Summer 2017 by My Magazine

POP

SUMMER MEMENTOS

of color

WHAT DO YOU COLLECT WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

A BOHO SOIRÉE

sun, sand & friends

MAKE THE BIGGEST BEAUTY SWITCH — IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Jonathan Adler talks décor

MAGAZINE

BLOG YOUR WAY INTO BUSINESS

SUMMER 2017

Plus

GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN SWEETS

M O L LY M Y . C O M

MAGAZINE

WHAT’S INSIDE

SUMMER 2017

ga t h er

A BOHO SOIRÉE Plan an afternoon getaway with the girls and enjoy the sun, sand and quality time. Don't forget plenty of sips and eats because you'll want to stay awhile...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! Throw the best 4th of July party your friends have ever been to, putting the emphasis on our two favorite things: bonding and food.

s ty le

TRENDS FOR A STYLISH SEASON

do-it-yourself

What makes a great summer wardrobe? You might be surprised (you may even own them already!). Fashion lover, Ashley Torres of Everyday Pursuits breaks it down.

SEEKING THE PERFECT BATHING SUIT Summer is in full swing and you need new bathing suits, stat! Cut? Color? Size? Ellejay has the answers. Get ready to feel comfortable, confident and chic.

GREEN TEA-INFUSED HOMEMADE SUNSCREEN UVA and UVB sun rays are nothing to mess with these days. Take care of your skin this season with this sunscreen recipe from Hello Glow.

FLORAL DIYS ARE IN BLOOM You don’t want to miss out on Gorgeous and Green’s lovely aesthetic and unique DIY tutorials. A natural way to spruce up your space, or next party.

recipes 46

SMOOTH SUMMER These delicious smoothie recipes will leave you wishing summer lasted all year long. Pineapple Green Dream, anyone?

A REFRESHING SUMMER COCKTAIL: MINT JULEP

get inspired 18

Get amazing industry insider tips from blogging expert, Amy Lynn Andrews, and start ( and grow) your online business.

Learn the backstory on the classic julep and how to make the most refreshing ones we’ve ever tried.

BREATHE IN; BREATHE OUT Relieve stress and get centered. Discover all of the amazing benefits from meditationand how to start incorporating it into your life — with just a few minutes a day.

A COLORFUL SUMMER SALAD Add some color into your tired food and get excited about eating healthy. It's exactly what you need to feel energized this season.

AUTHENTICITY LEADS TO A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER YOU Self-acceptance and love help us stay grounded in life. A reminder to take time for yourself! Then, watch the rest of your life fallperfectlyinto place.

SWEET SUMMERTIME A Sweet Savory founder, Lauren Lowstan, is back by popular demand. She's sharing recipes (with healthy alternatives!) to make your summer even sweeter.

BLOG YOUR WAY INTO BUSINESS

ADD THAT POPOF COLOR, GET INSPIRED & SPRUCE UP YOUR DÉCOR WITH JONATHAN ADLER How do you add a touch of summer into your space? We asked designer, Jonathan Adler, that and more.

EDITOR'S NOTE

TOP 5 PAGE TURNERS

From stripes to mules, this season’s best styles are totally affordable. Don't miss Molly's picks.

Each issue is uniquely created with you, our readers, in mind. Find out what makes this issue special.

good read (or 5!) is an essential part of summer's simple A pleasures — dive into our top page turners now.

Make this season a memorable one. Find joy in starting a collection to document your travels and experiences.

iss

MY FAVORITES (UNDER $200)

GO NATURAL WITH ONE LOVE ORGANICS Embrace fresh and clean. Ditch the chemicals. One Love Organics has everything you need to get started on your natural journey.

MATCHBOOK MEMORIES

beauty

FRESH FACED FOR SUMMER Find your go-to look this season with this beauty routine and inspiration from Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge.

EFFORTLESS WARMWEATHER HAIRSTYLES Curls? Side bun? Whatever look you want this summer is easy to achieve with these super simple tutorials.

E D I T O R’ S N O T E

hen I think about summer, a tremendous sense of excitement dances through my head. But why? Is it the warmer temps? The gatherings? The prolonged daylight? The trips? The smell of watermelon? (Or, the cold taste of it as it breaks so easily with a bite?) I still haven't quite landed on the answer to my question – but year after year, it continues to exceed my expectation. I'm not alone in this – we all pine for summer, based on our own long list of reasons why. Like summer, this issue has exceeded my expectations. And for those who know me know they can be pretty high, especially when it comes to publication (my team is laughing right now!). We are our own biggest critics, and I'm certainly no exception. In an article in this issue, the talented Jonathan Adler, said something in our Q&A (page 22) that resonates with me: "I think every creative person needs a naysayer to rebel against, even if it's themselves." While he’s not granting the green light to be a downer, he’s making a strong point about appreciating our humanistic requirement that we

self-challenge, take leaps, filter out negative doubt from others and replace it with positive rebellion. To do this, we have to be a little unguarded and selfcritical; still resilient against nay-saying, but receptive to what our own gut tells us to improve. We step out into the sun and expose our skin; we walk around barefoot, digging our feet in the sand; and we travel, searching for the newness in summer's best evenings, opening ourselves up to new settings, and letting our guard down. We surrender our minds to nature’s beauty. We don't think twice because we just do.

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

This issue is about the authenticity and gut sentiments that should unbind us, and guide us forward (you'll find more on this on page 42). This summer be fearless, and digest criticism in a way that will churn out something remarkable in the future. Soon enough, you'll notice when you've exceeded your own expectation, because the limits become limitless. Don't be afraid to create, discover and accept things you never thought possible. From DIY to meditation, we've got you covered for this beloved season (if I do say so myself!).

S TAY I N T O U C H

Keep up with special offers, announcements,inspiration and more! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to sign up for My Newsletter.

M O L LY M Y. C O M 5

MAGAZINE SUMMER 2017 Founder & Editor-in-Chief Molly My Senior Managing Designer Jean-Luc Quevauvilliers Senior Photographer Vanessa Tierney Makeup Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge Contributing Photographer Jessica Onesto Contributing Photographer Tyler Chase Contributing Photographer Adriana Gonzalez Copy Writer/Editor Jennifer Manly Copy Writer/Editor Beth Wasko

Instagram: @mollymymag Facebook: facebook.com/mollymymag Website: mollymy.com

My Magazine is a quarterly, digital publication that encourages women to create and seek out life's most beautiful things and moments. Through original content and expert advice, what you will find in My Magazine is as attainable as it is elegant. Most importantly, My team wants you to be fearless in the pursuit of what makes you happiest.

Let's

Celebrate

A Mini Invitation Collection with Greenvelope.com

This past spring I launched a very exciting party invitation collection with Greenvelope.com, the sophisticated and environmentally friendly online destination for all of your digital invitation needs. This partnership is so special to me, because it really pulls from personal experience and my love for entertaining.

You have three different party planning occasions to choose from including, I’ll Cry if I Want to (Pity Party), Girls Getaway, and Welcome Palms (Housewarming). These customizable invitations are perfect for the friend who’s feeling down and needs a little pick-me-up (let’s face it, we’ve all been there!); the friend who wants to getaway and relax with the gals (perhaps there’s a bachelorette party coming up?); and the friend who’s settling into her humble abode, ready to christen those champagne flutes. (the Welcome Palms invite is entirely customizable, so use that template for any occasion that you’d like!) The uplifting colors, ‘90s-inspired feel, elegant layouts, festive metallic accents, and natural elements across the different designs perfectly display my love for all things feminine and refined.

I can’t wait for you to see how these invites can so quickly enhance your next gathering. I put a lot of thought into each of these designs and I hope they bring you joy and inspire you to gather your nearest and dearest for a memorable occasion. Just make sure you send out a thank you note before the next party (whether a guest, or the host). A thank you goes a long way. Happy party planning!

To shop the collection now, head over to greenvelope.com/designs/molly-my

& n e ts evvanessa A spring highlight:

WITH LOVE,

t was a spring to remember as we celebrated one of our very own ladies, amazingly talented lifestyle photographer, Vanessa Tierney, who got engaged this past season. Of course, we had to honor the momentous occasion in style and host the engagement party of the year, held at Light Lab in Los Angeles, California! Vanessa and her fiancé, actor, writer and director Steven Grayhm, are the perfect match and they share wonderfully unique personalities. We wanted this celebration to speak to both of them, welcoming their friends and family and enjoying a day of fun. By the end, everyone left with a smile on their face and love in their hearts – the perfect end to a beautiful beginning for a couple we hold so dear. Take a peek at how we brought the whole day together and stay tuned for our Fall issue, because it will have an inside look at their woodsy New England wedding!

Photography: Tyler Chase Photography

Delicious Display The number one element at a party is, of course, the food and drinks! You don’t always need to have a full meal, but the snacks that you supply are important. 1. We first wanted to have a drink that both Steven and Vanessa would enjoy, so we created “His” and “Her” cocktails, unique to each of their preferences and personalities. Fun, right? 2. Next was the food. Heavy snacks were supplied to keep guests happy and full! Low tables, surrounded by comfy pillows to sit on, were the perfect way to display the mouth-watering sushi. Also placed around the room were some of Steven and Vanessa’s favorite appetizers, including BBQ meatballs, deviled eggs, and an array of grapes, olives, meats, cheeses and crackers.

3. To add a special touch to the champagne toast, we spray painted the base of clear plastic champagne coupes with a matte gold. They turned out adorable and were so simple to craft!

Favor-ite Things

A party is never complete until the guest is leaving with a little something in their pocket to remember the day. 1. As a “thank you” for celebrating this special occasion with Steven and Vanessa, each guest left with a custom-made marble coaster, crafted by In Loft Calligraphy, customized with their names. They really make the perfect favor – something everyone can use! 2. Plus, we can’t forget the photos each person, who took advantage of the DIY photo booth, took home. Here’s a tip: In order to pull this off, all you really need is a camera, a tripod, and some fun garland as a backdrop, like the one Paper Fox created for us; allowing guests to capture the special moments together on their own time during the party. 2

3. A huge thank you to Ashley of Starring Fragrances, who made us all smell like spring before the day was over! They offer natural and organic perfumes that perfectly match your personality and style. Their fun mobile perfume stations are the best way to engage your guests and let them blend their own custom perfumes and are totally customizable for any event. These party favors ended up stealing the show, as both the girls and the guys participated, which really helped all of our guests to mingle and take part in the activity. starringfragrances.com 4

4. Can you say delectable?! Sweet E’s Bake Shop supplied the beautiful Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake, as well as gluten and non-gluten free treats. Our personal favorites were the Mini Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Caramel Chocolate Gems and Sweet Almond French Macarons. Yum! sweetesbakeshop.com

5. The most beautiful balloons and décor were all thanks to Paper Fox LA. There’s nothing better than adding a pop of fun and beauty to the space around you. The garland and balloons were the absolute perfect addition to the party. paperfoxla.com

fav ori tes of the season under $200!

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

Raffia Slipper Mules BL AN K

CAN VAS

$130 | shopbop.com

From bags to shoes, raffia and straw accessories mean summer. The neutral color makes these an essential because they match with everything! I’ve traded in a lot of my wedges and heels for flats this season (mules are my go-to!) and my feet couldn’t be happier. They are so chic and extremely functional.

4 Crispin Drops

BAUBLEBA R

$48 | baublebar.com

Ombré always steals my heart. I also love a good statement earring, and these guys fit the bill. Whether in a dress, shorts and tee, or a swim suit, these add a pop of color and major style.

Lace-Up Wide-Leg Crop Pants MAD E WE LL

$78 | madewell.com There’s nothing quite like blue and white stripes. These pants are comfy, and fitting for all sorts of occasions. Also, don’t forget: wide leg pants are super flattering! This is an item of clothing I’ll have on repeat all season long.

Pink Crush Nail Lacquer T OM

F ORD

$36 | tomford.com Pink has always been, and continues to be, one of my favorite colors. Thankfully, this gorgeous hue has been a big trend for the warmer months, so I’ve been seeing it pop up more than ever! I’m loving it on my nails in particular this season.

Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF 30 BEAUT Y

CO UNTER

$32 | beautycounter.com We all know that sunscreen is so important, even more important during the hotter months. Finding products that not only protect your skin, but that also don’t include harmful chemicals, can be tricky, which is exactly why I’m sharing this magical formula! Among all of its other A+ qualities, it doesn’t leave white streaks and is super lightweight.

Puckered Gingham Sports Bra & Capri Tights JCRE W

$55/$75 | jcrew.com

Having a top and bottom set that makes me feel my best always helps motivate me to get outside and get active! Gingham is such a timeless print, especially in navy and white (and doesn’t scream “workout gear”). When I saw this duo, I knew I’d found a keeper. Throw on a jean jacket for an easy errands look.

Long Handle Farmer’s Market Basket

F RE N CH

B ASKE T S

$39 | french-baskets.com

If you know me, you know I could never have enough french tote bags in my life! Grabbing fresh fruits and veggies at the farmer’s market or heading out for a beach day, I don’t leave home without one (and I always have another in my car, just in case).

Snap

POL AROI D

$99.99 | polaroid.com

I rely so much on my phone — especially for taking photos. Every so often though, I try to leave it behind and opt for a camera instead. It can be hard to disconnect, but I've learned it's necessary! This camera is ideal for instant images that make for adorable keepsakes.

Dessert Plates L A

D OU B LE J

$165 for 6 | ladoublej.com Whether you're entertaining or just looking to add to your dish collection, these plates are pretty perfect. I love to mix and match with other patterns or simple white, which makes this china an easy decision!

Waterproof Volumizing Mascara STI L A

$22 | stilacosmetics.com I’m always on the hunt for great mascara. This is my new favorite! It’s waterproof, adds length, volume and doesn’t get clumpy. If I had to pick one makeup item to get me through the summer, it would be mascara (and an eyelash curler!).

Blog Your Way

Into Business a Q&A with Amy Lynn Andrews

he blogging industry has grown tremendously and has really made

a name for itself over the past few years. It’s taken what was just a platform to write your thoughts and share your opinions on and made it into a world-wide business phenomenon. If you’re just starting out or even if you’ve already established yourself, then you know that there is a ton of information out there that constantly needs to be consumed. If you’ve been looking for a blogging guru but haven’t found one yet, well, you’re in luck! We spoke with Amy Lynn Andrews, an expert in the blogging world with years of experience, and she now teaches others how to blog. Amy offered us a little bit of insight on starting and growing a profitable blog and online business.

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

Q: A:

The blogging industry has gained tremendous momentum over the last few years. What advice would you give someone starting a blog or online business in 2017 compared to when you started? When I started blogging back in 2004, there weren't a lot of blogs. On one hand it was an advantage because it was much easier to be found. On the other hand there were very few people reading blogs and therefore, fewer potential readers. Anyone starting today has the opposite problemâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it's harder to be found, but the pool of potential readers is almost unlimited. I have several pieces of advice for new bloggers today. First, become the go-to resources for your topic. Aim to cover your subject better than anyone else. Second, narrow your topic. This is often called "niching down" and increases your chances of standing out. For example, instead of starting a photography blog, start a blog about Chinese landscape photography. Third, deliberately build genuine relationships with others who share your interest. Q: There are many options for making money online, but doing a few, or even one of them can be overwhelming. What would you recommend for someone just starting out? Can you describe some strategies that have worked for you? A: Making money online requires a lot of effort and creativity no matter what your strategy or method. I outlined the five main ways people make money online in an article on my website about that very topic. Suffice it to say, there are countless possibilities and each person needs to figure out what will work best for them. I broke this concept down and gave examples in my post 7 Questions I Ask as a Minimalist Business Owner, but in a nutshell, know your personality, be realistic about what you can sustain for the long haul and be patient. Other tips are to diversify your income streams and create your own product. Of course, starting an email list from the get-go is key as it will allow you to reach out to potential customers along the way. Ask anyone how they make money online and you will get a variety of answers. In my case, my top income streams are affiliate marketing and selling my own products.

Q: Many people struggle with how to gain a following for their blog or online business. What advice do you have to help them stand out and be impactful within their industry? A: Build genuine relationships and be patient. Produce high quality content people find useful. Help others address a fear, learn something new or solve a problem. Again, the aim is to become the go-to resource in your niche, establishing yourself as a trustworthy authority along the way. You must be patient. Just as it does in real life relationships, it takes time to build trust in online relationships. Be purposeful about reaching out to others and offering small nuggets of your expertise, no strings attached. Treat people like friends not potential customers. In an era of social media, people are wary of those who seem only out to make a buck. As unglamorous as it sounds, I can't stress enough the importance of helping others, providing useful information people can't find elsewhere, building and keeping trust...and then doing it indefinitely. The (sort of) glamorous answer is being active on social media, paying attention to SEO and promoting your content consistently. Q: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing a huge growth in live streaming, especially on Facebook and Instagram Live. Do you think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necessary for someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just starting out to incorporate this into their blog or business? A: I've been part of the blogging industry for 13 years. There are many ways to do blogging/ online business well. I don't believe there is a specific formula or strategy which is the key to success. Trends come and go and I'm inclined to believe live video will prove to be one of them. Having said that, in 2017, live video is indeed effective. I would definitely encourage anyone starting out to utilize it from the beginning if it fits within the scope of their online presence.

Q: They say you need to invest money to make money. In which areas of a business do you recommend investing money during the very beginning? A: First, I don't entirely agree with the popular statement that you have to spend money to make money. When I started blogging I spent $100 to register a domain and purchase hosting. I didn't spend any more money the entire first year. Over the next several years, $100 was my entire annual blogging budget. And honestly, my blogging budget could have been $0. I could have started a Blogger blog (free) and used a Blogspot domain (also free). And it's very possible to make money with a Blogger blog. I know plenty of bloggers who did just that. So no, you don't always have to spend money to make money. Of course there are tradeoffs. Will it take longer? Most likely. Will it be more frustrating? Probably. Will it require more googling and DIYing? Absolutely. Will you appear less professional? Perhaps. Will others who spend money have a jump start? Yes. But as I see it, the internet is the great equalizer. It levels the playing field and lowers the barrier to entry so virtually anyone can start with no overhead, risk or large investment. To answer the question, the things I would spend money on at the start are a solid domain name, a good platform (like a selfhosted WordPress or Squarespace site) and an email service provider (ESP), so I could start building an email list. I'm a business minimalist and I'm frugal by nature so I tend to go toward a simple approach, but beyond that I wouldn't recommend spending money until you run up against a wall and are desperate for a solution. That will happen to everyone at a different point. Q: Lastly, once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re credible in your space, is it possible for someone who may already be established to rebrand themselves, or change their blog or online business name based upon the direction they have gone and grown? A: Yes. You can do whatever you want! (As long as it's legal of course.) Again, there are pros and cons to every situation which should all be weighed carefully, but blogging is very forgiving. Online business is so new there are few hard and fast rules. If rebranding is something that makes sense for you and your business, do it! And in almost every case, the sooner the better. For someone already quite established, I would recommend hiring help from an experienced developer to make sure your domain and URLs are all forwarded to the new name properly, without broken links. Make sure all marketing materials, social media profiles and other collateral are edited accordingly. Find rebranding checklists online to help you think through all aspects of the process.

To keep up with the latest trends in blogging or to learn more about Amy Lynn Andrews, visit her online at amylynnandrews.com.

ADD THAT POP OF COLOR,

Get Inspired & Spruce Up Your Décor with Jonathan Adler When we think of colorful, eye-popping and imaginatively creative designs, we automatically think of potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler. Having just recently finished refreshing the Parker Palm Springs Hotel, we couldn’t think of a better person to look to for advice on adding pops of color and some summer touches to our space. With his unique aesthetic and pleasingly artistic ways, Jonathan is a pro when it comes to bringing his bright and brilliant ideas to life and incorporating them into décor that will enhance and enrich any space.

Photography: Winnie Au

Q: A:

You recently redecorated the Parker Palm Springs (which looks amazing!), can you explain your inspiration behind the glamorous refresh?

I first designed the Parker over 10 years ago and, like any real Californian, it was time for a nip and tuck. I wanted to create a hotel that captures the essence of Palm Springs – groovy, modern architecture meets Hollywood glamour – and crank it up a notch. I wanted it to feel like you were arriving at the estate of your favorite glamorous, global great-aunt that you wish you had, but never did. Q: What are some tips you would recommend for adding a unique pop of color into a space without spending a ton of money? A: Think of the three P’s – pillows, pottery and plants. Q: What is your favorite room to decorate and why? A: A hotel room. Does that count? Most of them are so bad! I want to open the door to my room and immediately feel like I’ve arrived at a luxurious vacation destination even if I’m just at some trade show in Dubuque, Iowa. Q: What are some simple changes and additions one could add to give their home a summer feel? A: Swap out your pillows. Store your wool or fur pillows for cotton pillows that are bright and light.

Q: What does your design process entail? Can you walk us through the beginning stages and concept to final product? A: The journey from idea in my head to a product on the shelves involves a lot of blood, sweat, tears and many, many, many (many, many) tweaks to samples. I’m fortunate to work with a team of designers who understand my vision; they’re hilarious and talented and only rarely look at me like I’m crazy when I say I want to design something like a giant acrylic foot.

"I had a pottery teacher in college who told me I had no talent..." Q: Did you ever have self-doubt in your business? What advice would you give to someone questioning their abilities and talent? A: I never had self-doubt because I knew I was completely unemployable and had no choice but to make it work. I had a pottery teacher in college who told me I had no talent and that I should move to New York and be a lawyer; it was the best advice I never took. I think every creative person needs a naysayer to rebel against, even if it’s themselves.

To shop some of our favorite dĂŠcor, potteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2039;and home furnishings from Jonathan Adler, visit jonathanadler.com and to learn more about the incredible Parker Palm Springs Hotel, visit theparkerpalmsprings.com.

for summer A natural looking, fresh, easy makeup routine is always fitting, especially during the summer months. Whether you’re heading out to a pool party, a day at the beach, a fun barbeque, attending a music festival or simply just a day of work, your makeup should look and feel effortless. There is nothing worse than applying makeup that sweats off the second you step outside, particularly during a heat wave, but wearing no makeup at all can sometimes keep you from feeling your best. Since summer is all about having fun and feeling great, we wanted to find products that could help create a makeup routine that would keep up with an active lifestyle during the hottest summer days. We looked to our go-to-beauty gal, Stephi Maron, founder of Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge, and she offered up some of her tips for a no-fuss, summer-approved makeup routine. If you haven’t heard of Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge, then you must check out this gorgeous boutique! Stephi created a place that provides customers with all of their makeup needs and services, but at an affordable price. To say the least, Blushington knows what girls are looking for when it comes to beauty. Without further ado, here’s what you need to achieve the perfect summer look:

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

A Beauty Look To Try Right Now

Eve Lom Radiance Perfected Tinted Moisturizer: If you only apply one product during the summer, make sure it’s this one. It’s lightweight, moisturizing and has SPF 15, which is necessary for those long days out in the sun. Plus, you can’t go wrong having a tinted moisturizer that gives you a bit of coverage while giving you glowing, radiant skin.

Kevyn Aucoin Brow Pencil: This top-selling product is great for filling in your brows in a natural looking way. It’s waterproof and will stay all day without having to reapply, making the upkeep effortless. Brows are an important element in your makeup routine, so no need to neglect them just because the heat has been turned up!

Stila Watercolor Blush: This water-based blush provides a sheer splash of color to the cheeks creating a “natural flush to the skin” look. It’s long-wear and waterproof, making it ideal for never-ending summer day looks that turn into night.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone: These highlighters are a makeup game-changer, especially the cream and liquids for summer. They’re more natural looking on the skin, giving you that summertime glow, without an excessive amount of makeup. These are great to have on-hand when you need to quickly freshen up.

Girlactik Shimmer Eye Pen in Dazzle: This exclusive product for Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge, is a white gold, no-mess, shimmer stick pen. You can use this alone or over any eyeshadow to give your eyes just a hint of sparkle and shimmer. It’s also creaseless, so there’s no need to worry about it clumping in your eyelids, especially when it’s hot out.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner in Lionfish: If you love spending your days around water, but have a love for eye makeup, then you can’t go wrong here. These eyeliners are waterproof and will stay all day, so no hassle there. You can also use these liners in the crease to create a day-to-night smokey eye in less than five minutes!

Stila Stay All Day Mascara: This mascara is a summer essential. Whether on the beach or out for drinks with friends, you’ll want to have this on-hand everywhere you go. It’s waterproof, so it won’t smudge and the formula pumps up the volume. This mascara doesn’t clump and it’s the ideal product to apply to your lower lashes.

Girlactik Matte Lip Paint in Iconic: This bold lip stain adds a pop of color and glam without having to wear a ton of gloss or lipstick. This lip paint actually stains your lips, allowing it to stay on all day without dryness or flaking. You’ll be rockin’ the glamorous, chic and effortless look all summer long.

Want more beauty inspiration from the pros? Head over to blushington.com to book an appointment at one of their locations, or follow on Instagram @blushington to learn more.

Top 5 PAGE TURNERS W

elcome to the best part of the year! The sun is out, the water is warm and the flowers have bloomed. There’s nothing better than the summer months to discover new things and explore the world in front of you. But what excites us most are the three B’s: the beach, boats and… books. That’s right, you should always have a good summer read with you, whether you’re traveling through Europe, working on your latest home DIY project or simply relaxing on the shore. Here are our five go-to summer book recommendations (plus a bonus book, in case you’ve really been bitten by the reading bug!). You’re not going to want to miss out on these page turners.

1. T he Identicals: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand Identical twin sisters, who have spent more than a decade apart on different islands, switch lives to try and save what’s left of themselves and their families. However, they quickly learn that secrets, lies and gossip can follow you wherever you go. This muchanticipated summer read takes you through the journey of two sisters dealing with sibling rivalry, resentment, new loves and mistaken identity, during one unforgettable summer that changes lives forever.

COMING JUNE 13,2017

3. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller Before her disappearance, Ingrid Coleman writes a number of letters to her husband about their marriage and leaves them hidden within the thousands of books he’s collected. Her daughter, Flora, who never believed the story that her mother drowned, sets out to find the truth and exposes the secrets, lies and brutal honesty about a passionate and troubled marriage. This perfect summer mystery will keep you guessing until the final pages.

RATING:

Bonus Book!

2. O ption B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg As a No. 1 New York Times best-selling author and COO at Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg is back with her new, must-read book, Option B. Following the unexpected death of her husband, Sheryl combines her personal insights, along with her friend Adam’s research, and the stories of others in order to find strength in adversity. This book teaches us that even after the unthinkable happens, it’s still possible to find deeper meaning and appreciation in our lives and rise above with tremendous strength.

RATING:

4. My (Not So) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella If you’re looking for a little romance, along with some workplace drama, then this clever and entertaining novel is for you. New York Times best-selling author, Sophie Kinsella, brings us Katie Brenner, a woman who longs for the life of others due to the false judgements attached to living in a social media-obsessed world.

RATING:

5. All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg At 39 years old, single and childless, Andrea Bern is looking to find herself and to figure out exactly what it means to be an adult in this brilliantly funny novel. An honest, yet sometimes heartbreaking story, with a comedic twist, makes for the absolute perfect beach-read for summer.

RATING:

Our Little Racket: A Novel by Angelica Baker The town of Greenwich, Connecticut is shaken when an investment bank is closed and CEO Bob D’Amico must fend off allegations of misconduct, judgment and resentment. As the events unfold, five women close to him must learn to negotiate their own power and decide what is worth saving in their lives. This debut novel about envy, wealth and secrets will leave you captivated for more.

COMING JUNE 20,2017

e l t r o ff e l EEffort WARMWEATHER HAIRSTYLES Styled by: Shelly Sangster

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Photography: Vanessa Tierney

Just because the heat is rising and hot summer days are among us, doesn’t mean our hairstyles have to suffer! Summer is the ideal time to play around with effortless up-dos, lots of buns and ponytails, as well as some glammed-up looks for those fun nights out. Whether you’re spending your days sipping Rosé with girlfriends or making memories at a beach gathering, you’ll definitely want a hairstyle that is sure to make a statement – without the hassle. To help you achieve your summer hair goals, we put together some of our favorite looks that will take you no time at all to do. Plus, you’ll be getting compliments left and right about how great your hair is looking, even when it's hotter than ever.

Summer Side Bun

SUMMER SIDE BUN

Start by pulling everything to one side using just your fingers as a brush to keep it messy. Tie it to the side in a ponytail for stability. Next, turn the ponytail into a rope braid by splitting it into two pieces. Keeping them separated, twist the hair in the same direction, then braid in the opposite direction. (Example: if the two sections were twisted to the left then braid the hair to the right). Once the hair is braided all the way down, wrap it around each other to form the bun and pin where necessary.

Messy Beach Bun

MESSY BEACH BUN

This look is truly effortless so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overthink it or you will lose the messy effect. Using your fingers as a brush for this one as well, pull everything to the top of your head. Gather all the hair in your hand and simply wrap a hair tie around it all and bobby pin it for stability. To really add to the messy look, simply leave out some hair or pull some strands out after.

Chic Tight Curls

GLAMOROUSLY-CHIC TIGHT CURLS

Using a 1 in. curling iron, section off hair to be about the size of the barrel. Curl the hair in horizontal sections and pin at the base to set the curls. Once the whole head is done, take down the pins and spray the hair with a light hold hairspray. Use your fingers to brush out the curls and start from underneath to create body. If you break up the curls from the top of the head and down, you will lose body, causing it to have a more flat look. To add a little something extra, pin a flower just above the ear.

Creative Triangle Pin

SIMPLY CREATIVE TRIANGLE PIN

Start by taking a small section from the front your head and pull it back like you are doing a half-up look. Secure the section with a bobby pin, but make sure the flat edge is up and the ridged edge is holding your hair. Do this at an angle to form one side of a triangle. Repeat on the other side, but this time overlap the hair in the back. When securing the bobby pin, make sure the corners of the triangles meet at the top. Lastly, add the bottom bobby pin to connect the two, use some hairspray and your look is now complete.

breathe in; breathe out F I N D I N G M E D I TAT I O N T H I S S U M M E R

Summertime and the feelin’ is… harmony. We put it on our To Do list this season to get a little more in touch with ourselves, feel a bit more centered and really clear out the mental clutter that builds up all year long. There’s no better way to make that happen than discovering a great place to meditate, reflect and really ground yourself. In our search, we came across WMN Space in Culver City, California. The absolute perfect hideaway in the always busy Los Angeles, WMN Space was founded by Paula Mallis, Doula and Facilitator for Women’s Circles. From the moment we walked into WMN Space, we immediately felt at ease. The warm colors, inviting natural surroundings and calming whites are exactly what we were looking for in a meditation area. Luckily, Paula (who is the epitome of meditation in her white flowing dress, soft voice and welcoming spirit) was ready and waiting to show us around and talk a little about the studio that took her more than three years to make a reality. “After holding circle in my own home, I felt called to create a space out in the world that was more accessible to all who felt called to join,” Paula explains. “And WMN Space isn’t just for pregnant women and mothers. The studio supports all women wherever they are on their journey.”

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

RECEIVE SUPPORT AND RESIDE IN A COMMUNITY OF

like-minded women

The benefits of meditating, either by yourself or surrounded by a community of women, are endless. From relieving stress, to improving concentration, increasing happiness and even slowing down the aging process, meditation can have a highly important effect on our bodies. Possibly even more important, it can help cardiovascular and immune health. Like we said: endless benefits! And Paula’s studio is seeking to offer even more benefits to women who need a minute to just step away. “The intention of WMN Space is to gather in a non-judgmental space,” she explains, “receive support and reside in a community of like-minded women.” Sign us up!

After a great chat, it was time to become one with our core and really just breathe. That’s exactly what we did, and can we just say, we’re new people after leaving our session with Paula. We’ve all heard how important it is to just stop and take a breath, but does anyone actually acknowledge the stress they’re under every day? This experience really gave us the chance to take a minute, from our friends, our phones, our lives in general, and get in touch with the most important aspects of life. Everything is so complicated these days, sometimes we all just need to step away and find the simpler side of things. We’re not the only ones feeling like this is a necessity either. Paula has noticed a shift in how people view meditation and are even starting to use crystals to center one’s self. “I think there is a lot of hype around anything ‘spiritual’ these days,” she tells us. “There is a consciousness shift happening on the planet, so there is more curiosity and openness around crystals, meditation and other spiritual practices. We are all in need of aligning with a practice or practices that most resonate with our soul's essence. Crystals can support someone’s journey or spiritual process and even help ground or amplify energy. Let’s educate ourselves about crystals and what ones may be right for you or your space. At WMN Space, I have a huge black tourmaline that sits in the corner to help absorb negative energy.”

Trust us, discovering meditation will reinvigorate you, center you and help you feel empowered and enlightened this summer. Inspired to try meditation, either at home or in a studio? Be sure to check out locations in your area, and if you happen to be in the Culver City area, check out WMN Space. She even has a small area dedicated to supplements, tinctures, jewelry and essential oils that you can purchase. Happy breathing!

TRY IT AT HOME: 10 MINUTE MEDITATION Set your intention before you meditate. Example: "My intention for this meditation is to receive guidance around [blank] situation as I reside in the Loving." Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath. Begin to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. (This is what Paula calls "intentional breathing.") As thoughts and to do lists may arise, gently come back to your breath and intention while focusing on the heart space. After 10 minutes is at completion write out five things you are grateful for. *Paula recommends this mediation in the morning before you begin your day.

For more information on WMN Space, visit wmnspace.com.

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

go natural It’s safe to say that people are fully embracing the idea of buying organic and why it is so important for the environment, as well as our overall well-being. The food industry has really hit the mark with the importance of eating clean, unprocessed, organic foods and now the beauty industry is on the rise, providing awareness and organic products to fit our skincare needs – finally! You see, our skin is our body’s biggest organ, so whatever we put on it gets directly absorbed into the bloodstream. The makeup, body washes, lotions, oils, shampoos, conditioners, etc. that you use daily, go directly into your system and if they contain harsh chemicals and parabens, then those nasty chemicals end up seeping into you as well. Switching your beauty routine to a healthier, more natural approach is such a great way to heal impurities and imperfections, treat acne, prevent aging and really give your skin and body a fresh, clean approach to a happier and healthier lifestyle. We know it can be a bit overwhelming when making the switch to organic beauty products, but there are some amazing companies that are very passionate about providing the best natural products to their customers without the hassle. We’re happy to introduce you to one of them now. If you haven’t heard of One Love Organics, then you’re in for a real treat. Founder, Suzanne LeRoux, created One Love Organics to be able to offer customers a simpler approach to natural, organic beauty. Along with their fantastic products, this company also offers aesthetically pleasing packaging, allowing them to sit beautifully on your bathroom sink as a piece of décor. Suzanne is the perfect example as to why organic skincare is so important. Having had experiences with bad breakouts, bumpy skin and other impurities, it wasn’t until she started using organic, all-natural skincare, that she noticed her skin looked truly healthy and radiant. To this day, if she uses anything mainstream with chemicals, the breakouts begin immediately. And she’s noticing another trend too. Suzanne is finding that more and more people have started to look at the foods they’re consuming with more awareness of their own health and well-being. It’s no longer just the beauty routine; women are becoming much more aware of the things they put in their body, and in turn, are also considering the things they put on their skin, as well. Those harsh chemicals are toxic in the body and can cause so much damage to our skin. Removing them from beauty products is imperative for optimal health.

with One Love Organics

But does it work? Suzanne is confident that "if it wasn't effective, people wouldn't buy it.” With so many options out there today, that is absolutely true. People invest in things and products that work for them and organic beauty is clearly doing something right. So what are customers saying about One Love Organics? “‘Oh my gosh, this really works,’” Suzanne smiles. But she knows it’s still hard for some people to believe that they really can find great products that are organic and that mimic ones that they are already used to using, but that are actually really good for you and your body. That’s why she’s trying to raise more awareness about the benefits of a clean, healthy lifestyle. One thing is for sure, Suzanne and One Love Organics is all about letting women be themselves, completely natural and pure. And there is nothing we want more this summer than to feel the simplicity within our lives. “A happy woman is a beautiful woman,” Suzanne tells us. “Happiness is the biggest thing I need to feel good and feel beautiful; it shines through your face.” Interestingly, the simplest tip Suzanne has for women in their 20s and 30s is one so many women skip. The nighttime regimen! She’s adamant about this one rule: wash your face every night before bed. Ignore all the bulky unnecessary products and just wash your face. It can make all the difference. From there if you’re ready to take the next step to organic products, Suzanne advises that you start with cleansers and moisturizers. They’re essential and certainly easy enough to add as a staple to your skincare routine. Just be sure you do it in steps, using things that you already know work and products that you like — no need to overwhelm yourself right out of the gate! Ultimately, it is vital to our health, well-being and happiness that we make time to nurture ourselves. When we do things for us that contribute to self-care, we feel better on the inside and look that much more beautiful on the outside.

Looking for some of the best organic skincare products to add to your routine? Shop our favorite One Love Organics products at oneloveorganics.com.

Photography: Jess Onesto

Authenticity leads to a healthier, happier you. There are times in life when circumstances beyond our control change the path weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been happily traveling down. This can be said for your career, your love life, your family and even your friendships. But how does that change affect all of those relationships and how, in turn, does that then affect you? It can be a big deal; one that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always give enough time to understand and grow. As we fall easily back into the tempting allure of those summer days, we, as women, need to understand how to better care for our inner selves, just as much as we worry about those bikini bodies and tanned skin. The most important thing for our own happiness is being authentic and true to ourselves. The rest will fall into place. 43

hings happen in life – we’ve all been there. Friends come and go, loved ones pass on and careers change. What’s important is moving on from those trying times and how we do so. Everyone would probably love to crumple up into a ball and never leave their bedrooms when life gets tough. But for the majority, that’s not where we want to see our paths lead. In order to move on from the difficult days, we must focus on ourselves and dust off the trying times. That’s where it all begins. When you care for your own needs first, you make a mental note to stop listening to the “noise” around you. Your inner voice – that gut feeling that regularly leads you down the right path – that is what you have to truly trust when things around you feel off-balance. Find your joy! Rediscover what made you laugh before life got complicated. Love yoga? Join a class. Miss hiking? Call up a friend and explore the terrain around you. These are small things that both keep us healthy and heal our emotions. It can also put things into perspective, uncomplicating the little things, making each day just a little bit simpler. Once you’ve found that self-acceptance and acknowledge that challenges and changes are a part of life, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. Don’t be afraid to let that happen. No one said it would be easy, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. Let those around you see the new you. It’s amazing what happens when we completely open our hearts and our minds to the ones we love.

Your inner voice – that gut feeling that regularly leads you down the right path – that is what you have to truly trust when things around you feel offbalance.

When things change, we have a small window of opportunity to learn something from it, not only about ourselves but about those around us. Finding the stronger you and embracing her will mean that those around you, your group, will see the real, authentic, simple, perfect you; creating stronger bonds and healthier relationships. Allow this to manifest and you will be richer for it. When we heal, we grow. And when we grow, we become wiser. Our best friends, our girls, they keep us grounded. We look to them for support, guidance, hope and laughter, but never be afraid to be your own best friend. Love you, first and foremost. In this socially media-driven world, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to seek approval. Express yourself as you see fit and create the positivity that you once were missing. Your authenticity will shine through, and those around you will be drawn to it. You will discover a new sense of self when you trust this process. Sometimes you need to embrace the bad to finally find the good. Step outside of that comfort zone youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve boxed yourself into, let the sun hit your face this summer, inhale a deep breath of that fresh air and take a moment to recognize both endings and beginnings. You are rejuvenated, healthy and strong; an empowering combination making you unstoppable.

Express yourself as you see fit and create the positivity that you once were missing. Your authenticity will shine through, and those around you will be drawn to it.

smooth summer Could there be a better way to relax in the summer than with a deliciously cool smoothie, which also happens to be the healthiest thing you may eat all day?! We’re betting no, so we’ve brought you the yummiest smoothie recipes yet. Nutritionist Kelly LeVeque of Be Well By Kelly, has graciously shared her three favorite recipes for the summer months. If you love what she’s offering here, you’ll definitely want to check out her new book, Body Love: Live in

Balance, Weigh What You Want, and Free Yourself from Food Drama Forever releasing June 27. Don’t miss it!

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

acai flax master ingredients: 1 serving of vanilla pea protein powder 2 Tbsp. flax seeds 1 Tbsp. peanut butter 1 Tsp. flax oil 1 packet unsweetened frozen acai or 2 Tbsp. acai powder 1 small handful of broccoli sprouts 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk directions: Combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Top with flax seeds, if desired.

ben ef its

ACAI BERRIES

are extremely high in anthocyanins, a plant antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels, fight oxidative stress and help prevent aging. Loaded with vitamin A and fiber this berry is a skin superhero!

BROCCOLI SPROUTS can deliver up to 14 times the nutrition found in the full grown vegetable without making your smoothie taste green. Broccoli sprouts are also rich in sulforaphane, a potent anti-cancer chemical!

pineapple green dream ingredients: 1 serving of vanilla pea protein powder 1/4 avocado 2 Tbsp. chia seeds Âź cup pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen) 1 handful of super greens 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

directions: Combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Top with chia seeds, if desired.

b en ef its

SUPER GREENS

provide a variety of phytonutrients including betacarotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which is related to eye health. It is also rich in minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium and vitamins, including vitamins K, C and E vitamins.

PINEAPPLE provides the enzyme Bromelain (an enzyme that digests proteins), which is often used to treat muscle injuries and as a digestive aid.

coconut cantaloupe ingredients: 1 serving of vanilla pea protein 1 Tbsp. coconut cream 2 Tbsp. chia seeds 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower 1/2 cup cantaloupe 1 Tbsp. coconut flakes (optional) 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

directions: Combine all ingredients into a blender (minus coconut flakes). Blend until smooth. Top with coconut flakes, if desired.

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CAULIFLOWER Adding frozen organic riced cauliflower to your next smoothie is a great way to add fiber, phytochemicals (antioxidants) that fight aging and thicken your smoothie without diluting it all in one.

Want more health and wellness tips? Pick up Kelly's book, available for pre-order and out June 27th!

Photography: Jason Varney

A R E F R E S H I N G S U M M E R C O C K TA I L :

Mint Julep Pair a julep with fried oysters, a burger, or a club sandwich. The mint brings refreshment to a salty, heavy lunch.

Today, juleps are associated with Bourbon, mint, and the Kentucky Derby, but the word julep dates back to the 1400s and the Persian word gul-ab, meaning “rosewater.” The drink developed in the Southern United States, where it originally included peach brandy, and soon became famous throughout the world. The proper making of a julep is hotly contested—some call for muddling the mint with sugar, others prefer a minted syrup, while strict Bourbonites call for no mint at all, except when it acts as a garnish. Use crushed ice—or shaved—and (we say) plenty of mint. If you’re making just one, muddle by all means. But if you’re serving a crowd, make a mint syrup to batch multiple drinks quickly. Note: For a novel variation, slip a slice of bourbon-soaked peach into the bottom of the glass before adding ice.

Ingredients:

SIMPLE SYRUP

2 oz. (60 ml) Bourbon whiskey (Four Roses)

Many drinks call for simple syrup to unify flavors and add viscosity to drinks. We like to use organic raw sugar, like Demerara, in place of bleached refined sugar because it has greater depth of flavor. Store your simple syrup in a squeeze bottle—a bartender tip that prevents your work space from getting sticky.

1/2 oz. (15 ml) simple syrup (recipe below) 6 mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish

Muddle mint and simple syrup in a rocks glass or silver julep cup. Then top with crushed or shaved ice. Pour the Bourbon over the top and stir until the cup frosts. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve with a straw.

For flavored syrups using herbs or fruit, we love taking the advice of Amy Stewart (aka The Drunken Botanist), who recommends heating equal parts sugar and water together, then steeping the herbs or fruit in the hot syrup. Steeping the herbs—rather than simmering them with the water and sugar, as many recipes advise—makes for a bright, zesty infusion, rather than a syrup with a cooked taste. You can halve these recipes, or double them, depending on your needs. Covered and refrigerated, these syrups will last for about a month. You can extend their shelf life considerably by adding an ounce of vodka.

Mint Syrup

Ingredients:

Directions:

Use in a Mint Julep Follow the Simple Syrup recipe. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup (15 g) of loosely-packed mint leaves. Gently muddle the leaves against the side of the pan using the back of a wooden spoon. Cover, and allow the mint to steep for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain and pour into a clean jar or bottle. Cover and refrigerate.

1 cup (200 g) Demerara sugar 1 cup (240 ml) water Directions: Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate. Note: If you use plain white granulated sugar, you do not need to heat the mixture on the stove. Simply combine sugar and warm water in a jar, then cover it tightly with a lid, and give it a good shake.

TRENDS FOR A

stylish SEASON

Modeled & Styled by: Ashley Torres Photography: Vanessa Tierney

Nailing the right style for summer seems like it should be a breeze, but in all honesty, getting that effortlessly chic, laid back look takes some work. Do these sandals go with that dress? Should I braid my hair or let it flow with this shirt? To makeup or not to makeup for a beach day? So many questions, and yet each year, the answers vary. That’s why we like to ask the experts! This summer season, we’re turning to digital influencer and instagrammer extraordinaire, Ashley Torres (@everydaypursuits). We are captivated daily by her eye-catching shots and aesthetic. In the hopes of perfecting that summer look we long for in 2017, we’ve asked Ashley to share her three staple looks this season. Here’s what she had to say...

THE DENIM SKIRT IS BACK A little tired of cut-offs this season? Yeah, me too! This summer I'm officially swapping them out with an oldie but a goodie. The A-line denim skirt has quickly become my go-to bottom. Add a simple white blouse with the denim skirt, and you’ve perfected what will definitely be my summer uniform. Grab and straw hat, and you’re set for an afternoon of sunshine. I’m even coming around to a style I don’t typically take part in. Yep, I’m kind of getting into the statement earring trend these days. It’s a fun last-minute addition to any look, leaving you feeling glam and ready for a party or a picnic.

Get the Look

Skirt: GRLFRND Denim Top: Zara Heels: RAYE the Label Hat: Janessa Leone Earrings: Sophie Monet

SWIM ATTIRE Ladies, pool season is finally here. Yay! When I'm laying out at the pool, or getting the sand between my toes on the beach, I want to both look and feel good. So, it's all about the one piece this season and this lovely number fits the bill. I'm obsessed with the ‘90s vibe that the color and cut give off. It’s both flattering and functional. And don't forget, pinks and reds will make you look tanner! Simply top it off with a tropical, flowing robe that can do double duty as your instant third piece for any daytime vacation look, and you’ve got yourself a fun, flirty poolside or beach look. One piece & robe: Zara || Sunnies: Bonnie + Clyde

Get the Look

One piece & robe: Zara Sunnies: Bonnie + Clyde

TOP IT OFF Hello, fun tops! Is anything better than glamming up an outfit with just a simple top? You can spice up any summer denim outfit with a statement piece and I bet it’s most likely already sitting in your closet. Grab an embroidered top, or a blouse with other unique details, and throw it on with white jeans. It will instantly give you that clean and elevated look. What’s this summer’s must-have? Nude slides that will go with everything and anything! Neutral and functional, yet mod, these sandals are the No. 1 accessory to make any outfit work.

Get the Look

Top & jeans: Zara Slides: Sam Edelman

Seeking the

PERFECT

BATHING SUIT Warm weather makes bathing suits an essential. Though, feeling comfortable and confident in your bathing suit is easier said than done; we get it, completely. It either isn’t flattering, hugs all the wrong places, doesn’t cover enough or just simply makes you feel “blegh.” But in order to get the most out of the beach days ahead, feeling your best is priority. Sometimes finding the right swimwear can be torture. So, we’re here to help guide you! While buying the perfect bathing suit can be challenging at times, there’s always that instance that reminds you it can also be pretty magical too. You can already hear the waves crashing on the sand and feel the sun on your skin, and you just know that this is the right fit for you! If that hasn’t happened to you yet this season, you’re in for a treat. Meet Ellejay, our latest go-to swimwear brand. A line created and designed by women, for women! We love nothing better than knowing that what we’re putting on our bodies was crafted by females who know what we’re looking for out of our swimwear. Even when the feel is right though, there’s something else that we look for when we slip on an itty bitty: style! Yep, raise your hands ladies. When you find the perfect bathing suit that is also a stunner on the beach, you know you’ve hit the jackpot, right? That’s why it’s so important to be able to have a variety to look through and choose from. Not every style out there is flattering for every woman, but luckily, Elle Jay has designed everything from one pieces, to variations of bikini tops and bottoms, and even sarongs and cover ups. Let your bikini worries float away.

GIGI TOP, $98 BRAVA BOTTOM, $84 LUDI TOP, $112

BONDI ONE PIECE, $176

DANIELA BOTTOM, $98

Take a peek at these beauties that we’re loving right now and don’t forget to head over to shopellejay.com to shop the full summer collection.

RACHELL ONE PIECE, $176

Green Tea-Infused Homemade Sunscreen Protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays is extremely important, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, most of the sunscreens and products on the market today contain harmful chemicals and toxins that are awful for our bodies. Our skin is our biggest organ and it’s imperative to remember that whatever we put on it gets absorbed directly into our bloodstream. One of our favorite ways to ensure that we are getting nothing but the best ingredients in our sunscreen is simply by creating it ourselves, and who doesn’t love a little DIY session?!

By: Hello Glow

By infusing oils, we have created the perfect homemade sunscreen recipe, that includes green tea, zinc oxide, natural oils and butters. The fact that it’s natural, easy to make and smells fantastic, is really why we love it so much. Ensuring that you are taking control of your beauty products and skincare regimen is such a powerful feeling. Plus, it’s a ton of fun making your own products from the comfort of your home and without spending a lot of money. This sunscreen is our go-to, must-have this season that we know you’ll love just as much as we do.

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 40 mins Servings: 1.5 cup INGREDIENTS 1 cup green tea infused coconut oil ¼ cup beeswax ⅛ cup red raspberry seed oil ⅛ cup shea butter 2 tablespoons non nano, uncoated zinc oxide 1 Tsp. Vitamin E oil 20 drops carrot seed oil INSTRUCTIONS Combine the coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter in a double broiler. Heat on low until melted. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for 1-2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. The zinc oxide thickens the mixture quite a bit so add that ingredient last. Transfer to a jar and let it cool completely. Replace lid and keep in a cool, dry place.

Photography: Hello Glow

Want more natural DIYs? Head to helloglow.co for additional favorites.

MATCHBOOK MEMORIES

A Collector’s Guide Photography: Adriana Gonzalez

Molly and her grandfather share a passion: collecting matchbooks. He started his collection in the '50s — collecting from all around the world (literally, everywhere!) and has now passed much of his collection on to Molly. A collection can be such a fun way to turn your passions, adventures, travels and experiences into memories. It’s an opportunity for you to document the places you’ve been to and the things, even people, that you enjoy. For Molly, having a part of her grandfather’s collection makes them that much closer. Even friends have contributed to her collection! Being a collector means you can collect objects of all shapes and sizes as long as it provides some type of sentimental value to you personally. Some people collect stamps, some collect coins, some jewelry, others shot glasses and cute little mugs with inspirational sayings on them. Whatever it is you choose to invest in over the years, make sure it’s something that you enjoy. True collectors can cultivate meaning from things that others may not fully grasp or understand. You can even look at collecting as a visual journal, Pinterest board or even a type of scrapbook — something that is personal and meaningful to you. Since we live in such a technology-driven world, it’s nice to have actual objects in our possession that remind us of things we love and cherish or have had the pleasure of experiencing over the years. If you’re looking to start a collection, try matchbooks — they’re often easy to find (you might have to ask though, as they’re not always on display) and add some eclectic and effortless charm to your space. If you’re a traveler, then this is a must for you!

Think of the restaurants, hotels, lounges, dive bars, casinos and touristy places you’ve experienced, in all different cities, states and countries you’ve visited over the years. By picking up a matchbook from each of the spots you visit, you’re able to bring back a little piece of those places with you. It’s an inexpensive and simple item that will allow you to relive those past travels each and every time you look at them. What makes collecting even more enjoyable is figuring out fun, cute, unique and chic ways to show them off. Our personal favorite way to display matchbooks is by placing them in a jar, vase or decorative bowl in your space — it acts as a great conversation starter. Being a collector means something different for everyone. It’s exciting to know that each collection is unique to each individual and that each one represents some type of story to look back on. If you haven’t already started a collection, or if you’re looking to create a new one, then summer is definitely the perfect time to begin! It’s the ideal season to get out and make some new memories with your own unique twist that you can not only be proud of, but that you can also share with those around you and reflect on in years to come. So find your passion, or hobby, and start collecting a little something — your future self will thank you for it (and maybe even your future granddaughter). *Note: if mailing matches, you’ll have to take a few extra steps (we've learned the hard way!). Since they are considered hazardous material, ground shipping is best. Otherwise, you could end up with an empty box when they arrive at your doorstep!

a c i r e m A

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

How a July 4th Party Will Make Your Circle Closer than Ever

The best thing about summer really is the time spent with family and friends. Whether we’re hiking, biking, swimming, or simply laying out by the pool sharing drinks, the bonds that we create when we’re happy and content are the strongest ones that you can make. This July 4th, we’re throwing a fun red, white and blue party with some absolutely delicious classic favorites and snacks to top off the celebratory day. Photography: Vanessa Tierney

Sometimes the party isn’t all about the accessories (we know, we know – we’re all about a festive party display!). But with the good weather surrounding us and yummy food to wet our appetites, all we really need is the comfort of those around you. This season, as we celebrate, we thought what could be better than to have some timeless dishes, a whole lot of laughs – and of course, a few sparklers – on our historic Independence Day. It’s certainly not a party, unless there’s some great food to get everyone around the table and bring people together. We’ve got some amazing recipes to share if you’re looking for easy, wholesome, but impressive eats (plus drink) to present at your upcoming BBQ and summer celebrations. Pair these with your go-to grilling staple (we opted for organic, grass-fed beef hot dogs and homemade turkey hamburgers) and you’ve go the menu covered. Enjoy!

GRILLED LEMON LEMONADE Ingredients: 18 lemons, halved 1 cup raw organic s ugar 5 cups water, divided 1/2 cup honey 2 sprigs rosemary Ice Directions: 1. Clean the grill well (you don’t want your lemonade tasting like leftovers!) 2. Place sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Dip each of the lemons in the sugar cut side down. Place lemons on grill, cut side down and cook until browned, roughly 3-5 minutes. Remove from grill and set aside. 3. Add 2 cups of water, honey and rosemary intomedium saucepan with sugar. Place pan on grillor stovetop and whisk until sugar is completely dissolved. 4. Remove from grill/stove and toss in rosemary sprigs. 5. Squeeze grilled lemons into a large bowl. Pour in sugar syrup and 3 additional cups of cold water. Stir to combine. 6. Add additional water or honey to taste then transfer to large pitcher for serving. Refrigerate and/or add in ice to cool, then serve. 7. Add rosemary sprigs to garnish each individual glass, if desired. Note: If it's super hot out, the ice will melt, so keep the mixture cool in a refrigerator before serving to avoid making the lemonade too watery.

MAKES 7 CUPS

ED, WHITE & R BLUE SALSA Ingredients: 1 cup diced strawberries 1 cup diced jicama 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/3cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 2 Tsp. finely chopped jalapeno pepper Juice of 1 lime (or more), to taste Sea salt (recommend: pink Himalayan salt) Tortilla chips,for serving Directions: 1. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients (minus the salt). Gently mix until well combined. Then, season with sea salt to taste. 2. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes (or until chilled). Serve with tortilla chips. Note: This salsa is also great with diced avocado, though of course, the green adds an extra color outside of the traditional and festive red, white and blue.

MAKES ROUGHLY 3 CUPS OF SALSA

NO-MAYO POTATO SALAD (vegan and gluten-free) Ingredients: Roughly 2 lbs. small red potatoes, cleaned well and cut into fourths 1 Tbsp. sea salt, or more to taste 1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh parsley, chopped 1/3 cup roughly chopped green onions, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped Â˝ cup chopped radishes and/or Â˝ cup chopped carrots 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 3 Tsp. dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, diced Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: 1. In a large pot combine cut potatoes and sea salt. Cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook until potatoes are soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. 2. Drain water and transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Chop celery, radishes, and/or carrots and add to the bowl. 3. In a small food processor or blender, combine the olive oil, parsley, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic and black pepper. Process until the herbs and garlic have been chopped into little pieces. (Don't have a food processor or blender? Simply chop the parsley, onions and garlic finely and whisk the ingredients together). 4. Drizzle the potatoes and chopped veggies with the herbed dressing mixture and gently toss well. Season to taste with additional sea salt and ground pepper. 5. Refrigerate for 1520 minutes. Serve slightly chilled.

SERVES 4

TABLESCAPE TIP For a festive (and easy) tablescape, use a holiday banner, some mini watermelons and a lot of snacks! You can add flowers, too. Drape the banner along the center of the table and place snacks between any empty spots. Grab a couple of those mini watermelons and cut them in half, and then some in fourths. Scatter them directly on the table around the snacks and banner as additional decoration for an ultimate summer party feel, perfectly fit to celebrate America!

GRILLED VEGGIE PASTA SALAD (vegan and gluten-free) Ingredients: 2 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 small red onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices 2 large yellow squashes, halved lengthwise 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed 4 cups cooked gluten-free penne or rotini pasta 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1/4 Tsp. sea salt, or more to taste 1/8 Tsp. ground black pepper, or more to taste Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional) Fresh herbs (optional) Directions: 1. Cook pasta according to directions until al dente (if the pasta is too soft, it will break apart or become mushy as you mix all of the pasta salad ingredients together). Once cooked, set aside to cool. 2. Lightly brush zucchini, asparagus, yellow squash and onion with olive oil. 3. For a charcoal grill, place vegetables on the rack of the grill over medium-hot coals. Cover and grill for 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. 4. Remove and cool slightly. If you're using a gas grill, heat at medium-high. Add vegetables to grill rack and grill as above. 5. Add cooked pasta into a large bowl. Let vegetables cool and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, tossing into the pasta. Add fresh tomatoes, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt and ground black pepper to mixture and toss to coat. Optional: top with any fresh herbs you'd like and shaved Parmesan cheese. Note: This recipe is best done by taste! Don't get too caught up with the measurements. It's super simple and super customizable, so add whatever veggies and/or toppings you like best.

SERVES 4

GET YOUR FLOAT ON Root Beer Floats are an American favorite! This treat practically screams the 4th of July. For a "healthier" spin on the classic, opt for dairy-free ice cream and naturally sweetened root beer.

Summer treats are literally the icing on the cake when it comes to those hot months. There’s something so appealing about the yummy sweetness of desserts. If you have a sweet tooth, but struggle with finding desserts that are not only tasty, but also healthy and not quite so heavy as most, then we’ve got you covered! We looked to our friend and sweets expert, Lauren Lowstan of A Sweet Savory to dish up some crowd-pleasing (and eyepleasing!) recipes. Whether yousimply love being in the kitchen, or want to show off your skills and bring a special dessert to a gathering this season, you can't go wrong with any of these.

Recipes by: Lauren Lowstan of A Sweet Savory Photography: Vanessa Tierney

GLUTEN-FREE WATERMELON FUDGE in g re d ie n ts

d i re c t i o n s

Matcha Layer 1 cup coconut butter 1/3 cup canned coconut cream (put the can inside the fridge for a few hours before using) 1 Tbsp. matcha powder 1/2 cup maple syrup 2 Tsp. vanilla extract 1 drop light green gel food coloring

1. Spray and line an 8" square pan with baking spray and parchment paper. 2. Make the matcha layer first. Make each flavor in separate batches. 3. For the matcha layer, take the top off of the coconut butter and microwave for a few seconds just to loosen it up (it can be hard to scoop out of the jar). 4. Add the coconut butter to a small saucepan, set over low heat. Once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s melted, add in the coconut cream, maple syrup and matcha powder. Once everything is melted together, take off the heat and add in the vanilla and food coloring. 5. Pour the fudge into the pan and spread the top evenly with a spatula. Put into the fridge and let cool until the second layer is done. 6. Do the same exact thing with the strawberry layer, except add in strawberry extract and pink food coloring at the end instead. Once the strawberry layer is off the heat, let sit in the pan for a couple minutes to cool down. This will ensure your chocolate chips don't melt immediately. Add in the chips, lightly stir and now pour over the matcha layer. Spread the top evenly with a spatula and add a few extra chocolate chips on top. 7. Let the fudge chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Once it's hard to the touch, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to cut into bars and enjoy!

Strawberry Layer 1 cup coconut butter 1/3 cup canned coconut cream (put the can inside the fridge for a few hours before using) 1/2 cup maple syrup 4 Tsp. strawberry extract 1 drop pink gel food coloring 1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus more for topping

*Note for the coconut cream: do not use coconut milk, as it is not as thick. Make sure the can is cold before taking out of the fridge and do not shake. When taking the top off, scoop the cream from the top (do not stir the cream together).

FROZEN BERRY YOGURT BARK in g re d ie n ts 3 cups plain Greek yogurt 2 Tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup organic honey 1/4 cup freeze dried blueberries 1/4 cup freeze dried raspberries 1/4 cup freeze dried strawberries 1/4 cup white chocolate strawberry curls

d i re c t i o n s 1. Combine the yogurt, vanilla and honey in a bowl and whisk until it's all combined. 2. Cover a 9x13" pan with baking spray and parchment paper. Pour the yogurt mixture in and smooth out with an offset spatula. Sprinkle all your berries and chocolate evenly over the top and lightly press it all into the yogurt. 3. Pop your tray into the freezer and let it chill for at least 2 hours. 4. Once your yogurt is completely frozen, pop out of the pan and either break it up with your hands, or roughly chop into large pieces with a knife. 5. Make sure to keep in a Ziploc bag in the freezer, since this is yogurt, it will eventually melt if you leave it at room temperature for too long!

GRAPEFRUIT ROSEMARY CREAM TARTS in g re d ie n ts Crust 3/4 cup arrowroot starch 1 1/3 cup coconut flour 1 Tbsp. chopped rosemary 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes 2 eggs, cold 1 Tbsp. white vinegar 2 Tbsp. water Grapefruit Cream 2 cups granulated sugar 6 eggs 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice Zest from 1 grapefruit 1 cup butter, melted Handful of dried beans (any beans you have or want to buy; these are just to weigh the parchment paper down so the crust doesn't rise when you're baking it) Topping 1 grapefruit, cut into very thin slices 1/2 cup chopped almonds Sprigs of rosemary 10" tart pan, with a removable bottom

d i re c t i o n s Crust 1. Add the starch, flour, sugar, salt and rosemary into a food processor. Add in the cold butter and pulse until the mixture looks like oatmeal. Add in the eggs, vinegar and water. Pulse just until your crust comes together. Scrape the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill until cooled: about 30 minutes. While your crust is cooling, make your grapefruit cream. Grapefruit Cream 2. In a glass bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients. Microwave in one minute intervals, whisking in between each time, until your cream has thickened and you can coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 6-10 minutes. Once your cream is done, place plastic wrap on top of the cream and place in the fridge until ready to use. 3. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. 4. Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and roll out on a lightly floured work surface. Roll the dough until it's 1/4" thick. Place the piece of dough right into your tart pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides. 5. Cover your dough with a piece of parchment paper and dried beans. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Take off the parchment and beans and bake for another 15 minutes more. The crust should be a light golden brown on top. 6. Take out of the oven and let cool completely before taking out of the pan. 7. Pour your cream into your cooled tart shell. Add a few slices of grapefruit to one side of your tart and sprigs of rosemary. Sprinkle with chopped almonds to additionally garnish.

HYDRANGEA-INSPIRED CHOCOLATE CAKE i n g re d ie n ts Cake Batter 3 cups coconut flour 1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 1/4 Tsp. baking soda 3/4 Tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 Tsp. salt 1 3/4 cup coconut oil, melted 2 1/2 cups sugar 13 eggs, room temperature 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2 1/2 cup buttermilk Buttercream 4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 Tsp. salt 10 cups powdered sugar 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided 1/2 cup cocoa powder Pink gel food coloring

d i re c t i o n s 1. Spray and line three 8" round cake pans with parchment paper and set aside until ready to use. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla and buttermilk. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk untilcombined. 4. Fill all three pans with the batter. You don't want the pans to be more than 3/4 of the way full. 5. Bake the cakes in your preheated oven for roughly 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few dry crumbs on it (I like to under bake my cakes by just a few minutes so they don’t come out too dry). 6. Let cakes cool for 30 minutes in the pans. Run a paring knife along the edges and pop them out upside down onto your work surface. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and place in the freezer until they are cooled and harden (the colder the cake, the easier it is to assemble). While the cake is cooling, make both buttercreams. 7. Beat the butter and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until creamy for about 30 seconds. Add in half of the powdered sugar and beat for about a minute. Add the rest of the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat your buttercream for a good 5 minutes until it turns into a nice, fluffy color. You’ll see a difference in the texture after a few minutes of beating. Make sure to scrape down your bowl a couple of times to get everything nicely mixed. 8. Take 2 cups of buttercream out and place one cup of each into two separate bowls. Color one of the bowls with a drop or two of pink food coloring. The color should be a light, pale pink color (this hue (and cake!) was inspired by a beautiful bunch of hydrangeas). Add the pink and white frosting into their own separate large piping bags and set aside. 9. Add in the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the remaining buttercream still in the mixer. Beat on low at first, then beat on medium-high for a couple minutes, until the buttercream has come back to a fluffy consistency. Add the chocolate buttercream to a piping bag and set aside. Assembling the Cake 10. Place your bottom layer of cake onto a cake plate. Pipe the chocolate buttercream on top of the entire first layer. Add another layer of cake, layer of frosting and then the last layer of cake. Add a small amount of frosting to the top and sides of cake and smooth out the frosting with an offset spatula. The cake should have that naked feel. You don't want the cake to have a thick layer of frosting around it; just enough to hold the layers together. 11. Once you’re done "frosting" your naked cake, it’s time to create the hydrangea buttercream on top. Cut a 1/2" off each of the ends of the piping bags that are filled with white and pink buttercream. Add both of those bags to another large piping bag, fitted with a star piping tip. This will give you the two-tone effect that resembles a hydrangea. 12. You can start anywhere on the top of your cake. Just pipe out a tiny bit of frosting and let go. This will create a little star effect with each pipe. Cover the entire top dfof your cake and start to create a second layer (I like to pipe little random stars all over until I can’t see the top of the cake). 13. If you want to get nice clean cuts of cake, make sure to chill your cake for a good hour before serving.

To learn more about Lauren and place orders, headover to asweetsavory.com.

Photo: Adriana Gonzalez

Asoiree boho Sun, sand and girl time; that's what is filling our days this summer! There’s nothing quite like the breeze of the beach and the perfect spread of delicious treats on a beautiful afternoon, as we unwind and relax. So if you’re feeling like you and your gals need a little getaway or even a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, why not put together yummy bites, like crackers, cheese, berries and nuts, grab a handful of pillows and set up a boho-inspired summer soirée? It might be exactly what you need to escape in the warmth of summer and share some laughter.

Clothing: Flynn Skye Furniture: Tumbleweed and Dandelion Makeup: Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge Photography: Vanessa Tierney

he afternoon was sublime. We headed out to Malibu and set up for a peaceful day. Fresh strawberry lemonade flowing amid the relaxed atmosphere of the ocean. We even made time for a DIY (surprise, surprise!). It was adorable, easy, brought out our crafty sides and added to our opulent spread. As the perfect day came to a close, we had a chance to reflect on the natural beauty around us, the bliss that we shared and the success of an effortlessly beautiful boho summer beach affair. With delicious recipes and some extra flair, we bet you and your girls will be inspired to make it a very special day at the beach.

Strawberry Mint LEMONADE

Ingredients: 2 lbs. strawberries, washed and halved 6 cups water Juice from 5 large lemons 1/2 cup honey (or to taste) Handful of fresh mint leaves to garnish Directions: 1. In a high-speed blender add the strawberries, 3 cups of water, lemon juice and honey. Blend on high until smooth. 2. Pour mixture into a large pitcher and stir in the remaining water. Then, taste! Add more honey if you like your lemonade sweeter. 3. Top pitcher with fresh mint leaves, serve over ice and enjoy.

MAKES 8 CUPS

Einscape the

warmth of summer

How To:

ASSEMBLING AN EYE-PLEASING & LUSH CHEESE BOARD (An essential for any gathering!) Directions: 1. To start, gather up variations of cheese, crackers, sliced bread, dried fruit, olives, fresh fruit, nuts, spreads (such as jam and honey), and anything else you'd like. 2. Grab a wood cutting board or two (or opt for a serving platter, or cake stand) and scatter blocks of cheese. Leave enough room between each block so you can fit additional goodies around them. Add some small bowls for jams, honey and any additional spreads. 3. Fill in the gaps with crackers and bread, then begin to incorporate the other snack items (dried fruit, olives and more). Continue to add to the display, making it more lush and plentiful. 4. Add additional sliced fruit, sprigs of herbs or fresh flowers to "decorate" your cheese board, if desired.

Sandy Succulent DIY

What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Need: 1 glass vase (similar to what you would use for a terrarium) 1 small succulent Roughly 3 cups of sand

Directions: 1. First, fill the bottom of the vase with 2 cups of sand, then remove the succulent from its pot. 2. Place the succulent on top of the sand and gently push until the succulent's soil is almost invisible. 3. Use the remaining cup of sand to further cover the base of the succulent so that only the top shows. 4. Add to your tablescape for display, or anywhere within your space, to incorporate the natural elements of summer!

MAKES 1

A Colorful SummerSalad

Why limit yourself to just greens? One of the best parts about summer is all of the seasonal produce at our fingertips! Utilizing seasonal goods is not only healthier, but also less expensive. That’s why now is a great time to whip up colorful salads. The more color, the more nutritious (and pretty!). Clean greens and delicious fruits and veggies will really pump up your healthy cravings this season, making you more energized, look more vibrant and feel good, too. Plus, any excuse not to turn on the stove and warm up your space in the midst of an already hot day, is a bonus! Make sure you check out your local farmer’s market or spend some extra time in the produce section of the grocery store and plan to pick up a few things. Filling your basket with healthy options will without a doubt motivate you to try more healthful foods. Here we’ve put together a fresh salad with arugula, radishes, carrots, oranges, nuts, seeds, and microgreens. We topped it off with a pinch of Himalayan sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, lemon (from a friend’s lemon tree), olive oil and a few edible flowers. Bon appétit.

FLORAL DIYs ARE IN

BLOOM Ah, the smell of fresh blooms on a hot, sunny day can be so revitalizing. There’s nothing better than surrounding your space with aesthetically pleasing aspects of nature that not only add a lovely scent to the air, but also make for original and beautiful décor that anyone can appreciate. With the help of Gorgeous and Green, an Oakland, California-based floral design studio, we’re sharing not one, but two, DIY projects that incorporate blooms in a way that bring them into your space and gatherings this season, but without the typical vase display.

Photography: Jess Onesto

W hy’d we look to Gorgeous and Green? Well, that’s easy! They’re a sustainable marketplace, offering not only florist services, but also an online gift boutique and an education space inside their adorable studio. From weddings to thank yous, they do it all, and do it well. Owner, Pilar Zuniga, has a knack for making gorgeous things! We started with pretty door swag, similar to your standard floral bouquet, but instead you hang the blooms upside down above your door rather than inside a vase. Since the summer time can be drying, door swag is a perfect way to go. Dried flowers never looked better! Next up, wine rings. Wine rings (also known as wine charms) are helpful when gathering a group. They make finding your glass that much easier and add a charming element to a simple wine glass. Love blooms? Love crafts? You’ve come to the right place!

DOOR S WA G What you need: Blooms of your choice, like roses Foliage of your choice, like eucalyptus Floral wire Ribbon of your choice, like satin Wire cutters Gardening shears or scissors

Directions: 1. Gather your foliage and blooms (aim to select colors that are cohesive and blend nicely). Starting with the back of the design, begin arranging layers of foliage and blooms. 2. Wire layers together so that they stay in place. A good base of foliage or branches helps to keep the design stable and can carry the weight of the design. Maintaining a flat backside also allows it to hang well. 3. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve arranged your foliage and blooms as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like, tie a ribbon around the stems, joining them all together. Remember: this will be hanging upside down, so tie the ribbon as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like it to appear hanging upside down. 4. With wire, create a small loop for hanging. Place this loop on the back of the backside of the ribbon. 5. Cut stem ends so they are all the same me length. 6. Hang above a door to dry and admire.

WINE RINGS What you need: Blooms, like ranunculus and garden roses Floral wire Ribbon, like satin Wire cutters Gardening shears or scissors Floral tape Wine glasses

Directions: 1. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve collected your blooms of choice (using varying colors to allow people to keep track of their glass at a party), cut stems off of the blooms and wire each to create a wire stem. 2. Tape the wire with floral tape, then tape the wired flowers together. 3. Fold the wire into a loop behind the bloom heads. 4. String ribbon through the loop and tie onto the stems of each wine glass with a bow.

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To learn more about Gorgeous and Green or to order beautiful flowers directly, visit them at gorgeous-and-green.myshopify.com.

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There's nothing better than ice cream, especially on a warm day - and especially when it's actually healthy for you! Yup, you heard right. Meet "nice cream" our latest sweet tooth craving in lieu of the real deal. Bonus: it takes minutes to make! You only need one ingredient... bananas! Grab 2 ripe bananas, slice them and freeze until hard. Once they're completely frozen, place the bananas into a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Approximately 3-5 minutes. For a creamer texture, add coconut milk. Scoop into a bowl, or of course, a coconut shell (seen here), and garnish with favorite toppings. Try: honey, spices, nut butter, dark chocolate chips, hemp seeds, or fresh fruit. For an extra step, and super chocolatey treat, blend in cocoa powder! Serves 1

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oneingredient "nice cream"

CREDITS CONTRIBUTORS Ashley Torres - Everyday Pursuits Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge Flynn Skye Kelly LeVeque - Be Well By Kelly Lauren Lowstan - A Sweet and Savory Light Lab In Loft Calligraphy Paper Fox LA Paula Mallis - WMN Space Pilar Zuniga - Gorgeous and Green Shelly Sangster Starring Fragrances Suzanne LeRoux - One Love Organics Sweet E's Bake Shop Tumbleweed and Dandelion

FACES Bobby Richards Chelsea Bowen Dani Maron Deonna Tillman Erin Beaudoin Jesse Goddard Karin Shiff Matt Dallas Max Daly Meadow Grayhm Megan Stark Molly My Monica Miller Rob Daly Steven Grayhm Tara Walker Vanessa Tierney Will Bowen

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