Archives July 2022

Summer outfit tips

We all get excited for summer getaways this time of the year. But, things can get uncomfortable and ugly if we’re not prepared or fail to pack appropriately.  So, today, I felt it was a good idea to share my summer vacation outfit tips. After all, it’s more than possible to look, chic and still be comfortable!

Getting prepared

As a kid, I hated all of the excess baggage, incidentals, etc and always promised myself that when I grew up, I’d never put myself or my kids through that. Fast forward to adulthood and I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of being prepared. But unlike my parents’ version of preparation, I go for style, function and durability. This means that everything I pack can transition from day to night as well as from hot to cool (for those cooler summer evenings). Over time my summer vacation outfit tips have shifted and evolved as I gained more travel experience. This also includes learning to pack for emergencies and sudden changes in my itinerary.

Getting out the door

Long before you head out the door, it’s always a good idea to have a travel or vacation check list posted either on the fridge or your bathroom mirror. Trust me, this works and you’ll thank me later. That way, you can keep a running tally of everything you’ve packed and what you still need to include in your luggage. It also helps you stay organized and it will keep you from over packing! Next, keep emergencies items, meds, etc, in your carry on bag. This also goes for small electronics like your cellphone and or digital reader. If you’re more of a visual person , check out my tipsheet pin on Pinterest!

About those clothes

Always pack clothing that’s either wrinkle-free or easy wear. Unless you’re going to some high-end resort where dry cleaning services are readily available, go for low maintenance fabrics.  It’s relatively easy to find great outfits that are made from sustainable fabrics that are also durable and feel good against the skin. Just recently I was pleasantly surprised at how Target has expanded it’s clothing line to include form, function and cuteness to it’s brand! I found some great, affordable boho chic summer dresses to add to my closet. One more thing. As much as possible, pick outfits that can be layered in order to expand your outfit selection. It’s a great way to make sure that you always have a temperature-appropriate outfit to get you through your trip!

Your carry on luggage

One quick reminder here: the airports and most other travel hubs, ports, etc are a hot mess! So, expect that whatever can go wrong, will have a high probability of happening. That’s why I always carry a wrinkle free out fit that can go from day to evening without any issues. No anxiety of being stuck in the same outfit because your luggage got delayed or lost. When you have a capsule easy-wear out fit in your carry-on you won’t  have to deal with that.

A gentle reminder

Now that you’re all packed up and ready to go with my summer vacation outfit tips, I  have to remind you to also remember to selfcare this summer as well. Also, pack a little wellness pack to boost your immune system to help you stay healthy on your trip. Try my awesome summer wellness tea recipes with these easy to use ingredients. What are some of your summer vacation outfit tips? Share them so everyone can add to their own lists.

A Summer Banana Ice Cream treat

Nothing screams summer fun like ice cream! Not only is ice cream huge in my family, but we’re all a little addicted to bananas because bananas and mangoes were a staple growing up in the tropics. These days, I’ve found creative ways to cut out the bad and usher in the good when it comes to snacks and food in general. One of the best ways to cut out unhealthy mystery ingredients, dyes, preservatives, etc is to make my own ice cream. My summer banana ice cream recipe is deliciously cooling and is vegan too!

On a quick note, this post includes affiliate links from which I receive a small commission!

Beating the summer heat

While I love the summer season, it is essential to remember that with high temperatures comes the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. So, that also means making sure we load up on fluids, foods, and snacks that help keep us both hydrated and our electrolytes balanced.

Bananas for bananas

While I love bananas because they taste amazing, they’re also loaded with a lot of health benefits too! This banana ice cream recipe contains ingredients that taste delicious but are also good for you. Bananas are high in nutrients like magnesium, B6, vitamin C, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants and help you bounce back from strenuous workouts! Needless to say, bananas are awesome when it comes to both taste and nutrition.

What’s in this banana ice cream recipe?

Obviously, the main ingredient is bananas combined with some other tasty accomplices. Since this is a vegan ice cream recipe, I’m using all nondairy ingredients. Instead, I use a combination of coconut milk (organic) and coconut cream (optional). I also add raw honey, vanilla bean, vanilla extract, and almond extract. To add complexity to my recipe, I also add a little organic turmeric powder and top everything with some caramelized pistachio nuts and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan sea salt.

Ingredients for this recipe

1. Fresh, ripened bananas (peeled and frozen)

2. 1 can of coconut milk (chill for 2 hours)

3. vanilla bean

4. Vanilla extract

5. Almond extract

6. Nutmeg (fresh ground)

7. Raw honey

8. Turmeric powder (1/8 teaspoon)

9. fresh ground black pepper (1/8 teaspoon)

10. Pistachio nuts (1/4 cup of roasted and lightly salted variety)

Bringing it all together

First, pour the coconut milk into the blender and then cut open the vanilla bean, scrape out some of the beans and then add to the frozen and fresh banana mixture. Next, pulse the mixture in the blender to fully integrate all of the ingredients. Once that’s done you can add in the rest of the dry ingredients. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy and then pour or scoop out into a freezer-safe container and allow to chill for at least 2 hours. 

Finally, toast the pistachio nuts in a skillet with honey, then place in the freezer to later sprinkle on top of your vegan banana ice as your topping. I usually make my vegan ice creams in small batches. Also, for a serving of 4, I use four medium-sized fresh bananas. Then,  I freeze them first and use my Nutribullet blender (it makes hot and cold soups, dips, etc) to get a creamy consistency.