Refreshing, easy, and colorful is the theme of my curated collection of vegan summer sweets. Cool down, grab something sweet, and enjoy your time soaking up the last of those summer days. I know, I'm sad that it will be over soon, too. Warning: You may just want to eat any number of these recipes immediately - so get ready to head to the grocery store! 

1. Summer Celebration Fruit Tart: How pretty is this tart! It's incredibly simple to make, and what makes this tart so summery are the fresh seasonal fruits and delightful toppings like fresh herbs and bee pollen. This picturesque tart is almost too pretty to eat, and it's vegan and gluten-free. What could be any better on a summer's day? (via My New Roots)

2. Stecco Gelato: This "stick ice cream" as it is translated to contains two of my all-time favorite fruits: blackberries and raspberries. The color of these popsicles are so rich and I am guessing that they taste just the same. These are a perfect treat on a hot, sunny day, or for those mid-afternoon moments when you get a sweet tooth. (via Smile, Beauty and More)

3. No Bake Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake: I love how vegan recipes look so beautiful and use the freshest ingredients. Isn't that the best part about eating - eating with your eyes? And I just loooove blueberries. They're so easy to add to anything, they taste amazing, and they are packed with antioxidants among other super-fruit powers! Everything about this recipe takes the guilt out of dessert. The crust is made from almonds and dates and the filling contains coconut oil, coconut milk, and cashew nuts. I can just imagine how creamy this is! (via Call Me Cupcake)

4. Coconut Lavender Lemonade: That color - I have never seen a prettier lemonade in my life! It's hard to describe the taste of lavender, but it's really light and refreshing, so don't be scared to try it. Since floral notes are not for everyone, you can get creative with this idea of infusing lemonade with various flavors. Coconut water is very hydrating and will give you that boost of energy on those hot days. (via Confectionalism)

5. Cantaloupe in Coconut Rose Cream: The color of this delightful creation screams SUMMER! Doesn't it make you feel refreshed just looking at it? Cantaloupe was made for summer, agree? This is completely dairy-free, too. What's the white stuff, you ask? Coconut cream. Coconuts are so versatile for vegan recipes as you've seen so far. And there's something hidden that makes this recipe so interesting. It's the rose water and cardamom powder that just do it for me. I'm dying to try it! (via Kiran Tarun)

Now that I've officially prepared a feast for your eyes, which recipe are you convinced will make you turn vegan? Haha, kidding. You don't need to become a vegan to eat vegan or feel pressured that you must say an oath. I love that there are so many recipes accessible today that show you that you don't have to sacrifice taste for eating healthy. If anything, you gain so much more flavors because vegan recipes often contain diverse ingredients that you may have never tried together. It's an adventure for your senses, so why not escape for a little bit and try something new. <3

Which of these recipes do you hope to try? Share with me in the comments!

It's Monday, and I am excited that it is a brand new week! Today, I want to motivate you to make your dreams happen. Small, consistent steps in the direction of your dreams will get your results, so no matter how small those steps may seem, do it! I want to share something with you guys - it took me years to finally start this blog. And when I finally got started, I actually had the site setup a year prior to finally publishing my first post. Something was holding me back from actually making my dream happen. What was it? Looking back, I'm not sure exactly what could've been so big that could deter me from doing it. I had this problem with things needing to be perfect, so maybe that's the reason? Taking that first step is always the hardest part because the unknown can be scary. Sometimes inaction breads insecurity, too. So, the best thing to do is to just do something. It doesn't matter if it doesn't make sense to you at first because eventually it will!

You know that saying, "Dreams don't work unless you do."? It's true. To all my dreamers out there, I know how it feels to have a ton of ideas and feel almost paralyzed. Questions flood my mind: Where do I start? What will happen if...? And the list goes on. Sometimes our minds can deter us by rationalizing and over-thinking things. The best way to figure things out is to try. Even if it ends up that you don't enjoy it - at least you know, and you can move on to the next thing. This has been strategy in life. I have a ton of interests that pull me in all sorts of directions, and I can't focus on one. Everything that I've ever pursued was based on the desire to do it. I wasn't sure if it was what I wanted - I only knew that I had an interest there. It turned out, after pursuing many of my interests, that they where just that. I didn't want to do it for the rest of my life and it wasn't my passion. I'm finally starting to figure out what it is that I love to do. I'm finally getting to pursue what is in my heart.

Now back to that problem that I had with "perfection". That's one big road block to making your dreams happen. If you wait for the perfect time, the perfect conditions, the clouds to part - nothing will ever happen and all you will be doing is wasting time. This was my struggle, and as soon as I got past wanting everything to be perfect, something changed in me and I was free! Perfectionism can be hindering you from pursing your dreams, so even if things are not perfect, that's okay! No one ever started at a place of perfection, so you don't need to either. Starting from where you're at with what you have is all it takes to get your dreams in motion.

Once you've taken conscious steps and are on the path towards your dreams, you will start to see things come together and new opportunities come your way that you never had imagined. A decision can be your defining moment. So, make a decision, and then do it - consistently and persistently. Your dream is waiting for you!

5 Takeaways:

1. Make a decision: Commit to your dream.

2. Start small: Start where you are, with what you have.

3. Ditch perfection: You don't need to have it all figured out.

4. Be consistent: Take action every day, even if they are small steps.

5. Be persistent: Don't give up!

I hope this inspires you to make your dreams happen, starting today. <3

Will you be making a decision today? Share your dreams with me in the comments!

Kale's one of those leafy vegetables that, at first, seem a little intimidating. Its tough appearance and deep green color give you the idea that it may taste bitter and need a ton of cooking to soften it; however, that isn't the case. Kale has a mild taste and can be eaten raw, which is actually the best way to eat it!

I love using kale in soups and stews or even baking them to make kale chips for a healthy snack. They are very high in Vitamins A, K, and C and numerous other beneficial nutrients that are amazing for your immune system and provide antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Learn more about kale HERE. 

Here's a simple recipe that you can whip up in no time and get your healthy on. It's a great salad to make in advance because it tastes even better when it sits and the kale soaks up all of that yummy dressing. It's slightly sweet and tart and has great texture. I hope you can try it out!

Kale & Honey Apple Pecan Slaw/Salad

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published April 1, 2015

Servings: 3-4

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 3 branches of kale
• 1 granny smith apple, cut into 1/2 cubes
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup light mayonaise
• 3 tsp raw honey
• 1/4 cup pecans
• a pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Tear kale leaves into small pieces and discard rib part. Place in a medium sized bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cubed apples and lemon juice and let sit for a few minutes.
3. Combine mayonaise and honey in a separate bowl. Add to kale and toss well to coat. Add apples and pecans. Mix well.
4. Add a pinch of salt to taste and combine.
5. Enjoy!

Notes

• Add dried cranberries or any other types of nuts and seeds that you like.

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Wasn't that so simple! I love recipes like this because they don't require any cooking time and there's less mess in the kitchen. 

This kale slaw would be a great side to go with a sandwich or wrap - or if you want to make it a meal on it's own, it's pretty filling for that too!

Hope you enjoyed this recipe! What other recipes would you like for me to share?

xo stina

Once upon a time, I was a skincare hoarder

Let's admit it, we women are obsessed with our skin; its appearance, tone and texture, the size of our pores - and let's be honest - we would go to the ends of the earth to find that one miracle product if it would solve our life's mission: perfect skin. It's a symbol of our youth and health, and we take it very seriously. I, for one, have always been a skincare fanatic and have always loved trying new products, so naturally, I was the first to get sucked into the pretty packaging and colorful words. 

Flash forward many products and disappointments later, and finally, something had to give. I was trying all these products, yet getting the same results; I still had poor skin, and I sure wasn't happy that I had spent a lot of money in the process. I struggled with acne, which made matters worse. 

After many years of looking for that "miracle" product, I began a different approach: learn about skin and what it truly needs to be healthy. What I gathered over the years changed my mindset about everything I knew about skin up to that point. 

1. Balance

Everyone's skin is different, but one thing is certain: to achieve optimal skin health, it must maintain a balance of natural oils to keep it hydrated and supple. We are taught from the get-go that oil is bad, but this is wrong. Oil is our skin's way of keeping it hydrated, supple, and protected. 

Introducing the best facial cleanser, it effortlessly removes makeup and impurities while leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Traditional skin cleansers tend to upset the natural balance that our skin works so hard to maintain and strips the natural oils away, thus creating a recipe for disaster.

Our skin either overcompensates for that loss by overproducing sebum (the oil our skin produces) or our skin gets insanely dry and we have to load on moisturizers. Moisturizers normally have alcohol in them, which can also be very drying on the skin.

A healthy balance of natural oils is your best friend, so find a mild cleanser that is gentle on the skin. Sometimes skipping a cleanser and opting for your trusty H2O works even better to maintain your skin's balance. It truly depends on what skin type you have and what works for you. 

2. Hydrate  

Hydration is not only good for your skin, it is good for your entire body. This is how toxins are flushed out of your system. And by this, I mean filtered water.

Drinking sugary beverages is terrible for your skin, and they may add to the fact that you are dehydrated. They often contain sodium, which actually makes you thirstier, so no matter how much you drink, your body will not get the hydration it needs. 

To know if you are getting enough water throughout the day, listen to your body. Usually, by the time you are thirsty, you will have already lost one to two percent of your body's total water supply. Simply drinking water can make you look years younger!

See how this woman took ten years off her age by drinking three litres of water a day for thirty days!

3. Natural is best

Did you know that mass-marketed skincare products are loaded with tons of harmful ingredients? Just take a look at the ingredients list and see just how many chemicals they contain. I know it's easy to overlook this, but it is important to know exactly what you are putting on your skin. What goes on you has an impact on your health just as much as what goes in you.

Look for products that do not contain known carcinogens such as phthalates, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, and other non-plant-derived ingredients. Natural oils such as unrefined organic coconut oil are great for your skin because it does not clog your pores and has healing properties. Others such as jojoba oil, mimic the natural oils that your skin produces, so it does not leave you feeling oily.

Choose organic products whenever you can - to avoid ingredients that contain traces of harmful pesticides. And my favorite: make something yourself out of natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen! 

Check out the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep app and learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products. 

4. Exfoliate

Like any canvas, you must start with a clean surface. When dirt and dead skin accumulate and mix with sebum, a breeding ground for bacteria is created, which causes acne. This is why it is so important to exfoliate regularly.

Depending on your skin type, you can decide how often it is necessary. Oftentimes, simply exfoliating your skin can make a dramatic impact on its appearance and texture. You can easily make effective masks and exfoliators out of ingredients in your kitchen.

Here's one of my favorite exfoliating masks:

Green Tea Sugar Scrub

• 2 Tbsp Organic green tea

• 2 Tbsp Organic sugar

• 1 Tbsp Raw honey

Directions: First brew yourself a cup of green tea. Take 2 Tbsp of the green tea and add it to a small bowl. Cool it down to room temperature and then mix in the sugar and honey until well incorporated. Evenly cover your face with the mask and let sit for 10-15 minutes or until it dries. Enjoy your cup of green tea while you wait. ^ _ ^ Rinse and pat dry, then follow with your moisturizer.

5. Moisturize 

Moisturizing your skin after you have cleansed will ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and prepared for the day or night ahead. I recommend that you listen to your skin as far as how often you moisturize and what type of moisturizer to use.

Everyone will have different needs and moisturizers are not cut out the same for everyone. What works for me is using a Vitamin E moisturizer, and I have also tried jojoba and unrefined organic coconut oil. Since it is currently winter, my skin has been incredibly dry, so I make sure to slather it on. Moisturized skin is happy skin! 

Sometimes having overly dry skin can also create breakouts because dead skin cells pile up more rapidly, so make sure to exfoliate well before you moisturize.

6. Protect 

Having a diet rich in healthy saturated fats (such as coconut oil) and omega-3s (such as fish oil), and consuming plenty of dark leafy greens, will provide natural protection from the inside out. Vitamin E protects against free radical damage that causes wrinkles, and it also helps to boost collagen production to help treat and repair skin. 

Chemical sunscreens may do more harm than good, instead, I try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when possible. I believe that the sun in moderation is good for you, as it provides natural Vitamin D. Should you choose to use sunscreen, learn some background information on the different types of sunscreens available. For those seeking natural methods of sun protection, here's a great resource. 

If you follow all of these steps, you are well on your way to healthier skin! Let me know what works for you in the comments below. 

My skincare products

• Cleanser: Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Cream

• Moisturizer: JASON Vitamin E Creme

• Makeup Removal: Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil and Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap or Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

• Breakouts or Spot Treatment: Tea Tree Oil

• Body: Pacifica Body Butter Tuscan Blood Orange

• Underarms: Natural Crystal Deodorant

• Lips: EOS Lip Balm

• Hands: Pacifica Body Butter Indian Coconut Nectar and Ruby Guava (travel size)

When shopping for skincare products, I try to look for those that contain ingredients that are as close to nature as possible. I look for those that do not contain parabens, phthalates, petroleum-based ingredients, or ingredients that are not plant-derived. Many mass-marketed products contain ingredients with potential health impacts such as carcinogenicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergenicity, and immunotoxicity.

Sometimes it is hard to completely avoid certain ingredients, so looking for safer alternatives makes a huge difference in lessening your exposure to toxins. It is also possible to completely remove toxic exposure by going completely natural and making your own skincare products at home and/or using products that do not contain any harmful ingredients. 

The products that I currently use all are within a moderate toxicity rating - meaning that some of my products’ ingredients have potential moderate negative long-term health effects, while some do not contain any ingredients that have a documented negative health impact.

My overall rating according to the Think Dirty app was a 3, which means that my bathroom is rated clean! Despite this, I would still like to continue to switch to completely natural products, so I will continue to look for safer and healthier alternatives. 

Download the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep app and search from thousands of personal care products to see how your products rate in terms of toxicity and also learn about their ingredients. Choose from safer alternatives.

It's all about finding what works best for you. I hope this post was informative and helpful! Let me know what your bathroom rating is using the Think Dirty app!

xo, stina