It’s here, the official start to summer! It’s a weekend of fun and sets the tone for the next 3 wet, hot, sunny months. So with all the temptations of fatty food and alcohol filled events, here a few tips and recipes to keep you swim suit sexy all summer long!

• Make sure you wear sunscreen!! You don’t want to be spending you first weeks of summer battling nasty peeling and pain, along with a lifetime fear of the big skin “C”. It’s so not hot ; )
• Sunglasses are key to keeping your eyes protected. Sure, be stylish but make sure they have the proper UV protection. Do you homework and you’ll see that you can be chic and safe all at the same time.
• Eat lighter foods like fresh fruit and salads. The feel and taste great on hot summer days and also contain a high water content to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
• Be sure to have water with you at all times. Staying hydrated during the hottest months of the year keep you healthy and fresh, inside and out. It’s also a great way to curb hunger and stave off “wastedness”!
• Keep up your healthy diet, vitamin taking and workout regimen. Just because you have time off doesn’t mean the calories don’t count or that it will be easy to get back on track. Consistency is key and you will be happier for it. Come Labor Day, you still want to look good and not have to break out sweats for your Fall wardrobe ; )
• Drink responsibly! And I don’t just been by not getting behind the wheel. While that is a key tip, be sure not to drink like a fish just because your not the designated driver. Over drinking causes dehydration which is especially dangerous when it’s hot out and you’re baking in the sun. Not to mention the dangerous stuff that can happen near grills, piers and any other summer time things outside of the obvious effects of over drinking. Avoid all sorts of accidents and illnesses by boozing smart!

Have a very happy and safe Memorial Day & welcome to summer!!

We are always looking for healthier alternatives to
our sweeteners so what do when
it comes to syrups?
Well, Hey Shuga! answers that question in a
super delicious way!
With organic can syrups and even a stevia cane syrup mix
to decrease sugar intake, they have you covered!
One lucky winner will win a goody package of Hey Shuga! and Lil’ Shuga!

How to enter our Hey Shuga! Giveaway:

• Leave a comment telling us why you want to try the Hey Shuga!
  Be sure to leave your email address so that we may contact the winner.
• Please like us on Facebook
• Please Follow us on Twitter
• Share this contest with at least 1 other person
  Winners will be chosen on Monday, May 27th, by random.org.
  Deadline for Entering is 11:59 PM PST, Sunday, May 20th.
  Good luck!!
  xoxo
• **We do not share your email with anyone nor do we add you to our mailing list
  **Only entries from the USA are eligible to win**

It’s time to celebrate warmer weather! Sun, swimming and outdoor parties and activities and lots of yummy summer food. This party weekend, be sure to make room for some fun as well as some of our favorite Memorial Day recipes! We wish you a very happy, healthy and safe start to summer!

Drinks

• Berries and Brew
• Vegan Colada
• Sweetleaf Punch

Snacks and Apps

• Chips and Dip
• Crispity Crunchity Salad
• Fruity, Nutty Spinach Salad
• Drunk BBQ Corn
• Bruschetta Salad

Grub

• BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders
• Memorable Mushroom Burger
• Tropical Chick’n Sticks
• Summer Grillin’ Veggie Sandwich

Sweets

• Patriotic Parfait
• Finger Lickin’ Gooey Brownies
• Creamy Strawberry Banana Pops

Happy Memorial Day!!

xoxo

Summer is here, the kids are just about out of school and you need to start planning your vacation. However, money is tight and so is your schedule so an elaborate getaway might not be possible. So what do you do that is fun, gives you and your family the break you need and deserve while also creating lasting memories? Create a fabulous stay-cation!

Here are some of our favorite stay-cation ideas that are fun, eco and even budget friendly that the whole family will enjoy!:

Be a Hometown Tourist

Many residents don’t take the time to visit all the landmarks and attractions that their hometown is famous for.  Make like a tourist and visit a popular monument, a local museum or attend a hockey game. Sometimes exploring a hidden gem in your city is all you need to recharge ; )

Theme Park it!

Be a kid again.  Gather some friends and spend a few hours at a nearby theme park.  Let loose and ride the roller coasters. Look out for resident deals to save you some cash. If you’re afraid of what to chow on while you’re there, check out my healthy theme parks article! Summer time brings out the kid in all of us so a theme park suits the mood.

Sleep Away

Go online and find a reasonably priced hotel in your own city, book a room for a night or two and go.  Since your stay will be short, you can even splurge and go for that five star hotel that you have always wanted to visit.

Enjoy the luxuries of room service and all the amenities, such as the pool and jacuzzi.  This provides the feeling of being away without the mileage or the airfare.  Take the night to just relax by yourself or with someone special. If you have kids, find a hotel with fun activities or a neat pool while you take time to chillax!

Backyard Glamp-out

Pitch a tent or fill up an inflatable kiddie pool with pillows and blankets and camp out under the stars while having all the amenities of home like your bathroom, kitchen and wi-fi! You can even host an outdoor “drive-in” by projecting a movie onto a wall or sheet while you hang in your tent, on blankets or in comfy lounge chairs!

Shakespeare in the Neighborhood

Gather up your friends and neighbors and put on a “community” show that debuts at the end of the summer. Be it a talent show, a short film or a play, getting together regularly to rehearse, plan, decorate, etc to put together a fun project will not only bring you closer and provide hours of enjoyment, it will keep everyone creative and leave the summer with a lasting memory everyone can look back on!

Take a Hike!

Find a nearby nature preserve or mountain with marked hiking trails.  Grab your boots, backpack and water bottle and get moving.  Make the most of the sun and warm weather by taking in all that nature has to offer. Pack a lunch and make a day out of it with pals.

Day Tripping

Plan to do something fun for the day.  Look up towns and landmarks that are up to 2 hours away so you can make it up and back comfortably with time to explore. You’d be surprised how even being 30 minutes outside of the city can feel like being a world away ; )

Weekend Getaway

Plan ahead to take the whole weekend off and devote it to yourself, your friends or your family.  Find good last minute deals for spas, hotels and even flights. For us Southern Californians, Vegas is a quick and inexpensive getaway if you know where to look. For Floridians, Orlando.  Explore as far as you can for as long as you can.

Camping is also a great, affordable weekend trip that gets you away from the big city stress and in touch with nature.

Water World

Create an outdoor waterpark with what you have on hand. Slip n’ Slides, kiddie pools, sprinklers and more. Find ways to cool off this summer and have some chlorine-free fun!

Get Creative

No matter what you do this summer, get out there and do SOMETHING! Whether you need some time to yourself, your significant other or your family, explore your local world and enjoy summer the fullest ; )

Ok, so we are trying to swear off sweets and get in shape for summer, right?
Well, with NibMor you don’t have to swear off
awesome dark chocolate!
These bite sized  treats are not only good for you, they
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You can have your chocolate and eat it too!
Check out my video review below!

Vegan diets are composed of foods derived from plant sources instead of animal sources. This means t vegans don`t eat any meat, eggs, dairy products, honey or any other animal derived food items.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) reports that following a well-balanced vegan diet can provide you with most of the nutrients your body requires for healthy living, but a few essential vitamins and minerals aren`t present in a vegan diet.

In addition to a well-balanced diet, vegans should take supplements to meet their recommended daily nutritional requirements of the following vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin B12

Although most of the B vitamins are readily available in raw grains, vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is not. Vitamin B12 naturally occurs in dairy products, eggs, liver and animal flesh.

This vitamin is necessary for your body to produce healthy blood cells and proper cell division. Low vitamin B12 levels can cause anemia as well as nervous system damage.

Taking a B-complex supplement that contains B12 helps give vegans enough of this crucial vitamin.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is crucial for healthy bone growth. It also helps your body turn carbohydrates into energy.

Vegans who don`t consume a lot of leafy green vegetables and nuts might not be getting enough of this nutrient, so riboflavin supplements can help to improve overall nutrition in these cases.

Vitamin D

The Vegetarian Resource Group reports that vitamin D isn`t naturally present in vegan diets because it`s primarily found in dairy produce, eggs, liver and fish.

Your body needs this vitamin to properly absorb calcium and phosphorous. It also promotes the health of your teeth and bones.

The Linus Pauling Institute states that exposure to sunlight can give you your recommended daily dose of vitamin D, but then you run the risk of skin cancer. It`s a better idea to take a 400 IU supplement of vitamin D supplement every day.

Zinc

The ADA reports that vegans often have low levels of zinc in their bodies. One reason is because the highest amounts of zinc are found in high protein foods, such as beef and pork.

Another reason for lower than average zinc levels could be because vegans often consume a lot of phytic acid, a component found in legumes and whole grains. Phytic acid binds to the zinc, which decreases your zinc absorption.

The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that zinc is found in every cell of your body, working to heal wounds and promote proper growth, insulin levels, blood clotting abilities and thyroid functioning. Symptoms of a zinc deficiency can include hair loss, night blindness, depression, acne and appetite loss.

The best way for vegans to consume the right amount of zinc is to take a daily supplement that contains this crucial mineral.

Iron

Iron helps your body to produce blood cells and helps to transport oxygen throughout your entire body.

Although plant derived foods often contain iron, plant based iron isn`t as easily absorbed into the human body as meat based iron. Because of this, vegans sometimes develop iron deficiencies, particularly vegan females during menstruation.

Signs of a possible iron deficiency include fatigue, breathing difficulties, hair loss and anemia. If you become anemic, you will probably feel fatigued and experience cognitive problems.

Taking your iron supplement with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, can help to increase your iron absorption rate. However, taking iron with coffee, tea and milk can reduce your body`s iron absorption abilities.

Vegan Supplements

Look for supplements that don`t contain any animal derived ingredients. Keep in mind that many gel capsules actually include cowhide, cattle bones or pigskins, all ingredients that might not show up on the product`s label. It`s a good rule of thumb to stick to tablets when purchasing vegan supplements.

Save time and money by purchasing high quality supplements from reputable online pharmacies such as The Healthcounter pharmacy.

So, since I wasn’t able to partake in the local delicacies in Bermuda, I figured I’d come home and make vegan versions of their traditional dishes. If you’ve been to Bermuda or just want to capture the flavors of the island, be sure to try my vegan versions of traditional faves below, Fish Chowder, Dark and Stormy & Rum swizzle!

Vegan Fish Chowder

• 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• I cup finely chopped carrot
• 1 1/2 cups peeled chopped tomato
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 4 ounces all-purpose flour (gluten free, if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 8 cups seaweed stock (soak 8 to 10 kombu slices in 8 cups of water for 6 hours, strain seaweed out, leaving the broth)
• 2 cups pressed, drained, marinated and crumbled extra firm tofu (marinate in seaweed stock)
• 1 ounce black rum
• 1 ounce vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 ounce hot sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat up the oil in a thick heavy bottomed pan. Add all the chopped vegetables, tomato and garlic and sweat off for 5 minutes, stirring continuously. Add the flour, cinnamon and herbs and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add the seaweed stock and bring to a boil, then crumble the tofu into the pan with the rum, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve with crackers or crusty bread, garnish with sherry pepper sauce and rum and enjoy!

Bermuda Onion Rings

• 2 large Bermuda onions
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegan buttermilk (Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider or coconut water vinegar, set aside to curdle for at least 15 minutes)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• safflower oil

Cut onions into 1/2-inch slices, and separate into rings. Set aside

Whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients until smooth.

Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375°.

Dip onion rings in batter, coating well.

Fry, a few rings at a time, until golden, remove and drain on paper towels. Enjoy while hot!

Dark and Stormy

• 1/2 cup of ice
• 1/2 of a lime, cut in half (1 to squeeze, 1 to garnish)
• 2 ounces Goslings Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum
• 10 ounces of ginger beer

Fill a 12-ounce glass with ice. Squeeze 1 lime wedge over the ice in the glass and drop into the glass. Pour the rum into the glass. Add the ginger beer. Stir lightly and garnish with the other lime wedge.

Rum Swizzle

• 4 ounces Goslings Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum
• 4 ounces amber rum
• 2 ounces natural orange liqueur or triple sec
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 5 ounces fresh pineapple juice
• 5 ounces fresh orange juice
• 2 ounces agave syrup
• 4 dashes organic bitters
• Cracked ice

Add all the ingredients to a pitcher with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until a frothing head appears. Strain into cocktail glasses and let the fun begin.

If you don’t have Corelle dish ware, I’m pretty sure you know someone
who does! The dish ware with the classic and cute
patterns that is virtually unbreakable, is always evolving
to keep their loyal customers coming back.
Thin, lightweight, non-porous (great to fend off stains and
bacteria) and made with 3 layers of
glass, Corelle is one-of-a-kind.
One lucky winner will win a 16 piece set of dishes from
their new Boutique Collection,
in their choice of Cherish or Swept!

How to enter our Corelle Giveaway:

• Leave a comment telling us why you want to the Corelle Dish Set!
  Be sure to leave your email address so that we may contact the winner.
• Please like us on Facebook
• Please Follow us on Twitter
• Share this contest with at least 1 other person
  Winners will be chosen on Monday, May 20th, by random.org.
  Deadline for Entering is 11:59 PM PST, Sunday, May 19th.
  Good luck!!
  xoxo
• **We do not share your email with anyone nor do we add you to our mailing list
  **Only entries from the USA are eligible to win**

While I’m sad to leave this beautiful paradise in the mid-Atlantic, there are still more goodies I want to share with you! Food and natural points of interest are in order in this last post on Bermuda!

If you’re looking for a fun British pub on the island, Flanagan’s in Hamilton, is your place. While having a fun and authentic feel, they also care about their finicky guests! With veggie burgers, sandwiches, salads and pastas that are easily veganizable and gluten free, enjoy a pint with your food before leaving Bermuda!

Want to cool off with something sweet? Check out Bailey’s Ice cream! Across from the Swizzle Inn, they’ve got a ton of flavors that range from traditional to local, like rum swizzle! And they’ve got fun sorbet flavors for the non-dairy folks too! I loved my rum swizzle sorbet and you will too! Find them at 2 Blue Hole Hill in Hamilton, near the Grotto Bay Resort.

Nothing screams British louder than Indian food so make it a point to visit House of India. Serving up authentic Indian food, you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile on your face, regardless of your diet. Tons of veggie and vegan food, the portions are great and the selections vast. Make sure you try the onion bhajiya and papdoms!

If you’e like me, you like having food in your hotel room to make some snacks, be healthy and save some money. A great place to pop into to stock up is Miles Market. Offering fresh produce and natural food products, they also have a deli where you can grab some nice sides and sandwiches, perfect for a beach excursion!

Lastly, who knew that this floating country had an underground secret? The Crystal Caves are beautiful, subterranean cave systems filled with crystal clear water and neat stalactite and stalagmite formations. Tours take you into the center of the earth to view two different systems, great for families and even romantic day trips! A great way to see ancient nature!

Well, that’s a wrap on Bermuda! Join us again next week for another adventure!