A Summer Guide for Vegans
Two things I’m looking forward come summertime: my annual summer vacation (two weeks baby!) and my birthday month (July). While I don’t have any grand plans in the grand scheme of things, I am excited to spend my staycation with loved ones, going around the island playing tourist, and treating myself to some legit spa experience for my birthday. And while we’re at it, I would like to share with you some helpful tips to make this summer your best yet whether you’re vegan, newbie, transitioning, or just plain curious (read my vegan journey).
Eat, taste, drink the rainbow.Summertime means fresh fruits and vegetables. The more colorful, the more variety, the better. I love freshly sliced mangoes, pineapples, watermelon. I love strawberry banana smoothie. I love arugula with quinoa salad. I love grilled eggplant, red and green bell peppers. I simply eat anything! No fresh produce near you? buy frozen fruits and make your own fancy drink.
Try this very easy ice “cream”: 2 frozen ripe bananas, 3-4 strawberries. Ultra-blend until you have “creamy” consistency. Feeling fancier than this? follow #veganfood or #vegandessert on Instagram to find thousands of inspirations. Read a beginner’s guide on how to shop vegan groceries.
Veganize your makeup and skincare stash. Keep everything lightweight as much as possible and out of all the beauty products you need to wear religiously summertime or not, it’s sunscreen. All the more during summer because the hot weather brings out the worse in your skin. If you’re prone to acne, sun exacerbates it by triggering inflammatory response. If you’re prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun contributes to darkening. If you are suffering from melasma, sun exposure worsens it (read why use sunscreen)
Try Coola Rosilliance BB Cream SPF 30, it’s a tinted moisturizer and physical sunscreen in one. Rule of thumb, to be adequately protected, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours or each time you get wet or sweaty if you’re staying out longer than usual.
Try Drunk Elephant Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. It’s a blend of AHA (helps reduce or prevent appearance of dark spots) and BHA (helps with minor breakouts).
Try Kat Von D Brow Pomade. It’s waterproof and does not melt or smudge with sweat.
Try Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder. It’s a very lightweight setting powder that adds inexplicable lit-from-within glow.
Try derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub. It gently exfoliates skin which allows your moisturizer or serum to perform better.
Veganize your wardrobe.Cotton, rayon, polyester, rayon, bamboo, tencel are some of the most common types of clothing that are vegan-friendly. Coated canvas, polyurethane, microfiber are some of the most common materials used for footwear. Introduce a trend if need be just like straw bag. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection. And if you want your water-drinking self look hip, carry a nice bottle and chug water like a rockstar.
Plan, be prepared, but most of all, have fun.This last tip sounds basic but if you’re a new vegan and you’re traveling somewhere, it doesn’t hurt to get your gears ready in case you find yourself in unfamiliar situations. Download Happy Cow if you haven’t yet. It’s an app that tells you if there are nearby vegan or vegetarian restaurants or shops (read tips on dining out as vegan). Bring your favorite vegan snack or food to eliminate any potential stress of not finding one. Ask for recommendations from vegan groups in Facebook, that will save you from all the headaches. And please, in case you find yourself in the company of non-vegan friends or family, just chill and enjoy the company. You’d be surprised with the amount of accommodation you may get. The way I handle it is like this: if you’re my true friend or if you value me, respect my choices. I will not let you ruin my vacation. I am in control of my personal situation. My feelings. My food. My life.
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What lovely vegan suggestions! I need that water bottle!
Author
I have so many water bottles lol
What great suggestions! The drinks sound good!
Author
Thanks much
Thanks for reminding me about the faux ice cream with bananas! I make it from time to time but haven’t since last summer. yum
Author
My pleasure! Yummy!!!
Your dress is gorgeous! I need to pick up a couple of new summer dresses this year. It’s been far too long!
Author
Yay thanks! This is actually a jumpsuit that looks like a maxi
Totally book marking for this drink!!! It looks so delicious!!!
You really are ready for summer with that cute outfit and your product suggestions.
I’ll look at that website, I need some fresh summer drink recipes.
Great recommendations! I’ve heard a lot of great things about Drunk Elephant – plus it’s fun to say! 🙂
Author
Haha yes. My husband said the same thing about DE
Some really great suggestions! Your blog is always very informative.
Author
Thanks much! I try my best 🙂
I love this whole outfit!
Author
Thanks! I like your white outfit also
I want to try that app! I’m not vegan but I have a lot of friends who are, and I want to help them find fun places to dine out when we’re together.
Author
You’re a very nice friend. I think I only paid $3 for that app
I’m not vegan, but I don’t do dairy. I will have to remember that treat!
Love all of the product recommendations! I’mma need the KVD brow gel.
Author
Thanks! You’ll like the KVD brow gel
This is so helpful and covered many things I hadn’t even thought about! Gorgeous blog and photos, you look beautiful in that outfit 😀 I’m drooling over that smoothie, I really want to try!
Would you like to follow each other on Bloglovin’ by any chance? My page is here 😀 xx
elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
Author
Thanks for stopping by! I will check out your blog.xo
Fabulous.. The dress looks so pretty on you 🙂
Author
Thanks much
The birthday spa treatments sound heavenly. Lucky girl! (Even if you are treating yourself)
Author
Thanks much
I’m already immersing myself in delicious produce! I love fresh cooking in the summer.
I love how committed you are to the vegan lifestyle, as well as how much you want to share it with folks. This guide is fantastic, and gives so many great ideas!
Author
Thanks Jenalyn. It’s my way to share this passion and advocacy
I am loving that dress on you!
Author
thank you