Shadow or Chance? (Ruling Out Sassy)

Meet Rainer.
He knows what's up.
Why does he have to be at home in California when I am in Canada?
You can see the longing in his eyes.
He wants to come visit me, Homeward Bound style.
I can picture him getting trapped in a mud hole, and then hobbling over the hill to me at the end, with a man's voice-over whispering "Peter!" as he leaps into my arms.
(If you haven't seen and cried at Sassy, Shadow, and Chance and their amazing adventure in Homeward Bound, then you should probably do so now. Or just die.)

Let There Be...

Light!

I took this on Gabriola Island, just north of Vancouver Island, where I presently live.

I honestly did not enhance the sunlight in this shot, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And I love how the steam is rising out of the log...

A most literal manifestation of the mantra, here.

Of course, we don't usually see the rays of light as they sift down upon us. But what we don't usually take the time to realize is that the light is always there. Every time you step outside, every time you look up at the sky, down at your shoes, watch the stars, or cry at those Sarah McLachlan Humane Society commercials.....light, like this, is illuminating everything around you.

Whether or not we see it.

Body Shop Addict

Me: Hi everyone. My name's Ilana and I am a Body Shop-aholic.
Group in unison: Hi Ilana

Okay, so maybe there isn't a 12-step program for this type of affliction, or even a 4-step.
But I am addicted nonetheless.

Now, this is a much healthier, classier, tasteful addiction than one to...say, black-tar heroin and peach Schnapps? And, of course, there is no rehab--only an ever-increasing collection of product on my dorm-room shelf.

Let's review the reasons we should all revere The Body Shop:
a. they do not test on animals
b. they support community, fair-trade materials sourced from all over the world
c. they encourage the notion that beauty comes from within
d. they select sustainable materials
e. they are careful to adhere to all international Human Rights Standards

f. they raise awareness and contribute to research regarding climate change
g. they strive to be energy efficient

Okay, all my hippie fluff aside, the part of me that expects the highest standards from anything I put on my skin is overjoyed with the quality of their products. I honestly do care about the aforementioned issues. But I will not lie--if their products were not completely fab I would not endorse them!

Here are some of my newest faves:


Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream
Balances combination skin, reduces shine, smells fresh!


Hemp Hand Protector
Contains crushed hemp seeds for amazing moisture. Particularly useful in winter to avoid chapped, dry skin. Never a good look.


Lip Gloss Dot (in Candy Pink and Soft Plum)
What I love about these little babies is that they are non-sticky, smell/taste fruity, and can be layered to look as soft/bright as you wish.
Note: Candy Pink is actually quite natural looking, perfect for fairer skin.

See, Reflect, Glow

Jewish. Vegan. Stylish. Activist. Feminine. Hippie. Chic.
Lovely to meet you!
I'm sure no one believes that one individual can represent all these titles. How many times have you seen a clean, yet earthy, young woman wearing a Magen David (star of David) pendant as she retrieves her soy latte from Starbucks in her Banana Republic boots?
Probably less often than you've read a tabloid that DIDN'T display Britney's Britney on the cover.
Of course, I don't mean to portray myself as some faultless, eclectic creation. I am also stubborn, impatient, often too loud, high-strung, and overly idealistic.
I'm simply trying to introduce the subjects about which I am passionate. In this blog, I hope to spread and share my enthusiasm for all the great loves of my life, be they:
*the art of owning your femininity in today's society
*the benefits veganism has on your body, your conscience, your planet
*world issues and the most effective ways of letting your voice be heard
*beauty finds you'll go nuts over
*clothes, and the joys of creating the perfect ensemble
*practicing peace and love, sans the dreadlocks and Berkinstocks (ew)
*spirituality and connection to Judaism
Above all, my vision is to see, reflect and radiate the light and beauty that exists in all aspects of life. When we are connected and open to the joy that lies in all we see and do, our bodies, minds, and lives reflect that glow.
And what girl doesn't want to glow?
Shalom,
Ilana