"Crunchy Chic," huh?

Hello reader! Welcome to my blog, and my very first post. Let's start with an important intro: what I mean when I say, "crunchy chic." I suppose one could define it in any number of ways, but this is my blog so I make the rules. To me, "crunchy chic" is a way of being that is low-impact to animals, the environment and our fellow man, that doesn't compromise--and often enhances--style and quality. If you want to get technical, "crunchy" is defined as "socially liberal," "environmentally conscious," and "health conscious." All of these phrases are familiar enough, but let's face it, they're vague. I know that secretly you've probably wondered, "How do I do that exactly"? And even if you have some idea, the next question might be, "To what degree would I have to commit to living in this way before giving up all that I love: my food, cosmetics, fashion, and more?" Well if you are one of the many, you have come to the right place. I am here to teach you to live a crunchy life in the chicest way possible. To be respectful, caring, open-minded, and truly healthy while maintaining your fashionable life. I hold that living mindfully is always chic. Maybe for others of you, you need more convincing. Well, if you haven't paid attention, every big haircare line these days is coming out with a sulfate-free shampoo, cosmetic companies with organic and cruelty-free lines, cleaning companies with "greener" products, farmers with meat and dairy that is hormone- and antibiotic-free and foods that are labeled "non-GMO." Restaurants are buying from farmers markets again and those haunts devoted to sourcing locally are profiled all over the Food Network and Cooking Channel. Even websites where small, independent artists can sell their wares are all the rage. It seems now more than ever phrases like "buy local," "eat local," "cruelty-free," and "know where your food comes from," rule the rhetoric of the young and fashionable. Crunchy is becoming très chic. And all I have to say is: it's about time! So look at me as your guide and this blog, your map. I will show you where to shop, and how to buy beauty, cleaning and other products; choose delicious organic and/or locally-sourced restaurants; partake in fulfilling, low-impact activities; select--or easily grow--truly fresh foods; adopt healthy cooking practices; and take advantage of easily-accessible alternative therapies. Weekly, everything I profile will be of a quality that not only benefits you and your family (and those precious babies!), but honors our planet and saves animals from exploitation. So I hope you will take this journey with me as I show you that you don't have to give up your standards of style, beauty, food, and entertainment to live a crunchy life. I will share what I know and what I learn, and I hope you do the same! To a blissful, mindful, and joyful life!