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A Candid Conversation with The SABI on Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, and Empowering Women

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Step into the soul of The SABI – where wellness seamlessly intertwines with the profound narratives of motherhood and entrepreneurship. In this exclusive interview, we unravel the authentic stories that birthed this empowering brand, exploring the real, unfiltered moments that breathed life into its journey. Join us for a candid chat that transcends skincare, delving deep into the heart of holistic women’s wellbeing and the essence of self-care throughout motherhood.

What’s the story behind your wellness brand and how did motherhood influence its creation? 

Co-Founder Anna

The SABI was created out of our own personal struggles with hormonal health. For me it was being thrown into the depths of postpartum depression, and for my business partner Hilary, struggling with complicated periods, conception and miscarriage. We have created the business we needed to support us during these times – an informed space to understand our symptoms and the all-natural products we needed to overcome them. 

Being a mum in business is a unique journey. Can you share some highs and lows, and how being a parent influences your approach to entrepreneurship?

I have so many to share! The hardest part of my day is leaving my boys in the morning. I always find that tough. But the highs are incredible. And my favourite moments are when clients reach out to share their personal stories about how The SABI has helped them – be it clearing up hormonal acne or supporting them during the intense hormonal dips that take place during the first year postpartum.

As for how being a mother has affected my approach to entrepreneurship – I think I am much more effective, take most decisions faster, implement faster, and embrace the chaos. Perfection doesn’t exist – even less so as a working mother of two boys. Good enough is absolutely perfect especially in business where fast and effective implementation is key. 

And finally – being away from my kids is a huge sacrifice. I therefore make sure I enjoy every moment of my working day, even the tough times and the challenges.

You’re all about holistic, all natural skincare and herbal remedies for hormonal balancing. Any particular products designed with mums in mind? How does your brand contribute to the self-care and wellness of mothers in a practical sense?

The launch collection was built for mothers. Our infusions are very powerful with the postpartum and breastfeeding herbatas targeting the early months (up to a year and throughout breastfeeding) and the sleep infusion focused on getting the best out of the limited sleep you get as a mother. 

Our skincare places essential nutrients back into the body through our largest endocrine organ – the skin. They are all-natural (beyond clean) and full of prebiotics, omega fatty acids and adaptogens reducing oxidative stress, endocrine disruption and improving skin health. As mothers we often have hardly a moment for ourselves. The SABI is about creating that moment in the day that is just for you, even if it is only for a few minutes.

Are there any specific values you emphasise as a brand for mothers emotional wellbeing too?

Mental health is at our core. We are driving open and honest conversations to reduce the loneliness and shame that often surround mental health challenges related to a hormonal imbalance. As founders, we’ve been through a lot and we found true wellness comes from within. It is about sharing and loving the lines, scars and cracks. 

During a crisis, one of the first things to fall away tends to be our self-care. At The SABI we place this at the forefront. That by looking after ourselves each day, we slowly rebuild – from the inside out.

With International Women’s Day taking place this week (8th March), how does your brand contribute to supporting and empowering women, especially mothers? Any special initiatives or values you’d like to highlight?

The SABI empowers women throughout the female hormonal journey. We focus on a woman’s wellbeing, enabling her to identify what her body needs during a particular moment, providing her with the information to either avert or overcome the challenges, and support her with the products to balance her body and mind. 

We are a brand created by women for women, and despite our significant business experience, we’ve seen first hand how difficult it is to get support and to be taken seriously as a brand that focuses on women, and on mothers. It’s been tough, but we are proud to say that we are now backed by some serious industry leaders who understand the value and huge importance of the mission and what we are seeking to achieve.

Can you share some insights into the ethical practices your brand follows and how they align with the values of conscious motherhood? How do these principles shape your brand’s identity?

As co-founders we are obsessive about our supply chain. I am a hobby coffee farmer and my business partner Hilary is a chef, meaning we have been fanatical about ingredient sourcing and placing sustainability at the centre of our packaging decisions. 80% of all our products are sourced from inside of Europe. Those that aren’t are our herbs that are sourced from a phenomenal social enterprise in India. All of our packaging is ‘environmentally forward’ in that almost everything is biodegradable, the materials are plastic free (with the exception of the skincare lids).

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of your wellness brand, especially in terms of supporting and uplifting mothers? Any exciting plans or ways you aim to make a positive impact on mums and mums in business?

Where to start!? Firstly we are launching two new products next week focused on period support (and can we just take a moment to reference how different periods are postpartum!) and digestion/the gut microbiome. This is the first step in a wider build out to support women and mothers throughout the whole female hormonal journey. Then we have the community build out, focused on workshops and honest conversations around hormonal health and specifically for mothers. This will take place in Q4 this year…

The SABI’s deep-rooted commitment to women’s wellness highlights the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, including in the realm of entrepreneurship. We reckon holistic approaches to wellness don’t come better tailored to womenkind and motherhood then The SABI. With a clear mission to help women navigate the toughest moments of their hormonal journey from pre-conception to motherhood, menopause and everyday hormonal challenges by supporting daily rituals of self-care with beautiful, all natural products. 

Discover The SABI range at Veo and come back soon for their newest arrivals. Oh and Mother’s everywhere, we applaud you. You’re doing amazing!

Behind The Brand: Laumė Linen brings a touch of mindful luxury to the whole family

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Laume Linen Childrens Fashion

Welcome to sustainable home life with Laumė Linen! 🌿 Nestled in the charming landscapes of Lithuania, the brand is a celebration of timeless craftsmanship and conscious choices. From the cozy embrace of home to fashionable threads, Laumė Linen offer a curated collection of handmade linen pieces. Skilled seamstresses weave tradition into every stitch, using 100% European linen, sourced sustainably from nature.

We took the time to find out more about Laumė and how the brand came to be, with founder Miglė.

Can you tell us the story behind your brand’s creation? What sparked the inspiration?

Founder of Laume Linen
Founder Miglė

My work with designers and linen for over 10 years has brought me to this point- starting my own linen line. Linen has a huge place in the Lithuanian heritage and thus it had always meant a lot to me. Having spent most of my adult life abroad, and after having my first child, I decided to get back to my roots and linen simply came around naturally.

How does your brand mission connect with current cultural movements and societal needs?

Laumė’s most cherished values are sustainability, social commitment, zero waste. We produce on demand, respect the planet and those living in it (cruelty-free and vegan-friendly). Every piece is all natural fibre based and biodegradable. We encourage slow living and handcraft. The main message we send out to our beloved customers is buy less, but by better.

Since the launch, have your brand’s mission and values taken any interesting turns or evolved?

As we’ve only launched in 2023 we are happy to be fulfilling our mission and values and we are planning to expand our zero-waste line.

Every brand has its pivotal moments. Any defining milestones that stand out in your journey so far?

Christmas was a wonderful period as we had an amazing success and feedback with our Christmas linen stockings which are from our zero waste line.

We’d love to hear about testimonials, features, or recognition that really highlight your brand’s impact. Anything you’re particularly proud of?

PERKŪNAS | Mens Linen Pyjama Set
Mens Linen Pyjama Set

We are truly honoured to have happy returning customers, here are some of their feedbacks:

‘My fiancé loves these pyjamas! He wanted pyjamas that were very soft but, also wouldn’t get too hot or sweaty in. So these linen pyjamas were the perfect choice. They are Incredibly soft and such a beautiful color’ -Kareli


‘I love these [oven] mittens… Super good quality and nicely made. I am very happy with my purchase and will soon order another one. Thank you so much!’ – Kathinka


‘The quality is beautiful! Very soft! You will love them! Customer service was outstanding! Thank you so much Migle for all your help! Natural linen fitted sheet and beige stripes duvet.’ – Juliann

Being on Veo, we’re aware of your commitment to ethics and being vegan-friendly. Can you shed more light on the sustainable practices and initiatives you prioritise?

We do not have stock, everything is made to order; our products are cruelty-free and vegan, all natural fibre based and biodegradable. We also upcycle our linen scraps to make smaller products, and our packaging is recyclable and sustainable too!

Sustainability is a journey with its share of challenges. Any hurdles you faced while going green, and how did you tackle them?

It was a little difficult when it comes to packaging but we did our research and made sure we could provide the best possible option we can at this point. We do, however, wish to be 100% biodegradable in the near future.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to further step up your sustainability game and shape the future of your brand?

We wish to grow our zero-waste line and to become 100% biodegradable (including packaging). We are hoping to be able to introduce a second hand/a little damaged or used product line, and also to run a sample sale in the future.

Mindful luxury with Laumė

Join the journey as Laumė redefines elegance, offering not just beautiful, but consciously crafted goods that resonate with ethical values. It’s warm invitation to embrace sustainable living for the entire family. Welcome to the world of mindful luxury!

Got a new found love for Laumė Linen? Discover their full premium linen collection here, all made to order, all ethical, all beautiful, all linen.

Laume Linen

Try this recipe for flipping good vegan and gluten-free pancakes

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Vegan and gluten free pancakes

Forget the disappointment of typical vegan or gluten-free pancake options – Creative Nature’s pancake mix redefines the standard. Its unbeatable taste and texture rival traditional pancake mixes, delivering lusciously light and fluffy American-style pancakes that serve as a blank canvas for your kitchen creativity.

At Creative Nature, they believe products that claim to be healthy, should also be tasty. Why have a healthy diet if you’re just not going to enjoy yourself! It’s the same for ‘free from’ products, just because it doesn’t have gluten, dairy, nuts or sweeteners in, doesn’t mean it has to be free from flavour.​​

The best bit is, you don’t have to wait until a special occasion to have these pancakes. Creative Nature has created a guilt-free, low-calorie, and easily customisable breakfast opportunity for all. Gym enthusiasts love adding some protein powder to the mix; health-gurus make sure to top their low calorie pancakes with fruits and goodness; and chocoholics go full out with the Gnawbles and cacao-fun!

Check out the easy 5 step recipe below and let your pancake fun commence…

Ingredients

💜 Dairy Free Pancake Mix | 266g

💜 Your favourite plant-based milk | 200ml

💜 Apple cider vinegar | 2tbsp

Method

  1. Pop your frying pan over a medium heat and add a splash of oil.
  2. In a bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add in the pancake mix and stir until the batter is mixed, but still slightly lumpy to keep the air and make your pancakes fluffy!
  3. Using a ladle, pour some batter onto the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, until bubbles start popping on the surface, then carefully flip using a spatula.
  4. Cook the other side for about 30 seconds, until golden brown, then pop on your plate and repeat the steps.
  5. Cover in toppings of your choice. We like a dollop Nutcessity chocolate spread and sprinkling of Gnawables, but find more toppings inspo below…

Toppings

But wait, there’s more!

This mix isn’t limited to pancakes; try your hand at waffles, crepes, or even pancake cereal. Embrace endless fun, incredible taste, and the assurance that you won’t miss out on a dreamy breakfast experience with Creative Nature. Enjoy some pancake inspiration from Creative Nature and their Star Bakers…

Shop Creative Nature’s full range of Baking Mixes, Snack Bar, Treats and more…

A Manchester Guide to Plant-Based Eateries

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Manchester, once the engine of the industrial revolution, is also the beating heart of Veo HQ. We may have less chimneys around the city than we once did, but our city’s hunger for innovation is still firmly rooted in our identity. Today, Manchester is driving a different kind of revolution…

From the bohemian charm of the Northern Quarter to the historical richness of Castlefield and beyond into Greater Manchester, our city’s streets are sprinkled with thrilling and quirky eateries that champion vegan-friendly cuisine!

Vegan-friendly options for eating in and out have never been more plentiful. As the annual Veganuary challenge draws to a close, we felt it was the perfect time to shed a spotlight on some of Manchester’s best vegan gems, and keep the plant power going.

Is there a difference between plant-based and vegan?

Plant-based and vegan are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different meanings. Plant-based refers to a diet or lifestyle that primarily relies on plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, for nourishment. It can also be used to describe products or items that are made without animal-derived ingredients.

Vegan, on the other hand, refers to a lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. So, someone who follows a vegan lifestyle would also eat a plant-based diet, but someone who eats a plant-based diet may not necessarily be vegan.

Manchester is officially a vegan hot-spot

Did you know that 22% of people in the city claim to be vegetarian or vegan whilst 41% of meat eaters are wanting to reduce their consumption? It’s growing popularity is also evident in those who come to Manchester to study as it’s estimated that 7 out of 10 students in Manchester want to eat more plant-based food. Our growing appetite for all things plant-based has seen our city clinch the second spot in the quest for the UK’s vegan crown (Brighton snagged the top position, but we’re not bitter).

So, from the seasoned meat-free Mancunions to the quietly curious plant-based beginners, here’s a selection of some of the city’s vegan-friendly hot spots.

1. Bundobust

Image: bundobust

61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AG

The Original Indian Street Food & Craft Beer Hall that serves Gujarati street food 7 days a week. Everything on their menu is vegetarian or vegan and most people don’t even notice!

The Veo team also took to this wonderful eatery for our 2023 Christmas meal, where we bought the whole menu (yes you can do that) for a festive plant-based feast!

2. Wholesome Junkies

Image: wholesomejunkies

Unit 4 Mirabel St, Manchester M3 1PJ

Renowned for award-winning vegan burgers, as featured on on Netflix and BBC2’s Million Pound Menu, Wholesome Junkie’s mouth-watering plant-based menu currently features seasonal specials like Truffle Gyoza’s, Miso Corn Ribs and Korean Cauli Poppers.

3. The Vurger Co

Image: thevurgerco

Unit 2 Transmission House, 11 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1AE

Offering a range of ‘meat-like’ patties from ‘chicken’ to ‘beef’ and a veggie option, this spot caters to everyone. With an allergen-friendly menu, they’re all about inclusivity. Inspired by the struggle to find quality vegan food, the mission here is accessibility through delicious innovation, aiming to positively impact the food system for generations to come. Starting as a humble market stall in 2016, they’ve evolved into three vibrant restaurants in Shoreditch, Brighton, and Manchester. From small beginnings to big flavours!

4. Purezza

Image: purezza

75-77 High St, Manchester M4 1FS

“But what about pizza?”, we hear you ask! Well, you need to check out award-winning Neapolitan vegan pizza restaurant Purezza. That’s right, 100% plant-based pizza with a huge array of toppings to choose from.

5. Greens

Image: greenssale

54-55 Stanley Square, Sale M33 7XZ

With the motto ‘Terrifying Carnivores Since 1990’, now an acclaimed TV chef, Simon Rimmer continues to pioneer the very best in fresh, inventive vegetarian dishes for Greens, which are loved by veggies and non-veggies alike, thanks to their central ethos: “It’s not your lifestyle, but your taste-buds we care about”. Despite recently having to close doors to their Didsbury location amid soaring rent prices, their Sale restaurant remains a hub for sensational plant-based dining.

6. HOME Cinema

Image:@jessicavernonn

2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN

A cinema may not seem like a conventional place for discovering plant-based food but HOME’s first-floor restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience with a menu packed with vegetarian and vegan options- including Korean Vegan Fried Chicken and Chargrilled Hispi Cabbage. After your meal, enjoy a movie of the best offerings in contemporary and classic cinema.

7. The Allotment Vegan Eatery

Image: allotmentvegan

1-3 Cathedral Gates, Manchester M3 1SW

In their culinary endeavours, they craft vegan food that defies expectations – a fresh, engaging, and locally sourced symphony of flavours. Leveraging the best offerings from each season’s harvest and prioritising local, sustainable growers, The Allotment introduces a completely novel plant-based experience to the table.

8. Vegan Shack

Image: veganshackuk

One Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester M1 1RG

In their own word “Welcome to The Future of Fast Food! Delicious vegan burgers, loaded fries, vegan fried chicken all in the heart of Manchester“. Vegan Shack’s journey began in Dimeji & Saffron’s 1-bedroom apartment in Salford Quays, where they embarked on a mission to bring delicious plant-based fast food beyond the confines of Manchester City Centre. With a modest start using ingredients from Tesco, Dimeji crafted a simple 3-item menu. A taste test among friends in the apartment building revealed they were onto something. Launched on Instagram on March 30, 2019, Vegan Shack received its first order around 9 pm. Delivering in a Vauxhall Corsa with food wrapped in a Tesco for Life bag, the customer, undeterred by basic packaging, became a repeat customer, ordering for the next four evenings.

9. Peter Street Kitchen

Image: peterstreetkitchen

Free Trade Hall, Peter St, Manchester M2 5GP

Peter Street Kitchen is one of the best restaurant experiences in Manchester, serving contemporary Japanese and Mexican cuisine and signature cocktails, with a specially dedicated vegan menu available.

10. Ice Shack

Image: iceshackm20

1c, 160-164 Wellington Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3FU

To end on a sweet note, Ice Shack is the North’s first all-vegan desserts parlour in Withington. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this one is for you!

Go on! Give plant-based a go

Live in Manchester? Why not also check out these accounts for updates on the latest plant-based, vegan hotspots and hidden gems:

@eatmcrvegan

@veganreviewsmcr

@vegan.manchester

If you’d like to bring more plant-based living into your life at home, whether that’s through diet, your beauty routines or general lifestyle, you can discover 350+ vegan-friendly independent brands that will help you do just that right here at Veo. When it all boils down, we don’t need a few people doing veganism perfectly, we need millions of people incorporating plant-based imperfectly. So, will you be giving plant-based a go?

5 reasons for you to try veganuary this month

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Moooove over 2023! 2024 is here and Veganuary is officially baaaaack!

Veganuary is a non-profit organisation that encourages people to try vegan for January and beyond. 706,965 people around the world signed up to be part of Veganuary 2023. The annual campaign has once again seen great success, with the Veganuary Participant Survey recording that 72% of participants saying that they would reduce their consumption of animal products by at least half!

The v-revolution is advancing but not new

Aside from V-Rev being the name of an iconic (and now sadly closed) vegan restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the v-revolution has been making moooves (yes we’re squeezing another animal pun in), for a long time.

The roots of Veganism stem’s back centuries. A vegetarian ideology is believed to have been practiced among religious groups in Egypt around 3,200BCE, with abstinence from flesh and the wearing of animal derived clothing based upon karmic beliefs in reincarnation. Vegetarianism itself is first mentioned by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras of Samos around 500 BC, who was an advocate for benevolence among all species.

According to Dictionary.com, the term ‘vegan’ wasn’t coined until 1944 by Donald Watson, founder of the Vegan Society, as a statement against vegetarians who ate dairy products. Fast forward to today and according to the latest research, the worldwide market for vegan food is projected to exceed $31.4 billion in value by 2026.

The impact of veganism in modern day life isn’t just understandable via economics. In the UK, we can tangibly see its impact around us. From vegan sections in supermarkets, McDonald’s McPlant, Veggie Pret, plant-based milks in coffee shops and more. Plant-based living is cementing itself into the mainstream.

Vegan-friendly living goes beyond just what we eat

But being vegan isn’t only about diet. It also encompasses the clothes that we buy, the furnishings in our home, our beauty products, makeup and more. Whereas once it might have been difficult to find vegan-friendly alternatives across all areas of our lives, the marvel of innovation means that we can we can now access all the things we need to live fully, without having to rely on the exploitation of animals.

In a bid to discover this for themselves, once again people world over had pledged to give Veganuary a try this January. Although their individual motives may vary, their reasons probably fall under one of a few key categories and for good reason too.

Let’s take a look at these and do a little quiz as we go along to get you thinking!

1. Vegan for the animals

Q: How many land and sea animals are killed annually to support UK food supply?

a) 64 million

b) 640 million

c) 6.4 billion

For many, preventing the exploitation of animals is the key factor in their decision to go vegan. Having emotional attachments with animals may form part of that reason, while many believe that all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom. Avoiding animal products is one of the most direct ways to take a stand against animal cruelty.

Want to understand just how quickly we kill for consumption? Check out this website, Animal kill clock to understand what this looks like in real time.

Answer: 6.4 billion land and sea animals are killed annually to support UK food supply

2. Vegan for the environment

Q: What percentage of cleared lands in the Amazon rainforest are used as cattle pastures?

a) 50%

b) 70%

c) 100%

The production of meat and other animal products takes a heavy toll on the environment – from crops and water required to feed the animals, to transport and other processes involved. The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction.

Going vegan can make a more positive impact than giving up your car, and even halve your greenhouse gas emissions. After just one month of a plant-based, vegan lifestyle an individual will help avoid:

  • the death of 33 animals
  • the use of 33,000 gallons of water for animal food production
  • the destruction of 900 square feet of forest
  • the creation of an extra 600 pounds of CO2 gas, and
  • the feeding of 1,200 pounds of grain to animals that could have fed starving communities worldwide.

Answer: Nearly 70% of cleared lands in the Amazon rainforest are used as cattle pastures

3. Vegan for your health

Q: Eating a plant-based diet at any age may lower cardiovascular risk

a) True

b) False

Going vegan is a great opportunity to improve your diet, with health-promoting options like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables packed with important fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Health is the second biggest reason people go vegan, for those wanting to cut out cholesterol, lower their blood pressure, and reduce the risk of disease. According to Harvard scientists: “Eating a vegan diet can cut your risk of developing diabetes by almost a quarter.” Another major study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal demonstrated how vegans often live longer than meat-eaters, by up to 9 years!

Head to our Food & Drink section to have a browse of the delicious and healthy foods, snacks, nutrition, and drinks available. You’ll find all the protein, vitamins, and everything in between on our Earth friendly marketplace.

Answer: True

4. Vegan for other people

Q: Livestock uses 80% of global agricultural land. How much of the world’s calorie supply does it produce?

a) 20%

b) 45%

c) 80%

The Earth has a limited area of viable agricultural land; how this land is used is central to our ability to feed the world. Opting for a vegan lifestyle is the simplest way to take a stand against inefficient food systems which affect, disproportionately, the poorest people all over the world.

With that said, there’s a need for nuance within this conversation. In an article for Atmos, Elie Gordon quotes Demi Colleen, “Veganism can only be about the liberation of animals when it also stops the oppression of people”, before going on to say “Millions endeavor to lead a more ethically sound existence by cutting out animal products, whilst remaining in the dark about the colossal human rights breaches occurring in plant agriculture across the globe, the cultural sensitivities surrounding meat consumption, and the capitalist systems which led to unethical farming practices…”.

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be opting for vegan. What it does means is that there is a fundamental need for intersectionality. “If we’re actively speaking out on the environmental and ethical impacts of eating meat, we should also be condemning the poor treatment of human lives in those systems, too”, says Gordon.

Answer: Only 20% world’s calorie supply is produced through livestock

5. Vegan as a personal challenge

Q: How many people that tried Veganuary in 2022, recommend the challenge to a friend?

a) 28%

b) 68%

c) 98%

629,351 people from all over the world signed up to Veganuary 2022, with (unsurprisingly) animal welfare, personal health and environmental benefits by far the most popular motivations. If trying a more plant-based lifestyle is something you’ve considered, Veganuary is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and pursuit that curiosity.

Today, vegan options and brands have never been more plentiful. More of us are choosing vegan and incorporating vegan options into our lifestyles.

Answer: 98% of people recommend the Veganuary challenge to a friend

If you’re still unsure about vegan, why not try flexi?

A flexitarian is a person whose diet is mostly vegetarian but sometimes includes meat, fish, or poultry. For some, the prospect of committing to an absolute vegan diet is overwhelming, and can put people off even considering reducing the amount of animal produce that they consume in the first place. If you fancy understanding how much of a positive impact eating less meat and dairy can have just one day a week, check out the Meat Free Monday calculator (we think you’ll be surprised).

Committing to Veganuary doesn’t mean you have to commit to a completely vegan, plant-based lifestyle your whole life. Although you could if you wanted to. It’s simply an opportunity to open your mind up to new possibilities and discover for yourself why vegan; plant-based lifestyles are amongst the fastest growing social movements.

Vegan is in our DNA

We are not here to preach, shame or guilt. Instead, we aim to inform, motivate and encourage new ways of thinking, whilst providing tangible solutions and better options when it comes to buying the things you need and love.

We are not only official supporters of Veganuary, we are also a 100% vegan as standard which means you can shop knowing everything our site meets our 3 pillars: Kind, Healthy & Sustainable! At Veo, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive towards creating a better future for all living beings. The benefits of going vegan are numerous, and participating in Veganuary can help individuals experience those benefits firsthand.

At Veo, you can explore the best that Veganuary has to offer with all the plant-based essentials you’ll need to go vegan this January and beyond.

Want to learn more about plant-based living, check out how we’re championing plant-based living at Veo: solutions and how we champion them here at Veo? Check out some of our previous blog articles below:

Discover our full Veganuary edit, shop the campaign and read more on the topic to get you started:

Wear your heart on your sleeve and your values on your wrist, with the ultimate solar watch

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“Alexa, play Solar Power by Lorde on Spotify”. Great! Now we’ve got the perfect accompanying summer song, let’s jump right in!

When it comes to solar power, there are probably a few things that spring to mind, the sun (obviously), solar panels, solar farms, the song Solar Power by pop singer Lorde? How about watches? But before we get ahead of ourselves, time for a mini science lesson.

What on Earth is solar power?

According to the US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world’s energy consumption for a full year! That’s worth capturing, so, solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.

Solar power is one of several forms of renewable energy sources, in which greenhouse gas emissions are entirely omitted, once set-up and in operation.

Solar power is also biologically fundamental for life on Earth. Whilst we seek to harness the sun’s energy to power our gadgets, homes, transport, cities; our future, it’s worth remembering that all life on Earth is solar powered. Plants need sunlight to grow. Animals, including humans, need plants for food and the oxygen they produce. Without the sun, Earth would freeze, there’d be no winds, ocean currents, or clouds to transport water.

When we really appreciate how intertwined solar power is with every aspect of known life and our modern livelihoods, it seems only fitting that we continue to harness and mirror the sun’s life-giving energy into more aspects of modernity.

Why on Earth do we need solar power?

Despite the high-level academia often surrounding the scientific and technological conversations of renewable energy, the reason as to why we need it is actually very simple. Since the industrial revolution, we’ve relied primarily on burning fossil fuels (like oil and gas), to produce our energy.

However, it should be a shock to no one, that burning fossil fuels is having a devastating impact on our planet, with the release of toxic greenhouse gases, resulting in the quickly deteriorating climate crisis. Clean and renewable energy alternatives, such as solar power, are not just desirable, they are essential if we are to have hopes of reversing the effects of climate change and allowing humanity to keep progressing forward with creating, innovating, exploring and discovering. After all, it is these attributes that make humanity so unique, our innate pursuit of survival, curiosity and progress. Speaking of innovation and progress…

The power of the sun on your wrist: The Story of Solios

A few years ago, university friends Samuel Leroux and Alexandre Desabrais embarked on a journey to find a business idea that would have a positive impact on the world we live in. Watch lovers at heart, they spent a lot of time analysing the sector. This analysis, combined with their curiosity, their passion and their burning desire to have a meaningful impact on the world, made them realise that it was time to challenge the status quo of an industry anchored in overconsumption…

1. It all started in Montreal

Sam and Alex, two Montreal-born university friends, decide one night to watch Before the Flood, a documentary on climate change. This is a life changer: entrepreneurs at heart, they realised that they need to create a business that would have a positive impact on our world and challenge our current life habits and industries.

2. Hello Greece

The light bulb moment came somewhere between Paros and los. The founder noticed how minimalistic fashion was increasing in popularity. Being watch fanatics since their young age, a product idea emerges under the bright Greek sun: a statement accessory that would combine minimalism, sustainability and solar technology.

3. Researching Materials

In the heart of trendy Brooklyn, Alex and Sam discover a unique material that wasn’t really used in fashion; silicone-based leather. This fabric was revolutionary as unlike many plastic-based vegan leathers, that were commonly utilised in fashion at the time, this material was a far more eco-friendly alternative.

4. The Solar Technology

Because they wanted the best for their watches, the founders flew all the way to Japan, where the first quarts timepiece was created. Surrounded by experts in the field, they discover how solar technology works and how it could be applied to a watch. They leave the country elated: after all, they now had the necessary pieces to start creating and manufacturing Solios watches.

5. Meeting New Experts

A few months later, after realising how complex their idea was, Alex and Sam go to their first trade show, where they meet partners from all around the world. Their new networks gets them excited: these experts could help them build solutions to turn their idea into a reality.

6. Kickstarting

Two years after watching the documentary that changed their lives, they launched a Kickstarter campaign in Montreal in front of 550 guests. Their concept was massively supported by their peers: in one night only, they get three times the campaigns targeted amount- without any marketing investment.

The founders surmise their journey and mission fondly: “We decided to rethink the traditional watch and to infuse a touch of innovation and disruption by going back to the source – the Sun. Immutable over time, it’s always been a powerful source of energy, and will make the world of tomorrow shine even brighter.”

A fellow B Corp

Those of you who have been familiar with Veo for a while will likely know that we are B Corp Certified. A credential we wear proudly. Well, as it happens, Solios is a fellow B Corp organisation. Solios was created from a burning desire to make the world a better place and proudly gets to boast that they were the first watch company to get the certification.

A wearable marriage of solar, sustainability & beauty

Solios say the rule is simple: wear the watch, then forget about it. Go on about your life and enjoy every moment without thinking about charging your watch or having to replace a battery. Wear your Solios proud and loud, and it will do the rest for you.

To make things even easier, the solar technology works with any light. So whether you are out and about under the sun getting your tan on or inside your office building all day preparing for a big presentation under neon lights, you are good to go.

No matter your personal style, they have timeless and statement designs to suit all tastes and preferences. You can find a few of Solios best sellers below.

Classic styles

For truly timeless time pieces, these vegan leather, white face watches are a go-to. For any outfit, any occasion, these solar pieces will compliment your look.

Statement styles

For the bolder amongst us, opt for luxurious and indulgent colours, from British racing green, to electric azure blue, contrasted against a dark-toned face for a guaranteed fashion statement.

Mesh straps

If more bling is your thing, these mesh strap Solios are sure to do the trick. The thick mesh metal strap and clip attachment allows the bracelet to perfectly fit any type of wrist.

Bundles

Can’t decide on a single strap? Then don’t! Solios straps are interchangeable and they offer bundles of beautifully complimenting watches and straps.

Good to know

With solar power watches, you can officially let go of the times when you would have to bring your watch to a jeweller to get a battery changed or for an annual maintenance check up. No more time-wasting and no ore planned-obsolescence. Your planet – and your wallet – are thanking you. Solar power is proving itself to be a game changer not just in energy, but technology and now fashion too. For that optimistic news, a celebratory outro tune is in order, “Alexa, play Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles on Spotify…”

Click to shop the full range of Solios solar watches, straps and bundles.

Vegan Letterbox Gifts

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In a world where connections are cherished and surprise is celebrated, the art of gifting has found a new canvas—the letterbox. The appeal of vegan letterbox gifts goes beyond the joy of unwrapping. It’s a thoughtful nod to values, sustainability, and of course, exquisite tastes. We’re sharing our top picks from our curated selection of vegan delights designed to fit snugly through the letterbox. From a sophisticated men’s letterbox gift selection to the pure indulgence of a natural soap letterbox gift set, the gourmet pleasure of a vegan popcorn selection, and the eco-friendly charm of zero-waste essentials, these are more than gifts. They’re moments of delight waiting to unfold! Check out these our faves below:

‘You Deserve It’ | Vegan Gourmet Popcorn | Letterbox Gift | Trio of Flavours | 240g

Vegan letterbox gifts - 3 bags of gourmet vegan popcorn in a letterbox sized gift box

Price | £16

Ships from | United Kingdom

Popcorn by post? Yes, please! Struggling to find a vegan-friendly gift for a loved one? Popcorn Shed‘s vegan letterbox gift is the perfect surprise that can be popped straight through the door! Filled to the brim with three delicious gourmet popcorn flavours, this beautiful letterbox gift is ready to burst through their letterbox and land on their doorstep. Sending a thoughtful gift to a friend, loved family member or fellow foodie has never been easier. Simply personalise your vegan letterbox gift with a thoughtful message enter their address, and they’ll have their yummy popcorn in no time! 


Letterbox Gift Set | 12 Natural Mini Soaps | Various Scents

Vegan Letterbox Gift | 12 natural mini soaps in a letterbox sized gift box with various scents

Price | £40

Ships from | United Kingdom

A beautiful, plastic-free gift, Soap Daze offers a stunning selection of 12 x 50g vegan, handcrafted soaps! These soaps are so versatile, perfect for personal use, cloakrooms or small en-suites, for guests who visit, or for camping/travelling and more! Choose from 18 fresh and vibrant scents to create the perfect mix and variety of artisan soaps, made with love in small batches in a small workshop in Devon.


Eco-Friendly Beauty Letterbox Gift

Vegan Letterbox Gifts | plastic-free toiletries in a letterbox sized gift box

Price | £18.95

Ships from | United Kingdom

Based in beautiful Snowdonia, North Wales, Battle Green offers a range of eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items to help you cut down on single-use plastic. Their eco-friendly letterbox gift features a range of zero-waste self-care essentials including a biodegradable soap saver bag (made from sisal plant fiber), a natural soap slice, vegan lip balm in a paper tube, and mini natural deodorant tin! Each item comes in a variety of scents for a personalised selection they’ll truly love! All Battle Green toiletries are handmade, PETA-certified vegan, and cruelty-free, honouring your loved one’s values. Their letterbox gifts are also sent in plastic-free, recyclable (and often recycled) packaging for a truly planet-friendly gifting experience.


The Mens Letterbox Gift

Vegan letterbox gifts - a selection of vegan men's essentials inside a letterbox sized gift box

Price | £20

Ships from | United Kingdom

Send a thoughtful letterbox gift through the post with Little Box of Love. Their gift boxes are filled with handmade and unique items, perfect for a gentleman who appreciates quality and the importance of protecting the planet. Each box is curated with care and personalised touches to make it feel extra special. With delivery right to their doorstep, it’s never been easier to surprise and delight someone with a truly unique gift.

THIS BOX INCLUDES 100g dark chocolate bar, organic cotton face cloth, mud mask clay, handmade soap bar, bamboo toothbrush, tea, OR coffee. Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.


As you navigate the art of gifting, remember that the best presents go beyond the box—they create moments, tell stories, and, in this case, celebrate the vegan spirit one letterbox at a time.

Discover our full range of sustainable, vegan and eco-friendly gifts here on Veo!

Festive Vegan Almond Gingerbread Cookies with Nutcessity

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Vegan Almond Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe & Image credit: Viktorija Peciulyte for Nutcessity

Nutcessity makes natural, peanut-free nut butter, made in the UK and packed in plastic-free packaging. Since 2016, they’ve been producing peanut-free, gluten-free, vegan & organic almond butter, walnut butter, and cashew butter, with no refined sugars and no palm oil, to satisfy you by the spoonful! 

Just in time for the festive season, we’re bringing you the ultimate taste of nostalgia and sharing this delicious recipe from Nutcessity featuring their bestselling Gingerbread Almond spread. Check it out below:


Ingredients

– 1 jar of Nutcessity gingerbread almond butter
– 190g coconut or pure cane sugar (can use less if prefer a less sweet cookie)
– 6 tablespoons almond milk, room temp.
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 240g flour, light spelt, unbleached all-purpose, or 1-1 gluten-free blend
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of mineral salt

Makes 20 – 24 cookies


Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan-assisted).
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Make the dough: In a large bowl, add the almond butter and sugar and mix until creamy. Stir in the almond milk and vanilla. Next, add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix to combine. The dough will be tough to stir, using your hands to mix it together will be easier.
  4. Roll and flatten: Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop or a teaspoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls, about 7cm in diameter. Place the balls of dough about 25cm apart on a baking sheet. Using the back of a fork, flatten in a crisscross pattern. Optionally, sprinkle with sugar or coarse salt. The dough will be sticky, to make it easier to flatten, dip the fork in sugar to reduce the sticking of the dough.
  5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 10 – 13 minutes (13 minutes will yield a crispier cookie). Let cool a few minutes, transfer cookies to a wire rack, and repeat with the remaining dough.

Store: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for 5 days. They do well loosely covered on the counter for 2 – 3 days as well. To keep longer, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze: let cookies cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.


For more delicious vegan nut butters, shop Nutcessity on Veo!

Sustainable Coffee Gifts for Coffee Lovers

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sustainable coffee gifts for coffee lovers

For the eco-conscious coffee connoisseurs, choosing the perfect sustainable coffee gift becomes an art form. It’s about more than just a hot cup of joe; it’s a celebration of shared moments and shared values. In this blog, we’re rounding up the most thoughtful coffee-centric presents, each a recommendation to make your loved ones’ mornings more delightful. Discover the convenience of a coffee pod machine or classic coffee grinder for those who savor freshly ground beans or countdown to Christmas with a coffee pod advent calendar for a daily dose of excitement! Delight them with the earthy charm of organic gourmet mushroom coffee or the elegance of sustainable Arabica coffee. These sustainable coffee gifts reflect the essence of sustainable living and the love for a good brew.

Opal One Machine & Eco Coffee Pod Gift Bundle

sustainable coffee gifts - Opal One Machine & Eco Coffee Pod Gift Bundle

Price | £145

Ships from | United Kingdom

The OPAL One is the first coffee pod machine specifically designed to brew specialty coffee pods like those in the Blue Goose Eco Pod Range and brews better coffee than any other Nespresso-compatible capsule machine on the market. It uses a unique silicon brew chamber, eliminating unwanted dilution, and features both higher pressure and higher temperature brewing — delivering a fuller-bodied, stronger coffee than ever before. It’s quite simply, the perfect way to experience the specialty eco coffee pods!


Ethically-Sourced & Organic Coffee Pod Advent Calendar | Nespresso-Compatible Pods

sustainable coffee gifts - Ethically-Sourced & Organic Coffee Pod Advent Calendar | Nespresso-Compatible Pods

Price | £50 £60

Ships from | United Kingdom

Blue Goose Coffee’s world-first plastic-free Compostable Coffee Pod Advent Calendar for Nespresso® machines is taking festive coffee gifting into a new eco dimension this Christmas. Their multi-award-winning eco-friendly coffee advent calendar features 24 compostable Nespresso® coffee pods full of ethically sourced, organic certified, and specialty-grade coffees from 7 origins. Each coffee has its own compelling environmental and people story.


Wilfa Svart Coffee Grinder

sustainable coffee gifts - Wilfa Svart Coffee Grinder

Price | £99

Ships from | United Kingdom

Sleek and approachable, this coffee filter is compatible with a variety of brew methods: namely, the filter, french press, Aeropress, and percolator, and produces a highly consistent grind. With an easy-to-use interface, this quality Wilfa coffee grinder is a portable and modern companion to any coffee connoisseur’s daily coffee routine.


Sustainable 100% Arabica Coffee | Colombia Mustafa

sustainable coffee gifts - Sustainable 100% Arabica Coffee

Price | £11

Notes | strawberry jam, vanilla, chocolate

Ships from | United Kingdom

The Mustafá Estate is run by Ana Mustafá and has been in her family for multiple generations. Ana’s approach to farming comes from a lifetime of experience, paired with an open-minded use of the latest practices in coffee, meaning that she produces coffee that is unique and delicious.


Organic Gourmet Bundle | Multiple Flavours | 3 x 22- 28 Servings

sustainable coffee gifts - Organic Gourmet Bundle


Price | £71.50 £79.50

Blends | Go Tireless, Go Sharp, Go Glow

Ships from | Croatia

This bundle from Mushroom Cups features specialty-grade, gourmet, Arabica coffee, from an organic farm on the Peruvian highland. High altitudes with low oxygen levels, prolong the maturing period of these coffee beans, gifting them exceptional quality and delicate taste. Each blend contains a combination of organic superfood mushrooms including Lion’s Mane for memory and learning, Chaga for immunity and well-being, and Cordyceps for endurance and stamina.


Bistro Pot Cafetière | Stainless Steel

sustainable coffee gifts - Bistro Pot Cafetière | Stainless Steel

Price | £110

Ships from | United Kingdom

Luxury stainless steel Bistro Pot Cafetiere, designed to impress and perfectly steep your favourite coffee blend. Exclusive and original French press design with a Turkish-inspired side handle, whether it’s having a moment to yourself over a mug of hot coffee, or sharing a cup or two with friends, the Bistro just belongs. The handle, the balance, and the sheer pleasure of using this beautiful object have made it a firm favourite for the last 20 years.


Kalita Glass Coffee Server | 500ml

sustainable coffee gifts - Kalita Glass Coffee Server | 500ml

Price | £28

Ships from | United Kingdom

Cleanly styled, elegant glass server. Pours beautifully, looks good, easy to clean. Team with the Kalita Wave stainless steel dripper.


Stoneware Clay Cow Parsley Mug | Off-White

sustainable coffee gifts - Stoneware Clay Cow Parsley Mug | Off-White

Price | £32

Ships from | United Kingdom

A delightful cow parsley hedgerow mug proudly handcrafted in Great Britain. This white mug is a generous size and the perfect companion for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or indulgent hot chocolate moments. Its enchanting hedgerow design captures the essence of the countryside, bringing a touch of wildflower beauty to your everyday routine. As each piece is handmade, yours may differ slightly from the ones shown in the images. Sold individually. 


When the steam rises from a freshly brewed cup of coffee and the aroma fills the room, it’s a moment of pure pleasure. But when that coffee is accompanied by the gift of sustainability, it becomes something even more meaningful. Our recommendations for sustainable coffee gifts offer more than just warmth; they bring the joy of mindful living. Discover our full range of Vegan Food Gifts on Veo!

Luxury Vegan Hot Chocolate with Firetree

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Recipe Courtesy of Firetree Chocolate

Choose from Firetree’s luxurious selection of Volcanic Hot Chocolate blends for the ultimate mug of rich, smooth, and delicious hot chocolate. All from the comfort of your own home!


Serves: 1

INGREDIENTS

160ml plant-based milk

2 tablespoons (35g) vegan volcanic hot chocolate pieces

Vegan whipped cream (optional)

Marshmallows, extra chocolate nibs, or cacao powder, for sprinkling (optional)


METHOD

  1. Warm the milk to your ideal temperature.
  2. Stir in your volcanic hot chocolate pieces of choice until fully melted – either by hand or using a hot chocolate machine. 
  3. Serve your volcanic drinking chocolate moment, adding a dollop of vegan whipped cream and extra toppings if you wish. 

For more delicious vegan chocolate shop Firetree and more on Veo!