Sozy is a Small Business. How small? Only two people are full time including myself. Everyone else is part-time or project-based. Sozy team times are staggered to make sure someone is always available to help.
Sozy was born out of a desire for change. The goal was to create #FashionToBeProudOf. What does that mean? It means guilt-free shopping with each purchase making a difference in the lives of women in need and the world around you. Featuring styles handmade in the USA and a mission to give back.
Do you love Sozy’s mission and want to see us grow? Here’s how to help!
1. Share Sozy with your friends and family!
2. Consider Sozy when buying gifts for loved ones! If clothes are not your usual gift choice we have a wonderful Brand’s We Love collection featuring hundreds of hand-picked items from brands with one or more similar brand values to Sozy.
3. Share Sozy online! If you ever post a photo on social media wearing or using our products make sure to tag @livesozy so other future customers can see it too!
4. Write honest positive reviews for every item you LOVE from your order. Just like you use reviews to make a purchase, so do future customers!
5. Send us all feedback directly! We hope you NEVER have any issues, but if you do we’re here to help. I know venting publicly can be second nature, but unless your goal is to dissuade future customers from ever buying from Sozy, avoid the public vent, and email us instead. We WANT, NEED, & LOVE your feedback!
6. Choose store credit! If you're processing a return and know you will likely purchase something in the near future choose to return for an e-gift card.
7. Like and comment on our social media ads! The more likes and comments an ad gets, the more NEW people get exposed to it. I know, social media ads are weird in that sense, but if you could give us a like and a shout-out when you see a sponsored post, that would be AMAZING!
We are nothing without YOU. Your purchase makes a difference and your voice propels us forward or backwards. We want to make sure Sozy is the best it can be for you! So please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can ever do to improve. We’re one click away at info@livesozy.com
You don't have to buy a maternity dress! Sozy has the best dresses with plenty of baby bump room that look amazing during and after your bundle of joy comes! Check out our favorite baby bump friendly dresses below:
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Sometimes we focus so much on the style and overlook the most important thing, the fabric. What is the feel you want against your skin? What season are you buying for? Do you have sensitive skin or can you wear pretty much anything? Here’s a guide on what to look for when shopping for your next favorite piece of clothing!
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Hey beautiful, welcome to Sozy!
My name is Lanai and I'm the Founder of Sozy. I started and built this company from the ground up with a sheer passion for change. Sozy is my baby and I work 24/7 with the help of a small but amazing team to make sure it's the best it can be. Know that behind every interaction you have with Sozy a truly special person was and is a part of it. From every thread, garment, packaging, shipment, exchange/return, email, and review, there is a person behind each process. Our goal is for you to have the best experience possible with our small but mighty business. We all love what we do and what we stand for.
Patterned, cut, and sew by hand in Los Angeles. 10% of profits support survivors of sexual violence. 1 tree is planted with every order. 1/4 of plastic is removed from the ocean with every order. We're carbon neutral and b corp certified (we're vetted for going above and beyond to have only a positive impact).
Thank you for joining the Sozy family and helping us make a difference. We're so excited to have you!
]]>As the weather begins to warm up and California's central valley begins to bloom, the Fresno County Blossom Trail is the Spring view we all need. The Central Valley is the hub of agriculture production in California. Fresno County, home of the Big Fresno Fair, is full of sunkissed fruit and nut trees that begin their journey as beautiful blooms in Spring. Time your trip just right and you will find yourself cruising through the orchards among aromatic pink and white blossoms in full bloom.
Whether almond, peach, plum, nectarine, or apricot blossoms, this scenic drive is one that requires your car windows down. The smell will leave you anxious to return in summer for the Fresno County Fruit Trail and all of the produce stands along the way. With California producing over 1/3 of the country's fruit and nuts, this agricultural hub does not only bloom in spring. It also delivers unforgettable views and fills the air with aromatic citrus and floral scents.
Blossom season is short and dependent on the previous season's rainfall and temperatures. However, the blossoms usually pop in mid-February to mid-March. Follow local updates via Twitter @GoBlossomTrail and the Fresno County Office of Tourism for the most updated information.
You can usually count on 3 weeks of prime blossoms in the orchards. Sadly, by the end of March, most flowers have fallen to the ground due to wind and rain. If you miss the flowers in Spring, you can always return in summer to see the Fresno County Fruit Trail.
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Start your blossom adventure on the corner of S Clovis Ave and E Jensen Ave at Simonian Farms. This family farm is more than your average produce stand. With wine tasting, old-fashioned candy and soda, fresh fruit and honey, shopping, ice cream, and a peek into the local agricultural history, this farm stand is a perfect stop to fuel up with all the snacks you need for your trip through the blossom trails. This is also a great place to pick up a free map of your upcoming route!
The Fresno Blossom Trail is a 62-mile loop. You can do the loop in three hours or so, but plan to make the most of your stops and enjoy the day. With February bringing warmer temperatures into California, this makes for a perfect road trip on the way out to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The Fresno County Blossom Trail starts just off of Highway 99 in Fresno, CA. Exit Jensen from the North or Kingsburg from the South and head east to Simonian Farms.
If you are looking for breakfast, do not miss the Blossom Trail Café in Sanger. You can't go wrong with the Farmer's Eggs Bowl or Pastrami Breakfast Wrap. If you are traveling later in the day, continue on to the east side of the trail in Minkler for your lunchtime stop!
Turn off by the Kings River for a beautiful picnic, or stop at the infamous School House Restaurant & Tavern for an incredible meal made from scratch. You will not be disappointed if you order the short rib meatloaf. Take a moment to soak in the views of the blooming orchards in front of the Sierra Nevadas.
From here, head east towards the Orange Blossom Trail, or head south to the family-owned Cedar View Winery. This boutique winery delivers incredible views from the California foothills and gives you an up-close view of the blooming almond, nectarine, and peach orchards. Do not leave without taking a moment to taste their flagship grape, the Alicante Bouschet.
Next, head towards Reedley and make a stop at Hillcrest Christmas Tree Farm. Ride the steam train around the peach and plum orchards while soaking in the views from the foothills. The property is rich in history and the current owners designed and built the track, train cars, locomotives to enhance their visitors' experience throughout the seasons. Wrap these epic views by heading out to Sequoia National Park for more incredible scenery!
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Modern astrology has many uses, it can tell you if your crush is a good match, when the best time to dye your hair is, and even which outfits would look best on you. Seriously, there's not much your star sign can't do at this point in time!
If you've been looking in your closet and feeling pretty blah, fear not, astrology has the answers!
In 2021, we are beyond simply knowing our sun sign, in fact, chances are pretty good that any random stranger on the street knows most of their astrology chart. With all this zodiac sign knowledge in the collective we can put it to good use: to pick out an outfit.
For this you'll need to know your rising sign and your Venus sign. Your rising sign rules over your physical appearance and your own personal identity, think of it as who you see when you look in the mirror. Your Venus sign gives you information about what you find to be beautiful; your own personal style can be found in this area of your chart.
So scroll down and find your rising and Venus signs, read about your dream outfits and then get to shopping!
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, so they have a lot of energy! This zodiac sign tends to need to move their bodies, whether they're athletes or not, so the signature outfit for an Aries is athleisure. It's important that their outfits feel good and look good because they need outfits that move with them. In this day and age athleisure can be worn and styled for just about any occasion, so day or night, going to the park or going to the club, Aries is going to be ready to race or dance all night long.
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
The second sign of the zodiac is ruled by Venus, so looking good is extremely important to them. However, since Taurus is an earth sign, it's equally important to feel comfortable. Clothes that are fabulous, soft, and maybe even a little pricey, are the ideal choice for a Taurus. Lush fabrics like silk and velvet are their favorites because they make any Taurus rising or Taurus Venus feel confident yet cozy.
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Every Gemini needs a versatile wardrobe; bright and bold colors as well as timeless everyday fashions that can be worn with anything. Gemini is an air sign, so when it comes to their idea of the perfect outfit, that's going to change as often as the wind does. One day they might want to channel their inner baddie and the next day they're wearing a Halloween costume in July-just for the shock value. So every Gemini needs a closet that is equal parts bold and classic, so they can follow their zodiac fashion whims any day of the week.
Shop the Renata Dress
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Cancer is a nostalgic and sentimental sign, so they have a hard time donating clothes or even throwing out any items that have been worn to pieces. Cancer is definitely the type to hold onto their camp shirt from the summer when they were 13 forever. Cancers do have a great fashion sense though; flowy sundresses, overalls, comfy leggings, elegant ball gowns, long wavy hair. No one is as good at adding a dash of romance to their outfit as Cancer is.
Shop the Beatrice Dress
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Leo's are known for their flashy fashion sense and out of the box style, so if you're rising or Venus is in this show stopping sign, your wardrobe is top tier. This fire sign is ruled by the sun, so Leo feels most comfortable when the spotlight is on them. Bold colors like red look amazing on Leo, so do animal prints. It's hard to rock a cheetah print dress, but Leo can! Bold looks, big accessories, and trend setting outfits are always going to be in style for this zodiac sign.
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THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Virgo fashion is all about understated beauty as well as utility. This zodiac sign usually prefers to dress in colors like olive green, cream, terracotta, light grey, any color that reminds them of nature. While Virgo fashion trends aren't as bold as the other signs, the perfectionism of Virgo is apparent in the way they dress. This sign is polished, sophisticated and effortlessly elegant. They love dresses with pockets, classic sweaters, and jeans that are made to fit perfectly and last forever.
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Libra loves a compliment, so anything on trend and in fashion is going to catch the eye of this air sign. Libra is also ruled by Venus, so fashion and being the most beautiful person in the room is always the number 1 goal for them. However, this is the sign of partnership, so they don't mind sharing the spotlight with their bff from time to time. Soft fabrics and romantic colors like pink and red will appease their loving nature, and classic accessories like a statement headband, a hairbow, or a perfect pair of pumps will go with most outfit choices.
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the king of the underworld, so if you ask a Scorpio what their favorite color is they'll usually say black. This water sign is a bit more punk, goth, alternative than the others; they like to look both mysterious and intimidating. Since their closet is mostly dark colors, you can always expect a Scorpio rising or Venus to have some bold accessories like interesting sunglasses, metal necklaces, and a great pair of shoes.
Shop the Little Black Dress
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Sagittarius is known for being able to tell the best stories, so any item of clothing that can do the same is a winner here. This zodiac sign is a world traveler, bookworm, a free spirit, and their style should match. Long flowing skirts with sneakers and a band T are only something a Sagittarius could pull off. Their wardrobe should be filled with unique pieces from their travels so that they can create the coolest outfits that represent the exciting life that they lead.
Shop these flowy pants
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Capricorn's like to look good. Yes, a Capricorn rising and Venus will look great in a turtleneck and tasteful blazer (who doesn't?) but it's more about creating beautiful, timeless outfits. For them, it's about quality over quantity. They'd rather buy one expensive dress that will last a lifetime than spend the same amount on 10 dresses that will only last a few years each. When it comes to accessories, Capricorn keeps it classic with pearls, hoops, a statement watch and a bold lip, to name a few of their favorites.
Shop all dresses
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Aquarius is the sign of the trendsetter, because they don't like looking like everyone else. Aquarius is the type of zodiac sign to see what's in trend and then try to wear clothes that are the exact opposite. If this is your rising or Venus sign you might be a fan of old school retro styles or something that is a bit more futuristic. Aquarius is the type to make a questionable, out of the box, fashion choice only to see everyone copying them a few months later.
THE PERFECT OUTFIT
Pisces style is liable to change from day to day, so their wardrobe needs to be able to keep up. There might be weeks where all they want to wear are cozy things, sweats, sweaters, and no zippers. The next week their personality is more punk rock, black clothes and leather. That's not to say that they don't have a well defined personality, they just allow themselves the freedom to express every aspect of it. So if you're a Pisces rising or Venus be sure to have an outfit for every mood of the week!
Shop the Gweneviere Jumpsuit
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Whether hitting the road for the ultimate USA road trip, traveling to Hawaii or Mexico for resort life, or even prepping for a European city break - it's time to consider your vacation clothes.
We love vacations and are big believers that a change can be as good as a rest. After the last couple of years, who isn't dreaming of balmy blue skies, swaying palms, chic cities with a thousand spires, or just hitting the open road and heading for sure freedom.
One thing is for sure, travel fashion trends can follow you around the country and beyond and should deffo be a feature when planning your packing. You don't need a full new wardrobe when heading on vacay but a few signature pieces added to your collection can make all the difference.
Those hitting warmer climates need to think about staying comfortable instead of sweaty and with a great mix of daytime casual delights, beach chills, exploring, and sultry nights, we have some clothing suggestions that go beyond the beach and can shake up your vacation wardrobe.
Woven Pants and Halter TopWoven pants are the ultimate chic comfort wear for whatever vacation you are on. They are comfy enough to wear for exploring especially when paired with a pretty halter top and chunky pair of sandals. They also look great when thrown over a bikini when heading to and from the beach. We love these woven flowy and boho style pants where the high slit invites a breeze to keep you beautifully cool. Pick a bright hot pink halter top or even a cute crop top for a look that is seriously adorable. |
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Sunshine dresses are one of the best cute vacation outfits. While it's tempting to throw a million vacation dresses into your suitcase, just a couple will do but make sure they hit the mark. A bright floral dress with a flowy feel, strappy shoulders, and a slightly smocked back will not only fit like a dream but it can be worn in multiple ways too. Pair with flats or sneakers and sunglasses for day trips or wear with heels and chic accessories for casual dinners out on the town. Floral dresses are super feminine and finding one that falls in midi style just below the knee will keep you cool and comfortable and sun-protected on your trip.
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A White Tee and Mini SkirtMini skirts never go out of fashion and we love that this once upon a time date night staple has been turned into a must-have item for anyone on vacation. Pick a mini skirt made from the softest fabric with details like tie waist and pockets and with a slightly casual fit and this skirt will serve you well. Keep the sporty cute vibe going by pairing it with a soft white tee tucked in and a pair of white sneakers. This look is an absolute must for exploring a new city in complete comfort. |
Don't leave home without adding a gorgeous dressy jumpsuit to your suitcase crammed full of vacation clothes. There's at least going to be one night when you want to get all dressed up for dinner or for a cocktail on the beach. You may also find if you are staying at a resort that resort wear is required for the evening. This jumpsuit ticks all the boxes. Gauzy pink, soft and flowy, and with a wide-legged design, your silhouette will thank you. We love a good jumpsuit because they are always super comfortable to wear without losing an inch of sexy charm. Match this look with fancy footwear like rose gold heels or opt for tan or brown sandals and pick a pretty purse to carry with you. You can also throw on a denim jacket for a more casual vibe or pick a chic blazer or wrap to keep the elegance flowing.
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A soft ribbed tank that hugs up top and flows from the waist down to the feet is a gorgeous go-to for any destination. We love a long tank in pretty pale pastel hues - especially blue for bringing out the shades of saltwater and sky. The ruffled sleeves, pockets, and rounded hem soften this dress into one of those more casual styles, making it all so simple to dress up or dress down this delight. Simply pair with flip flops or sandals for a casual beach break or opt for wedges or heels for a dressier approach. You can wear a long tank dress for any occasion.
Shop all dresses
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No vacation wardrobe is complete without the maxi dress. Women across the world adore the maxi dress for its complete versatility, its utter comfort, and its unflinching ability to look good no matter what. The maxi dress can be worn for practically every occasion under the sun. From beach club babe to city trendsetter, night out, or casual bliss. It's all about how you accessorize - the jewelry and handbags you choose and the shoes you slip on your feet. Pick a maxi with a plunging v neck, strappy shoulders, and even a high legged slit to lend extra sexiness to your summer look. Also, pack a denim jacket or cardigan for those chilly beach breeze eves. When it comes to the magic of a maxi, you can choose a block color in the brightest shades of purple or green, go classic in black and white, or pick a pretty floral pattern or brash geometric stripes - the maxi can handle just about anything.
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A long skirt is always a stylish addition when it comes to cute vacation outfits. Long skirts are always on trend and are actually super versatile too. You can pair them with crops, tucked in tees, and dressy sleeved tops to suit whatever occasion you are headed for. Pick a maxi skirt in the softest cotton blend and with double slits for an absolute statement look and to bring a slight edge to your feminine appeal. We love this look when paired with a slightly cropped gauzy v neck with button detail down the front and dolman sleeves. Add some wedges or cute heels, grab one of your fave purses, and let this look carry you all night.
Shop all tops and maxi skirts
Now, we have a few go-to travel outfits picked for every occasion, it's important to remember to pack a few firm staples too. Wardrobe staples are going to save you from overpacking. What makes a travel wardrobe staple? It's an item that can be paired with multiple outfits and turned to time and time again. In short, it's your capsule carry on wardrobe for the road. Take a look at the few staples we have that will save you a ton when it comes to excess baggage fees.
A good black crop is always a go-to for those who are traveling. It can be paired with just about anything in your wardrobe - from that slit midi skirt to those cute cropped pants. It can be used as a stand-alone top or it can be layered. You can throw it on under a floral dress if you don't want to go with straps only and even tuck in under your jumpsuit. Make no mistake, the black crop is a must.
Shop all crop tops
You need a neutral base in your case when it comes to any kind of trip and the white tee will do just fine. Pick a cozy white tee with a comfortable fit and it will become your best friend for every occasion. Wear it with jean shorts on casual beach days, pair it with loose linen pants, throw it over your bikini, match it with miniskirts, maxi skirts, overalls - a white tee will carry you far.
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Yes, we all dream of endless summer days and sultry nights when it comes to vacations, but sometimes the clouds can come over and the sea breeze can bring a chill. This is where you want a good long-sleeved top to take the edge off. Pick something neutral or soft and simple in monochrome shades of grey or black and white. Throw it on as an added layer over any dress, skirt, or crop combo and stay warm and wonderful no matter what.
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In the same vein as the long sleeve top, all free people understand how awesome it is to sit beside flickering firelight on a beach and listen to the sound of the waves roll in. Of course, for any beachy evening, you need a warm pullover to keep the wind chill at bay. Just because it's a pullover, doesn't mean you need to cut out fashion finesse. We love a pullover with adjustable back ties and puff sleeves for a stunning feminine finish. This is going to look gorgeous slung over jeans, cut-offs, a skirt, and even a maxi dress.
Shop the Arya pullover
A fun and flirty skirt is a gorgeous go-to when planning your vacation outfits. Pick a mini skirt in a soft and flowy fabric that fits snug at the waist and free flows the rest of the way and you have a show stopper that goes with all kinds of tops and shoes. The flirty skirt is bare-legged beauty and can be paired with sandals and sneakers or crops and shirts, vests and pullovers too. It's also super comfortable for traveling in.
Shop the Paris skirt
Jean cut-offs are a staple for so many casual vacation outfits. Super sexy and super chill at the same time, cut-offs can be worn for all that beach lazing, city-hopping, and when paired with cute boots - you can even wear them for a night out on the town. Who says the cowgirl look is dead? We love cut-offs - dress them up or dress them down with some cute accessories.
Cropped pants are another summer must-have. Pick a pair that comes in a muted or neutral tone and it will carry you through your whole vacation. Capri pants that are slightly loose and flowing are super comfortable and can easily transition from day to night just by the simple switch of flats to heels. We are all about capri pants, they look lush with crop tops when high waisted and can also be all Italian elegance when paired with a white linen shirt and oversized sunglasses.
Shop the Tanya bamboo pants
What are your go-to items when packing for vacation? Share all your ideas and fave pieces over at our VIP Sozy Community.
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Whether you dream of sandy beaches and sea turtles or if you go wild for cross country skiing, soaring mountain peaks or peaceful fly fishing with the family, vacations can play a huge part in helping us stay balanced and brimming with joy. Travel can help us to open up to new experiences, connect with different cultures, and just grant us that much-needed breath of fresh air we need to avoid burnout and get back on our feet. This feels especially pertinent as the world starts to slowly open up again, gifting us that gorgeous possibility to get out there and seek.
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There's a lot of things people are looking for right now when it comes to travel. Some want to return to those bucket list spots of pre-pandemic travel, others prefer to stay close to home and out in the fresh air, and most of us are looking for affordable options as travel costs boom.
Whether heading out on a family vacay, planning a soul searching solo trip, or just looking to hole up in a vacation rental with your boo, we have some sublime suggestions of where to travel both in and out of the United States.
A rite of passage for anyone traveling in the USA, the Grand Canyon is here to strike awe in the hearts of all who gaze upon her. Natural beauty doesn't get any better than this and for those wanting to stick to outdoor adventures, the Grand Canyon has it all. From the thundering flow of whitewater rafting along the Colorado River to epic hikes like Bright Angel, the Grand Canyon is here to remind us just how electrifying nature can be.
THE DETAILS
From steaming geysers to wildflower meadows and thick forests, Yellowstone is a showstopper. This wild and untamed land is a lullaby of boiling waters, rippling streams, fresh pine scents, bears and wolves. It's the place to roam, be awed by colorful geothermal activity in the bubbling hot springs, and be enchanted by the sheer amount of wildlife that occupies this space. Bald eagles soar overhead, bison roam, and fumaroles and mud pots belch. With a feast of walking trails and endless camping options, sleeping beneath the stars of Yellowstone is always a dream.
THE DETAILS
Not all vacation spots are about natural beauty and local wildlife, sometimes you crave a break bursting at the seams with art galleries, delicious food, chic shopping, and bright light entertainment. For that sublime city break, there is no place better than New York City. The city that never sleeps serves up endless plates of iconic sights. Climb to the top of the Empire State Building, wander the MET, fall in love with the glut of green space at Central Park, cross the Brooklyn Bridge for bagels and pizza, see a show at Times Square, and sip cocktails at a rooftop bar with the cool kids at the East Village. For those who are dying to jump back into light and life, the Big Apple is your bite.
THE DETAILS
Spring break vibes are alive and well in Key West making it one of the liveliest sun and sand escapes outside of Miami Beach. While it can be the spot for a romantic break or family fling, Key West is best saved for those ultimate vacation days with your gal pals in arms. This southernmost city in the continental USA is all sunshine, conch fritters, key lime pie, and bars that get you drunk from dawn. But even beyond the swaying palms, Key West offers plenty of local art and culture and a wealth of history too. From Hemmingway to Harry Truman, historic state parks, and shipwreck treasures, Key West keeps on giving.
THE DETAILS
Scented with lemons and saltwater, the Amalfi Coast is as pretty as they come. This is where the mountains meet the sea and where tiny colorful towns get wedged in-between the golden rock and gauzy greens. Tiny slips of beaches are perfect for guzzling white wine and feasting on the freshest seafood, picture-perfect piazzas and golden churches clang, and chic spots like Positano welcome you in for ritzy afternoons of sun and boutique shopping. While it may only stretch for 30 miles, Amalfi is all limoncello love.
THE DETAILS
The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is laissez-faire in all the right ways. A stunner of a city, Lisbon is a vision of winding cobbled streets, fado music spilling out of hole in the wall haunts, and captivating cathedrals that rise like white moons over the city. Lose yourself in the historic district labyrinth of Alfama, eat Pasteis de Nata in blue and white tiled halls, explore castles and museums, and trundle up and down in the ancient trams. When evening rolls around, hit Barrio Alto for a lively scene of young people partying and chilling in the streets.
THE DETAILS
Europe's answer to a Hawaiian Island, the Azores is as wild and dense as it gets. Craggy coastlines are cloaked in green, surf breaks crash ashore, whales rise out of the cobalt blue waters, and volcanic craters and hot springs bubble and froth. The Azores is a relative newcomer in the world of tourism and it takes the boutique, organic, and sustainable approach seriously. For those wanting a truly natural escape far from any major cities, the Azores is awesome.
THE DETAILS
The capital of Croatia, Dubrovnik is still hitting the mark years after our Game of Thrones obsession has faded. There's just something incredibly striking about this Unesco world heritage site city. Golden walls, ancient palaces, sunshine, and the cornflower blues of the Adriatic all set the scene for something special. Walk the city walls and see the fort, go gaga for renaissance gothic glory at the Rector's Palace, visit the Franciscan monastery, and eat your way around this entire town with its wealth of cozy and charming restaurants.
THE DETAILS
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For those wanting to immerse themselves in a world of cascading waterfalls, epic hiking trails, and natural wonders, Yosemite National Park is the best destination for nature lovers. With over a thousand square miles of pristine Californian wilderness to explore, it's one of the best places to visit for outdoor family fun. Days are full of hiking, camping, rafting, fishing, and nature watching and nights are all about cozy cabins, flickering fires, and stargazing.
THE DETAILS
The summer of love, the gold rush, the Golden Gate bridge, the counterculture, and the hills...oh god the hills. San Francisco is a treat in so many ways. For those who want a chilled-out city experience with eclectic neighborhoods, weighty literary history, and buckets of bohemian charm, a visit to San Fran makes for a hip escape. Wander around Haight Ashbury, ride the cable cars up and down those rollercoaster-like hills, and take your history buffs to Alcatraz. Whether on a family vacation for a fine fill of culture or if you are on a solo adventure along the California coast, San Fran is all whimsy and wonder.
THE DETAILS
We know Paris may be more synonymous with couples in love having a romantic dinner cruise on the river Seine or struggling artists seeking their down and out, but Paris is actually a pretty awesome destination for vacationing families. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Champs-Elysees make for magical memories and with the Euro version of Disney World close by, little ones can delight in fairytale fantasies. Back in the enchanting city, there's scores of stunning parks, lashings of local culture, endless art museums, and it's an incredible city to stroll around too.
THE DETAILS
New England is home to fresh seafood, rocky coastlines, towering trees, and salt whipped air and we can't think of a better spot for a romantic escape. For couples who love embracing the great outdoors, Acadia National Park is rugged grace. Sitting just outside Bar Harbor, there's a constant cool ocean breeze that keeps Acadia fresh - awesome for those wanting to escape humid summer weather elsewhere. From horseback riding to kayaking, sailing and lighthouse hopping and staying in the cutest bed and breakfast joints, Acadia is glorious in every way. Seafood lovers can chow down on all the buttery dripping lobster they could wish for and it's also a prime spot for whale watching.
THE DETAILS
Soak up all that southern charm in one of the most romantic spots in the USA. Charleston is a vision of horse-drawn carriages, historic grace, and boutique bliss. As the gem of South Carolina, it makes for a majestic lover's escape. Book into a beautiful luxury hotel, dine in style on classy southern comfort food, fall in love with 19th-century architecture and stroll the cobblestone streets arm in arm.
THE DETAILS
The poster child for just how perfect Greece can be, Santorini is a vision of whitewashed beauty against a staggeringly blue backdrop. Creamy turrets, coppices, and cubes spill down the mountainside to the calm waters where yachts breathe easy. Santorini is famed for her sunsets, her wineries, and her charming winding streets that climb high and offer arresting views of the Caldera. Boutique hotels abound here and when it comes to romance, it's one of the most iconic destinations for popping that question.
THE DETAILS
Which destinations are making your list? Are you all about theme parks and fun in the sun or are you more likely to turn towards outdoor adventure? Do you prefer a private beach and blissful cocktail hour or are you happier pitching a tent in the Great Smoky Mountains? Share all your dreamy vacation ideas with us over at our VIP Sozy Community.
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Escaping to the sun? YES PLEASE. For all those who are lucky enough to be cramming their suitcases with beach clothes and jetting off to a dreamy destination, we salute you.
While we may be green-eyed with envy, we also are here to hard celebrate people getting to go on a gorgeous tropical vacation. It's been a wild ride and we could all do with plenty of resort R&R to recalibrate and rediscover the pleasures of life.
Whether you are heading out on a cruise, a beach vacation, or even finally taking that honeymoon resort vacation in Hawaii, we have some personal style tips to make you shine.
Piecing together resort outfits takes some time and care (and a whole host of space). While you are certainly going to spend some time kicking back in a bathing suit and flip flops, you also need to think about finding occasion outfits too. From elegant dinners at night to days exploring, easy throw on vacation dresses for after the beach, warmer clothing for nights when the sea breeze starts to pick up, and so much more.
Also, what kind of shoes? Do you take boots or sneakers? How about jewelry to pack and do you choose one purse to wear multiple ways or take one casual and one dress option?
Before you start tearing your wardrobe apart and going into full fashion panic mode, we have some suggestions on the cutest resort wear styles out there.
High waisted shorts have the benefit of being beautiful for casual days exploring a city and can also be glammed up at night simply by swapping sneakers or flats for heels. We love pairing high shorts with a cute crop top because it shows just a band of skin meaning you stay feeling sexy without feeling exposed. This pairing celebrates linen-blend shorts (the perfect material for hot weather FYI) with a tie top for cinching in the waist and giving feminine flow. The top is also a linen blend with smocked detail that makes it fit snug at the waist and relaxed elsewhere. It's a dreamy blend of casual chic. As mentioned, you can totally play with footwear here - sandals for blue sky brunches, flats for adventures, and heels for a starlit lobster supper.
Perfect for: day trips, city exploring, relaxed lunches and dinners
Of all the vacation dresses, we adore a stylish midi that falls below the knee but far above the ankle - keeping us looking fresh and fabulous all day long. A quality dress for your trip should seamlessly see you from day to night, just in case your afternoon takes an unexpected turn, and you don't feel like heading back to the room to throw something different on for the evening. Welcome the tank dress! Fitted beautifully around the bust area but with a free-flowing style from the waist, the tank lends itself well to a sexy silhouette without being clingy or uncomfortable. Its length will keep you protected from the heady sun and the chill of an early eve breeze and if you carry a lightweight cardigan in your purse, you are all set. Pair with flat sandals for a relaxed yet polished look.
Perfect for: day to night wear, cocktails, and cruises
Nothing says carefree summer vibes like a strappy floral number. This floaty little dress is a dream. The best thing about these kinds of strappy dresses is that they are for all occasions. Sling it on over your bikini and walk barefoot in the sand, pair it with a lightweight cardigan, pretty purse, and heels for a dinner date, or throw on your fave pumps and head out for an afternoon checking out local shops, ancient ruins, and any other extraordinary sights close by. Make no mistake, floral dresses are a cute mood.
Perfect for: throwing on over your swimsuit, day trips, and casual dinners
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Resort elegant casual is a thing, and nothing does it better than the lightweight jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are one of our favorite outfit choices when vacationing because they are soooo comfortable and so versatile. Pick a jumpsuit that is all about soft flow (especially for those who have spent a little too long soaking up the heat and now have sensitive skin). A gorgeous gauzy jumpsuit with a slashed back, thin straps, and chic print is bound to make you feel a million bucks. If you want to shape up the flow, cinch it in at the waist with a belt and wear with strappy sandals.
Perfect for: long lunches and lush dinners
A romper is always a summer showstopper, especially one that's short and sweet. Rompers that come created from a lightweight fabric with a cute print and a fitted feel that doesn't hem you in - this is the checklist you need when packing a summer romper. This piece of clothing also works perfectly on the beach and when heading to a new city as it's super versatile and has a trend that can be changed in a number of ways. Wear with pumps or cute sport shoes for a casual feel or pair with sandals and accessories for a classy cocktail vibe.
Perfect for: beaches, city exploring, cocktails
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Free flow in style with this sublime pairing of a printed midi skirt and cute crop top. The midi skirt is a thing of beauty - especially when fitted at the waist and flowy from there on down. Pick one with a soft and subtle print and pair it with flat sandals and a crop top. A white crop always looks fresh and will absolutely show off sun-kissed skin. It's the perfect outfit to show of your curves, too :)
Perfect for: day trips, lunches, and spa days
Wide leg linen pants should certainly be on your pack now list. Airy, comfortable, and forever stylish - wide-leg pants are a much better choice than jeans when it comes to resort wear. They are the perfect step up from casual to balmy summer night chic and can be dressed up or softened down depending on shoes, purses, and top. For example, if you want a more casual feel you can wear them with a soft cotton tee tucked in. For those who are seeking a sultrier look - a black halter that shows off your shoulders and is cropped to just above the waist will figure hug and provide a pleasing contrast in comparison to the flowy wide-legs. Match with black sandals and delicate rose-gold jewelry for a truly elegant finish.
Perfect for: nights out, cocktails, and dreamy dinners
Comfy, flattering, and flowing - the maxi dress can be one of the only things you wear when at a resort. It's such a summer wardrobe staple. Forever sexy, the maxi dress is a statement outfit that is always versatile. You can wear a maxi to everything from a bling wedding to a barefoot walk on the beach. As a daytime wear option, your maxi will keep you covered from the sun's rays and in the evenings, it stops the chill breeze from getting to your legs. You can easily change the look by swapping out brown sandals or flip flops for wedges or heels, and they look good with all kinds of throw-overs - from a denim jacket to a cropped blazer, a cotton cardigan, or a warm wrap. Pick a maxi that plays around with print or color and yes, you can totally afford to go wild with anything from feminine pink to tropical orange. Strappy shoulders and a plunging neckline are just going to add to the fun. It's one of our staples in our comfy girl outfit guide!
Perfect for: beach days, lunches, city exploring, fancy occasions, and dinners
The t-shirt dress will change your life. For those times when you want to look fresh and sporty and like you just stepped off the tennis court, this casual-cool little dress is just the cutest number. T-shirt dresses are a mood. Soft and stretchy, they just feel super good against the skin and always lend a flattering silhouette that isn't try hard in the slightest. Pick one in a beautiful blocky color like dark grey and dusty sage and accessorize it with sunglasses, a cute, cropped denim jacket, and a baseball cap for a look that says 'I'm about to jump in my sportscar and tour the Amalfi coast.'
Perfect for: casual days, lazy lunches, and exploring
Some resorts call for black dinner dress codes especially if you are off on a cruise someplace special. Having at least one formal style dress in your suitcase is a must. Choose something in a splashy color scheme like yellow and with a showstopping mermaid silhouette. Mermaid dresses are gorgeous - they are snug and stunning and make you feel super sexy without losing an inch of class. Finish with heels and if you have a low back cut, you can sweep your hair up into a chic chignon and don a set of sparkly earrings for an Anna Karenina finish.
Perfect for: black tie events, elegant dinners, and cocktail lounges
For those who want to know how to pack the perfect array of resort outfits, we have some quick and easy tips to help you ensemble the perfect cast that is on-brand for your personal style and elevates your whole vacation experience.
What are your go-to resort outfits? Do you live in a swimsuit on vacation or are you all about stuffing that suitcase full of the latest fashions? Share your favorite resort wear ideas with our VIP Sozy Community.
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]]>IN THIS ARTICLE
A traditional American Thanksgiving dinner is all about the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potato and mushroom gravy, green bean casserole, roasted carrot, candied yams, apple pie, and pumpkin pie. It can be a meat, sugar, and carb overload!
And a vegan Thanksgiving is no different -- there are so many recipes to make a plant-based and meat-free vegan Thanksgiving menu now. Some of the main dishes we have in this post may surprise vegans and non-vegans alike with how they can have vegan turkey, wellington, and a holiday roast courtesy of seitan and vital wheat gluten.
Through the years the meaning of a Thanksgiving recipe has evolved with the introduction of different ingredients and cuisines. Now, every type of vegetable, such as acorn squash, roasted butternut squash, and kale can be enjoyed in a vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Actually, most people do not have a strict menu and lentil loaf, scalloped potatoes, pot pie, vegan lasagna, and wild rice with pearl onions can very well be enjoyed on this holiday where food is the star.
We gathered 40 vegan Thanksgiving recipes to help you build your vegan Thanksgiving menu.
Vegan, gluten-free
This Vegan Holiday Roast is the one Thanksgiving and Holiday Vegan recipe you need and that will get oohs and ahhs at the table. How can the celeriac, a humble-looking root vegetable, become the star of your holiday dinner? By adding a magic blend of herbs and condiments and roasting it to perfection.
Ingredients:
1 celeriac
12 potatoes
4 cloves garlic finely minced
2 branches rosemary
5 bay leaves
1 pinch salt and pepper
Get the instructions here: Vegan Holiday Roast
Vegan
This nut roast is the classic main course for a vegan Thanksgiving. This vegan meatloaf recipe is so simple plus it is delicious hot or cold.
Ingredients:
200 g red lentils
1 onion finely sliced
50 g sun-dried tomatoes oil reserved, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic crushed
50 g dried apricots chopped
200 g mixed nuts chopped
50 g mixed seeds
1½ tsp dried mixed herbs
1 tsp soy sauce
1 carrot grated
1 tsp turmeric powder
Salt and pepper
Get the instructions here: Nut Roast
Vegan
This isn't just a standard vegan meatloaf, it's a cashew nut roast with a gooey layer of vegan cheese and spinach in the middle! It is perfect for Thanksgiving and great the next day too, if it lasts that long.
Ingredients:
1 onion - diced
220 g cashews or mixed nuts - a 50/50 mix of cashews & almonds is also great.
100 g breadcrumbs
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
150 ml vegetable stock
200 g spinach
75 g vegan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Get the instructions here: Gooey Cheesy Layered Cashew Nut Roast
Vegan
Seitan aka wheat-gluten is used to make this roast that has all the seasonal flavors you love. You can make it ahead of time and free up more time to relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving day.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
2 cups vital wheat gluten
1 cup soy flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp nutritional yeast flakes
2 tsp salt
1 tsp MSG
½ tsp dried sage powder
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried thyme
Wet Ingredients
1.5 cups water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Broth Ingredients
1 gallon water
2 cups onion
1 cup carrots
2 Tbsp dried parsley
8 cloves garlic
⅓ cup nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbsp soy sauce
4 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp black pepper
Browning Ingredients
3 Tbsp vegan butter
1 Tbsp soy sauce
¼ cup water
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
ground black pepper
Get the instructions here: Vegan Turkey
Vegan
This 4-pound vegetable-filled Shepherds Pie is a sure crowd-pleaser. No beans or lentils, just wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
Potato Topping
2 Cups Potatoes cubed
2 Cups Cauliflower chopped
2 TBS Nutritional Yeast optional
TBS Vegan Butter optional
All Vegetables Shepherd's Pie No Beans Here
2 Pounds Mixed Frozen Vegetables
1 Pound Baby Bella use what you have
4 TBS Chickpea Flour optional use what you have on hand
1 1/2 Cup Water for sauteing and thickening
8 oz Roll Soyrizo optional
6 Slices Vegan Cheese I used Gouda from Follow Your Heart optional
Vegan
This vegan Wellington will be a showstopper. It has all the flavor of the traditional recipe but will be loved by all your guests. It is surprisingly easy to make too!
Ingredients:
1 sheet vegan puff pastry , thawed if frozen (about 10X13)
2 tablespoons ground flax meal + 5 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil , or preferred cooking oil
½ medium onion , diced
2 small carrots , diced small
2 stalks celery , diced
4 cloves garlic , minced or crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground sage
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
8 ounces mushrooms , minced or finely chopped
1.5 tablespoons tamari sauce , low sodium (sub soy sauce)
1 15 oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) , drained well but NOT rinsed
¾ cup unsalted walnuts , ground into a course meal (measured whole)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs , more if needed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1.5 tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt , more to taste
Fresh cracked pepper , to taste
1 tablespoon vegan butter , melted
Get the instructions here: Vegan Wellington
Vegan
This vegan ham with smoky maple glaze will be the star of your Thanksgiving meal. It is meaty and tender, incredibly flavourful, and you can prepare in advance, to save you precious time for making all your delicious sides.
Ingredients:
For the Ham
1 cup chickpeas canned or cooked (drained)
1 cup vegetable broth use a salty/flavourful broth like my homemade version
3-4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons avocado oil or cooking oil of choice (sub more broth for oil free)
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
200 grams vital wheat gluten approx. 1.5 cups
For the Maple Glaze
½ cup vegetable broth use a salty/flavourful broth like my homemade version
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Get the instructions here: Vegan Ham
Vegan
These vegan dinner rolls are fluffy and wonderful, it is a perfect side dish for your holiday feasts. Made from scratch, it doesn't get any tastier than this.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour all-purpose or bread
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (one packet)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup water
3 Tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Get the instructions here: Vegan Dinner Rolls
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This simple vegan recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving table! The bright colors of brussels sprouts and cranberries together make a beautiful and tasty side dish.
Ingredients:
4 Cups Brussels Sprouts halved
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Kosher Sea Salt
1 tsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper
3 Tbsp Water
1 Cup Fresh Whole Cranberries
1/2 Cup Pecans coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Get the instructions here: Roasted Brussels Sprout and Cranberries with Pecans and Balsamic Vinegar
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This vegan recipe is a delicious and crunchy combination of green beans and mushrooms sautéed with red peppers. It makes an excellent side dish for a holiday gathering or a simple meal at home.
Ingredients:
8 oz green beans
4 oz mushrooms, pre-sliced
2 mini red bell peppers, chopped
¼ onions, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp coconut aminos
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt, to taste
Get the instructions here: Sauteed Green Beans and Mushrooms
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This is a plant-based and gluten-free stuffing that uses polenta instead of bread. It has traditional flavors but with a unique twist.
1 1/2-2 heads of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
1 red bell pepper, chopped into med pieces
1 med onion, chopped med
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 lb. polenta roll, chopped into cm cubes
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil. You can use butter if desired
1 1/2 oz. Toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup chopped sage, plus more garnish
Get the instructions here: Polenta, Cauliflower, and Pinenut Vegan Stuffing
Vegan, gluten-free
This delicious sweet potato and quinoa salad is full of flavor and simple to prepare. It is ideal to make in advance and is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
For the Salad
1 cup (175 g) quinoa - rinsed well See Note 1
2 cups (500 ml) water - for cooking the quinoa See Note 2
1 large (about 500 g) sweet potato
2 spring onions/scallions - finely sliced, the white and some of the green part
1 tbsp olive oil See Note 3
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped See Note 4
1/4 cup pine nuts/pinoli See Note 5
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
For the Dressing
1 tsp lemon zest See Note 6
2 tsp lemon juice - freshly squeezed See Note 6 and 7
3 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp maple syrup
Get the instructions here: Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
Vegan
Use this vegan curried brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes to spice up your dinner. This is a stovetop recipe so it frees up room in the oven on Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
1 10 oz bag Brussels sprouts, shaved
1 Large potato, chopped in medium size pieces
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Jeera seeds
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1 tblsp Ground coriander
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp Ginger, minced
1/8-1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper, depending on taste
1/8 tsp Asafoetida
Salt to taste
Get the instructions here: Curried Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Vegan
These easy garlic roasted mushrooms make the perfect Thanksgiving side! They are ready in 20 minutes, low carb, and keto-friendly!
Ingredients:
2 lbs mushrooms
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
handful of fresh herbs
Get the instructions here: Easy Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Vegan, gluten-free
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic is an easy side dish that uses only a few simple ingredients. In less than 15 minutes you will have tender green beans to accompany your dinner!
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs fresh string green beans ends trimmed
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
3-4 large garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp salt
Ground black pepper to taste
Get the instructions here: Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
Vegan
Say hello to your new go-to stuffing recipe! It is a healthy version of your classic stuffing dish that is full of amazing flavor!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sourdough baguettes, diced
1/3 cup of vegan butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 ribs of celery, thinly sliced
1 large granny smith apple, diced
2 links of your favorite vegan sausage (diced)
1 1/2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh sage
3 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme
1/3 cup of minced fresh parsley
3/4 cup of dried cranberries
1 3/4 cups of vegetable broth
Get the instructions here: Plant-based Stuffing
Vegan, gluten-free
This recipe is so simple and roasting the cabbage really enhances the flavor and makes it tender!
Ingredients:
2 small cabbage heads
3 tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. salt or to taste
2 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. garlic powder
Get the instructions here: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Vegan
This is a vegan sweet potato casserole that is a healthy, delicious twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. Baked in the slow cooker (more room for goodies in the oven!), you will fall in love with this ultimate healthy comfort food that boasts a crispy pecan-oat crumble topping ideal for complimenting the sweet potato base. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
4 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups soy milk use your preference
4 tablespoon pecan oil can substitute with olive or any neutral-flavored oil
1/8 cup coconut sugar can substitute with light brown sugar
1/8 cup pure maple syrup it's ok to add an extra dollop, if desired
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger optional
1/4 teaspoon allspice
pinch kosher salt we used pink Himalayan salt
Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Topping
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup pecans lightly toasted, if desired (optional)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons pecan oil can substitute with olive or any neutral-flavored oil and have more on standby
1 tablespoon Truvia sweet complete can substitute with light brown or granulated sugar, or more maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon allspice optional
Get the instructions here: Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Vegan
No more green beans from a can! Now you can make it vegan and from scratch.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh green beans rinsed, drained and cut in half, lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ sweet onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
2 cups baby bella mushrooms finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
2 cups vegan crispy fried onions
Get the instructions here: Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Level-up the usual vegan mashed potatoes with herbs and creamy coconut milk. Guests are sure to give compliments to the chef!
Ingredients:
4 lbs White Skinned Potatoes
1 TB Dried Rosemary (crushed)
2 Tsp Dried Thyme
1 Tsp Minced Garlic
1 Tsp Onion Powder
½ Tsp Black Pepper
¼ Cup Lite Culinary Coconut Milk
2 TB Herbed Olive Oil
Get the instructions here: Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This is a delicious and tangy apple cider dressing! Made with maple syrup and dijon, this dressing is raw and full of healthy ingredients. Gluten free, vegan, + allergy friendly.
Ingredients:
½ cup apple cider
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Get the instructions here: Apple Cider Dressing
Vegan
This vegan custard will make your Thanksgiving desserts even more indulgent!
Ingredients:
400 ml (13.5 floz) unsweetened plant-based milk
4 tbsp light brown soft sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp cornflour
3 tbsp plant-based cream cheese
Get the instructions here: Vegan Custard
Vegan, gluten-free
Make sure to break free of the canned stuff with this herbaceous Boozy Cranberry Sauce. It is also make-ahead friendly.
Ingredients:
2 12 oz bags cranberries or frozen cranberries, washed and picked through
1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar plus more as needed
1" piece ginger unpeeled and sliced into 1/4" thick coins
3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (omit if you're not using cinnamon sticks)
1 3" sprig rosemary
1 vanilla bean split and scraped (or 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract)
pinch kosher salt
4" piece orange peel
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup bourbon
Vegan, gluten-free
Gather fresh mushrooms, herbs, broth, and white wine to make this super savory vegan gravy.
Ingredients:
8 oz mushrooms Fresh - Button or Cremini - washed & sliced
2 tablespoon vegan butter
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ teaspoon basil dried - sweet basil
¼ cup wine I suggest white (I use Chardonnay)
1 cup vegetable broth
t tablespoon vegetable bouillon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Arrowroot add more if needed
Salt & pepper to taste
Get the instructions here: Vegan Homemade Mushroom Gravy
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Vegan
Looking for a fun appetizer? This festive Veggie Turkey Platter is a great option to have out to munch on while waiting for the main course!
Ingredients:
1 head of broccoli (chopped into florets)
1 large cucumber (sliced)
1/2 of a green bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 of a yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 of a orange bell pepper (sliced)
1 handful of rainbow cherry tomatoes
1 handful of multi-colored baby carrots
1 rib of celery (chopped into 4 pieces)
1 batch of guacamole
Get the instructions here: Veggie Turkey Platter
Vegan, gluten-free
This scrumptious Roasted Beet and Delicata Squash Soup is dairy-free and vegan. Plus, it is a nutrient-dense soup that will keep your guests warm while waiting for dinner!
Ingredients:
2 delicata squash
5-6 small-medium golden (yellow) beets,
1 1/2 small yellow onions, peeled and quartered
3-4 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk, canned (more to garnish)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp fresh ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp chili (optional)
1/4 tsp sea salt (more to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (more to taste)
green onions (garnish)
delicata squash or pumpkin seeds (garnish)
Get the instructions here: Roasted Golden Beet and Delicata Squash Soup
Vegan, gluten-free
Make ahead these spicy and crunchy chickpeas for a less stressful Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
2 cans chickpeas
2 Tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 limes, zest of both, but juice of only one
Salt
Get the instructions here: Spicy Citrus Roasted Bruschetta
Vegan
This recipe is a crunchy and creamy bruschetta bursting with caramelized onion flavor and fresh cranberries. Swap out the bread for a gluten-free option.
Ingredients:
Cranberry Sauce
1 cup cranberries
½ cup sugar in the raw
½ tsp orange zest plus more for garnish
1 cup water
Caramelized Onions
½ large onion cut into ¼ inch slices
1 tbsp butter
salt and pepper
Bruschetta
Cranberry Sauce
Caramelized Onions
Gluten Free Baguette
6-8 oz Vegan Cream Cheese
Balsamic Glaze optional
Option to garnish with rosemary or additional orange zest
Get the instructions here: Caramelized Onion and Cranberry Bruschetta
Vegan
Here is a perfect Thanksgiving drink! Made with just 2 ingredients, you will love this delicious Thanksgiving drink.
Ingredients:
1 Apple
3 oz Fresh Cranberries
5 cups Water
Get the instructions here: Instant Pot Cranberry Apple Infused Water
Vegan
This Rosé Spritzer is ready in five minutes. It is a refreshing cocktail that will dress up any celebration.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon raspberry jam
2 large fresh mint leaves
3-5 fresh raspberries
1 ½ ounces (44ml) vodka
½ cup (120ml) sparkling rosé
Get the instructions here: Easy Rosé Spritzer
Vegan, gluten-free
This crockpot apple cider makes your house smell incredible! It is easy to make your new favorite mocktail with a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients:
1 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. whole allspice
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 quarts apple cider or juice
1 red apple (optional garnish)
Get the instructions here: Crockpot Apple Cider
Vegan, gluten-free
Mulled Wine Apple Cider is perfect to sip on before or after the big meal. It can easily be made non alcoholic so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients:
52 oz Bottle of unsweetened apple juice or cider.
5-7 pieces Star Anise
3-4 sticks Cinnamon
5-6 pieces Cloves
bottle of red wine
2 Tbsp Orange juice Optional. Will be much better if fresh squeezed. You can also use orange zest or orange peels.
1 Apple, chopped into small pieces or slices. Optional. For garnish.
Orange peels Optional. For garnish.
Get the instructions here: Spiced Cider Wine
Vegan, gluten-free
This vegan apple crumble has all the Fall flavors of cinnamon and apples. With no refined sugar, it is perfect with some vegan custard or ice cream.
Ingredients:
Apple filling
2.2 lbs (1kg) apples, approx. medium apples
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Crumble topping
1 cup (100gms) rolled oats
1 cup (75gms) coconut
¼ cup (63mls) maple syrup
½ cup (113 gms) vegan butter or margarine
Get the instructions here: Vegan Apple Crumble
Vegan
The classic cranberry orange bread recipe gets a vegan makeover. It is still the quick bread that you know and love with plenty of citrus and cranberry flavors.
Ingredients:
Loaf
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Salt
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Almond MIlk
1/3 Cup OIl
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp Orange Juice
2 Tsp Orange Zest
1 Cup Cranberries Fresh or Frozen
Glaze
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Tbsp Orange Juice
Get the instructions here: Vegan Orange Cranberry Bread
Vegan
Get those Fall flavors in with this Vegan Ginger and Pear Sticky Toffee pudding. The delicious sticky toffee sauce is made from just two ingredients, but will keep you coming back for more!
Ingredients:
For the pudding mix
3 whole pears
4 teaspoon ground ginger
225 g pitted dates (1 cup)
150 ml hot water (⅔ cup)
100 g brown sugar (bit more than ½ cup)
50 g vegan margarine / coconut oil (plus extra for greasing) (4 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon lemon juice
175 g self raising flour (plus extra for dusting) (1 ⅓ cups)
100 ml any non-dairy milk (bit less than ½ cup)
For the Toffee Sauce (double the ingredients for extra moisture and sauce!)
150 g coconut palm sugar / brown sugar (⅔ cup)
1 tin full fat coconut milk (400ml) (1 ⅔ cups)
Get the instructions here: Vegan Ginger and Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding
Vegan
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are chewy and crispy rather than cakey! You can make these with just seven ingredients.
Ingredients:
¾ cup (145g) light brown sugar, dark brown sugar or coconut sugar
½ cup (115g) vegan butter, room temperature
¼ cup (50g) pumpkin puree, moisture removed as much as possible
1 ¼ cup (155g) plain or all-purpose flour
1 tsp pumpkin spice, or ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg and ¼ tsp ginger powder
¼ tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt, if using unsalted butter
1 cup (100g) roughly chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
Get the instructions here: Vegan Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan
The best vegan pumpkin pie ever! This is made using canned pumpkin and coconut cream. No one will believe it's vegan!
Ingredients:
1 vegan pie crust
Pumpkin Pie Filling
1 15oz can pumpkin purée
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup coconut cream
3 Tbsp corn starch
1 tsp ginger powder
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground cloves
Get the instructions here: The Best Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Vegan
Sweet and nutty pecan pie gets a healthier makeover. Now, those on a low sugar diet can enjoy the Southern treat.
Ingredients:
½ Cup Condensed Coconut Milk*
½ Cup Brown Sugar Erythritol (or preferred dark brown sugar)
½ Cup Sugar Syrup**
¼ Cup Milled Flax Seed + ½ Cup Water
1 Cup Crushed Raw Pecan Halves (plus more pecan halves for topping)
½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Cinnamon (to taste, optional)
Get the instructions here: Crustless Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup
Vegan
An easy pumpkin crumb cake with a cinnamon swirl and pecan crumb. It is easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients:
Pumpkin Cake wet ingredients
1 cup (200g) pumpkin puree, (~½ can pumpkin puree)
1 cup (250g) dairy free milk, such as almond, soy or coconut,
¼ cup (65g) light-tasting vegetable oil, such as sunflower or rapeseed
Pumpkin Cake dry ingredients
2 ½ cups (310g) plain or all-purpose flour*
½ cup (100g) cane sugar, or coconut sugar
3 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves**
Cinnamon swirl (optional)
⅓ cup (55g) dark brown sugar, or coconut sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Pecan Crumble
½ cup (60g) plain or all-purpose flour, or white rice flour for gluten free
½ cup (50g) pecans
¼ cup (55g) vegan butter
3 tbsp (~ 40g) cane, coconut or brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Get the instructions here: Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Vegan, gluten-free
This is a chilled, no-bake vegan cheesecake with all the wonderful flavors of Fall. It is paleo-friendly too and it will surely please all of your guests who love pumpkin cheesecake!
Ingredients:
For the crust
2 cups (220 grams) toasted pecans1
2 tablespoons (28 grams) coconut oil - I used refined for no coconut taste
1 cup (150 grams) pitted dates
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons (25 grams) coconut sugar, tightly packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the vegan cheesecake
3/4 cup (168 grams) coconut oil, melted - I used refined for no coconut taste
1/2 cup (120 milliliters) maple syrup
1/2 cup (120 milliliters) coconut cream (not coconut milk!)
1 cup (240 grams) canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup (50 grams) coconut sugar, tightly packed
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice2
2 cups (300 grams) raw cashews, soaked3
1/4 teaspoon salt
candied pecans for garnish
Get the instructions here: Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
There were so many more recipes, like vegan biscuits, roasted garlic spread, and numerous recipes with roasted veggies that we could not add from all the food bloggers who helped us out with this post.
A lot of the recipes list substitutes for those who are vegetarian and prefer dairy, have allergies, or follow certain diets. Check out the posts to see the suggestions.
Your Thanksgiving is sure to be filled with deliciousness. And if you happen to have a craving any other time of the year, there is no excuse not to make any of these vegan Thanksgiving recipes!
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Having trouble finding the perfect coffee table for your living space? Or maybe the one you fell in love with is just way too expensive for your budget? No worries! We've got you covered with DIY coffee tables that you can make at home, with little to no building experience. Building your own coffee table is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your space with a custom piece of furniture.
From a chunky farmhouse style coffee table to a round, modern coffee table this list includes easy coffee table tutorials for any style and skill level!
Cost: $75 +/-
Time Required: 1-2 days
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed: Round table top (material of your choice),24" wooden rounds, wooden dowels
Fluted furniture is trending right now, and I will be honest, I hope it is here to stay for awhile. Its so fun and a bit eclectic. It is also EASY to DIY. You can add fluting to just about any piece of furniture, just like the author of this tutorial has. You can paint it a fun color to make it boho, or a neutral color for more modern touch. This tutorial uses a marble table top from an old table to create this look. You can thrift something similar for your project or you can make a table top out of different material. The cost of this diy coffee table project can add up depending on your choice of materials, but DIY-ing this style of coffee table will still save money in the long run.
PROS
CONS
Cost: Under $200
Time Required: 3-4 days to build and allow paint/finishes to dry properly
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed: Wood, Stone texture spray paint
Nesting coffee tables are a great way to save space because they can be easily rearranged. These in particular are a fun focal piece to add to any living room furniture collection. I really love the slat detail on the base of these tables and the faux stone finish from using Rustoleum's stone textured spray paint. However, since these are wood you could use any finish that you'd like. This design is actually a dupe for more expensive tables that cost around $300 per table. Erika from Peony + Honey built this entire set for under $200!
PROS
CONS
Cost: Around $100
Time Required: 1-3 days
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed: Wood and choice of finishing stain
This DIY coffee table is marketed as a beginners project thanks to how squared off everything is. The coffee table plans from Shanty 2 Chic are detailed and easy to follow and include a video. I love that the chunky nature of this piece makes an inexpensive DIY look like a high end coffee table. It is the perfect addition to any living room space.
PROS
CONS
Cost: Under $200
Time: 5-6 weeks (concrete takes time to cure)
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed: Wood, chicken wire, concrete mix, concrete tools and a sealant
This take on a modern coffee table is such a cool idea! Not only is it a lot of bang for your buck, it is super simple to make. However, it will take a bit of patience since concrete needs time to cure between each step. I love that it is not your traditional wooden coffee table. It has a concrete top AND concrete sides. You can also easily adjust the size of the frame if you do not have enough space for such a large coffee table. If you have the time to spare between each step and want a dreamy, modern, industrial coffee table then this DIY project is for you.
PROS
CONS
Cost: Under $200
Time: 2-3 days
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed: Wood, torch, propane, heat resistant gloves, wire brush
This modern, boho design is the perfect addition to an outdoor space. My favorite part of this is that the finish of the base is actually torched (burnt) wood. Torching wood creates a beautiful dark patina that will stand the test of time. Of course, this fun outdoor table can be used inside as well- but this tutorial gives specific tips for building an outdoor coffee table.
PROS
CONS
Cost: Around $300
Time: 2 days
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials Needed: Round wooden top, PVC pipes, spray paint, jet black penetrating dye (in place of wood stain).
While this DIY coffee table is a bit pricier than some, it is another DUPE table that will save you tons of money. Not to mention this is a really fun idea. I love this simple table. This tutorial uses a pre-purchased 1" thick round table top that runs the cost up. There are alternative options to this that can cut the cost of this project down, but it may make the project trickier if you are not as great at wood working.
The base is made from large PVC pipes that are painted satin black, and the top is stained with a dye for an upscale wood look that matches the painted legs. You could also choose to paint the entire table (the stone texture spay paint would look awesome here), but I think the visible wood grain on the top gives it an elevated look.
PROS
CONS
The cost will vary drastically depending size of the coffee table and materials used. Renting tools could even play a factor in the cost of building your DIY coffee table. If you flip a thrifted coffee table the cost could be under $75. If you are building a large coffee table out of premium quality wood, like oak, it could cost you $300-$500. While that sounds expensive it really is a steal if you are making a dupe for a designer table that costs $800-$1000+.
The tools you will need are going to vary depending on the style of table that you choose to build. However here is a list of some fairly common tools/ supplies that you will most likely use when building your DIY coffee table:
If you do not have these tools and do not want to invest in them, consider asking a friend to borrow theirs. Places like Menards and The Home Depot offer tool rental as well. Most DIY coffee table plans will give you a list of what tools they used to complete the project so you can plan ahead.
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You can use whatever wood you'd like. If you are on a tight budget you can have MDF/hardboard stripped down to create the top of the coffee table. Hard board will have to be painted, but it saves a lot of money. If you are on a budget and want a wood look you can have thin plywood stripped down into pieces to make the chevron pattern. I have even seen someone use PAINT STICKS to create this pattern.
More mid priced options are poplar and common board wood. These woods are considered soft, but can still be used. It really just depends on the look you are wanting and what you are comfortable spending.
If you are using reclaimed wood to build your coffee table you can stain and seal just like any other wood. There may be extra steps for prepping reclaimed wood for stain, but it is doable. Whether you stain or not, you will want to finish the project in 3-4 coats of polyurethane, which is an oil based protectant.
Staining is a personal preference and picking a stain color can be more daunting than picking paint. There are SO many different shades of stain. You do not have to stain your table, though there are light colored stains for those that prefer a more natural wood color.
I suggest getting some small sample jars and playing around with the stain on some scrap wood so you can see how it will look on your table first. Even something as simple as adding an extra coat can change the way the color looks. Some people enjoy mixing different shades to make a custom stain color. The most important part of finishing the table is the protective coat of polyurethane or polycrylic that would be applied after any stain.
Any of the above coffee tables would make a great conversation piece for your living room and are awesome alternatives to purchasing a new coffee table.
However if you are not finding a DIY coffee table design that you love, try giving Pinterest a quick search for "DIY coffee table". You will find ample other DIY wooden coffee table designs and coffee table ideas. Some table designs that include built in storage like a lower shelf or drawer fronts require a little bit more time and skill but are doable.
You can narrow your DIY coffee table search by using some of the following key terms:
Another option is to DIY your own coffee table by transforming an existing, sturdy table with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware or detailing (like the fluting above).
Tell us what you think! Will using these free coffee table plans to build your own furniture be your next DIY project?
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High thread count Egyptian cotton bedsheets, your favorite comfy pants or lightweight shirt, cotton is one of the most beloved materials and for good reason. Cotton is a breathable fabric, it's also a comfortable, sustainable, and low-maintenance material that can be good for the planet, the skin, and the communities that create it. Cotton is actually one of the oldest crops in the world and has been loved and used for centuries.
From India to America, cotton comes from the cotton plant and is used not only in clothing, but to create currency, paper, rope, and even biofuel. But the world of cotton goes deeper than the casual cotton yarn we are used to, there are actually lots of different kinds of cotton fabrics out there. We take a look at all the different types of cotton and consider what you can expect from your cotton choices.
Cotton comes from cotton plants. This shrubby little plant creates creamy fluffy balls of fibers that gather around the cotton seed. The fibers need to be separated from the plant before they are cleaned, spun, and then woven into a fabric that we call cotton.
Cotton accounts for half the fibers worn around the world as cotton fiber is also used to create other fabrics and textiles too. Growing cotton is a long and highly involved experience with many moving parts. It plays a major role in our history and even to this day, we adore cotton as its a breathable, high quality, and highly durable material that is even quite an absorbent fabric.
While cotton is considered to be one of the more sustainable and earth friendly options for eco friendly fashion choices, it doesn't come without impact. Conventional cotton can have a negative impact on the environment. Here are some of the ways that raw cotton growing and harvesting can affect the earth beneath your feet.
Chemicals - As one of the most popular crops in the world, cotton uses 6% of the worlds pesticides, which is more than any other crop.
Water Usage - Cotton is a thirsty crop and takes a lot of water to grow. It can take over 2500 liters of water to make a single cotton t-shirt.
Land impact - As cotton growing takes up a lot of land, it can disrupt habitats and the extensive water usage can lead to the soil becoming overly waters which can make the land unusable for growth in the future.
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So, cotton does come with an environmental cost but there are ways you can make your fashion choices earth friendlier. The answer is organic cotton.
Organic cotton is crafted using eco-friendly methods that don't involve pesticides, fertilizers, or any harmful chemicals that can seep into the land, the sea, and the air. It also takes 71% less water to grow and more than 60% less energy meaning that it cuts down on your carbon footprint.
Companies that have been certified as cultivators of organic cotton also have to work sustainably with their communities and offer fair wages to their workers.
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HOW SOZY FABRICS WORK
There are around fifty types of different cotton fabrics out there. We know, this may come as a surprise, especially for those who have been thinking they just need to pick between pure cotton or cotton blend. Over 75% of the worlds clothing products contain some kind of cotton - no matter how small. Yep, cotton comes in many flavors and we have an overview of some of the most popular threads that come from cotton to help you understand all the ways that cotton shows up in your wardrobe.
Upland cotton is the most common kind of cotton fabric and offers the complete cotton experience at a cost effective price.
Pima cotton is one of the highest quality kinds of cotton fabric. Pima offers long staple cotton fibers that is soft to the touch, strong, durable, and one of the most expensive cotton styles.
There are four different kinds of cotton that are grown on a commercial scale and used to create a whole range of cotton inspired fabrics. Whether you want super luxurious Pima cotton for your sheets or the plain weave cotton fabric of muslin, different kinds of cotton plants are responsible for different types of cotton.
Knowing which are the most sustainable kinds of cotton plants can also help you to make informed decisions when it comes to your cotton purchases.
This is the plant responsible for creating Pima Cotton - one of the best kinds of cotton in the world. With long fibers, Pima cotton is super smooth and luxurious and is known for being resistant to wrinkling, piling, fraying, and fading. This kind of cotton is native to South America and as it's so incredibly soft and strong it's a popular choice for bedding and high-class apparel. The prima cotton plant is considered to be one of the more environmentally friendly kinds of cotton as it is grown organically and without chemicals to sustain that super soft high quality. It is also created in small batch quantities and as its top-of-the-game cotton, producers often look for higher-quality manufacturing processes.
This is the cotton plant that produces the most common kind of cotton in the world. Also known as upland cotton, it tends to have shorter fibers and is used commonly in a wide range of products. Because of its purity, it is used in baby care and feminine hygiene products. Upland cotton is mainly grown in the USA.
This kind of cotton is likely to be the least environmentally friendly as it is grown, picked, and produced on such a large scale. The best bet you have at making sure your cotton choices are good for the planet is to make sure that you try and source organic cotton that doesn't use any fertilizers or chemicals which can seep into the soil, the water, and the air.
Making up less than 2 percent of the worlds cotton, this kind of cotton is tree cotton that is commonly grown in India and Pakistan. This cotton is often used in cotton material that favors a plain weave. Muslin cotton or any kind of cotton weave with strength and durability, tree cotton is also used in medical supplies (such as gauze).
Known also by the name of levant cotton, this kind of cotton plant is native to southern parts of Africa and the Arabian peninsular. Levant cotton makes up less than 2 percent of the global cotton market but is usually spun into yarn that makes other kinds of fabrics too.
So whatever is in your wardrobe, cotton fabric is sure to show up in some way, shape, or form. From knit fabrics to linen fabric, stretchy fabric, or even a twill weave fabric - there's sure to be cotton in there. Knowing how our fashion choices impacts the planet can help us to make educated decisions about where we want to spend our dollars. If you have any thoughts on cotton and its impact, including which cotton fabrics you love and hate - share with our VIP Sozy Community.
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With fall on the horizon and those pumpkin spiced lattes pulling us back to Starbucks once more, maybe it's time to take a deep dive into the most awesome beverages and brews adorning the menu. Starbucks is an American staple.
From morning coffees to sweltering summer afternoon iced teas, fabulous fall concoctions (with tons of whipped cream), and winter warmers - this classic coffee shop has been keeping us cozy and hydrated for years. We love coffee and we love slurping or sipping delicious creative Starbuck concoctions.
But, full disclosure - we don't always love how loaded these drinks can be with sugar, calories, and added fats.
Not that we are all about depriving ourselves of pleasure (life is too short), but for health-conscious sippers or those who just don't want to fall into a post-Starbucks sugar crash, we have the lowdown on how to feed your Starbucks obsession, to have your frappucino and eat it too, without having to worry.
Every year we fall hard for the fall favorite of the Starbucks pumpkin lineup. There's something about pumpkin and hot milk that has us ready to don our biggest sweaters, grab our favorite books, and curl up with a hot cup to hide from the bracing weather outside. The sweet pumpkin sauces, whipped creams, and syrups don't get the best rap when it comes to health, but there are ways you can join in the fun of fall with these healthy Starbucks choices.
Calories: 90 calories
Ingredients: coffee, almond milk, water, pumpkin sauce and vanilla syrup
A classic fall fave, ask for your tall blonde roast americano and welcome in that sweet and spicy flavor with one pump of pumpkin spice and 3 pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. Instead of full fat or any kind of dairy milk, you can order steamed almond milk for a lightly sweetened flavor that works in perfect harmony with the pumpkin flavor.
Calories: 90 calories
Ingredients: coffee, water, skim milk, half and half cream, sugar free syrup
While it doesn't get the reputation as being one of the healthier Starbucks drinks, you can totally fall in love with the Iced Pumpkin Latte without crashing into a sugar coma. The. Iced Pumpkin Latte is a long term love affair and something we look forward to every fall. All hail the pumpkin! You can say a hearty yes to the ice pumpkin spice latte by saying no to the classic syrup and asking for the sugar-free syrup instead. You can also order the grande unsweetened iced coffee as the base, say no to the classic syrup, ask for the sugar-free syrup instead, and ask for half and half sweet cream instead of full fat.
Calories: 65 calories
Ingredients: chai tea, skim milk, pumpkin sauce
Naturally spicy, chai tea is such a fall fave for a gentle night in. Chai tea is already laced with shades of cinnamon, warming ginger, spiced black pepper, and earthy cardamom. Throw in some pumpkin and you have a match made in heaven. With only 65 calories and skimmed milk in the place of full fat, this pumpkin chai tea is a soul stirrer.
Curling up with a hot drink doesn't have to mean curling up with the calories. The pleasure of hot drinks can still be had without the mocha sauce, the caramel syrup, and the high-fat cream. Instead, you can rekindle your love affair with a busty blonde espresso or blonde flat white, pretty up your cup with matcha teas, and even say yes to the sweet pleasure of syrups for your taste buds as long as you stay sugar-free. Here are some of our favorite healthy Starbucks drinks that come steaming.
Calories: 11 calories
Ingredients: coffee and water
Dress that espresso shot up by simply topping it with water until a natural crema layer coats the top. This is classy coffee, make no mistake. There isn't a whole lot to the Caffe americano but if you skip out on any added sugar, it's one of the best choices for coffee drinkers who want to hang at Starbucks and not stress about the calorie count. In short, it's a step up from the regular espresso thanks to that layer of crema bringing a smoother taste.
Calories: 73 calories
Ingredients: green tea, non-dairy milk, water
Matcha green tea bursts at the seams with health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, this powerful brew can do so much for you and if you swap out the full-fat milk for a non-dairy version, it's just 73 calories. Not bad. The latte element of matcha tea is a perfect choice as it makes it super creamy and comforting. Matcha green tea is slightly sweet and grassy with gentle floral notes and the best zen vibes.
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Calories: 93 calories
Ingredients: coffee, milk, and water
Espresso shots meet frothed milk in this classic of the Starbucks drinks. Cappuccinos have fewer calories and milk in them than lattes which gives you a great headstart on reducing the dairy and fat intake. If you want to make it even healthier, you can skip the whole milk and instead opt for skimmed milk to make it a nonfat cappuccino.
Calories: 100 calories
Ingredients: coffee, milk, water, vanilla shot
There's something no comforting about a tall and foamy, rich and creamy latte. If you love your lattes but want to create a lighter version that still has that sweet vanilla bean flavor, be sure to make yours a skinny. Choose skim milk or fat-free instead of full fat. A shot of sugar-free vanilla syrup brings natural sweetness to each and every sip.
Calories: 140 calories
Ingredients: coffee, water, milk, syrup
If you want to pick a sweet treat from the Starbucks menu or if you want a coffee drink that brims with sweet syrup flavors and creamy steamed milk, then the Hot Caramel Macchiato is pure magic. A regular coffee espresso is lifted to sweet new heights with the addition of caramel syrup and vanilla syrup before being topped with non-fat milk and drizzled with a touch more caramel. If you prefer this drink with ice, you can ask for a caramel frappuccino instead or a caramel iced coffee but make sure you stick with the low-fat milk and sugar-free syrup if they have it.
From the berry hibiscus refresher to the best healthy Starbucks drinks loaded with ice, the chilled range at Starbucks actually gives you plenty of room to play. Pick iced teas that have a green base, skip the overly sugary fruit juice options, and if ordered iced cappuccino or frappuccino make sure that you swap heavy cream for light cream and normal milk for almond milk. Take a look at our favorite iced healthiest Starbucks drinks.
Calories: 1
Ingredients: coffee and water
Whether you need your black coffee to kickstart your brain or because your name is Lorelei Gilmore, then Starbucks classic cold brew is going to sort you straight out. Sometimes on a hot day, hot coffee just isn't going to cut it. Enter the cold brew. Here with just a single calorie and a level of sugar that barely even registers, the cold brew coffee is slowly steeped with water for 20 hours before being served over ice. It's a treat. If you want to bring out the natural chocolate-like flavors of this kind of brewed coffee, you can also ask for a dash of low-fat milk.
Calories: 80 calories
Ingredients: coffee, ice, and milk
On warm spring or summer days, order an iced cold foam cappuccino for a kick. Coffee is shaken up with ice and paired with a cold frothed foam, you don't get much simpler than this when it comes to iced coffee. Swap out the regular milk for nonfat milk or foamy oat milk (or your fave alternative) and you don't even have to dither about the dairy.
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Calories: 1 calorie
<Ingredients: coffee and water
We will let the single calorie do the talking on this one. The Nitro Cold Brew comes with a single calorie and is as far from a crappy cup of coffee as you can get. The Nitro Cold Brew is made from freshly ground coffee being slowly for over 20 hours before being infused with nitrogen. We know it sounds weird, but nitrogen brings a hint of sweet flavor. It comes out of a tap which also gives it a dark velvet curtain like texture. It's the only way to start the day.
Calories: 90 calories
Ingredients: coffee, dairy-free milk, water
Hey, we weren't out to ruin the pure pleasure of a frappucino for you! All those who need their espresso frap can definitely continue to say a heartfelt yes to their favorite drinks. If you want to make your espresso frappuccino a healthier treat that comes in at less than 100 calories and cuts down on the sugars, then this signature blend should substitute almond milk instead of full-fat milk to hit the mark. Swapping it out for almond milk can fulfil your sweet cravings as it is naturally sweeter than some of the other non-dairy alternatives.
Calories: 54 calories
Ingredients: flavored syrup, water, ice, and green tea
We know, anyone who has sipped ice tea in the south knows that this drink doesn't always get a great rap for being healthy. There can be a lot of sugar in there! But the Starbucks summer version is actually pretty rad and comes in at just 54 calories. Not bad. Pick from either lemon or peach iced tea and you will get a tall chilled drink with an iced green tea base (loads of health benefits there), lifted by simple syrup and here to quench your thirst in an instant.
Ok, if you don't want to be that customer ordering a nonfat caffeine-free one-shot skinny latte with a single pump of sugar-free syrup, then fear not - there is a Starbucks app for making all those lengthy and complicated changes. But also, who cares anyway - order the drink you love. There's always a way to customize your Starbucks order! And here are some of those options for those who want a one-of-a-kind healthy Starbucks drink.
So now you know the best options for getting your Starbucks fix without feeling guilty, we say go ahead and enjoy all the pleasures of your fave coffee shop treat. Knowing how to tweak the order so you can get great drinks that make you feel good is only going to make the whole experience so much better. What are your favorite Starbucks drinks? Are you a skinny latte kind of lady or do you prefer to go rogue on the pumpkin spice? Share your thoughts with our lovely VIP Sozy Community.
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Are Virgo and Scorpio a love match, better as just friends, or a doomed intense karmic bond?
A Virgo Scorpio relationship can be a very fulfilling union, but relationships are complex. How a Virgo Scorpio couple communicate and work together, what their romance and sex life would be like, and the argument and apology style of both signs plays a big role. But at the end of the day, strong ties in a relationship are rooted in shared goals, so let's see how these two zodiac signs fair.
When using astrology to judge the compatibility of two people it's a lot more complex than comparing just our two signs, in fact the best thing to do is compare and contrast all the signs in your charts with your partner's.
This article will be valuable if you or your partner have a Scorpio or Virgo sun, moon, rising, Mercury, Venus or Mars. The characteristics of these signs show up differently depending on where they are in your chart, but think of this as your quick cheat sheet to understanding your zodiac sign compatibility.
compatibility rating: 8/10
Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which is literally the planet of communication, so this is definitely a strong suit for this earth sign. The thing about Virgos communication style is that it is incredibly thorough, so if you ask a person with heavy Virgo placements a question they will start at the dawn of time and give you every possible answer.
Scorpio communication on the other hand is more mysterious. Scorpio prefers to withhold information, unless it's on their own terms. Scorpio people do have a knack for getting to the bottom of things and finding out the truth in any given situation. If there's anyone in the group who knows everyone's dark secrets it's your Scorpio friend with their strong intuition.
KEY TAKEAWAY
compatibility rating: 7/10
Virgo is detail oriented and one of the hardest working signs. Being ruled by Mercury, Virgos tend to strive for perfection and stress over every detail, much to their own chagrin at times. Scorpio is a fixed sign, so they have a fiery determination. They tend to be in it for the long haul when it comes to a project or a labor of love.
Virgo and Scorpio share a mutual determination when it comes to working towards something. This can create very strong ties in friendship or love, so long as they have the same end goal.
KEY TAKEAWAY
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Compatibility rating: 8/10
Scorpio is a water sign, so love is deep and intense. They want to merge souls in this life, which admittedly isn't everyone's idea of a good time. For Virgo, like most earth signs, love is practical first and foremost. They have a list of needs that must be met in a potential suitor, and if you don't cut it they aren't going to waste their time.
I mean, some Virgos do fall prey to the toxically romanticized idea of trying to "fix" the people they date, but that's the different story.
Behind the practical list of needs, every Virgo has a tender heart and is also looking for their one true love-why else would they be so picky? It takes a lot of trust for a Virgo to open up their heart to deep emotions, but if they do fall for a passionate Scorpio they are in luck because they will never have to date ever again.
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compatibility rating: 10/10
Trust me, this is a match made in sexual heaven. Virgo and Scorpio compatibility in the bedroom is passionate!
Scorpio, in medical astrology, rules over the sex organs, so it's common for Scorpios to have a natural sexuality and a healthy sexual appetite. You might assume that earth sign Virgo is a prude, but you'd be very wrong. Virgo people are perfectionists and they take that energy to the bedroom where they will try anything once, with the ultimate goal being to please their lover.
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compatibility rating: 3/10
Scorpio is the type to know exactly the one thing to say to emotionally or mentally break you, luckily Virgo is actually a bit harder to break than the other signs. Not saying it can't be done of course, just that even if it worked they'd never give Scorpio the satisfaction of knowing it.
Despite being a mutable sign, Virgo tends to have this one little character flaw of always needing to be right, and they have a hard time accepting that they are anything but. So you see how that can pose a problem in a relationship, right?
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compatibility rating: 5/10
One thing we've learned about Virgo is their commitment to always being right, which can definitely pose an issue when it comes to making amends. Virgos, it's about learning that just because you're right, it doesn't mean that everyone else is wrong!
Scorpio placement issues have to do with running before they can get hurt. Scorpios can sometimes assert their independence as a defense mechanism. If they can run from hurt before it happens then they can feel a sense of control.
It can be dangerously easy to mess up the connection built in the early stages of this relationship because pride won't allow Virgo or Scorpio to compromise. All relationships take work, feelings will get hurt, but Scorpio and Virgo compatibility is a strong bond that needs strong healing.
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Compatibility rating: 9/10
The thing Scorpio values most at the end of the day is honesty; the deeper and darker the better. They don't like small talk, they want real and raw and gritty. We also have to remember that Scorpio is a water sign, so emotional honesty is most important for this sign.
While gritty isn't a word most would use to describe Virgos, they also value the truth very highly in their life. Their truth is a bit more straight forward and to the point, but they are attracted to honest people. Virgo also tends to place a high value on practicality and alone time (of which Scorpio also needs).
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In an effort to make your house a home and turn a blah space into a chic and cosy retreat, one of the simplest changes you can make is getting rid of that empty wall.
Empty wall spaces offer endless possibilities, and you don’t even need to spend a fortune to change the way your whole room feels. From framing prints you love to potted plants, here are our favorite ways to DIY your empty wall space and turn your room from bare to bliss…
You don’t need to splash the cash and become a serious art collector to enjoy images on the wall. Collect up your favourite postcards, drawings, and small prints and get them framed. Buy your frames from Ikea or even hit the thrift stores and buy old paintings and use those frames on your own pictures.
If you want to bring a splash of colour into your eclectic gallery wall, you can even paint the frames in gorgeous block colours or whatever shade suits your space. Hanging different sized frame prints is a great way of bringing a personal charter to a blank wall space.
Here’s where to get it:
Ikea for cheap and cheerful photo frames in different styles
Etsy for every frame imaginable, including some cool creative ones too
Another pro tip? We say raid the local thrift stores and antiques to find vintage frames that rock.
Hang some floating shelves on your empty wall space and print out and frame your favourite photos. As most of our photos are kept in digital format these days, we rarely have the pleasure of looking at them. By printing them out, not only can you put them on display but you can create a magical memory wall of all your favourite people and life moments. Add a bright plant or two and you have a cosy homely space in seconds.
Here’s where to get it:
Urban Billy is for those who want handmade artisan style shelves
Walmart is where we go for budget screw and fix bargains
You can also just hit up your local timber or good yard and see if they can sort you out with some scrap planks if you are handy.
Sometimes a swathe of fine fabric can be equally as glorious as a piece of art (not to mention a lot more affordable). Find a fabric you love and hang it as a wall tapestry to break up space. Whether it’s a piece you picked up from your far-flung travels or simply something you grabbed at a haberdashery, the aim remains the same – showcase it.
Here’s where to get it:
Etsy have a whole host of fabrics for you to choose from
Mood Fabrics have a great selection too
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If you are the type of gal who loves a good hat, then get them out on display. Hang storage hooks from your wall and literally hang up your hats. This works great for those billowy summer hats and brings a bright and coastal mood to your house. It especially works well when you place straw hats against a pastel-coloured backdrop for vintage spring vibes that instantly put you in a good mood. This is always a great idea for cottage style home decor and creating a romantic bedroom wall.
Here’s where to get it:
There's only one place to get glorious straw hats - vintage stores, thrift stores, and costume departments.
Fake flowers these days aren’t the old-fashioned plastic pieces they once were. You can curate gorgeous sophisticated displays using fake flowers. If you still can’t accept fake flowers into your life, then dried flowers can also work wonders. Otherwise, you can also opt for branches and leaves to make a beautiful natural display. Bringing the outside in is an enchanting way to wave farewell to dead space and turn it into something bold and lively.
Here’s where to get it:
Afloral has some beautiful faux flowers and leaves that look like they've been plucked from a fairy forest
Amazon has some more cost-effective options
Bed, Bath, and Beyond are always here for your artificial floral needs
If you want to warm up that wall and bring a sense of magic to your space then there’s no easier or more cost-effective way than opting for fairy lights. You can also use small clothespins and add photos to your fairy light wall or hang a mirror and drape your fairy lights around that. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most inspiring.
Here’s where to get it:
Amazon has a huge range of fairy lights for the choosing
You can also get these mini clothespins if you want to add photos
Boho beautiful rugs, quilts, and blankets can all double up as wall hangings. Whether a simple patchwork blanket or an intricately woven rug from someplace special, hanging it on a big blank wall will instantly transform the space. The beauty of wall hangings is the fact that they take up so much space.
If you don't have a lot of wall space to play with, you can always look for a smaller rug. These hangings can look extra special when woven from natural fabrics. As an extra PS if you pick thick quilts and blankets you can also enjoy some extra sound-proofing so you no longer need to listen to pesky neighbors. Score.
Here’s where to get it:
Rugs USA have some bohemian rugs that can double as wall hangings
Etsy have a ton of handwoven blankets
OK, so even if you aren't the next Jackson Pollock, that doesn't mean you can't create great wall art. All you need is a large pre-stretched blank canvas, some acrylic paint, and some abstract minimalistic art references (you can just Google it). You grab a big paintbrush and try to copy it as best you can. Even if it ends up a poor imitation, there's little room to go wrong when making abstract art and it will always create visual interest way more than a blank wall. Just make sure that you love the colors. Play with how you hang your art until you find the combo that works for you.
Here’s where to get it:
Walmart have plenty of blank stretched canvases for you to choose from
There are so many pretty wallpapers out there! Sometimes doing a whole room in one of these wallpapers is a tad too much, but just papering one wall can solve all your problems. Not only do you get to use the wallpaper you love without the overwhelm but you also get to cover up that bare wall with something beautiful.
Papering one wall in a gorgeous patterned wallpaper like botanical prints can also create an eye-catching focal point for the room. if you don't want to make a major change to your interior design, you can always buy removable wallpaper that is basically just stick and peel to make it easier.
Here’s where to get it:
Tempaper have some beautiful design choices for your feature wall
If you want to make that large blank wall way more naturally beautiful, simply buy some hanging wall baskets. Of course, you probably won't be able to put anything in them as your stuff may fall out (feel free to try), but as a wall decoration idea, it's going to add gorgeous texture and rustic tropical charm to your room.
Opt for natural baskets woven in wicker and if you are a plant lover - you may be able to balance and house some trailing trellises and vines in there for added texture and visual appeal.
Here’s where to get it:
Made Trade have some awesome fair trade baskets to brighten your wall space
There are so many stunning mirrors out there, why not make a wall just for them? This can be an awesome take on the idea of a picture gallery, instead of paintings you dedicate the entire wall to different decorative mirrors.
Look for different shapes and sizes and go for mirrors that have a myriad of colors and patterns in their frames. Hung against a white wall in the living room or hallway, not only will it look great, but it will also reflect and throw out even more light into the room.
Here’s where to get it:
Etsy has some magic mirrors to choose from
As we love to make our lives into movie scenes, we can't get over how awesome this wall decor idea actually is. Whether it's a dream scene from your favorite vacay, a near-perfect portrait of someone you love, something completely abstract, or your beloved pet captured in their best mindful pose, blow that the hell up and hang it on your wall.
Here’s where to get it:
Shutterfly has a ton of design options for you to turn your pics to prints
if you are tired of staring at that empty master bedroom or living room wall and you don't want to hang artwork, you can choose to put a piece of furniture there instead. Whether it's an extra bookshop for displaying decorative items, books, and plants or if it's a gorgeous vintage armoire, or a tired cabinet painted and freshened up for fun, you can turn a dead space into something useful - hell, even something beautiful. If you don't have the floor space for extra furnishings, you can always look at floating cabinets and shelves instead.
Here’s where to get it:
Vinterior is the place to go for those vintage furnishing finds
If you are a dab hand at drawing or if you have an artist friend, you can also create a mural on your wall. For those who aren't as art savvy as they would like or who lack the confidence to etch all over their walls, you can always use a projector to project an image on the wall and then simply trace over it. The image you choose for your wall mural can be as simple or complex as you like - there's little that can go wrong with tracing, it may just be more time consuming if it's a complex art piece on a big wall.
Here’s where to get it:
Amazon have a range of projectors at hand
If nails and hammers aren't your thing, you can still make the most of empty walls by turning it into a bohemian style corner. Simply lean a large mirror against the wall (the more gilded and glam the better) and place a couple of large throw pillows (in pretty patterns) in front of it.
This is an awesome way to totally charge and change up what was once a negative space into something totally chic and cool. Not only does this mean that you don't need to worry about your oversized mirror falling or pulling down your wall, but it can also bring lots of light and glamor to a previously dismal and dull corner.
Here’s where to get it:
Jungalow may be pricey but it's so so pretty
If you have bare walls that need brightening, another option that is low cost, low fuss, and can make a major change to the space is to simply paint some color onto it. We don't mind painting the whole large wall hot pink (unless you love it), but even just a little bit of masking tape and a different color or two can transform a blank space. Don't get too busy or fussy with this one, even just a few lines and shapes in different shades adds personality.
Here’s where to get it:
French Chic is making waves for its absolutely darling color schemes
Grab inspiration from the likes of Spain, Morocco, and Portugal and decorate your blank walls with tiles. If this sounds utterly impractical, we have a shortcut readily available. Now, you can buy wall decals designed to look like tiles so it's as simple as peel and stick.
You don't have to cover the whole wall, you can just make a small space feature or frame a certain area. We suggest using these wall decals in a similar place to where you would use actual tiles to make it look more realistic - think bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Here’s where to get it:
Etsy has some swoonable tile stickers
OK, this is for those of you who may own pieces of art. One of the best blank wall ideas is to keep the wall blank and place an impressive eye-catching sculpture in front of it. This can be a wall sculpture or art pieces and decorative objects on a console table. This way you are creating your own mini gallery and the blank wall will actually serve the purpose of not pulling away attention from the items and artwork you want to show.
Here’s where to get it:
Art and sculpture is all down to your own unique tastes and half the fun is in the finding
If you haven't guessed by now, we love a good floating shelf. Instead of just hanging one and using it to showcase your framed art, you can take your decorating in a completely different direction and turn that blank wall into an office space.
A wall-mounted desk, a shelf or two, a chair, some plants and a pretty picture and you have instantly bagged yourself a wonderful work from home space. Exactly what everyone needs as a backup in a post-pandemic world.
Here’s where to get it:
Wayfair have some chic floating desks in a range of different styles
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While you may think hanging plates belong back in your grandmother's era, they can actually be completely chic works of wall art. Hanging pretty plates and delicate dreamy ceramics is one of those gorgeous grown-up wall decor ideas that elevate the mood of your space. It's a great feature to add to a dining room or hallway to make a statement and show off your plates. We love birds, botanicals, but also Morrocan and Mexican style plates too.
Here’s where to get it:
Mex Decor can fulfil all your fabulously bright plate needs
In which ways do you welcome personal style to your walls? Are you all about the hanging decor or do you prefer framed prints, photo prints, or ceramics on show? How will you be dressing up your own blank and dreary walls? Share all your wall decor ideas over at our VIP Sozy community and let's wave farewell to large empty walls.
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Let's face it, it's been a wild ride the last couple of years and while we all may be sick of the inside of our houses, it helps to make it a welcoming refuge from the outside world.
Making your home an oasis of a relaxed atmosphere can work wonders for your wellbeing and ensure that you have a calming environment to come down from a busy day, process your life in peace, and get the rest and rejuvenation you need to get back out there again.
Studies have shown that there are a number of health benefits related to relaxing. From lowering our blood pressure to improving digestion, helping us to sleep sounder, and even cutting down on chronic pain - learning to relax is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. And where better to learn to relax than in your very own house!
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With life picking up pace again, it's easy for our homes to become a place of stress and mess. If it's chaotic and disorganized, your space can quickly turn into a place of dread. We say don't get overwhelmed, but instead, take a look at our top tips for interior tranquillity.
Turning your house into a calm haven doesn't need to drain your bank account or become a whole interior decorating project. Just a few simple changes and mindful tweaks can help you recreate a relaxing environment that nurtures and instantly soothes. Take a look at these design tips on how to make your home a relaxing space for your body, mind, and soul.
We aren't talking about a huge Marie Kondo decluttering sesh (unless you have the energy). But even just a weekly sort out of all your strewn about stuff can bring a bounty of health benefits.
Clutter is full of distractions and it can create an unfinished feeling within that makes it tricky for you to get tranquil. Throw out the junk mail, stack the dishes, clear out the recycling, and organize those shelves because baby, a clutter-free home is full of harmony.
One of the easiest ways of cutting through the clutter and junk? Good storage. Extra comfort points if you choose storage in natural elements such as wicker baskets or ottomans that you can throw a beautiful cozy blanket over. It's also a super cute decorating idea to up that cozy home feel by having a trunk or basket of blankets placed next to the sofa for when you feel extra snuggly.
A simple and low investment tip for making your home a haven is to create a relaxing environment through aromatherapy. We all have our own signature scent blend that makes us happy - perhaps you adore the instant pick-me-up of citrus fruits or maybe lavender softens you or simmering spices makes you feel relaxed and cozy.
There are so many incredible scented candles out there and it always feels like a self-care move to invest in a few. If candles aren't your bag, then look to essential oils and incense instead.
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There has been so much research into the healing benefits of having plants in the home that it's no wonder cultivating inner gardens became such a lockdown trend.
We aren't over it yet! We say yes to having mini jungles and gardens in the home. Bringing plants into your space is not only awesome for your mental health (thanks mother nature) but they have a wide range of superpowers including oxygenating the air and having a naturally calming effect too.
Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and basil bring soothing scents and a simple snake plant brings a pop of green and adds to that tranquil garden of Eden like atmosphere.
You know that feeling when you walk into a hotel room and there's a freshly cut vase of flowers and it fills you full of pleasure? You can welcome that into your own home.
Having flowers in your space is a hallmark of a relaxing atmosphere and is a short and simple way of weaving in pops of bright colors, a gorgeous aroma, and a garden-like vibe that can change the mood of an entire room in an instant. Just like plants, flowers add to the greenery, look gorgeous, and make us feel good.
If you want to create a peaceful space you should look for ways to embrace all the natural light that you can. Vitamin D is an essential element and if you can't get out in the sunlight enough, you can find ways to let it in.
Of course, you can't put more windows in your home but do make the most of the ones you have. Push aside drapes, roll up the blinds, clean your panes so the sun filters through and place mirrors on walls so the light bounces back.
Another way of welcoming more nature into your space is to select natural textiles and textures into your home. Not only do natural textures look lush, but they help to ground us as they are full of earthly elements. Whether it is driftwood pieces, bamboo, woven rugs, soft wool, and woven furniture - these textures all add depth and cozy warmth to your home.
If you are going to consider color when it comes to a certain room, there's something to be said about welcoming in the wonder of neutral shades. That doesn't mean you have to strip back all color, but by having a neutral base color you can then start to weave in and layer over with calming shades.
Learn about how color affects mood and choose earthy palates for the base as they can center us and make space for quiet moments. You can also introduce hues of blue for calming and warming reds for a soft glow.
Want to create the ultimate relaxing home? Make room for wellness spaces throughout. This could be as simple as making your tub a serene sanctuary for your next hot bath with some well-placed candles and plants. You could create a cosy corner with throw pillows, books, and crystals for some feel-good vibes or if you truly have the space - keep a room soft and silent for meditation.
It can be tempting to focus on one single space in the home and make this into a cozy focal point while skipping out on the rest. Don't do it. Spread your efforts. If you don't put good energy into every room, you risk being sapped every time you enter.
Not only do you want a relaxing living room but you want to be able to leave that and head into a relaxing bedroom, to bathe in a relaxing bathroom, and to cook in a relaxing kitchen. It's the whole picture that makes for a tranquil atmosphere not just snippets. Welcome small changes to your home inspiration and pay attention to the details throughout your home.
Kitchen's are often a place of chaos and color and overwhelming busyness. But, you can make it a calming oasis with just a little light organization.
We say create areas for different activities.
Have a prep area with all you need to chop and dice close by, have a spice area where all your seasonings are in one place and have a coffee space where you can make a mindful cup in the morning without starting your day rattling around.
If you have the time and energy, invest some of it into clearing out and organizing your cupboards too. Honestly, it will be such a subconscious weight off your mind not to have to empty whole pantries to find tinned tomatoes.
Finally, keep your kitchen table clear of junk and clutter. In Feng Shui, this is the epicenter of your home and it should be clear and open not crowded.
When arousing all the senses and creating harmony, you shouldn't overlook sound for its sense of relaxation. Whether you choose to play soothing music or if you welcome a small water feature into your room, sound can all add to the ambience of creating a feel safe space.
This is particularly true if you live in a place surrounded by busy streets. City noise can filter through and it can be tricky to relax against a backdrop of cars and voices. By using soothing sound to drown out the outside noise, you can move back from the fast-paced energy and into a sense of calm.
The art of Feng Shui has long been bringing a calming feel to spaces around the world. This ancient Chinese discipline works on the principle that the placement of furniture and the layout of a room can create negative energy or a positive ambience.
This can be as simple as not having your bed face the bedroom door as it is too energizing when you are trying to rest. Keeping your cooker clean because it is a symbol of abundance. Keeping your entry point clutter-free so you don't get overwhelmed when you walk in the door. And throwing out broken furniture because who needs that energy in their life.
In the interest of upping your tranquillity and promoting rest, you should put some effort into making your bed a heavenly haven. No more polyester sweats and crumpled sheets. If you can, invest in some good sheets with a high thread count, get some supportive luxury pillows, and make the bed every day so that your room feels warm and welcoming for nighttime rest.
OK, it's the 21st century and practically impossible to clear all of the technology out of our homes. But the truth is that tech can sometimes be a big distraction, an energy sapper, and as we are ever infused with news and updated feeds and social stimulation, it doesn't exactly lend itself well to a relaxing ambiance.
It could be time to compromise. Instead of cutting tech out, just create a dedicated space for it or bring in a few home rules. For example, you could say no phones or tablets in the bedroom or you could create a dedicated space for playing video games and scrolling. This can be a good way of keeping tech contained and not letting it spill over into every avenue of your home life.
Joy and comfort can dine at the same table in our heads so focusing on one can spark the other. Consider this when choosing art and images for your interior house walls. A good tip is to hang pictures and photos that remind you of good times. Whether it's places or people, family or friends, use imagery that infuse you with happy memories to keep the serotonin tap flowing.
If you don't have a lot of different rooms or spaces, you should still try and create a separate space of tranquillity away from your bed. It can be tempting to use our beds as a go-to for reading and watching TV, but a separate space can keep us in a different phase of relaxation rather than being up and awake or in bed. Even just a comfy chair and lamp will do the job.
If you have space to place a small table next to it for your cup of tea and your book then even better. Don't forget to have a blanket on hand for comfortable and cozy snuggle ups. You can even use this space for area rugs. Placing a rug beneath your table and chair can create a textured separation from the rest of the room.
Which techniques do you use for making your surroundings sweet and serene? Share all your tips and ways to create harmony in your own homes with our VIP Sozy community.
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JUMP TO RECIPE
Luckily, it is easy to make a vegan version of spaghetti bolognese. I have tried a lentil bolognese made with lentils and my friends love their vegetarian bolognese pasta recipes. A classic pasta bolognese is a rich Italian dish with a spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, tomato sauce, veggies, and spices.
Sozy's vegan spaghetti bolognese is made with textured vegetable protein or TVP in place of the ground meat and the rest of the ingredients is basically the same as a traditional bolognese sauce.
TVP is a plant-based protein that looks like soy curls out of the bag. The soy mince is dried and has to be reconstituted before it is used in a recipe. Once it has soaked it ends up looking like ground beef and can easily be used in recipes that need ground beef like pasta sauce and tacos. You can amp up the flavor of the TVP by adding soy sauce and veggie broth when reconstituting it.
This vegan bolognese sauce can be made with Italian seasoning if that's what you have in your spice rack. And any type of tinned tomatoes can be added to the sauce whether it is tomato puree, diced tomato, crushed tomato, what is important is to use tomato paste for extra tomato flavor. You can also add a splash of non-dairy nut milk or coconut milk to give the sauce some richness.
If you are trying to eat fewer carbs or are allergic, zucchini noodles are wonderful with this vegan pasta sauce. And if that isn't something that concerns you, then enjoy it with some toasted garlic bread and maybe a glass of wine too.
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Serves two
Ingredients
Directions
And that's another recipe to try with TVP as a protein substitute. This vegan bolognese is so flavorful that even your friends and family who are not vegan will gladly have a bowl (or two!).
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]]>IN THIS ARTICLE
As summer ends and the fall foliage begins to flourish, there is no better way to see the beautiful views your region offers than on a scenic road trip close to home. No matter the direction you choose to go, pack your phone charger and take one of these suggested routes to ensure incredible views along the way. These are some of the most beautiful scenic drives in our country and they will quench your desire to escape city life and get into nature.
Don't miss these awesome apps to help you piece together one of the best scenic drives in your area. Enter your starting point and destination to let these apps highlight all of the important stops in between. Whether looking for hikes, wineries, parks, historical sites, gas stations, views, state parks, hotels, restaurants, or other points of interest, these apps will make sure you do not miss a thing!
Start here: Rockfish Gap, VA
End here: Asheville, NC
Total miles: 469 miles
How many days: 2-3 days
Get the route here.
For a taste of Appalachia and one of the most popular scenic drives, travel the famed Blueridge Parkway route that stretches from Rockfish Gap, Virginia past the up-and-coming town of Asheville, North Carolina. This route is a must-see in the fall for beautiful views when the seasonal foliage lines the one-lane state route that takes you through this journey. Your scenic drive will take you along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and up the crest of Virginia’s highest elevation, Apple Orchard Mountain.
As you enter North Carolina you will travel through the trees of the Pisgah National Forest. Stop for a hike or continue on the scenic byway for more epic views. You will then traverse Grandfather Mountain, which is the highest point of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and adjacent to the not-to-be-missed resort of Blowing Rock. Continue then across the Black Mountains and Great Craggy Mountains for more scenic views.
As you near the French Broad River you will be close to the town of Asheville, North Carolina. This is a seriously up-and-coming part of Appalachia drawing transplants from various parts of the US. Stay here to enjoy fine dining, nightlife, and entertainment close to the end of your journey. If you wish, after Asheville, you can continue on the Parkway where it reaches its highest elevation (over 6,000 feet) just before the Appalachian Mountains and Cherokee Indian Reservation. Appalachia is a real treat and scenic trails like the Blue Ridge Parkway are not to be missed.
Start here: Washington, DC
End here: Highland, VA
Total miles: 202 miles
How many days: 2-3 days
Get the route here.
This scenic byway lets you leave big city life behind you and head down winding countryside to the romantic Highland County in Virginia. This weekend adventure lets you enjoy the spectacular view of the fall foliage of Shenandoah as you head towards the scenic "Switzerland of Virginia" in Highland County.
Starting in Washington D.C, head southwest on this scenic byway towards Charlottesville, VA. Stop by UVA for a delicious farm-to-table lunch at Farm Bell Kitchen. After lunch, continue on into incredible scenery brought to you by Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Stop for some hiking or other outdoor adventures or continue on to enjoy the countryside of grazing cows and sheep as you enter Highland County. Romantic lodging is abundant but a stay at the Laurel Inn Retreat will not disappoint.
Start here: Lincoln Memorial (Washington DC)
End here: US Capitol Building (Washington DC)
Total miles: 2 miles
How many days: 1 evening
Get the route here.
Although this may not be your first thought when you hear "scenic drives near me," this tour of our nation's historic sites and overall history makes this scenic drive one that will fill your cup with inspiration. This route is ideal day or night, but shining lights under the night sky make these views especially memorable.
Start this trip through DC with a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, but consider parking to enjoy views of the Mall from this location. There is a parking lot close by if you want to stretch your legs for a bit. If walking, hike around the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This route covers a short distance, but hop back in your car to continue on this road trip through DC.
After driving past the Lincoln Memorial, pass the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial before coming to the end of the Mall and the US Capitol Building. Loop around the mall to drive past the White House before ending your night with a craft cocktail from the Columbia Room. Although covering a short distance, this historical route is filled with sights to see.
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Start here: Santa Barbara, CA
End here: Monterey, CA
Total miles: 237 miles
How many days: 4-7
Get the route here.
This portion of California’s coast is beautiful and definitely qualifies as a "bucket list" drive. The area between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the tech-driven Silicon Valley offers some of California’s best coastal views. Not only is it one of the prettiest roads to drive, but it is littered with cultured and funky stops along the way. Start off at the American Riviera in Santa Barbara and head north on Highway 101. If you are into wine culture, pull off in Buellton (about 40 minutes north) and head east on the byway to the various wineries littering the Santa Ynez Valley. Don’t miss the charm of Los Alamos, which, in recent years, has become a hipster foodie destination.
Continue north on the 101 through Santa Maria and you eventually reach San Luis Obispo. Here, you merge onto the famed state route Highway 1. Travel through touristy beach towns like Morro Bay, funky enclaves like Cayucos, and more elegant sleepy towns like Cambria.
Cambria is a great place to stop for the night. Here are a few tips to make your stay perfect. Take a hike through the Fiscalini Preserve or along the Moonlight Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy one of the town's famed wineries, like Moonstone Cellars, and stay at one of the various hotel choices along Moonstone Beach. You cannot go wrong at El Colibri. Enjoy dinner at Robin's or Sea Chest and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing outside your hotel room.
In the morning, you can tour a piece of history at Hearst Castle and take a short hike to see a swath of Elephant Seals in San Simeon. Next, you’re on to Big Sur as you pass through Ragged Point. Big Sur is home to various state parks with loads of hiking, idyllic campgrounds, and high-end glamping locations featuring decked-out yurts and cuisine from world-famous chefs. End your journey with a cruise through 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, the home of Pebble Beach and other world-class golf courses. This road trip is one you will never forget.
Start here: Los Angeles, CA
End here: Convict Lake, CA
Total miles: 369 miles
How many days: 3 days
Get the route here.
A summer or fall tour through the Eastern Sierras, is one of the best scenic road trips in California. Travel northwest from Los Angeles to reach the junction of Highway 395 and 58. Proceed north on Highway 395 until you reach the country town of Lone Pine. From here you can drive west up Whitney Portal Road for a view of California's highest peak - Mt. Whitney. Settle in for the night if you like, or continue north to Bishop. As you proceed further, you can’t miss experiencing the hot springs, either at Keough's Hot Springs or Wild Willy's.
Your next stop will be at or near Mammoth Lakes. While it is a booming ski town in the winter, it offers a unique summer experience as well as attractions and adventures for mountain bikers and hikers alike. Nearby attractions include Devil's Postpile National Monument and Convict Lake. A cozy cabin at June Lake and dinner at the Eagle’s Landing Restaurant is another option to unwind along this journey.
From here, you can either journey east on Highway 120 to Yosemite, or continue north on 395 until you reach the "biggest little city in the world," Reno, Nevada. Either way you chose, you will not be disappointed with what the lesser-known Eastern side of California has to offer.
Start here: Malibu, CA
End here: Coronado, CA
Total miles: 157 miles
How many days: 3 days
Get the route here.
Los Angeles is filled with scenic road trips, but nothing compares to a tour of Southern California beaches. Start this sun-soaked road trip on the coastline of Malibu. Travel south to hit the Santa Monica Pier for some carnival games and appetizers at the Lobster. Treat yourself to a night on the beach at Shutters and wake up and take a moment to people-watch before heading down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) towards Orange County to visit the home of the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Although this route is slower than the jam-packed 5 or 405, take in the views and scenic stops along the way.
Grab a cocktail overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Deck in Laguna Beach before heading further south on this unforgettable California road trip. Laguna Beach is also home to some beautiful hiking and parks, so plan time to visit longer if you want to explore these coastal rolling hills longer.
Round out your trip in San Diego County by hiking a famous California State Park, the Torrey Pines Nature Preserve. Continue your route down this scenic road to the world-famous shores of Coronado with a stop at the Hotel del Coronado. Grab a cocktail on the sun deck to reminisce on your favorite part of Southern California's scenic drives.
Start here: Olympia, WA
End here: Olympia, WA
Total miles: 471 miles
How many days: 4 days
Get the route here.
This scenic drive is a stunner and not to be missed. Just east of Seattle, this loop outlines Olympic National Park and shows off the lush beauty of Washington State. Although you may not be enjoying the sunshine, the wildlife, forests, and surrounding greenery you will travel through will leave you wanting more, even if you need your umbrella and rain boots. This loop is filled with plenty of stops, so take some time to enjoy your drive as you cover the distance.
I recommend starting in Olympia, Washington State's capital on the southern end of Puget Sound. After grabbing some coffee and a local pastry at Olympia Coffee Roasting Company, drive towards the Quinalt Valley. Take some time to explore the history of this area but enjoying the rainforest trail, old lodge, and the world's largest spruce tree. From here, do not miss the beach and quaint cabins of Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park. Make sure to book these in advance as they are popular with visitors. Spend the evening bird watching before enjoying dinner in the Lodge's restaurant.
In the morning, grab breakfast to-go from the Lodge and take it 10 minutes North to explore the beauty and tidepools of Ruby Beach. From here, do not miss a hike through the Hoh Rainforest. Spend time hiking and exploring the various trails in this ancient, mossy forest. Continue North to see the massive rock formations of Rialto Beach and end your day in Port Angeles, just south of the Canadian border. In the morning, explore the windy byway along the shore of Lake Crescent, enjoy lunch at the lodge and rent a kayak for an afternoon tour of the lake. Treat yourself to a stay at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort after hiking out to the waterfall.
On the final day of this scenic drive, don't miss Hurricane Ridge, an extreme wind and high-altitude detour which will also bring you some of the best scenic views of your trip. From here, drive back to Olympia to finish your loop. Or, if adventure is still calling, take your car across the Puget Sound on the ferry to Seattle and continue your exploring!
Start here: Tacoma, WA
End here: Tacoma, WA
Total miles: 204 miles
How many days: 3
Get the route here.
When visiting the Pacific Northwest, the towering 14, 410 foot Mount Rainier is rarely out of view. No matter the season, the beauty surrounding Mount Rainier is worth the visit. Between incredible views, hikes, waterfalls, wildflowers, and snow sports, Mount Rainer National Park delivers year-round. This scenic drive starts in the city of Tacoma, WA, and is one of the best scenic drives around Mount Rainier. This also makes for a great weekend trip.
From Tacoma, stop in the foothill town of Enumclaw to fill your gas tank and pick up some snacks for this scenic drive into the Mount Rainier area. Enjoy the countryside until you begin to enter Federation Forest State Park and take a moment to stretch your legs in the dense forests on one of the shorter hiking trails. Refuel amongst the trees in one of the picnic areas and stop at Suntop Lookout, for incredible 360° views of Mt. Rainier.
After taking in the stunning views, don't miss Skookum Falls on the way to Crystal Mountain Ski Area. This stop makes for a great day trip no matter the season. During summer, chairlift to the summit for a sunset dinner or ride your mountain bike down the slope. Stay the night or take the short drive to Sunrise Visitor Center to continue on your scenic loop.
The Sunrise Visitor Center is a must for park information and for a stop at 6,400 feet elevation, the highest location you can drive into the park. Continue on and stretch your legs on the 1.5-mile loop through the Grove of the Patriarchs, an ancient dense forests environment filled with trees over 1,000 years old. Do not miss the Martha Falls Viewpoint on your way on the byway to Paradise.
Visitors flock to Paradise year-round for the incredible views. Sitting at 5,400 feet, The Paradise Inn and Dining Room will add a rustic charm to your scenic drive. Take time to stroll the grounds and do not miss the incredible photo opportunities from this scenic "paradise."
In the morning, do not miss the pullouts for Glacier Vista Exhibit, Narada Falls, or Christine Falls. Longmire makes for a great stop to refuel in a cozy, rustic lodge. Take the short stroll along the popular nature trail, The Trail of the Shadows, before heading back towards Tacoma to wrap up one of the best scenic drives in the PNW.
Start here: Brookings, OR
End here: Astoria, OR
Total miles: 338 miles
How many days: 5 days
Get the route here.
This winding route up the Oregon coast is filled with scenic views. Although one of the best scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest, this journey is not for those in a rush, as the highway is very narrow and has only two lanes. However, the coastal views and scenery pass the time between stops. The highway is spotted with quaint towns that are home to incredible, fresh seafood dishes. The foggy marine layer and coastal hikes make this scenic byway a cozy tour of Oregon's coast and countryside.
From Brookings, just north of the California border, drive north towards Gold Beach and up the coast to Coos Bay, Oregon's largest coastal city. Golfers will love a stop at the famed Bandon Dunes Golf Course and hikers will love the 1.2 mile Redwood Nature Trail along the way. In Coos Bay, explore the shipbuilding history of the area and grab some local oysters from Shark Bites Seafood Cafe and a craft brew and sandwich from 7 Devil's Brewing. Spend the night glamping with amazing views at Bay Point Landing.
In the morning, continue your route towards Florence. Check out the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for views of the massive coastal dunes that draw visitors from all over for dune buggy and sandboarding recreation. As you arrive in Yachats, check out Thor's Well or hike the beautiful 804 trail for 1.7-miles of birdwatching and tide-pooling. Spend the evening enjoying the artsy culture of Yachats browsing galleries and the famed rocks at Planet Yachats. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at Luna Sea Fish House and spend your night with an ocean view at the Overleaf Lodge.
In the morning, grab coffee at Green Salmon and continue north to the tidepools in Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Stroll out to the Yaquina lighthouse and look for sea lions. Grab lunch at Mo's Seafood or Local Oceans Seafood or spend some time checking out Newport's craft breweries. Stay the night in Newport at the Ocean House for coastal views or continue north towards Astoria.
Stop along the beach in Lincoln City to look for blown glass "floats" in the water. Local artisans hide over 3,000 pieces along the beach for visitors to find! As you continue north, don't miss the Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center for incredible cheese and ice cream tastings. Spend the night in a cabin or yurt at the Cape Lookout State Park.
In the morning, try your hand at crabbing at Kelly's Brighton Marina before heading to the charming town of Manzanita. Enjoy the farmer's market, local winery, and picnic options from Manzanita Grocery and Deli. Spend your evening on the beach before spending the night with a fireplace at the Cannon Beach Hotel. Wrap this scenic drive in the family-friendly town of Astoria, just 2 hours west of Portland.
Start here: Estes Park, CO
End here: Grand Lake, CO
Total miles: 48 miles
How many days: 1 day
Get the route here.
This 48-mile highway connects the east and west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and is knows as the "highway to the sky." At a peak of 12, 183 feet, this road is the highest paved road in the U.S. National Park system. This makes for a great weekend adventure. Trail Ridge Road is only open during the summer and early fall due to changing weather conditions. Always check current road conditions before heading out.
Grab a picnic from Scratch Deli & Bakery in Estes Park before heading out for your adventure. Fill up with gas and get ready to experience one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country. This beautiful route climbs over 4,000 feet in altitude and takes from a forest to alpine tundra within minutes. Multiple pullovers are marked to take in the views from several vistas along the highway. Bring layers for the change in elevation and keep watch for bighorn sheep, elk, and wildflowers during the spring seasons. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center for more information on the area and to grab a snack if necessary. Stay the night in Grand Lake, CO or go back the way you came and take it all in from a different angle!
Start here: Grand Junction, CO
End here: Vernal, UT
Total miles: 145 miles to Vernal, UT or 512 miles for a full loop
How many days: 2-6 days
Get the route here.
Take a tour of this historic area in northwest Colorado filled with dinosaur fossils and Native American history. This diamond-shaped scenic drive begins in the red rock formations and canyons above Grand Junction and takes you north to Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado/Utah border before heading into eastern Utah and eventually back to Colorado.
Start your journey in Grand Junction, CO, and enjoy the views of the Colorado River that runs through town. Take a short detour from the byway to explore the Colorado National Monument's 23-mile Rim Rock Drive for incredible views of the colorful canyon and monoliths.
Mountain bikers will love a stop in Fruita, which is home to the Bookcliff, a favorite visit due to the rolling hills and options for riders of all levels. Fruita is also home to the Dinosaur Journey Museum if you want more information on certain fossils in the area.
Continue north towards the Utah border and cross over to Vernal, UT, a perfect place to stay for your visit to Dinosaur National Monument. Hike around the monument to take in the ancient fossils and interpretive panels. Adventurers will love a rafting trip down the Green River. From here, you can continue on the scenic byway through deep canyons carved by the Colorado River to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks before heading back to CO.
Start here: Durango, CO
End here: Telluride, CO
Total miles: 120 miles
How many days: 2 days
Get the route here.
Known for the supposed cost to build the road, the "Million Dollar Highway" climbs the San Juan Mountains to the 11,018 foot Red Mountain Pass. Known for the incredible views and switchbacks, this scenic drive is sure to deliver stunning scenery throughout the seasons. Hop in the car and turn this into an epic weekend trip full of mining history.
Start your drive in Durango, one of the historic towns from the mining surge in the 1880s. Drive through the San Juan National Forest to Silverton, CO. Keep watch for historic sites from the mining era along the route. This is the official start of the "Million Dollar Highway" to Ouray, CO. There are no guardrails and the road can feel dangerous with all of the switchbacks. Take your time to enjoy the climb to Red Mountain Pass. Stop to take in the views before heading down into Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge.
Once in Ouray, stop for pictures at the overlook before enjoying all that this town on the valley floor has to offer. The historic town is fun to explore with historic mining shops, restaurants, and hot springs. Make a point to visit Box Canyon Falls before heading on to Telluride in the morning.
[related-posts-handles="live-sozy/best-california-road-trips,live-sozy/10-iconic-places-to-visit-in-california-that-you-cant-miss,live-sozy/least-visited-national-parks-in-the-usa"]]]>Fashion and eczema can be a challenge as you are always on the defense when it comes to preventing a flare-up of itchy irritated skin. Getting comfortable in your skin is more than just a state of mind with eczema and we are here to share some tips on how you can choose clothes that won't kick off sensitive skin conditions.
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Fashion and eczema can be a challenge as you are always on the defense when it comes to preventing a flare-up of itchy irritated skin.
For some people, they may feel compelled to hide away their sensitive skin under layers and long sleeves. But finding clothes that make you feel good physically and mentally play a major role in keeping you comfortable and calm.
Getting comfortable in your skin is more than just a state of mind with eczema and we are here to share some tips on how you can choose clothes that won't kick off sensitive skin conditions.
Eczema is a condition called atopic dermatitis that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and cracked. It may show up in small patches or it may present itself across the whole body. It is a chronic condition although it can improve or clear over time. It also may chill out at times.
Usually, atopic dermatitis will inflame the skin and cause the skin to become visually irritated. It tends to show up in the creases of your skin - insides of elbows, behind the knees - but it can show up anywhere else on the body as there are no hard fast rules.
What causes eczema? Even the national eczema association can't pin it down to one thing. It can be as simple as your body is sensitive to allergens. It can show up in people who have a history of allergies such as hay fever, asthma, etc. Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stress, an allergy to certain materials, sensitivity to certain chemicals in laundry detergents and toiletries, and even food allergies can play a role.
The National Eczema Society says that yes, what you wear can have an impact on your eczema. Many people who have eczema find that garments made of wool, polyester, nylon and other synthetic materials can kick off the itch. This is because these kinds of clothing invite overheating and sweating or aren't breathable enough to soothe the skin. Anything with rough fibers and seams can cause irritation in the skin.
When it comes to clothing choices, knowing which fabrics are your friend and which can be your foe is super helpful in avoiding setting off the dreaded scratch. It doesn't just stop at the choice of clothing, but also how you care for your clothing too.
At Sozy, we ensure all of our clothes are as soft and cozy as can be, but we want you to be informed about your fashion choices so you can pick the garments that work gloriously for your own skin.
Finding the best fabrics to wear when you have eczema can help cut down on itching. What your skin is sure to be craving is soft, breathable fabrics that don't make you sweat. Keeping your comfort level high is essential when it comes to giving your skin some light relief. Take a look at these fabulous fabrics you should be looking for...
Forever lightweight and breathable, organic cotton is one of the best natural fabrics for those with sensitive skin conditions. Not only is cotton totally cool and soft but it also gives your skin plenty of room and is good at soaking up any sweat. This means that it's less likely to cause disruption to your skin and kickstart any allergy symptoms.
Be careful when selecting your cotton as sometimes cotton blends can have high polyester levels stashed away in there. Always double-check the label and aim for a high percentage of cotton - of course, 100% is best.
Silk is another firm fave with the eczema treatment crowd. Silky smooth against the skin and without a rough fiber in sight, there's a reason that silk is considered to be one of the most sensual textiles.
Silk is a sublime choice for those who suffer from skin irritation as you can even find close-fitting silk garments that are specially designed with skin health conditions in mind. You can wear these as layers under other clothes to protect your skin.
If you go for normal silk clothes, remember that this type of fabric usually requires special care when it comes to washing and drying so it may not be the most practical choice for a whole wardrobe.
Bamboo is an awesome material choice for those who have eczema. It's a high-quality material for regulating body temperature and is super soft and breathable too. There's a lot of reasons to love bamboo.
This smart material can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter without encouraging excess sweating, but beware. Bamboo can be another tricky material to sift through. Some clothes may have a label that says bamboo viscose which means that it's bamboo blended with spandex, lycra, elastane or something else. As this process can be chemical-heavy, it may not be the best choice for someone with eczema. Remember the golden rule and always check your labels.
Hemp and linen can be a good choice for adults with skin conditions as its also cool and breathable. It's also a natural fabric meaning that it has stayed away from harsh chemicals that could trigger a reaction. But sometimes linen and hemp can feel like they have a rough finish so pick your garments lightly.
[carousel="one-piece"]For those with sensitive skin, here's a list of materials that you should steer clear of to keep your skin as happy as can be...
Wool is a natural fabric so people may think that's enough for it to pass the acceptance test when it comes to eczema. True. But also, it can be extremely rough in texture and it definitely shouldn't be used for babies who suffer from sensitive skin. Merino can be softer and much more lightweight so could be worth exploring if you are set on buying that sweater.
Fleece is another material where the jury is out. While it can be irritating and catch on dry patches of skin, it can also be soft and cozy. With all of this, there are no hard rules as everyone's skin is different. These are guidelines to help you make appropriate choices and perhaps fleece will work for you.
Dealing with your eczema doesn't just stop when it comes to fabric choices, it's also worth knowing a few other tips to help your skin stay chill too. From simple measures like not bundling up to considering what you sleep in, these tips from the eczema community are here to keep you itch-free.
When it's chilly outside, there's nothing more alluring than bundling up but for those with sensitive skin, this could set off sweating and itching. We aren't suggesting setting out in the snow in a tiny tee, but think about your layers and make sure the base layer is something breathable.
In the same vein, you want to make sure that your skin has plenty of room to breathe. There's a reason that light and breezy materials are recommended for those with eczema and dermatitis. Tight clothing can make you sweaty, cause irritation as the fibers rub against your skin, and can trigger rashes and itching.
At Sozy we are all about easy breezy living and even when fitted, we keep our clothes flexible so they don't squish your skin and make you sweat.
While you may feel like keeping your skin covered up, it is often craving air and light so make the most of warm weather and let your skin bask in brightness and breeze. Sunlight can help eczema so wearing tees and shorts or a summer dress can help to keep your skin fresh. (But don't forget your SPF!)
[related_article="live-sozy/best-and-worst-sustainable-fabrics"]
We spend a huge amount of our lives tucked up between the sheets so make sure that your action plan takes bedtime into account too. Pick pajamas that are made of sensitive skin-friendly materials and think about your bedsheets too.
Choosing sheets that are cotton or silk not only lends a little luxury to your bedroom but can also encourage the quality of your sleep as you are less likely to get hot, sweaty, and scratchy.
The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance information can be found on their site. Basically, if a product gets this stamp, it means that they meet the criteria for being clinically proven not to have anything in them that could potentially trigger sensitive skin.
The site covers everything from toiletries to clothes, household products to sunscreen and everything in-between. It's a great resource for finding the right products for the entire family if anyone struggles with their skin.
Just to be on the safe side, if you have really sensitive skin, you may want to throw your new Sozy clothes in for a quick wash before being worn. This doubly makes sure that any lingering traces of irritants outside of our control are cleared away before your skin makes contact. Always opt for eco-friendly detergents that are free of fragrance and dyes as these are the least likely to upset your skin.
Sometimes you can find skin management success in the way you wash. Knowing how to care for your clothes is essential if you want to keep your skin in the calm zone. A little extra thought can go a long way and can help you to get control over your health. Here are some laundry tips to keep in mind when it comes to caring for your Sozy clothing...
Picking the right laundry products can be a minefield for those with skin conditions. One of the best things you can do is to stay savvy on your labels and look for something that is as eco-friendly and natural as can be.
Try and find products that are classed as fragrance-free as this will be your best indicator that there are no added chemicals. Don't be wooed by promises of 'unscented' or 'hypoallergenic' as these can still have fragrances added in. The truth about hypoallergenic labels is that they don't always deliver the gold standard promise that you can't have a reaction to them.
When washing clothes always make sure that you go heavy on the rinse cycle. Your aim is to remove as much residue from the detergent as possible. The more intense the rinse and spin cycle, the less likely these residues are to come in contact with your skin and the less likely a flare-up will be.
While you may think fabric softener is a good choice as it keeps clothes supple against the skin, those with eczema may be best skipping it altogether. It is true that fabric softener makes clothes soft and it is best to encourage as little friction as possible against the skin, but fabric softener almost always comes with an added scent that can irritate the skin even more.
You'll do best skipping out on softener and choosing clothes that are naturally soft thanks to their material, but you can also do deep research to find a softener that makes the grade. Fortunately, our Sozy clothing is super soft (it's the ethos behind our whole brand) so you shouldn't need to worry about fabric softener.
Living with any kind of skin condition can be tough and it can make some people feel hemmed in when it comes to their fashion choices. The best eczema clothing will be made of naturally soft and lightweight material that doesn't hem you in and will have minimal chemicals involved in the process. Don't forget to load up on eco-friendly laundry products and expose your skin to fresh air as much as you can.
Do you have any experience with eczema clothing? What are your favorite materials and laundry detergents to help you manage the condition? Share all your thoughts over at our online VIP Sozy community.
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Whether it's your bank balance or your bursting closet telling you that you have too many summer dresses, we have got your back. There's more than one way to style that sexy summer dress and in fact, with the right accessories, you can wear that sexy dress to a whole host of different occasions. If you are in the mood to strip back and simplify, here we will be sharing a whole host of chic ways to rock your sexy summer dresses in all the right ways.
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But first, what sets sexy summer dresses apart? We would argue anything that you feel sleek and stunning in. Because the hot girl summer is a total mood that you can master with the right mindset (and the right dress of course). Whether it's a tight and fitting bodycon dress, a midi dress with eye-catching cutouts, a scooped neckline mini dress, a free-flowing maxi dress, or a cute wrap dress complete with a plunging neckline, you want to wear something that raises your confidence game, shows off your fabulous figure, and is comfy to boot.
So this look is totally glam and perfect for turning that simple dress into a club dress just by swapping out the shoes. This dress is such a hot girl classic that we can't get enough of how sexy it makes us feel. Figure-hugging, clingy in all the right places but still cool and comfortable, it means you create your own heat rather than suffer in sweltering weather. Heels will elongate those pretty pins and the delicate sized bag is a mere suggestion of perfume and lipstick that lends itself well to a night out on the town. This pic is proof that it doesn't always need to be a little black dress to be an instant classic.
Hello to our newest summer date night style. Your summer wardrobe wouldn't be quite complete without a snuggly cardi to throw over your dress when the sun starts to set. We love cardi's that come in neutral or biscuit colors because they go with everything. If you want to keep the sultry game high, cinch it in at the waist with a belt and pair it with strappy sandals.
We love the sporty flirty look of pairing your favorite party dress with a baseball cap, tied white cotton tee, and sneakers. It's a great way of taking that hot dress into more casual territory without losing the sexy silhouette hugging edge. Just take us out to the ballgame already!
You don't need a special occasion to sport that perfect dress, you can pair it with a sweater and sneakers and turn that slip dress into a dreamy daycare look. Draping a sweater over your shoulder screams of Hampton summer vibes or European pro tennis star and we are here for it. It's classy, casual, and super cute - especially when paired with an over the shoulder bag and a high ponytail.
If you want to style that cute dress for your next date or gig, pairing it with a cute blazer or jacket works no matter what the season. Go for a black short cut jacket and throw on some heels, a tousled head of hair, and a statement piece of jewelry to channel complete rock and roll vibes. This is one of the best looks to make the most of your minis.
[related_article="live-sozy/ways-to-style-a-bodycon-mini-dress"]
Get your cool girl game on and opt to pair your pretty sundress with a tied-up button-down shirt. There's something so effortlessly charming about this style and the best thing is - it looks great with any kind of dress as long as you pair well when it comes to fabric, pattern, and color. We love this look of the navy tight dress with the striped blue and white short-sleeved shirt and the contrasting red street sneakers for that all American girl fashion charm.
Work gal on the go, you can wear your summer dress to a business brunch and look absolutely divine without losing an inch of professional polish. Pair with oversized sunglasses and take your pick in the footwear department. For a classy lunch with the girls, you can't go wrong with heels, for work we are thinking flats, and you can even don the sneakers if you want a chic and casual city look.
There's something grunge gorgeous about tie waist styles. Usually paired with jeans or baggy bottoms in that killer 90's way that is making a comeback, we have decided to cute this look up a bit. Here, we have opted for a checkered shirt, but because the dress is a simple block color it could have worked with a whole host of different styled shirts and patterns. The contrast just helps it to stand out that little bit more. We've also paired it with cute skate shoes too that match our camera strap! The delight is always in the details when it comes to women's clothing. Could there be a better look for a weekend exploring NYC with friends?
Yes, pairing a sweater over the top of your dress is a look that is making a splash right now and we can totally see why. It works best with a dress that is a cutout of your figure (AKA figure-hugging) as it will show your shape and won't make you feel frumpy even with a sweater on top. Here, we've gone for a simple grey sweater that isn't too bulky or busy in design. We love the stormy look of grey on blue and you can totally pair this look with sneakers to make the outfit extra chill or sandals for a more femme daytime look.
Which of these fashion looks is your favorite? And what do you look for in sassy summer wear? Are you all about satin and lace to feel sexy or do you prefer the classic flirty white dress, easy-breezy linen, or the magic of maxis? Share all your fashion thoughts with our VIP Sozy community.
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While traveling, think of your carry on bag as your little home while you’re away. You may not be sure when you’ll be able to open your suitcase or sprawl onto your Airbnb bed, but if you pack your carry on right you’ll have everything you need for maximum comfort, even if you get stuck in layover purgatory or if you lose your checked luggage along the way.
There's nothing worse than arriving after a sweaty and sleepy long haul flight to news that you have lost luggage. While odds are slim that your checked bag ends up someplace far away, you are sure to feel less devastated if you have been savvy about packing your carry on luggage well. Even for those flying domestically and wanting to save a buck, packing a good carry on can mean that you don't have to spend extra cash on checked luggage. The Government Accountability Office notes that travelers who check at least one bag when flying locally pay more overall than they did before 2008 (when checked bags started to come with an additional charge).
For savvy travelers who want to cut costs and travel with a backup plan in the case of checked baggage going bye-bye, we have the ultimate carry on packing list to make sure you feel good on the fly.
So what do the TSA rules say about carry on essentials and what's allowed to join you in the cabin? There are certain rules around what liquid allowances, meds, and toiletries when flying so we can take a look at what will make it through and what will get you stopped by a TSA officer.
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Ok, so we have a rough idea of the things that won't get you hung up as you try and pass through security, but what aren't you allowed to bring in your carry on?
Now we have the boring rules out of the way, what should you commit to carrying on your flight? From essential comfort to a little luxury, these packing tips can be a gamechanger for starting your travel experience well. As a nomad who has been on so many flights, I'm practically a pilot - these are the must-have items that always make the cut...
Yep, we are talking about all those essential travel documents
Another of those great tips for travelers is to pack all your important paperwork in a small pouch or clear plastic wallet for ease of access and to cut back on any panic on the actual travel day when you can't find anything.
A big scarf is the best travel accessory. If it’s lightweight, it takes up almost no space and has so many uses. It’s an extra layer without the extra bulk, which comes in handy with ever-changing climates of airports and transport, it doubles as a blanket (or a pillow!), and you can wrap fragile items up in it and tie a knot to keep them protected.
Bring your reusable water bottle with a lemon wedge inside to fill up once you get past security. Planes are super dehydrating, and bringing your own water bottle will ensure you can sip all day. Also, consider bringing your own teabags.
PRO TIP
The processed food at airports can be expensive and not so good for you. Consider bringing a lightly dressed salad or sliced fruit in a mason jar - easy and protected from squishiness. Another option is powdered fruits in a lightweight travel shaker. Staying away from foods that will make you feel gross will get your trip off to a great start.
When trying to figure out what to pack while traveling, socks seem like the unsexiest of items. But you heard it from us: throw a pair of socks in your bag. If you get cold on the flight you can double them up over the ones you’re wearing, or if you’re flying somewhere tropical (lucky you!) you can switch them for your strappy sandals before you de-plane. Also, if you can stand to lose the street cred, compression socks are a must on a long flight. Compression socks can help reduce the risks of blood clots as they put gentle pressure on parts of the legs and the ankles and keep your blood circulating.
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If you are going to be on an early morning, late night, or longer flight of four hours or more, you want to make sure you have all that you need to get a few ZZZ's. We are talking about
Long journeys can make us feel a little frazzled and tired, but these few handy travel-sized items are bound to make you feel born again:
If a change of clothes can fit inside your travel bag, then be sure to stuff some extra items in. Pack a few extra tops in neutral colors that can go with anything and throw in some underwear. That way, even if your checked luggage does end up doing a Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2, you can be safe in the knowledge that you at least have a clean top to throw on and you don't be stuck in your seat sodden clothes for the rest of your trip.
Many airlines now have charging ports on the seas meaning that you can stay juiced for the whole journey if you are running low. That is, as long as you have packed your cables and chargers in your carry on bag. It's also a good idea to pack a portable battery just in case your flight doesn't have a charging port. There's nothing worse than arriving at an airport and having no way of contacting your pick up ride.
Be it a good book or a tablet loaded with your latest box set binge, you need something to keep you entertained when in the air. Of course, most airlines come stacked with movies when going the distance, but short-haul can be a different matter. If you have an e-reader you may want to bring that instead of bulky books or catch up with your fave magazines.
With this list of essentials, what else are we missing? We round up some quick tips to make sure that you can take off with ease...
What are your favorite tips for packing the ultimate carry-on case? Share your thoughts with our VIP Sozy community.
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]]>IN THIS ARTICLE
Do you ever see photos of homes filled with plants and instantly have green thumb envy? Bringing the outdoors in is becoming increasingly trendy these days and for a good reason. Scientific studies have proven that having house plants not only helps clean the air in your home, but can have positive effects on your mental health.
Spaces with plants automatically feel more comfortable and inviting.
It may be tempting to grab a faux plant from Target and call it a day (there is absolutely nothing wrong with faux plants), but I am telling you there is nothing like having a living plant thriving in your home.
So here are some of the easiest houseplants that you can add to your space and some care tips for them. They are listed by their common name, followed by their scientific name.
Image source: Trillium Living
Light: Low-bright sunlight (thrives in bright light)
Water: Low (monthly)
Soil: Well draining soil like a cactus and succulent mix
Snake plants (also nicknamed mother-in-law's tongue) are easily recognized by their long and pointy or sword shaped leaves that grow straight up. They are always one of the first plants that I recommend to anyone that feels they do not have a green thumb. These plants are virtually indestructible, you may see them labeled at stores as 'plants of steel'.
They can survive in ANY light source, but they absolutely thrive in brighter light. They do best with a minimal and consistent watering schedule but can go months without any water. This makes them great plants for those that are busy and forget about their plants easily. I water mine a good soak once a month during growing season and every other month in the winter.
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Image source: @parkercollectiveco
Light: Bright indirect light
Water: Medium ( Once every 1-1.5 weeks)
Soil: Well draining (I use a cactus soil mixture for this one as well)
Pothos (also nick named devil's ivy) are another common houseplant that have a reputation of being pretty easy going. While pothos tolerate low light conditions they really do best in bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer to be watered once every 7-10 days or when the top half of their soil has dried out.
Just remember: lower light = less frequent watering for most plants. There are many different kinds of pothos plants (golden pothos being most common), but you can recognize them by their heart shaped leaves and long vines. Most varieties of pothos have variegated leaves.
Fun Fact: Variegation usually only shows when the plant is getting enough light. If your pothos is in a dark corner and has little to no color on its leaves, try giving it more sun to bring out its variegation again.
Image source: Pinterest
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Image source: The Sill
Light: Medium to bright indirect sunlight
Water: Low (Every 2-3 weeks)
Soil: Well draining (cactus mix works for this plant as well or you can mix your own chunky soil).
A ZZ plant is another plant that you may see labeled as a 'steel' plant. These guys are TOUGH. They need very little water thanks to their rhizomes that store water. They can survive in very low lighting just like snake plants, though they prefer a lot of indirect light. Their long stems can grow 3-4 feet tall and are filled with small oval leaves. ZZ plants can be easily propagated from a leaf cutting, but are very slow growers when grown as indoor houseplants.
ZZ plants have a bad rep for being extremely poisonous. While they are toxic- it's not as bad a most people think. There was a rumor that they could cause cancer, which is not true. While every part of the plant (from it's leaves to its roots) is considered poisonous, the plant is covered in a waxy protective coating. This coating not only protects the plant but keeps the calcium oxalate crystals (that cause allergic reactions) in.
Regular watering and touching should not be an issue. You should wear gloves when propagating or repotting though and always wash your hands after to make sure that you do not come in contact with the "juices" of the plant.
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Image source: Plant Savvy
Light: Medium indirect Light
Water: Moderate (weekly)
Soil: Well draining (they are not picky as long as they don't have wet feet)
Peace Lily's are great starter plants and are common as gifts. They have beautiful green arching leaves and will even bloom with white flowers when given enough sunlight. What I love most about peace lily's is that they are great at communicating when they need water. Some might say they are a bit dramatic about it.
When they are in need of a drink you will notice that their leaves begin to droop and wilt (similar to most other plants), but they go from slightly droopy to looking 100% dead very quickly. It's impossible not to notice once the perky leaves are completely limp. Once you make the soil moist again with a thorough drink of water it will perk back up within hours. I would not recommend waiting until this point to water every time. It is a helpful reminder if you forget about your peace lily though.
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Image source: The Spruce
Light: Medium to bright indirect sunlight
Water: Moderate
Soil: Moist soil
You may have already guessed this, but the umbrella plant gets is name from the unique way that its leaves grow. They do not seem to be as popular as some of the other plants on this list but they make wonderful starter plants. The thrive in lots of indirect light and need watered once their pot dries out.
They also love higher humidity. Schefflera's are easily susceptible to root rot but given the proper conditions they can grow up tp 6ft tall and 4ft wide indoors. This plant is commonly confused with Umbrella Tree Schefflera Actinophylla.
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Image source: @608interiors_
Light: Bright direct light
Water: Low-moderate
Soil: Cactus soil mix
Sting of pearls are very unique plants that can be beautiful if properly cared for. They have a reputation of being super difficult plants, but I can tell you they are very easy going when you give them what they need. It is just a mater of finding the right balance.
I get questions about how I care for mine all the time, so here are my best tips for this adorable bubbly plant.
This will easily be one of your favorite house plants once you figure it out.
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Image source: @608interiors_
Light: Bright indirect light
Water: Moderate (every 7-10 days)
Soil: Moist soil
This extremely common house plant is high on my favorites list. I have four of them in our home. It's velvety, heart shaped leaves drape beautifully when you let the vines trail. They are a very rewarding plant when properly cared for. Heart leaf philodendrons are tropical plants that are usually found growing on the ground under the jungle's shaded canopies. They will thrive in medium direct light with higher humidity (though they can tolerate low humidity as well). I water mine every 7 days during growing season and every 12-14 days in the winter months. Just make sure the top couple inches of the soil feels dry.
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Image source: Pinterest
Light: Bright indirect ligtht
Water: Moderate-high
Soil: Damp but well draining
As far as popular houseplants go, the raphi tetra is having a moment. Which is no surprise given this plants reputation for being a hearty, fast grower. Nicknamed mini monstera or philodendron Ginny, the raphi tetra is actually neither of these plants. It is however in the same Araceae family and considered a cousin to philodendrons and monsteras.
They are tropical and native to Thailand so they enjoy higher humidity but will tolerate lower household humidity. Raphidophora's prefer that their soil stays damp, but do not like to stay in excess water. I water mine once every 4-5 days. They also love to climb.
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Image source: Tumblr
Light: Bright- medium indirect light
Water: Moderate
Soil: Regular potting soil with a bit of peat moss mixed in or cactus mix if you are afraid of overwatering.
While there are many other popular varieties, most people are referring to the Deliciosa when they talk about a monstera. It is easily recognized by it's beautiful, tropical and jungle looking leaves which have fenestrations in them . Monsteras tend to look intimidating, but you'd be surprised how easy they are to care for. They enjoy a good amount of indirect light and humidity. You can increase the humidity around this plant by setting a pebble tray of water near by, running a humidifier in the space or misting it weekly.
These plants can get very large and grow a bit wild. If you have a smaller home you may want to make sure you get it growing up a pole and/or keep it trimmed back so that it does not take over. They also have very large and wild air roots that grow off the plant as well. Monsteras are sensitive to over watering and should be watered once every 1-2 weeks when the top half of its soil is dry.
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All of the plants listed above are popular house plants that are easy going and fairly simple to care for once your know their needs. Below is a list of some other common house plants, some of which may be a bit more finicky.
Hopefully you feel inspired to experiment with some greenery in your home! My biggest piece of advice is to research, research, research before bringing a house plant home. Make sure you know what kind of light your space has to offer and pick a plant that will thrive in it.
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]]>Whether you're preparing for a weekend getaway or planning for a few long haul flights, these travel outfit ideas can help you dress both stylishly and comfortably for travel.
Traveling is overwhelming enough without having to worry about what you're going to wear when traveling (especially when in colder climates). Before stuffing your suitcase with every outfit idea you saw on Pinterest, take a look out of these tips for a truly comfy travel outfit that will look good and feel good.
In order to get the most out of your travel outfits , let's start with finding fabulous travel clothes that are comfortable yet chic.
When choosing your travel outfits, keep the following tips in mind:
There's a reason why your favorite pieces of clothing are usually of high quality: they last. They don't snag quite as easily and they can handle a few tumbles in the washing machine. You want the same durability in your travel outfits as well. We're not talking cashmere-sweater-favorite, we're talking about your favorite leather jacket and wrinkle free materials. Boyfriend jeans and white t-shirt. Midi dresses and loose tailored pants.
These linen blend shorts, for example, are both comfy and made of high quality materials, making them the perfect travel shorts. They're lightweight yet durable, thanks to the natural linen material, and go well with both tennis shoes and wedges, a tee or a bikini top. After all, the higher the quality, the longer they last (and the more outfits that you can wear them with).
Shop the look: Luciana Shorts
Speaking from (lots of) experience, comfy travel outfits can make or break your next adventure because the perfect travel outfit isn't always just what looks good on the gram. The perfect travel outfit is the one that is somehow appropriate for any unforeseen circumstance... which is bound to happen. From long flights to missed connections, you'll want to feel comfortable from start to finish. That doesn't mean that you're destined to wear just yoga pants or your oldest, most threadbare T-shirt. A crop top and jeans with a pair of white sneakers, for example, will do the job. Just make sure that you won't end up resenting your stylish looks when it's been over 12 hours of wearing them.
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When traveling, layering is your best friend. If the weather outside is unpredictable, bring pieces that can be layered or taken off as needed. This avoids that awkward sweaty travel layer problem (been there), but also ensures the outfit still looks pulled together with different combinations of layers. A cardigan is great for a freezing cold plane and a leather jacket is a great stylish option for mild winter conditions. Both can be layered and easily packed away, if needed. If you're heading to a cold destination, then pack a scarf and sweater to add to the mix. If it's sunny and hot where you're headed, then a light cardigan may be all you need
One of the most important travel style tips I can give you is to mix and match. There's no need to pack all of your best travel clothes in one suitcase, just choose a few items that work well together and then switch them up every day. This will save you space and time, and allow you to mix different pieces into your travel outfits for a fresh take on your outfits.
This involves choosing clothes that work together well with almost anything. Neutral colors that mix and match well with your staple items, like a denim jacket or your favorite pair of jeans.
Wardrobe basics are some of the best travel outfit essentials because they work with almost everything in your closet, anyway. For example, my basics include a white t-shirt, jeans, comfortable midi skirts, long dresses, and flowy pants...
...mostly in neutral colors, because, you know, point #4. The idea is that anything you pack could pair well with at least a few other items you pack.
Jumpsuits are the best for this. They're light and airy, perfect for sunny days and coastal breezes. You can throw a blazer over it for a more put-together look or pair with a big tote and sunnies for a day at the beach. Throw a sweater over the top and the jumpsuit transforms into flowy pants. It's probably the most versatile item in your budding travel wardrobe, serving as the base for endless cute travel outfits.
Shop the look: Rhiannon Jumpsuit
Leggings have been popular for travel, but sometimes it's nice to be able to wear sweats that look a little cuter. Sweatpants go well with running shoes or cute sneakers, making for extremely comfortable travel. To keep things stylish and cute, wear a crop top with it and tie your hair up with a cute scrunchie. And to dress them up, throw on a pair of sandals and a matching hat.
Shop the look: Blakely Pant
The best advice I ever got before going on my first long-term backpacking trip through Latin America was to not pack anything that I didn't want ruined. Travelling is an adventure, and travel clothing should be able to come along for the ride.
Dresses are versatile travel staples because they're easy to pack (it's one piece, usually) and can go with sneakers, boots or sandals. Plus, a dress gives you a chance to show off your travel style without sacrificing your comfort. Dresses also make the best airport outfits because they're a breeze through the security line and are comfortable for any kind of seating arrangements you find yourself in.
Shop the Look: Elizabeth Bamboo Dress
Scarves are a travel staple because they're cozy, practical and easy to carry around. They're perfect for long flights, either to keep warm or to bunch up as a little pillow. If it's hot where you're heading, then a light scarf can be great sun protection. In countries where shoulders are expected to be covered, a light scarf can be the perfect solution. In many cases, they're much easier to pack than a sweatshirt or jacket, making them the perfect travel companion.
The perfect comfy travel outfit really comes down to what you feel good in. Whether in a cute skirt and tennis shoes or hiding from storms in a rain jacket, you'll want something that can pivot when you need to and never dig into your sites. Shop through all of our best sellers for comfy, cute, and long-lasting travel style.
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Collagen water is just as it sounds: water that contains a certain dosage of a protein called collagen. Collagen is naturally found in the body, but its supplemental form has risen in popularity as a beauty product over the past few years.
Collagen is most commonly sold in powder form, but it also comes in capsules that contain this same powder. However, many people are gravitating toward collagen water since this refreshing mixture can contain tasty additives such as fruit infusions or even coffee.
Before jumping into the fad, though, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into. It’s an exciting possibility that collagen, the thing that keeps our skin elastic, can be taken as a supplement for more elastic skin. But it’s not that simple.
I’ll outline how collagen works and what to expect when sipping on the collagen water fad.
Collagen water is water that contains a liquid form of collagen proteins. Collagen is one of the most vital substances we have, since it makes up one-third of all the proteins in the body. These proteins, also called amino acids, are responsible for building strong and healthy connective tissue. Collagen is most notably known for its ability to keep skin elastic, hydrated, and supple.
But collagen actually works in many other ways: it's found in high levels in the joints, hair, fingernails, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and organs. As you can see, collagen keeps many foundational body structures in working order.
Since collagen is a complex protein (it actually contains more than 18 types of amino acids!), collagen water must be broken down before it can be absorbed and used.
[carousel="one-piece"]The process begins in the mouth, as our salivary glands create juices that start digestion and begin breaking down some of the proteins. Once collagen water reaches the stomach, there are a wider range of enzymes that speed up the digestion process and break the water into much smaller parts.
The almost-fully digested collagen then heads to the small intestine, where the porous lining of this organ absorbs the smaller proteins and distributes them into the bloodstream. From here, they are sent to the "collagen hotspots" such as the joints, bones, muscles, and more.
If you are looking to increase absorption of supplemental collagen, you should opt for collagen water (or a collagen supplement) with hydrolyzed collagen peptides. This means the proteins have already been partially broken down, so it will be easier for your body to put them to good use. Research also shows that collagen is best paired with Vitamin C to assist in the digestion and absorption of this protein.
While collagen water does appear to be a fad in recent times, it can certainly be a great addition to anyone's health and wellness routine. As a drink, collagen water is easy to consume. It's also gluten free, dairy free, and its many forms taste great. Similar to most supplements, collagen water is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any health concerns. But research has shown that collagen intake can have a range of health benefits if it's used in combination with other sound health practices.
Some drink brands of collagen waters are made with marine collagen (meaning they come from the ocean) while others are bovine (from grass fed beef). Marine collagen is considered the best option, since it absorbs more quickly -- 1.5 times faster than other collagen types. However, it's typically regarded as a better choice for the health of your hair and nails. Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is more ideal for people looking to strengthen their joints and muscles.
Existing medical research has suggested some of the following benefits of collagen:
While many benefits of collagen are supported by research (such as its impact on bone loss, heart health, and muscle mass), other benefits such as boosting metabolism are purely anecdotal. This means that they have not yet been verified by medical professionals, but people do report this benefit after taking the supplement for some time.
As of now, it's considered safe to take collagen daily. There are no known side effects of taking collagen, either as liquid collagen (collagen water) or collagen powder. While the majority of people do not report any issues with taking collagen, some people (especially those who just started taking it) may experience some nausea or a slight stomach ache.
It's important to note that this is a common side effect of many supplements, since it takes some time for anyone to get used to any dietary additions. Some people also dislike the aftertaste that collagen may leave in your mouth, but this can easily be remedied by combining it with slices of fruit or other natural additives.
Regardless of someone's health status, collagen production slows after the age of 20. For this reason, most people can benefit from a daily dose of collagen water. Many people opt for this supplement because of its reported use as an anti-aging product, particularly in relation to the face. But you may wonder if there is any science behind collagen water for the purposes of improving your facial appearance:
While collagen does not directly serve as a lightener, people who use it may report feeling an increase in skin glow. It's thought that this is attributed to collagen's role in clearing up breakouts and other blemishes, evening tone, filling in wrinkles, and generally tightening the skin.
Collagen actually can do this, but this is not desirable. If you are producing an excess of collagen, it is likely due to a medical condition that causes the skin to harden in certain areas.
You may think this is bad from a cosmetic standpoint, but it can actually be harmful unlike areas like calluses. If the hardening occurs in the organs and joints, it can lead to issues like poor mobility, digestive difficulties, blockages, and more.
If you opt for serums or lotions that contain collagen, you will likely want its effects to be seen on the face. So it helps to apply these products directly to the face while avoiding the eyes and mouth. You can use collagen serums up to two times per day so some people may want to opt for both a morning and a bedtime application. Based on what sleep does for you, collagen may be most effective when used at night, since cells regenerate, renew, and replenish overnight.
However, be sure to apply it around half an hour before bed so it doesn't come off on your pillow, as it will be much less effective if that happens. Collagen serums should be put on when your face is clean and slightly wet.
If you have serious concerns about the appearance of your face, you should look into prescription-grade collagen serums from your dermatologist. They will do an evaluation to determine if this is the best option for you and can guide you in making the right decision.
Since the standard collagen water flavor isn't often preferred, many come with artificial flavors, cane sugar, and other sweeteners that negate its benefits. While some people may want to opt out of these collagen water additives due to personal preference, it's a good idea for another reason. Science actually shows that sweeteners reverse the positive effects of collagen. Any kind of unnatural sugar binds to collagen fibers and weakens them by making them more tangled.
So if you're looking to make your own collagen water, there are plenty of ways you can make it tasty and healthy at the same time. The basic recipe for collagen water is simple:
You simply add the collagen to the water and stir until it's dissolved. Here is the fun part: you can add anything else you want based on your own preference. One of the most popular flavors is strawberry lemon collagen water, but some people opt for tropical versions and others may prefer other additions. Some people add strawberry, lemon, and other fruit juice, while others may even prefer to put whole slices of strawberry, lemon, cucumber, or other fresh fruit in the water. You can also add sprigs of spearmint or other herbs if you prefer a more refreshing and simple taste. You can also steep a tea bag in the collagen water mixture if you like more of a blend of flavors.
Some people may think it's a bit easier to buy a bottle of collagen water premade, but it's easy enough to make at home and add your own twist. If you are short on time, you can even make a few different types to create your own sort of variety pack for the week.
The bottom line is that collagen water is a great addition to anyone's day, as it has a range of proven benefits (and maybe even some others that have yet to be discovered). It's important to reiterate that collagen and other supplements are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any health conditions. Some people may notice a difference in the way it makes them feel, while others may not. To get the best results, try drinking collagen water while also increasing your intake of food that is naturally rich in collagen. This includes food such as beans, eggs, dairy, chicken, beef, and fish.
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The final Mercury retrograde of the year is fast approaching this fall, so broken technology, late buses, missed meetings, poorly interpreted text messages and plenty of hijinks and mishaps are about to ensue.
That's because Mercury never misses an opportunity to keep us on our toes and remind us that we're not really in control at the end of the day; that's what this planet's retrograde period is all about, controlled chaos!
Mercury will station retrograde on September 27 and will continue moving backward until it stations direct on October 17. That's when most of us will be experiencing all of the Mercury induced life hiccups, but with every retrograde there are also its shadow phases. Two weeks before and two weeks after a retrograde is called a shadow phase. The pre shadow phase, which comes (2 weeks) before the retrograde, can sometimes have more hindrances and be more stressful than the actual retrograde itself. It also gives us some information about what to expect in the 2 weeks span that Mercury will be retrograde, so it's always good to pay attention at that time!
However, for those of you born under a Mercury retrograde, you actually have nothing to worry about because Mercury retrograde is your home base energy. Since you were born when Mercury was in its retrograde motion, you tend to have good luck and good fortune during a Mercury retrograde! Retrograde dates are actually a great time for you to travel, buy electronics and excel where everyone else needs to proceed with caution.
So, if you have a natal Mercury retrograde, September 27 to October 17 will be easy street for you! For the rest of us, keep reading to see how this final retrograde period of 2021 will affect you (and your loved ones) personally.
Mercury is a fast moving planet-the closest one to the sun-and because of that it appears retrograde 3 times a year; other planets station retrograde once a year, and some only go retrograde once every two years (the sun and the moon, however, are never retrograde). Mercury retrograde periods last for 2 short weeks, but the pre shadow and post shadow period each last 2 weeks as well (so Mercury retrogrades for like 6 weeks in total).
Usually Mercury finds itself in one element (fire, earth, air, water) for each of it's 3 retrogrades of the year. In 2021 Mercury has been causing cosmic chaos in the air signs, so the emphasis has been on messed up communication and mixed signals.
The Mercury retrograde dates for this year are as follows:
Each planet in our solar system has an elliptic orbit, meaning that it's more egg shaped than a perfect circle. So at certain times in the year it's closer to the sun than others. Astrology is a geocentric study, meaning that we study the movements of the planets around Earth (don't worry we totally know that the planets actually orbit the sun), so at certain points in a planet's orbit it appears to be moving backwards in relation to Earth. This is where a planet's apparent retrograde motion comes from. Of course, the planet never actually moves backwards-it's more like an optical illusion-but the distance between Earth and the other planet does grow.
[carousel="one-piece"]During a retrograde period the natural order of the planet in question gets turned around as the planet appears to move away from Earth. Planets with shorter retrograde periods like Mercury, Venus and Mars tend to have a harsher effect on the collective. That's because they have to pack all their retrograde life lessons into a shorter period of time. Venus and Mars only station retrograde once every 2 years, so there's a lot of pent up energy when they're reverse in the solar system.
So, during a Mercury retrograde, things get a little wacky because the planet Mercury appears to travel backward away from us here on Earth-rude!
This pulling away phenomenon pushes us to re-evaluate, re-organize, re-duce, re-educate... basically anything starting with "re" is what we are being called to do during a "re-trograde" period.
We know that Mercury's final apparent retrograde motion this year will be from September 27 to October 17. Mercury rules communication and travel, so it's always good to double check everything you write for typos and to leave the house 5 minutes early during a Mercury retrograde! However, this Mercury retrograde period will affect everyone a little differently depending on where it is in your chart specifically.
To make sure you're reading the right horoscope, and therefore preparing for all of Mercury's little chaotic mishaps accordingly, be sure to read for your rising sign!
Mercury's backward spin will be causing some minor roadblocks in your serious one on one relationships for a few weeks. If you have a romantic partner it's best not to put the relationship on autopilot at this time because Mercury will be highlighting any and all snags in the relationship fabric. Be sure to give extra time and attention to your best friends and romantic partners for the next few weeks in order to avoid any unnecessary conflicts. You may also want to avoid signing any legally binding documents at this time, especially pertaining to business partnerships, just give yourself 2 weeks to read through the fine print before you make any big life decisions around partnering up.
You're going to need to stay on your toes at work during this Mercury retrograde, Taurus risings. Before Mercury stations direct in October you might find that you're just not on your top game when it comes to the day to day grind. Things such as showing up for your company meeting on the wrong day, forgetting to cc the person on the email thread, or completely forgetting about a number of tasks you have to do, are all annoying-but likely-occurrences during this Mercury retrograde. If you're not usually one to use a planner, you might want to consider it for a few days during this transit because you're going to be pretty dang busy!
Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini, so unlike the retrogrades of other planets, you might thrive more so than others at this time... or you may struggle more since your ruling planet Mercury will be running away from you. Either way, this Mercury retrograde will probably have you in some confusing romantic entanglements. You're likely used to people thinking that you're flirting when you're actually just being friendly, but that's bound to happen more often, and it might even get you into some trouble in these next few weeks. The bottom line is that Mercury rules communication, so your fun, flirty style of communication will likely get you into some awkward situations in the next few weeks!
This Mercury retrograde cycle will have you pulling out your hair over things such as family drama or the plumbing-that you just paid to get fixed-failing at your house. Things related to your family and your house/apartment are going to be the playground where Mercury does it's chaotic dance this retrograde season. You'll also find that things you'd thought you'd left in the past might try to resurface, some ghosts (read: ex's) from the past may even come back to haunt you. The best way to deal with this Mercury retrograde is to simply deal with one issue at a time until Mercury stations direct. Also, since the moon is your ruling planet, pay attention to where the moon is during this transit and try to plan your days and weeks out accordingly.
Communication mishaps are bound to happen in any Mercury retrograde, but especially for Leo risings. You'll want to double check every email and text message you send to make sure there are no typos (you'll also make sure you're sending it to the right person tbh). There's nothing more embarrassing then sending your grandma that risky test that was meant for the person you're flirting with, but that's just the kind of uncomfortable situation you might find yourself in during this retrograde! And if you know your car needs a check up, it's better to take it into the shop sooner as opposed to later, because Mercury will get a real kick out of your car breaking down at the most inopportune time in the next 2 weeks!
You'll want to avoid making big purchases during Mercury retrograde this fall; wait until Mercury stations direct, or until it's out of its shadow period, because money is the area of your life where Mercury will be fooling around. Do your research while Mercury is reverse, but if you decide to bite the bullet and spend a lot of money on something you'll likely end up disappointed or wish you'd waited a week to buy it (because, whoops, now it's on sale). Also, avoid signing contracts and important documents if it's going to impact your financial standing. If, for whatever reason, you can't wait until after Mercury turns direct to sign those papers, ask for some help from your peers; an extra set of eyes will help you from getting into a sticky situation.
This Mercury retrograde is not the perfect time for you to not make any hair, tattoo appointments, or anything else that will directly change your appearance. Since Mercury will be in air sign Libra, this retrograde will directly affect you and your physical appearance. In short, makeovers probably won't go exactly according to plan while Mercury is in its retrograde motion, in fact they could go embarrassingly wrong. If you're expecting a perfect spray tan, it will probably end up streaky; if you go to the nail salon you'll probably end up with crooked nails. It's probably best to just Pinterest your beauty ideas for now and make the appointments for after October 17th when you can rest assured that astrology will be on your side again.
For the next few weeks, you may feel like you're stuck out in the middle of the ocean on a row boat with no oars and no help in sight during this Mercury retrograde period. Libra is arguably the most challenging sign for Mercury to be in for Scorpio risings at any time, but particularly during a Mercury retrograde. That's because while it's there, guilt and shame may creep in about some of the past work you've done or the some things you've said recently. You're an analytical person who can sometimes struggle to let things go because you hold yourself to way too high of a standard, and those qualities will become exacerbated. Mercury's retrograde motion this fall is not about beating yourself up for the past, instead it is about connecting more deeply with your spirituality and finding a deeper sense of gratitude.
Expect communication among friends, coworkers and groups to get a bit wonky over the next few weeks starting on September 27. While Mercury is in air sign Libra we'll all be feeling more inclined to socialize and hangout with friends more, but games of telephone will lead to periods of awkwardness and confusion, misinterpreted texts could cause some passive aggressive communication, and invites lost in the mail could have you beefing with old friends. You're not completely doomed to wreck your friendships though, Mercury retrograde is just a good time for you to be diligent with your words and make sure your friends, coworkers and community members know how important they are to you.
While Mercury is reverse in the sky this September and October your career and public appearance will be tested. If a rumor about your life starts going around the office you'll know astrology is to blame this time around! With Mercury in air sign Libra this time around there is likely to be some hot gossip around the water cooler, and some of it could be centered around you and what you did this past weekend. With that being said, be careful how you use your cell phone, because Mercury governs communication and electronic devices, so if some of your nosy coworkers follow you on your socials they might not be inclined to keep your personal life on the back burner for the next few weeks!
Despite Mercury retrograde being in air signs all year long, you'll likely have a pretty chill Mercury retrograde this go around. The first retrograde was in Aquarius, so that one might have been a bumpy ride, but the other Mercury retrograde periods this year have likely been more of a breeze for you compared to your friends. It's unlikely that anything too annoying will happen, but you should still pay extra attention to detail when you're traveling, especially if you're going anywhere on a plane. Travel mishaps, like lost luggage or missing a delayed flight, are some of the ways Mercury can play tricks on you while it's retrograde.
This Mercury retrograde in particular isn't a good time to make any big choices with money, especially regarding other people's money. If there's an important document in front of you that you need to sign, you should call in some friends, your parents, a lawyer, or any other educated person to help you double (honestly, triple) check that everything is a-ok before you put your name on the line. Things like opening a joint bank account, getting a student loan, or taking out a mortgage are things you might want to try to hold off on for about three weeks before signing those aforementioned important documents. Ghosts from your past are also liable to return at this time as well, especially people that you had a deep sexual connection with. So, if your toxic ex hits you with a "u up?" text it's not a sign from the universe, it's just Mercury retrograde testing you!
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Some of us have major difficulties processing carbs. Whether it's an uncomfortable gluten intolerance or full blown Celiac disease, it's reported that 18 million Americans have gluten sensitivity.
As you can imagine, millions of people are hungry for a low carb meal plan that will help them stay healthy without irritating their guts.
While we're not AT ALL about a low carb fad that restricts your eating habits, we ARE all about supporting everyone on their own personal journeys toward a happy and healthy life.
For many, this includes a low carb lifestyle.
And for vegans and those who follow a vegetarian diet, it is super easy to go keto. This involves an increase in healthy fats and lots more fruits and vegetables, which is ideal for optimal health anyway.
One interesting tidbit about it is that the keto diet was first developed as a way to control epilepsy in children before it became a diet fad this past decade.
The main thrust of a keto diet is to limit the number of carbs and increase the amount of fat a person eats in a day. The body goes into a ketosis state, where it will start burning fat since it does not have any carbs to burn.
A person is only allowed to eat 20 to 50 g net carbs a day, and part of the diet is keeping tabs on the grams of carbs eaten per day. When it comes to fat, it does not mean that any type of fat is OK, it is still better to eat foods with healthy fat like avocadoes, olive oil, or salmon.
As substitutes to carb-y foods, those that have a vegan keto meal plan turn to shirataki noodles instead of pasta, shredded cauliflower instead of rice, and mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.
The problem?
This walks a fine line between "healthy eating" and "disordered eating". And whenever you deprive your body of macronutrients, such as carbs, it's going to put stress on the body. This stress can be minimal for some and detrimental to others.
For those with an aversion to carbs, thanks to gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease, a carb-free diet full of delicious recipes is exactly what the doctor ordered (literally).
If you are still not sold on the concept, try to include any of these vegan keto recipes in your current meal plan. Even if you do not end up believing in the diet, there are still so many yummy recipes to enjoy and eat!
We asked food bloggers for their keto vegan recipes and here are their suggestions for breakfast, mains, side dishes, desserts, and snacks.
This smashed avocado recipe is fresh, creamy and super easy to make. It comes together in five minutes and it is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Vegan, keto, gluten free, low carb
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Smashed Avocado
Any vegan keto dieter can ditch the carbs with these waffles! These Keto waffles are made without eggs, dairy and are easy to whip up in the morning.
vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Chaffle Waffle
You will love this healthy breakfast! This 4 ingredient chia pudding is made with macerated cherries and almond milk. It is perfect for breakfast meal planning.
vegan, keto, gluten-free,
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Cherry Chia Pudding With Macerated Cherries
This keto berry smoothie manages to be both vegan and low in carbs. Learn the secret to making creamy smoothies, minus the dairy!
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Keto Berry Smoothie
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Thick slices of eggplant are covered in smoky spices and glazed with BBQ sauce. This is a meaty, tender vegan dish for your summertime barbecues.
vegan, keto, gluten free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: BBQ Grilled Eggplant
These baked keto cauliflower wings are firey, crispy & vegan. Dunk them in barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce for a game-day treat!
vegan, keto, gluten free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Keto Cauliflower Wings
This 3-ingredient air-fryer tofu recipe makes a quick, easy side dish. Simply coat cubes of firm tofu with olive oil and cook them in the air fryer for 25 minutes until they're nice and crisp before serving with sriracha.
Vegan
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Air Fryer Tofu
This super chewy and tender vegan seitan chicken is high in protein, yet low in fat! It is perfect for any vegan keto meal because it is so versatile since it can be baked, grilled, or even fried!
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Meaty Vegan Seitan Chicken
This Zucchini and Potato casserole is so delicious! It's dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, plant-based, Paleo, Keto, and can be made gluten-free! So if you love zucchini as much as us, you'll find this easily slots into your rotation of zucchini dishes time and time again!
Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, plant-based, paleo, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Zucchini and potato casserole
This soup is good for a light lunch or a side dish. It is a sliky and creamy vegan tomato soup!
vegan, gluten-free, low carb, keto, Paleo, and Whole30
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Vegan Tomato Soup
This vegetarian red curry stir fry is a wholesome and nutritious dish that is ready in just 30 minutes. Feel free to add more starchy vegetables like squash or leafy greens like bok choy to make it more hearty. It's also paleo, vegan, and gluten free, not to mention easy to make and super flavorful!
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Sauce:
Stir fry:
Get the instructions here: Vegetarian Red Curry Stir Fry
These cauliflower bites are marinated in Indian spices. It is absolutely delicious and easy to make in the air fryer. It is a vegan keto recipe that can be served as an appetizer or side.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Indian Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
These easy Air Fryer Vegetable Kabobs are perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. It is easy to put together, fun to eat, and one of my favorites vegan recipes!
Vegan, keto, low-carb, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Air Fryer Vegetable Kabobs
Enjoy this low-carb vegan cauliflower fried rice loaded with vegetables and packed with good benefits like protein, antioxidants, and vitamin C. This is a vegan keto diet substitute for rice that is just as filling!
Vegan, keto, low-carb, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Healthy Vegan Cauliflower Rice
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side dish seasoned with a balsamic reduction and fresh garlic. Keto dieters can cook them in the air fryer cuts the time in half and it makes the brussel sprouts soft on the inside and extra crispy on the outside.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Easy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
This vegan Broccoli Crack is deliciously addictive! With a healthy mix of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast, plus toasty pumpkin seeds, it packs a ton of flavor and crunch! It is another recipe for those that follow a plant based keto plan.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Broccoli Crack
Creamy and delicious risotto perfect for a side dish or main course. It is full of healthy fat and made with just a handful of ingredients and it is ready to eat in 15 minutes.
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Keto Vegan Risotto
This simple okra stir-fry recipe needs just five ingredients. Plus, it has tips on how to prepare non-sticky or slimy okra. No more sticky okra, yay!
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Easy Indian Okra Stir Fry
This authentic Thai papaya salad has lots of papaya and other delicious veggies with lemon, vegan fish sauce, and garlic dressing. It is perfect when served with grilled tofu and hot Jasmine rice.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Mom’s Authentic Papaya Salad
Tangy and garlic-y, this kale recipe is made with leafy greens. It is our family's Fall favorite and even appeals to fussy eaters.
Vegan, gluten-free, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Tuscan Kale with Garlic and Lemon
No bananas or ice cream? No problem! This five-ingredient nice cream will be your new go-to!
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream
This chocolate fudge is made with cashew butter and it is incredibly indulgent! This will curb any chocolate craving you may have and it only needs eight ingredients!
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Salted Chocolate Fudge
This creamy chocolate fudge is loaded with healthy fats and it is very low in sugar. It is 100% vegan and and delicious way to have some chocolate.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Main Layer
Top Layer
Get the instructions here: Chocolate Walnut Fudge
This Pumpkin Spice Mousse will be your new Fall favorite. Enjoy it solo, or pour some butterscotch sauce over it or a sprinkle of crunchy granola.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Pumpkin Spice Mousse
These keto lemon cookies are a sweet, puckery treat that is perfect for lemon lovers!
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Keto Lemon Cookies
These no-bake, keto brownie bites are also for those who love peanut butter. It is a flavorful treat that that will make you life sweeter.
Keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Sugar-Free Brownie Bites
These easy maple coconut chips are crunchy, addictive, and make for the perfect snack. Plus, they're also gluten-free and vegan!
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Easy Maple Coconut Chips
Calling all Reese's fans! These peanut butter cups are no-bake and perfect for a low-carb or keto diet.
These easy no-bake peanut butter cups are the perfect sweet treat for those Reese's fans that are on a vegan keto meal plan or low carb diet. These vegan fat bombs are the sweetest way to meet your keto macros.
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Chocolate Layers
Peanut Butter Layer
Get the instructions here: Best Keto Peanut Butter Cups
These keto seed crackers get the crunch from a mix of seeds like flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. If you're looking for vegan keto snacks these seed crackers are just what the doctor ordered!
Vegan, keto, low-carb, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Keto Seeds Crackers
This Keto Trail Mix is the perfect snack! It takes only minutes to throw together and is super easy to make.
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Keto Trail Mix
Make your very own 3-ingredient peanut butter balls! They can be part of you're keto vegan diet, they are easy to make and nutritious.
Vegan, keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: 3-Ingredient Keto Peanut Butter Balls
This easy almond flour cookie recipe only needs three ingredients! It is a vegan shortbread that fits in a vegan ketogenic diet, plus it is healthy, oil-free, deliciously crispy, and buttery.
Keto, gluten-free
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Vegan Almond Flour Shortbread
Air fryer mushroom jerky is a treat that nearly everyone on a vegan diet can enjoy. Whip up a batch to take along the next time you travel!
Vegan, keto
Ingredients:
Get the instructions here: Air Fryer Mushroom Jerky
A small change to a diet can make all the difference! As they say, take baby steps!
A vegan keto diet is easy to follow and there has to be a vegan keto recipe from our list that caught your interest!
Sometimes all it takes is looking at something from a different angle, think cauliflower steaks doused in a rich gravy, hemp hearts as a healthy topping for ice cream, or tahini for a sesame flavor in a salad dressing.
Just give it a try and you might find a new favorite!
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]]>It is pumpkin season yet again and instead of the usual roasted butternut squash soup recipes, here is a roasted squash recipe full of fresh herbs that will help you welcome Fall.
This roasted vegetable dish can easily come together in 30 minutes and it is basically three steps - prep the veggies, bake it in the oven, and mix with the fresh herbs!
As with most of our recipes here on Sozy, you can easily substitute whatever you have on-hand or can get locally. Instead of kabocha squash, you can use butternut squash, acorn squash, or even sweet potato and zucchini.
The ever-versatile chickpea isn't saved either! Throw in marinated chickpeas, Indian spiced chickpeas, or any roasted chickpea leftovers you may have in the fridge.
And do not skimp on the fresh herbs as they really help elevate this dish. We use fresh cilantro, parsley, mint, and green onion. But basil, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger can easily spice things up.
If you are a fan of dressings, you can easily make a tahini dressing by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, and tahini. An olive oil dressing with vinegar, mustard, and honey can be whipped up too. And for more texture, why not try pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, crunchy chickpeas, or hemp hearts?
This veggie dish can become a true salad by adding kale, arugula, or romaine. (You know, that sounds good with a drizzle of yogurt sauce.) Or match it with spaghetti squash or quinoa to make it more hearty.
Endless. The possibilities are endless.
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Vegan Option, Gluten Free, Serves two
I wouldn't be surprised if you add this roasted squash and fresh herb dish to your butternut squash recipe collection.
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]]>IN THIS ARTICLE
We've all been there. The season's change and you pull out your favorite sweater from your winter stash only to see a bunch of bobbles and fuzz clinging to your once gorgeous garment. Pilling on clothes is so annoying. Not only does it make your clothes look old and musty but it also reduces the life cycle of your togs and means that you have to invest time to remove pills and get your clothes fuzz-free. As they say, prevention is better than a cure, so we are going to share tips on how to prevent clothes from pilling (and how to save those garments that have already gone to the fuzz gods).
So why do pills form on clothes? The simple answer is that pills tend to form on the parts of your clothes or linen or any fabric where abrasion happens. This can be around the thighs, underarms, on cuffs, and in the center of your bed linen. Linting, pilling, fuzzing - it all breaks down to being broken fibers that get pulled from your clothes and then caught up again when your clothes go through the washing machine or the tumble dryer.
Some fabrics are more prone to pilling than others. Synthetic fabrics are the worst culprit when it comes to pilling as a polyester surface is more likely to build up a higher negative electrical charge when rubbed. This means it becomes a magnet for anything and everything floating around your washing machine or clothes dryer.
Once the lint and little fuzz balls are attracted to your fabrics, they get tangled up in the fibers of your clothes and turn into those annoying little lint balls and fabric pills. We all now know that synthetics suck when it comes to keeping your lint count low, but what exact fabrics out there are making life hard for us?
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In short, smooth tightly woven fabrics are less likely to pill and bobble as loose fiber has less chance of escaping a tighter woven fabric. Pilling is more likely when you have a blend of two different fabrics and one is stronger than the other. The weaker fabric will release more excessive fibers and the stronger one will hold the lint balls in place. Fabrics with long fibers will pull less than other fabrics with shorter fabrics.
Fabrics prone to pilling
Fabrics least likely to pill
OK, so unless we are all going to have a wardrobe brimming with fabrics made of silk and linen, we are likely to come across the problem of pilling from clothes. The question is how to prevent it as much as possible and how to deal with it when it rears its fuzzy head. Don't go tossing out that favorite pair of leggings, cozy flannel shirt, or all your blended sweaters and bobbly bed sheets just yet.
Here are some tried and tested techniques for becoming a first-class pill remover.
Just like removing the stubble from your legs, a razor can be a savvy way to remove pilling. You do need to be really careful not to go down the path of damaging lighter delicate fabrics and causing further snags. AKA be sure to keep a flat surface by pulling the fabric taut. If you don't want to risk razor burning your clothes, you can use a special fabric shaver or pill shaver.
A simple technique to remove lint and loose fibers (and even pet hair when you've been cuddling too hard) is to use a lint roller. While a lint brush won't be the hardiest solution for removing tangled pilling it can make your clothes look good.
Rough surfaces gently rubbed across your clothes can help to get rid of your pilling problem. You can also use a sweater stone to the same effect or even a sandpaper sponge will do the trick. This method maybe a little too abrasive on delicate items.
Use sticky tape or a velcro strip to remove fuzz from your clothing. Basically, you lay the sticky side down on your clothes and when you pull it off it should bring the lint with it.
A simple and effective method for getting pills and bobbles off your clothing is to take a sharp pair of scissors and cut each one off individually. While this is time-consuming and you have to be careful not to snip the clothing, it is a low-tech way of cutting through the problem.
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As we talked about, when it comes to keeping your clothes safe and sound, you want to just do your very best to avoid the whole pilling issue in the first place. Easier said than done. While you may not be able to wave your magic wand and prevent pills altogether, you can definitely have some success in practices that lead to less pilling. Let's take a look at how you can fix your fibers in a way that reduces the age-old problem of pilling. It's time to say bye to the lint ball.
Short of hand washing all your clothes, pilling is probable on certain fabric fiber garments. In an effort to reduce wear and tear, you can choose to put your clothes on a delicate cycle when washing lint-producing fabrics. This will help lessen abrasion which will lead to less friction and less chance of individual fibers getting tangled up. You can also put your clothes on a shorter wash cycle to minimize damage.
You want to try and avoid fabrics being crammed together and rubbing - causing even more abrasion. In order to keep plenty of space going, try not to fill your washing machine with a ton of clothes. You also want to try and separate clothes into categories when washing. If you can only wash your cotton fabric items together and your other materials (and colors) together, then you have a better chance of keeping your clothes lint and fuzz-free.
Before washing (even if opting for a hand wash), make sure you turn your garment inside out. Turning clothes inside out will help stop even more abrasion from things like zips, buttons, and other such garment features from adding to the friction.
If you can find a laundry detergent that has enzyme cellulase in it, then you are about to adore laundry day (joke). This specific enzyme in liquid detergent can help to break down pills on fabric and even remove them, saving you a whole day with a razor blade and a sweater. You can also throw in some fabric conditioner or fabric softener which will help to keep garments soft during the rinse cycle and lead to less friction in there.
If you can skip out on shoving clothes in the tumble dryer, then you will be doing your clothing a thousand favors. While we all love warm-cozy-tumble-dry-clothing, this can also add to the wear and tear and rubbing of short fibers against each other - ultimately leading to more pilling. Instead of using the tumble dryer, you can lay clothes flat to dry or hang them on the line. This is especially important when dealing with delicate fabric or wool and knits where you are more likely to get broken fibres.
What are your tips for finding and caring for clothes that don't suffer in the land of lint? Do you stick to natural fabrics or do you have a certain brand of fuzz-free powder detergents you move? Feel free to share your laundry room insights with our Sozy VIP community.
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]]>IN THIS ARTICLE
The benefits of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles are becoming more and more prominent in the research being done around the world. The old mindset of needing meat for nutrition, proper diet, and nutrient intake is no longer necessary. With new information, we see that eating a plant-based diet has all the same benefits plus more...
...not only for your body but for the world around you as well!
If you’re thinking of transitioning to a plant-based diet, read below for some of the top benefits to help you along your way.
People choose plant foods for all different kinds of reasons. For some people, it's all about the ethics of not wanting to consume food that comes from animals. For others, it's about choosing a plant-based diet for health reasons or because their body feels better when they steer clear of meat consumption. There is no one size fits all when it comes to dietary choices. Whether you want to be fully plant-based, fall more in line with vegetarian diets, or just want to welcome more healthy habits into your eating, here are the differences between plant-based, vegetarian and vegan diets.
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Whether cutting back on processed foods and meat or just going all out when it comes to your plant-based diet, there are tons of perks to be had. Healthcare practitioners and nutritionists seem to have plenty of good things to say about the benefits that a plant-based diet offers. From lowering your blood sugar to helping maintain a healthy immune system and boosting your intake of essential nutrients, here are the many health benefits you can get from swapping your processed food for healthy plant foods.
Meat can be hard for the human body to digest and can lead to many gastric issues. When eating a natural, plant-based diet, consumers may feel the results of improved digestion. One of the main reasons for improved digestion is due to the decreased about of harmful synthetic chemicals entering the body and lowered buildup of toxins.
A healthy plant-based diet reduces the risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a major playing factor in coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and a heightened stroke risk too. Close to 40 different studies have shown that those who followed a more plant-based diet had lower blood pressure results in comparison to omnivores. Cutting out animal foods and sticking to a plant-based diet may also keep your blood sugar stable or on the low end of the spectrum. Patient clinical trials showed that almost half the participants were able to reduce their dosage of blood lowering medication after trying a vegan diet. For those looking to stabilize blood sugar levels, a following a plant based diet could help.
It is no surprise that eating loads of nutrient-filled fruits and veggies set your body up for optimal health. Eating these superfoods with each meal will result in a strong immune system and lowered risk of health problems and sickness. As a plant-based meal relies on more vegetables, legumes, and grains, you get all the nutrients involved in that stash too. Studies have found that a healthy diet made up of plant-based food can be rich in antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and a range of essential vitamins. Plant foods reduce inflammation to which also cuts down on our risk of inflammatory diseases.
As a plant-based diet means less meat and meat has more saturated fat, it stands to reason that only eating plants will cut down on cardiovascular diseases too. The Journal of the American Heart Association found that plant-based dietary patterns cut the risk of developing heart disease by 16%.
Turning to plant protein not only reducing the risk of heart disease but numerous other threatening illnesses too such as helping with cancer prevention. Along with these benefits, there is research proving that cutting out meat equals a longer lifespan!
Eating a plant-based diet does not need to be boring but instead exciting with the countless dish options for mouth-watering meals! Try incorporating beans, grains, and rice into a dish to make it more filling. Some popular dishes on the menus right now are colorful Buddha bowls, hearty vegan soups, and twists on the classic burger patty!
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One of the greatest benefits of a plant-based diet is the lowered ecological footprint. Meat production uses many resources and creates a high carbon and water footprint. Not to mention deforestation due to the creation of land space for the animals. By eating plant-based, you would not only save countless animals but would also be cutting down your individual ecological footprint by more than half.
Eating a plant-based means absolutely no harm is caused to any animals on your behalf. Meat coming from mass-produced factories involves harsh acts of animal cruelty. Not to mention, the meat is also of lower quality, being filled with harmful synthetic chemicals such as growth hormones. These growth hormones can be associated with carcinogenic properties.
Shifting your eating habits to embrace a more whole food plant-based diet is never a bad idea. Like any diet, it's essential to try and balance out your diet and to make sure that you are hitting all the essential food groups. A good diet is making sure you get enough protein, vegetables, fruits, leafy mixed greens, grains, calcium, and healthy fats too. It also means trying to limit sugary desserts, highly processed foods, red meat, processed meat, and other major diet pitfalls. For those who are thinking about the body's long term health and wanting to adopt healthy habits when it comes to their diet, here are all the plant-based foods you need in your diet.
Fruits
Fruits are an essential part of any diet. Not only are fruits essential for filling us up on our vitamins and minerals but they also help bring a boost of antioxidants, potassium, folate, and magnesium to the body too. All fruits have some benefits so you can really pick your piece depending on the taste you love. Apples, oranges, berries, stone fruits, and melons are all consistently proven to be awesome for us. If you decide to consume fruit juices make sure that they are as natural as can be as some will come with added sugars.
Vegetables
Another starring role for those whose diet consists of mostly plants - vegetables are one of the favorite whole foods out there. Some of the best vegetables to bring into your plant-based diet includes leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, sweet potatoes with their high vitamin count, asparagus, peppers, beta-carotene rich carrots, and plenty of immune-boosting garlic and ginger too.
Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts, sunflower seeds, flax, almonds, chia seeds - nuts and seeds are all an essential part of any good plant food diet. From natural peanut butter to almond butter, they are a great source of protein and natural fats and they are also full of vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and iron too. Seeds are also rich in essential omega 3 acids, and share many nutritional benefits with fish making them a great alternative for those avoiding animal products. Vegan cheeses are also commonly made out of nuts and seeds too.
Grains
Wholegrains are another essential part of some plant-based meals as they give us a ton of nutrients. From whole grain brown rice to quinoa, oat, couscous, and bulgar wheat - these grains are glorious as they provide us with those complex carbohydrates and starches that give us energy. They also are low in fat and high in fiber and come with a wide range of vitamins and minerals too.
Legumes
Legumes are an important part of the plant-based lifestyle as they are rich in iron and packed with plant protein too. Beans, peas, and lentils are awesome sources of legume-based fiber along with having the added benefits of being rich in folate, zinc, antioxidants, and are a form of carbohydrate that can be slowly digested meaning you can avoid that carb coma.
Healthy fats
From tofu to avocado, there are plenty of healthy fats out there for those who eat plant-based foods. While diet culture may have led to the thought process that fats are bad as they can lead to excess weight gain. But fats are actually an essential part of a healthy balanced diet. They help to keep cells healthy, promote good bowel management and it can even help those looking to lose weight as we need fat in order to burn fat. Good sources of vegan ats include almonds, chia, seeds, cacao, olive oil, and tahini.
Plant-based milk
For those vegans and dietary choices that skip out when it comes to dairy foods, there are plant-based sources of calcium out there. There are tons of choices now when it comes to plant-based milk alternatives - oat, soy, almond, hemp - each brings its own benefits to the party. For those vegans wanting to up their intake of protein, you may be best turning to soy and hemp. If you want to boost your intake of B12 then go for plant-based milk that is fortified.
What are your thoughts on plant proteins and plant compounds? Do you eat plants only or are you more about cutting back on meat? Share your plant-based protein tips and let us know what a plant-based diet improves for you over at our VIP Sozy community.
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