, but then working full-time came into my life, and out reading went. I need to prioritize better so that I can actually finish a book that I start. (I'm lookin' at you, The Casual Vacancy, all alone on my nightstand for the past six months.)
8. Learn to cook better - and do it more frequently
When I first went vegan, I was forced to start cooking more than I ever had before. I wish the cooking bit had stuck, but then life got busier - aaand I discovered the treasure trove of delicious plant-based restaurants San Diego has to offer. This year, however, I would like to get back to the kitchen and making healthier meals at home again. I know it's better for me and saves money, but somehow I still end up eating out multiple times a week. I gosta change that pronto!
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These are just the first things that popped up into my head when I thought of what I want for 2018, but there are plenty more shakin' around in my head. (For instance, I didn't even get to the long list of goals for this here blog!)
What about you? What are your goals/resolutions/hopes/dreams/wishes/aspirations for the new year?
I'm back in San Diego! I returned from Ohio yesterday, and not 30 minutes after my Lyft dropped me off at my front door, the moving company was at my front door for a quote. That's right. Matt and I are once again unexpectedly on the move due to a water leak. And once again lemons were turned into lemonade because although moving in always a pain, we were fortunate enough to quickly find a new place. And this new place just so happens to only be a couple blocks walk from Windansea Beach in La Jolla! We currently aren't even biking distance from the beach, so this is a very (VERY) welcomed move. We have always loved La Jolla, but it is a pricey area (that is an understatement too, because just about everywhere in San Diego is expensive). However, somehow the stars aligned and we will now be saving a whopping $20 a month on rent! (Our new place may be about 200 square feet tinier, but who cares because we now have a fenced-in backyard for the dogs and can bike to one of the best beaches in the county in 1 minute!)
Needless to say, WE ARE SO EXCITED! Moments like this remind me to promptly stop the pity parties and focus on the new opportunities that present themselves when "bad" things happen. Just about this time last year our rental house in Phoenix was having constant pipe issues, which ultimately led to Matt and me moving to California just a few months later. Funny how things tend to work out when we just let them, huh?
Black and white polka dot asymmetrical crop top: Anthropologie
These photos were taken in the middle of nowhere in the SoCal desert, hence why my hair is blowing (not so sexily) in the wind in every single one. Oh well. What can ya do? 😝
Due to these events that have popped up recently, LunaVida has sadly taken a bit of a back burner. Not for long though, I promise! As soon as we are moved into our new home and are all set up, I plan to be back to a normal posting schedule. Bear with me, please and thank you (and in the meantime, follow along on Insta Stories to see the havoc that is moving with pets in a matter of days @alliegee319) 😁
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Don't forget to enter the giveaway for $25 to thredUP going on here!
Howdy! (I can't pull off "howdy.) You may notice something a little different in today's post... I cut 8 inches off my hair. 😱 (Don't lie, you know you noticed how long -- re: stringy -- my hair had been getting over the past few months.) I donated it to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. Making the decision to donate my hair also forced me to cut it much shorter than I otherwise would have. I am so happy that I did, though, because now it'll help make a wig for a woman battling cancer - and I love my new 'do! (Special shout out to Kayla at Headlines Salon in Encinitas, who cut my hair! If you are in the San Diego area, I definitely recommend her.)
So other than my new haircut, there is another upcoming thing I am excited about. That's right, baby: Fourth of July! Today's outfit is an idea for something you could wear to a cookout, parade, beach day - it honestly works for pretty much any casual 4th event. And it is COMFY - just how I like my holiday attire! (For other 4th of July outfit ideas, you can also check out this post and this post.)
Red, white, and blue striped knit tank top: American Eagle
Light wash cutoff denim shorts (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy
I've been loving trying out new ways to style my short hair. Luckily for me, one of my all-time favorite cruelty-free hair care lines, Kenra, has three new products that I am obsessed with for creating waves like these. Their Grip Collection, which includes the Whip Grip Mousse, Air Grip Spray, and High Grip Spray, has become my go-to for lightweight, textured curls.
What are your plans for the 4th of July next week? Matt and I will probably go to a local park that has the best vantage point of the city so we can see all the firework shows over the water. And, just like every other grill out holiday, we'll most likely make some veggie burgers. Mmmm. I'm drooling already.
Since I am being completely transparent here, I have to admit that I struggled with writing this post. That's because I don't want anyone to take offense or to think I am judging them. Veganism can be a tricky subject to navigate without making people uncomfortable/angry/full of eye rolls/think you're a "damn dirty hippy." And, as anyone with a Facebook account knows, the Internet loves to make fun of vegans; therefore, please let me preface this post with: this is not to call anyone out. I recognize everyone is on their own path in life, and whether they do or do not consume animal products is ultimately up to each individual. This just so happens to be my own path.
There.
It feels good to have the whole "Forgive me for stating my opinion on my own blog" jitters out. Now, let's commence, shall we?
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I became a vegetarian 14 years ago. From day one (I quit meat "cold turkey," which I always find a strange way to describe becoming a vegetarian) I have been very strict with my personal views on consuming meat. From day one I also knew that "one day" I would go vegan. (I just never knew how long it would take me in life to come to terms with the reality and the need.) Throughout the years I also tried to be aware of animal testing, wearing animals as fabrics, and consuming less animal by-products; however, I would still allow myself to gorge on cheese plates and eat ice cream at least once a week.
I have always been aware (and vocal) about my own hypocrisy when it came to knowing that although dairy may not be dead carcasses per se, farmed animals suffer deeply for the dairy and egg industry. I was always just able to set my knowledge about such industries aside when it came to eating certain foods. Then I began to call out my own hypocrisy that my love for animals was overshadowed by my admiration for cheese (oh, cheese... CHEEEEEESE!). Yes, I do love it. I love milk chocolate. I love all the "bad" vegetarian-friendly stuff. But I am done for good this time.
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Do you want to know my breaking point breakthrough moment? My path to veganism (Yeah. As a vegan and someone who practices yoga twice a week, I can now say things like "path" and "journey" and "aura cleansing") officially kicked off on January 3rd, 2017 when Matt and I began a vegan version of Whole30. [You can read about our Whole30 journey and how it acted as the starter to my veganhood here.] Privately, I knew I wanted it serve as my personal catalyst into a plant-based lifestyle but, if I am being totally honest, I still had my reservations about my longterm willpower. (I mean it when I say that I freakin' love cheese.) On the night of January 23rd, however, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed. I had recently "liked" the Mercy for Animals Facebook page in hopes that I would stay inspired by the vegan recipes they post -- but also to consistently see the heartbreaking videos they publish about what farmed animals endure everyday for human greed. I knew these videos existed. I've seen plenty of them over the years. These types of videos are the original reason I became a vegetarian back during my freshman year of high school in Small Town, Ohio, USA. But the video I saw on January 23rd just tore my soul to shreds. I knew I could never go back to contributing to any part of the dairy/egg/meat industries and the suffering and abuse they force on animals. (If you are interested in seeing said video, you can do so by clicking here. I warn you though that, as these videos usually are, it is extremely graphic. Yes, it is difficult to watch, but it is also what factory farmed animals go through every single day.) I couldn't even finish watching the whole thing before it made up my mind for me to commit to fully going vegan, once and for all. No more excuses.
Then and there, I started crying, as I've done countless times before from watching animal videos (both of fluffy, one-eyed, rescue kitties finding their forever homes and torturous pro-animal welfare campaign images). But this time it was different. This time I felt the same sorrow and rage that I felt back when I was 14 and decided to become a vegetarian. What I saw in that video awoke my compassion to a whole different level - and my need to help in any way I possibly could. But then, even after my moment of clarity, I began to sob uncontrollably. Because I felt (still sorta feel) hopeless. Hopeless because every year in the United States alone, BILLIONS of animals are tortured and slaughtered for unnecessary human consumption. Our "meat and potatoes" culture in America is a serious issue. And it makes me feel hopeless that I can't do enough to help save these innocent animals. So I bawled. And I bawled. And I bawled. Matt heard, let me cry on his shoulder, and tried to give me hope (there are amazing people out there actively creating cruelty-free meat in labs that is supposed to be better for you AND the environment). But I just couldn't stop crying. That's when I knew for certain that no matter how much I ADORE FETA (which, by God, I DO DID), I love animals more and I will not allow myself to contribute to any animal's suffering ever again. I can't. I won't. There is no reason to do so.
I have actually semi-tried (and failed) to go vegan multiple times, but this time I am really going to make it stick. I have to. For the animals and our planet, I have to stop making excuses. Because I believe that when our society begins to love all animals (not just pets) and our environment more than we succumb to the desire to consume delicious burgers (Yes. Trust me. Despite not having eaten a real one in many years, I do still acknowledge they taste delicious. I am not taking that fact away - but that taste is not better than free animals), then we will have "made it" as a society.
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It's now been 51 days since I went vegan. I can't fathom going back. I mean, I'll just let the numbers below talk for themselves! Image via The Vegan Calculator
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With all of this being said, and as I move forward with this blog, I'm going to try to only share cruelty-free products. I've been conscious of this issue for awhile, and I have done my best to keep them out of posts as much as I could, but now I want to make this a priority of LunaVida. That means I will now only be featuring vegan-friendly products as suggestions, such as faux leather. With this said, I do have articles of clothing from the past that I will still be featuring on the blog occasionally, due to the fact that A) I sadly can't afford to replace everything and B) that would be very un-environmentally friendly and wasteful. As they pieces wear over time though, I am committed to replacing my belongings with cruelty-free items from here on out.
Also, as this is an ongoing new adventure for me, I ask that you please reserve all judgment. I appreciate sincere, helpful, and constructive advice though. If you ever have any suggestions, recommendations, or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Which leads me to the inevitable blogger question: would anyone now be interested in seeing more about this side of my life, such as plant-based recipes? Let me know and thanks for the continued support of LunaVida!
Here's to a lifetime ahead of more compassionate eating and living!
PS: I apologize if this post seemed "rambly." I had a lot of emotions flowing through me. 😅
Remember when I said Matt and I had some big life news to share? Well... the time has come to share with everyone... !!!
We are moving to Southern California next month.
Yes, really. We are moving (again). It's been a lifelong dream of mine to one day live in California (and Matt has also fallen under its spell... because, honestly, who can resist SoCal?). And from the day we moved to Arizona, we've always known that we would end up in Southern California. The weather, the views, the air -- it all just makes our souls so happy.
So after a lot of serendipitous instances and life choice discussions over the past few weeks, all signs seemed to be pointing west to Cali. Matt and I are both SO EXCITED to start this next chapter of our lives. We have had the absolute best 3+ years here in Phoenix, and we will miss everyone more than we can even begin to say.
But the timing just feels right. So we're doing it. We are jumping in head first.
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If you have any recommendations in San Diego County (beaches, parks, hiking trails, restaurants, bomb ass coffee shops, etc), please reach out to me!
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PS: Okay, be honest. How many of you expected me to say our big news was that we eloped secretly and/or were pregnant? I would bet at least 94% of you initially thought that ;)
PPS: As we continue on with our job/apartment/new life in general searches, please forgive me if LunaVida posts are a little more sporadic than usual. I apologize in advance, but I will be back ASAP -- and I promise that the photos are about to get a LOT more beautifully beach-y!
