VEGANISM: 1 MONTH

Can you believe it?

I lasted an entire month omitting diary, meat, and egg products from my diet.

But I don't feel like it.

For me, veganism was one big experiment. In my head, I was going to do a trial run, see if I could last a week. After week one passed, week two quickly crept up upon me, and soon enough I was unknowingly eating vegan at every meal, completely comfortable with my meals. You could even use the word satiated to describe my feelings towards what I ate.

But there is a myth that vegans aren't telling you!

Yes, I cannot eat butter, cream, egg, meat, any of those high fat yummy foods- but you know what I can eat? Fried tofu, fried rice, french fries, vegan cinnamon rolls, vegan peanut butter cookies, bread... Need I continue?

Basically, once a foodie, always a foodie. I wasn't going to let veganism stop me from continuously packing on the pounds! 

But every night when I looked in the mirror, I saw my once disappearing stretch marks become increasingly visible again, my acne flaring up, and my overall mood sort of in a funk. I was back to square one.

I had heard about raw veganism before, but never had I ever thought I could handle such a restricted diet. But that was before I realized that raw veganism is not a restriction, it is a release from the clutches of the junk food that had a never ending grasp on my taste buds. 

After researching and reading up on raw veganism I stumbled across "Freelee the Banana Girl"'s YouTube channel. Now I know, Freelee is a bit of a nut, but ultimately, she gave me the push to attempt this sort of lifestyle change. She introduced me to the #RawTill4 movement. 

Raw veganism is defined as:

Raw veganism is a diet that combines the concepts of veganism and raw foodism. It excludes all food and products of animal origin, as well as food cooked at a temperature above 48 °C (118 °F).

So... What is #RawTill4? Raw till 4 basically is when you are a raw vegan until 4PM, and by then you have already had two meals, so you then are allowed cooked food after 4PM. Simple, right? 

Yes! It really is that simple. Being able to pack in as many fruits and vegetables I want at the beginning of the day not only satisfies my urge to eat, but keeps me full and content for a long time. Today was my first day as a #RawTill4, and so far I feel great. Updates on this diet change later on!

I've decided to start posting my daily meals, as well as outfit pictures when I get a chance. I kind of want my blog to go in the direction of doing what I want, and hoping you guys stick around to see where it goes. Enjoy!

NEW VIDEO! A MINIMAL SPRING LOOK BOOK

NEW VIDEO OUT NOW!

I've been on a YouTube grind lately, and I have so many videos coming out within the next week! 

I'm sorry for not dedicating as much time to blogging, however YouTube is just really speaking to me on a creative level right now and I can't help but spend my spare time making video content. I hope you all enjoy this one!

Top 5 Staple Pieces for a Summer in Northern California

Let's talk staple pieces...

If you live in the Northern hemisphere, you are fully aware that summer is rapidly approaching. Since I am a Northern California native, I thought I'd take you through some of the similar pieces I will be picking up for this season! Most of these pieces are from a high price point, but you can always head over to Forever 21 or H&M to find somewhat similar silhouettes. For now, enjoy!

1. The Boyfriend Jean

http://www.nastygal.com/product/nasty-gal-denim--piece-and-love?currency_code=US&country_code=US&gclid=CMC5uKCr4cUCFRSIfgodJRYAGg

I personally am a boyfriend jean fanatic. The breezy pants cuffed at the bottom are the perfect accessory to a day at the foggy coast. Something that caught my eye were these patchwork boyfriend jeans from Nastygal. I've always had this DIY in the back of my mind, but for some reason never got around to it.

2. Wide Brimmed Hats

http://www.lackofcolor.com.au/?product=montana-silver-haze

One company that does hats right is Lack of Color from Australia. The wide brimmed hats from Lack of Color are my dream pieces. I picked the grey hat specifically because I thought, how often do you see people rocking a grey wide brimmed hat (AKA, never). The grey is so versatile and totally fits the ~*aesthetic*~ of the Bay Area.

3. Easy-Breezy Dresses

http://newclassics.ca/collections/dresses/products/revisited-matters-crepe-silk-cardigan-dress

One of the issues with California is that it can get ridiculously hot (like the stereotypes). My favorite way to combat the heat along with keeping my skin shielded from the harsh sun rays is to wear a mid-length breezy dress (Do you see the loose fitted theme here?). These types of dresses can be great casual pieces when allowing a strappy bralette to peek out occasionally. My dream casual dress would probably have to be this one from New Classic Studios.

4. Cover-ups as Accessories

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=35355031&category=W_OUTERWEAR_BLAZERS

Coverups are such an important aspect of an outfit. You can take any pair of jeans and blouse combination and transform it into an outfit that will have everyone in awe. Complicated lapels and long trench-like silhouettes give the illusion that you spent a lot of time putting it together, when in reality all you did was add a coverup and walk out the door.

5. Let the Sand In Your Sand-als

http://www.solestruck.com/intentionally-blank-honcho-bone/index.html

While browsing on solestruck.com I stumbled upon this simplistic pair of sandals that had my mouth watering the second I laid eyes on them. Wooden heels are the perfect way to add spice to your outfit with no effort at all. The complex layering of each slab of wood on the heel conveys a thought of art work rather than fashion. To keep things focused on the main portion of your outfit, the foot of the shoe is a lovely beige-nude color. When putting together a casual outfit it is so important to make sure that each element has a pop of excitement- but not too much that will distract from everything else. These shoes would definitely be my go to this season.

Back On Track

WASIL Clothing Fedora

Rocksbox and Forever 21 Necklaces

Thrifted Top

Forever 21 Skirt

ASOS Thigh High Boots

It feels like forever since I listed out all of the outfit details on a blog post. I guess it'll take a while to get back into the swing of things. For now, here's an outfit.

I wore this to interview some ladies for the seamstress position for WASIL, and I thought I'd share with you all. I love this skirt, and it's been sitting in my closet for ages, but I always thought it wouldn't fit, and today I suddenly decided to try it on. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it all worked out! I played up the black on black theme with some intense thigh highs and a ribbed t shirt I scored at the thrift store. Something you all haven't seen before is my "Balance" hat by WASIL! I just started wearing this baby out and about. It has a great, huge amethyst stone dangling from the center of the hat along with some really cool wire wrapping to hold it in place. I really love this hat and I hope you all will too!

Also, quick shout out to Rocksbox for the super awesome necklace I just received in the mail. Dainty statement necklaces are my true weakness!

Stay well dressed and I will talk to you all tomorrow.

Veganism: Week 1

Welcome back to the world's most inconsistent blogger to walk the Earth.

Some big changes have occurred in my life, and if you don't follow me on instagram, you probably wouldn't know why.

On Thursday, May 7th, 2015, my first dog I have ever gotten passed away. 

Yodel was a few days shy of being 13, and words cannot even begin to explain the pain I have been dealing with. Yodel was diagnosed with kidney failure, and we were told we had approximately a year left with him. As the days passed on the sooner we realized that we may not have copious amounts of time with the fur ball. His health was depreciating and the look in his eyes just told us that day, "It's time." 

No one prepares you for what it's like to lose a pet, and I had no idea that such a small little boy could have such an Earth shattering impact on me. Though I still have my three pugs, missing a Mini Australian shepherds bark echoing throughout the house kind of leaves you distraught. Not going to lie, I've been sobbing in bed for the past five days or so, not putting on makeup, hell, not even showering. I've hit a road block in my life. 

The whole death thing really puts life into perspective for you, and I guess that has been what I've been coping with. But then I see such potential in myself. My brand, my videos, even my outfits. I know mourning for days on end will not accomplish much, and my healing time is somewhat over. I begin production for WASIL this Thursday, and I'm excited. Not only will my creations come to life, but also I will be forced to get up and get dressed everyday, which means I will begin documenting my outfits once again. I apologize for the lack of content here, but the loss of someone great in your life kind of torpedoes your motivation and ability to carry on. No hard feelings though, Yodel, I still love you very much.

As for veganism. Well who would of thought the pizza loving meat eater would ever last more than a day as a vegan. I guess I did! Sunday marked my 1 week-aversary with veganism and I feel... Great? I'm not really sure what to expect with the whole omitting meat and diary from my diet. I haven't lost weight, and I haven't seen really any improvements in my mental state. I of course did go vegan for the animals, but all of those documentaries talking about the never ending benefits of going vegan had me feeling like I was going to be doing something great for myself as well. Not everything is about yourself, though. 

Admittedly I do struggle. My mind is still in the mode where I think- oh well I need a glass of milk with this vegan cookie, or, oh wow that chicken looks good, let me get a bite of that. I have to make a conscious effort to not reach for cheddar popcorn or butter on toast. It's mind boggling how much you have to think about what you're eating. I've found myself in food ruts where I simply eat the same things over and over again, like fried rice and tofu. Sort of defeating the purpose of healthy eating. I think tomorrow I will begin some serious eating readjustments, along with an outfit pic. 

Wish me luck.

Veganism: Day 1

Vegan

noun: a person who omits any animal product from their consumption

It was a long emotional day. I had just gotten an update on my very first dog's health. 

Kidney failure.

My heart has never hurt so much in my entire life. I conclude most nights either sobbing or exhausted from crying throughout the day. No one told me when introducing Yodel into my life that the good bye would be this excruciatingly painful. 

I eagerly await the meal following my sister's dance competition. Today was a day of celebration and togetherness, not sadness and dark clouds looming overhead. I have struggled all of my life with using food as a resource of comfort, and today was no different. My Mom promised us she would take us to "Pieology", a build your own pizza restaurant, after the competition. After ordering copious amounts of meat for my pizza,  I noticed my sister picked up a raspberry salad and picked out all of the blue cheese.

"Do you not like blue cheese or something?" She typically is a rather picky eater, so I expected a snarky remark such as "No, blue cheese sucks."

I pick up my first piece of pizza and soak it in ranch, ready to indulge.

"I'm trying to become vegan." She blurts out right as I go in for the heart attack inducing first bite.

I do a double take and chuckle.

"Why? Don't you want pizza right now?"

She rolls her eyes while simultaneously cringing. 

"Yeah, obviously I want pizza, but the mistreatment of all of those cows and pigs and chickens makes me want to give it up for the good of those poor animals."

Thousands of guilty feelings rush through my head. Yeah, I know, the living conditions and mistreatment of those animals. But, I just can't resist. I look down at my greasy, cheesy, ranch soaked pizza slice and pause for a moment.

How can she be vegan? How could you pass up something so delicious and indulgent for an animal somewhere out in Indiana? 

On the car ride home I feel my muffin top exploding over my once well fitting shorts. I'm exhausted from the walk back to the car and I can feel my stomach churning the fat and grease around, trying to cope with the disgusting food I just attempted to fuel my body with.

As soon as I get home I have this overwhelming feeling of regret. 

Two things come up in my mind.

1. I feel like shit. Where those 15 minutes of bliss worth this weighed down, grease ball feeling?

2. How many f*cking animals did I just consume in one meal?

Surely I had no intentions of changing. Yes, I would love to have the pleasure of saying "Oh, I'm a vegan." And feel an overwhelming sense of self control. But could I really do it? What about the Asiago cheese? The orange chicken from Panda Express? The incredible sushi? 

I thought more and more about it. There has to been some sort of vegan gourmet cheese.. Right? And orange chicken, couldn't I just buy the sauce and put it on a bed of rice? And the sushi... Hello! Earth to Sabrina,! Have you heard of a veggie tempura roll?

The more I thought of about it and the options there were... It didn't seem so scary after all.

I'm not like most fast food junkies. I have a deep appreciation for a great kale salad, and snacking on cherry tomatoes while watching TV, so how hard would it be to cut out these meats and dairy products?

I took to the internet, one of the greatest places to source information. I have watched Food Inc in the past, but I wanted something more specific to veganism. I found this amazing documentary called "Vegucated" and made it halfway through before really hearing about the main reason I want to stop...

The animals.

When the movie finally transitioned from the light hearted skits to the dismal outcome of all factory produced animals, my heart sank. 

I won't go into details about the gruesome things that are done to the chicks and cows and pigs, but if you are feeling up to it, I would recommend educating yourself.

I guess it took one more reminder that, hey! Guess what! Animals are still being slaughtered for my person gain on a regular basis. 

So here I am. One day down and meat, egg, and dairy free. 

___________________

I hope you all enjoyed my little story of how I came to see myself as a potential candidate to be vegan. I intend to do a one week update, and a one month, and so on. I really want to stick with it so we will see where I end up. 

Until then, stay well dressed!

WASIL Announcement!

As you can clearly tell by this promotional banner... WASIL has a launch date! I decided on July 17th, so keep your eyes peeled for www.wasilclothing.com ! 

I've been meaning to say something for a while, but I feared that  it ultimately represented me as not consistent and that I give up easily, so here are my thoughts on my lack of posting on Sabrinapugs.

I honest to God feel terrible for not posting on my blog frequently anymore. I never realized how much work would go into the brand, and now that I am neck deep in projects for WASIL, I find it hard to even breathe. 

Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely in love with this project. Every second I spend working on WASIL brings me utter and complete joy. Unfortunately, it takes away from my social media platforms. I've been struggling with the balance between posting on my blog, YouTube channel, and instagram recently just because, do  I want to invest my time into making a social presence? Or do I make my presence in this world through my artwork (AKA clothing)? Of course I want to do both, but I'm finding it difficult. 

I believe in society today the way to make an impact on the upcoming generations is completely centered around the internet. The amount of influence social media has on us is terrifying, but it can also prove to be very useful. And to not be making my own contribution to the fashion industry online through blogging or instagram makes me slightly depressed. I thoroughly enjoy knowing that people take time to read my blog entries, and give a shit about my voice, but I've been so connected- yet disconnected at the same time that I'm kind of in social media purgatory. I see my views going down on a daily basis and I genuinely feel like a failure. I invested so much time into building up a name for myself, and I don't want that time to go to waste. But the thing is I'm not just sitting around all day watching TV and eating, I'm actually so much more productive this past month than I have been in years. So, yes the implication that I am MIA from Sabrinapugs because I am slacking off makes total sense, but I am exhausted all the time now because I am constantly working. Like I said before, I love my brand and I enjoy working on it, so I guess this lingering feeling of "failure" is false. 

The point of this rant/ feeling spill is to let you know that a day doesn't go by where I don't think about Sabrinapugs, and I intend to be on the blogging platform for as long as I can. I basically condensed 6 months of production for a clothing brand into 2 months, so things are obviously way more hectic now than ever, but  I can assure you I will be back once WASIL has been released. I will be stable and so will Sabrinapugs.

If you read this far into the post, then thank you for genuinely caring. I appreciate people like you more than words could describe. Until next time.