The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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Like many holidays in the United States, the Fourth of July focuses on food. One could argue that food is the main attraction, besides the fireworks of course. For the most part, the food is unhealthy. Attending a Fourth of July barbecue is like going to a place that is designed to make you feel sluggish and bloated. Healthy habits take a backseat when you are faced with the incredible spread of sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugar. 

If you take a small amount of time to plan and make mindful choices, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious Fourth of July celebration. Continue reading to learn about six tips to help you eat healthy at that festive holiday barbecue/cookout.

Opt For Lean Proteins

It’s not uncommon to see hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill at a Fourth of July celebration. These meats tend to be high in saturated fats, which do not support heart health. If you can, opt for leaner protein options, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, wild caught fish, or turkey. Marinate your leaner proteins with herbs, spices, and a touch of citrus before grilling to enhance the flavor without adding excess calories. 

Be Mindful Of Condiments

Why do people love ketchup so much? Well, it contains tons of sugar and added flavors that make it highly addictive. Condiments are notoriously rich in unhealthy fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, added sugars, and excess sodium. Try not to drown your food in ketchup and mayonnaise-based sauces. Instead, create lighter options with Greek yogurt or olive oil-based dressings. Homemade salsas and marinades are also great condiment alternatives. 

Plan Ahead And Try To Be Mindful

Before you attend the Fourth of July hoorah, or any holiday shindig for that matter take a moment to plan your eating strategy. The plan should also include what you will eat prior to arriving at the party. Begin your day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie or chia pudding. If possible, enjoy a big salad for lunch, but make sure it has a lot of filling ingredients, such as avocados. The last thing you want to do is eat light all day and show up to the party with a ravenous hunger. When you are mindful of your hunger levels, you can make better, healthier choices and prevent overeating. Take time to focus on flavors and enjoy textures of the food at the party. 

Load Up On Fruits And Vegetables

Worried about having a fruit or vegetable option if you are attending a party? Bring a fruit or vegetable dish, or both! Bringing a dish such as this ensures that you’ll have something healthy to enjoy. The goal should be to make fruits and vegetables the stars of your plate. In fact, two-thirds of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables. Consider serving a fruit platter, vegetable tray with hummus, or a nutritious and colorful salad with a homemade dressing.

Stay Hydrated

It is very easy to forget about hydration at a Fourth of July event. The music is playing, the vibes are great, the company is impeccable, and the food keeps you coming back for more. Add the summer heat to the equation and you have a recipe for dehydration, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Keep in mind that in addition to drinking water, you can eat water-rich fruits and vegetables to aid hydration efforts. Watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, apples, and other options are rich in water. Drink your water, but eat it, too! Should you decide to consume alcohol, do so in moderation and make sure that you drink water between each alcoholic beverage you enjoy. 

Portion Control

With a wide variety of food options available to you in a buffet-like setting, it can be difficult not to overindulge. Depending on who you talk to, overindulging is the name of the game! Let’s try to break free from that way of thinking this year, though. Fill your plate with a balanced mix of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, avoid going back for seconds and listen to your body’s hunger cues to prevent overeating.

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“Summer’s here and the time is right…” for enjoying these zesty homemade mandarin popsicles. Sunshine and citrus collide in this raw vegan recipe that is pure icy perfection. Crafted with refreshing mandarins and wonderfully flavorful Meyer lemon juice and zest, these popsicles are like a tropical vacation on a stick Not only are they bright, tangy, and incredibly irresistible, but they also exhibit a natural sweetness from the mandarins and agave nectar that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of Meyer lemon.

Sweetened gently with agave nectar, these popsicles strike a pleasant balance between sweet and tart. Don’t worry, you won’t feel heavy or overwhelmed while enjoying these citrus delights because they don’t feel heavy or cloying. Because raw agave nectar has a smooth, caramel undertone, it beautifully complements the citrus’ vibrancy, making each bite a delightful dance of flavors on the palate. Plus, making these popsicles at home means you’re in control, meaning that you aren’t adding any artificial dyes, sugars, or preservatives. It’s just pure, homemade goodness that will you down and lift your spirits.

So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hanging at the lake, chilling in the backyard, or just craving a sunny pick-me-up treat, these mandarin popsicles are exactly what you need. They’re as easy to make as they are to love! Think of them as frozen bites of citrus sunshine that will transform a boring day into a personal vacation. Grab your ingredients, get blending, and enjoy the icy, tangy magic of summer in every bite.

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You know what’s unfortunate? It’s the fact that papaya does not get a lot of love during the summer months. Papaya is a delicious, must-try fruit that is naturally sweet and creamy. When you blend the papaya with the homemade almond milk, chia seeds, and other ingredients, the result is a smooth chia pudding that is almost less chia and more pudding. That means that if you tend to steer clear of chia pudding because of the lumpy, tapioca-like texture, this recipe is for you.

Besides being incredibly tasty and tropical, papaya is a nutrient-dense fruit. Research indicates that papaya may improve everything from blood glucose levels in people with diabetes to blood pressure levels for people prone to heart disease. Many scientists attribute papaya’s benefits to papain, a proteolytic enzyme in papaya. It works to break down proteins into smaller fragments, which is why papain is used as a meat tenderizer. Some research shows that papain may reduce inflammation related to joint conditions, in addition to neuropathic pain from fibromyalgia.

When it comes to choosing your papaya, you do not want a green one, unless you plan on making green papaya salad. There are two main varieties of papaya: Hawaiian and Mexican. The former variety is much smaller, a little more expensive, and packs a sweeter flavor than the larger Mexican papayas, which tend to have a milder flavor. Whichever papaya you choose, make sure to scoop out the seeds first before blending the flesh with the chia pudding ingredients.

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If you understand flavors, you know that you cannot go wrong with the combination of lemon and basil. You typically see those two ingredients in a classic pesto recipe, but they work in salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and even this hummus. Because hummus is incredibly versatile, you can doctor it up to create a unique and memorable dip. You can enjoy hummus with pita chips, vegetable sticks, or as a spread on a sandwich. With so many flavor combinations, the hummus possibilities are endless!

Some of you might be wondering, “Why can’t I just buy hummus in the store? There are so many options that I enjoy.” Well, there is nothing better than making your own food. Secondly, hummus is a very easy dip to make and you know exactly what goes into it when you make it yourself. There are no added sugars, excess sodium, preservatives, or other ingredients that you cannot pronounce. Plus, you can whip up this batch of lemon basil hummus in about 10 minutes…and that includes prep time!

As with any hummus, you need chickpeas, which are naturally rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep you from unnecessary eating between meals. According to research, protein and fiber work together to slow digestion, a process that promotes feelings of fullness. Additionally, protein may increase levels of hormones in the body that reduce appetite. In fact, the filling effects of protein and fiber in chickpeas may help you reduce your total caloric intake.

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Cue the music because summer’s here and the time is right for juicing with some beets. Anyone? Sometimes, you run out of recipe ideas for homemade juices. What do you do in these situations? Perhaps you look up some recipes, searching for juices with ingredients you already have at home. When we need inspiration, we will try to make juices that focus on ingredients that are all the same color.

In the case of this recipe, we wanted to highlight red ingredients, many of which are in season. If you are familiar with our website, you know how much we emphasize using seasonal produce items. This recipe works because it contains simple ingredients that are nutrient-dense and perfectly balanced. It contains a nice blend of fruits and vegetables (well…fruits and vegetable), so the sweetness of the fruits balance the earthiness of the beet. This juice is hydrating, filling, and you can adjust the amount of beet you use if you are new to the world of beets.

Although you can use any mix of berries, we encourage you to use the red ones, such as strawberries, red currants, and raspberries. Just be mindful that currants can be quite sour, and so can the cherries if you pick them incorrectly. Any type of cherry works, but just remember to remove the pits and stems prior to juicing them. Can’t find cherries or they are too costly? Use a little more berries and watermelon!

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Do you want to uplift your mood and create a calm space without plaguing your home with chemical fragrances? You came to the right place! With each spritz of this body mist, you detect floral and citrus notes that refresh the senses. The aroma also helps bring about a little vibrance to your day. It’s truly invigorating, light, and perfect for almost any occasion. 

The combination of jasmine essential oil and orange blossom essential oil is very balanced. It isn’t one of those mists that overwhelms the senses. It’s a little zesty yet subdued in the best way. The refreshing scent lingers in the air without overpowering the environment. And the best part is that it is so easy to make. We are going to ensure that you have the right instructions and information necessary to make this mist, which captures the essence of late spring/early summer. 

Creating The Body Mist

Before you make the mist, you have to source your ingredients. When it comes to essential oils, try your best to choose high-quality options that are pure. Not only will these offer the most vibrant scents, but also the most aromatic health benefits. Although you can use regular water for the mist, we recommend that you use distilled water, as it helps maintain the spray’s purity. It also allows the natural oils to be more present and doesn’t interfere with any potential impurities. For the mist, you will need:

• Jasmine essential oil
• Orange blossom essential oil
• Witch hazel
• Distilled water

The Benefits Of Jasmine And Orange Blossom Essential Oils

Jasmine and orange blossom essential oils offer their own unique aromas and health benefits. Jasmine’s floral scent can help create a sense of tranquility, which is why aromatherapists use it to elevate mood and establish a calming space. Inhaling jasmine’s aroma may help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Orange blossom essential oil offers a zesty and cheerful fragrance, which complements jasmine’s scent in a harmonious way. Known to stimulate and refresh, orange blossom essential oil may help bring about feelings of positivity and joy. Together, jasmine and orange blossom create a balanced blend that can help promote emotional well-being. Use it throughout the day if necessary!

Before we provide the recipe, there is one thing to note about witch hazel. If you do not have it in your possession, you do not have to include it in the spray. Witch hazel helps the body mist last longer, though. It also acts as an astringent, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. 

Homemade Body Mist

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 10 drops jasmine essential oil
• 10 drops orange blossom essential oil

Instructions:

• Get an eight-ounce spray bottle (ideally glass) and pour about seven ounces of distilled water into the bottle. Add the witch hazel and stir to combine. 
• You want to make sure that you leave enough room in the bottle because a small air gap can allow for proper mixing. 
• Add the essential oils, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Store the body mist in a cool, dark place because that will help maintain the fragrance and integrity of the spray.

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If you want to pack a lot of fruits and vegetables into one meal, make a smoothie. If you want to fill up on an assortment of valuable nutrients, make a smoothie. In case the point isn’t clear, we love smoothies, especially one that is as nutrient-dense and delicious as this recipe. This smoothie is packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and numerous vitamins and minerals. It is smooth, rich, and creamy just like a milkshake!

Most smoothies use banana as the base with the intension of creating a creamy texture with natural sweetness. This smoothie includes a frozen banana, but it also incorporates avocado, which contributes to the creaminess. Ideally, freeze both the banana and avocado overnight. Make sure to peel and slice the banana and avocado prior to freezing. If you freeze both of these ingredients with the peels on, you will regret it. If you already have some frozen banana or frozen avocado on hand, feel free to include that in the smoothie. You may already have packaged frozen avocado or banana, which you can use as long as there are no added ingredients.

If you are all about the chocolate life, you may want to consider making your own raw vegan chocolate almond milk or cashew milk. The way to do this is very similar to a traditional nut milk recipe, only you whisk in raw cacao powder until smooth. Because raw cacao powder has a bitter taste, you may need to add some extra grade A maple syrup or raw agave nectar to your homemade chocolate milk. If that sounds like a few too many steps, feel free to just add raw cacao powder to the smoothie with the homemade almond milk. Don’t have the energy to make almond milk? Use water instead!

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What do you need to make one of the best seed milks you’ve ever tasted? Two ingredients, although we added a few extra just to enhance the flavor. Hemp milk is quick and easy to make, and the best part is that you don’t have to strain it like you would almond milk or cashew milk. It is smooth, creamy, and rich, making it a great choice for smoothies, baking, or even cooking. You could even take it to the next level and make a hemp cream, but we don’t have time for that recipe today.

If you have never had hemp milk, you are probably wondering what it tastes like. It has a similar nutty flavor to almond milk, but is creamier than both almond milk and soy milk. Hemp milk also exhibits subtle earthy notes, which is similar to the flavor of hemp seeds themselves. That’s why we decided to add raw agave nectar and alcohol-free vanilla extract to distract your taste buds from those earthy notes. Flavor notes aside, hemp milk is incredibly nutritious, exhibiting impressive amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Hemp seeds are very tender, which means that they break down easily during the blending process. No soaking required to soften them! Simply add the hemp hearts and other ingredients to the blender, blend, and serve! You don’t need a nut milk bag or cheesecloth because there is no pulp!

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Oregano, while a common seasoning in marinara sauce, is a staple seasoning in many different cuisines. You can commonly see it in Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican dishes, although Mexican oregano differs from the Mediterranean counterpart. While it enhances the flavor of various dishes from around the world, you might be surprised to learn that oregano oil exhibits impressive health benefits. 

What Is Oregano Oil?

Native to Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, oregano belongs to the mint family. Oregano oil, or oil of oregano, is extracted from different parts of the oregano plant. Once the plant parts have been air-dried, the oil is extracted via steam distillation. You can mix oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically, but should avoid consuming it orally. The reason that it is highly sought after is because oregano contains terpenes, phenols, and terpenoids, all of which are compounds that exhibit impressive antioxidant properties. The primary compounds are: 

• Thymol: is a natural anti-fungal compound that may support the immune system and protect against toxins.
• Carvacrol: is the most abundant phenol in oregano and may help stop the growth of different types of bacteria.
• Rosmarinic acid: is a powerful antioxidant that works to protect against free radical damage. 

Which Oregano Should You Use To Make Oregano Oil?

There are many varieties of oregano and each has a distinct flavor and characteristics. There is Greek oregano, Mexican oregano, Cuban oregano, and Italian oregano, among others. Greeks refer to oregano as the “ornament of the mountains,” and rightly so, especially considering oregano is the eighth most popular herb in the world. 

When you make oregano oil at home, the best choice is common oregano, which exhibits a robust flavor and high concentration of beneficial oils. Greek and Italian oregano varieties are acceptable as well, but avoid Mexican or Cuban oregano. The reason for this is because both of those varieties have different flavor profiles and may not offer the same health benefits. Ideally, use oregano that is organic or grown without pesticides. 

Do You Use Dried Or Fresh Oregano?

You can use fresh or dried oregano to make your oil. Just keep in mind that fresh leaves contain more moisture, which can increase the risk of bacteria or mold growth in the oil. If you use fresh oregano leaves, make sure that the leaves are wilted before to avoid excess moisture, as too much moisture can spoil the oil. 

The type of oregano you use is just as important as the carrier oil you choose. Ideally, use a high-quality carrier oil with a neutral flavor and stable shelf life, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using coconut oil, as it has a distinct flavor and solidifies at cooler temperatures. 

Homemade Oregano Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 handful fresh or dried oregano leaves
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

• If you use fresh oregano, make sure that the leaves are wilted before infusing in the oil to avoid mold growth. You can strip the leaves and air-dry them on paper towels overnight, or you can tie oregano sprigs together and hang in a cool, dry place for several days. 
• When you are ready, add the oregano to a mortar and pestle and crush it lightly to help release the oils. You can also chop oregano on a cutting board to achieve the same result. 
• Pour the oregano into a clean glass jar and then pour the oil into the same jar, making sure to completely submerge the oregano in oil. 
• Seal the jar tightly and place in a warm, sunny spot (like a windowsill) for two weeks to allow the oil to infuse. Make sure to shake the jar gently every day. 
• Once the infusion period is over, strain the oregano from the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the infused oil into a clean, dry glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place to help maintain the oil’s potency.

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