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      in beauty and fashion

      All the Cool, Inexpensive Products I’ve Found on Etsy Lately

      by

      One of my most toxic traits is that I’m a bit of a hipster. Not in that I enjoy alt music no one’s ever heard of or that I wear cuffed chinos every day, but rather in that I have a real thing for unique material items. Once everyone gets their hands on something, my interest dwindles. And of course, exceptions are to be made. I’ll shout from the rooftops that everyone in the world deserves a pair of Spanx Leather Leggings, and I stan Glossier, one of the biggest beauty companies in the world. But for the most part, I’m significantly more interested in something if it means I’m the first to know about it. Lately, I’ve been going to Etsy as much as possible to find unique items from decor to beauty products to sweatshirts and more. Not only does it mean I’m getting fun, new items, but I get to support a small business, which means everything to me! So, you should know making this list and giving up my secrets was a little difficult, but if it means all of these amazing shops get a little more support, I’m all for it! Here are all the fun things I’ve eyed (and purchased!) on Etsy lately—and don’t worry, they’re all extra-affordable.

      An example page of the coloring book from Maddie—as if we needed any other reason to fall in love with this 🙂 

      Pop Culture

      Coolgirlcandles
      This Smells Like A One Direction Reunion Candle

      This is about to be my home’s signature scent. I ordered this a few weeks ago, and the second it becomes mine will be a glorious moment. Trying to decide if I’ll welcome it into my home with “Four” or “Midnight Memories.”

      CustomTeeZone
      Schrute Farms T-Shirt

      Fans of “The Office” (so basically everyone), here’s the cutest tee to show everyone your favorite show.

      Masks
      One of the best places to pick up face masks is from small sellers on Etsy. They’re likely handmade and comfortable, and you’re supporting a small business—what’s not to love! Here are a few of our editors’ favorites that they’ve purchased.

      These earrings are great for a gift, or for yourself because who doesn’t deserve it right now?

      Fashion + Beauty

      CaitlynMinimalist
      Personalized Name Earrings

      Our lovely Abigail got these for me for Christmas for our TEG Secret Santa, and I am completely and utterly obsessed with them. Anytime I wear them, I show them off to basically everyone Im with. “See, look, they say my name!” comes out of my mouth at least three times. I used my full name (Elizabeth), and I love the way cover my entire earlobe, but I think they would be equally as cute with a shorter name too.

      PurpleSoulHeart
      Tiny Stud Star Earrings

      I actually got these for our editor Maddie’s birthday because she has teensy-tiny ears. They’re handmade and look gorgeous IRL, but they cost a fraction of what you’d expect.

      EshJewelryCollection
      Tortoise Hoop Earrings

      One of the best things to find on Etsy is jewelry. The items are often unique and one-of-a-kind while keeping a pretty low price point. These tortoise hoop earrings are a perfect example, costing just under what you’d spend on takeout for two for a super cute pair of earrings to wear on all your Zoom calls.

      MosaicPopArt
      Black Lives Matter T-Shirt

      This tee has both a cute decision and a great message, with tons of positive reviews about the quality, the fit, and the graphic. Show your support for Black Lives Matter with this T-Shirt. This Black-owned shop also offers puzzles, backpacks, yard signs, sweatshirts, and more with tons of really cool designs.

      SouvenirAndFar
      ’70s Inspired Zodiac T-Shirt

      Show off your love for your Zodiac sign with this tee. Most graphic tees can look cheesy, but this one looks like it should cost over double the price for how cute it is. Pop this under blazers and cardigans this fall, or wear with your favorite sweatpants.

      Colornoise
      Beachy Mood Perfume

      I got this at the beginning of summer, and it is tres magnifique! I figured if I was going to buy a perfume without smelling it, I might as well choose something inexpensive and unrecognizable, and I’m so glad I took the plunge. It has that summertime sunscreen scent I love, mixed with a little bit of ~waves and saltwater~. Likely, that means nothing to you, so just trust me that it smells like summertime. I wear this basically every day now, and I can’t wait to get a fall scent from this line. In my order, I got a sample of the Chill Mood Perfume, and it is SO GOOD also.

      I’m sorry to subject you to this body butter porn, but give me a break—it is the most glorious texture.

      Elysium Naturals Co.
      Whipped Shea Body Butter

      Will I ever stop talking about this? No, I will not. I’ve raved about this in articles previously as one of the best products I’ve tried in 2020. It’s the smoothest, softest, most nourishing body butter I’ve ever used, and the scents just make it even better. I think everyone should have a tub of the Lavender Vanilla in their possession at all times.

      lorenklein
      “Vote” Hat

      Inspire those around you to engage in their community politics and be an active member of their democracy! (Oh, and the hat is just really cute too.) Keep voter registration information handy when you wear this to make sure you can inform everyone you meet.

      NaturallyEu
      Refreshing Bath Soak Salts

      These bath salts are made with peppermint, wintergreen, and eucalyptus, so you know it’s about to be relaxing as all hell.

      HarlemRoots
      Sleep On It Tea

      Another really great thing to pick up on Etsy is tea. You can find really unique and interesting blends for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Tea lovers, don’t sleep on this one! 😉

      T-Shirt Hair Towel Wrap

      We all probably know that regular body towels aren’t the best thing to use on your hair, and it’s especially true for those with curly, coily, or kinky hair types. This towel wrap is made of a really soft T-shirt material that stays on your head to dry and smooth hair after your shower. Say goodbye to frizzy ends and hello to pillow-soft hair.

      Candle for scale—I love how small it is because it fits on my studio-apartment-sized coffee table!

      Home Decor + Art Prints

      MoonLineCo
      Modern Pillar Candle

      I’d seen gorgeous pillar candles all over Instagram that were way too expensive for a decor piece I likely won’t even light. I searched on Etsy one night, and I ordered this on a whim after looking at it briefly. It’s a great modern addition to a coffee table, a shelf, a side table—wherever! It’s a little smaller in real life than I was expecting, but this actually makes it easier to place and adds to the cutesy factor. Why are all small things just so darn cute?

      PinkSundaysStudio
      Pumpkin Spice Mug

      THE SZN IS HERE, PEOPLE. Just because you don’t have a Starbucks fall-themed cup in your hand doesn’t mean you can’t rep your favorite drink this year. I’m also a huge fan of this absolutely adorable ghost mug(I mean, come on), and who doesn’t need a Sanderson sisters mug from “Hocus Pocus” too? Fall mugs for all.

      DorothyBCo
      Interlock Soy Candle

      This gorgeous candle is basically a decor piece all in itself. Made by DorothyB herself, this Black-owned candle line has tons of scents to choose from that can all go inside this unqiue, gold candle. I’m eyeing “Peach Nectar”—sounds like the perfect all-seasons sweet scent.

      GodlyGorgeous
      Happy Illustration Notepad

      Keep your WFH-self organized with this notepad from this Black-owned Etsy shop. This would look super cute on a desk, but it also looks functional for list-making, to-do lists, appointments, and more.

      roughedgessupply
      Curvy Woman in a Bikini Line Art Print

      TBH, I bought this print because it looked like me! I had seen tons of pretty line art drawings of nude women, and I love them all, but I wanted to represent some body positivity in my home, and this beautiful gal did the job.

      GodlyGorgeous
      Be You Print

      Add this print to your space for a little extra motivation. I envision this placed beautifully on a desk or entryway or even in a gallery wall.

      WindsorRoseAtelier
      Italy Print

      Live vicariously through this gorgeous travel print of Italy while you’re stuck at home!

      LouLouArtStudio
      Printable Art

      For the minimalist, this gorgeous black-and-white print will absolutely turn heads.

      HomeThisWeekend
      South of France Summer Print

      Summer never has to end with this print in your home. Pretend you took this on your glorious vacation through the South of France last fall. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      5 Things You Use That Are Destroying the Planet

      by

      As a crusader for the earth, you might be sipping your iced matcha latte from a stainless-steel straw, coyly looking over the rim of your sunnies while hashtagging #sustainability. You’ve stopped using plastic straws and bags, and disposable razors are on their way out of your bathroom too—yay! As much as small efforts like that deserve a gold star, sustainability on a whole is about making conscious choices in ALL products that you buy, even the ones that might not seem obviously destructive. Because guess what? Plastic creeps into even the most unsuspecting of our everyday products, significantly increasing our consumption. So, while we should definitely applaud our small wins, true plastic-free living is about taking stock of what we use often and changing up our routines to include more mindful purchasing.
      Here are five things that you use that are destroying the planet, and switches that you can make to replace them.
       
      1. Microbeads in face wash
      Recently outlawed in Canada and the U.S., face washes that have microbeads in them are hugely popular in many countries, used for that gentle, exfoliating goodness our skin needs. As much as we’re all about #selfcare over here, have you ever stopped to think about what those microbeads are made of? You guessed it: plastic.  
      Microbeads are teeny, tiny balls of plastic that swirl away, down our drains and sinks, only to enter into our waterways, destroying our soil, water supply, and marine life. For the literal seconds they are used for, they last an eternity on earth—they never fully break down.
       
      Try this instead:

      Find natural beauty brands that have alternatives to microbeads, make your own exfoliating masks using oats, or invest in a silicone cleansing tool. All of these options are great at sloughing away dead skin while ensuring the planet stays intact. 

      2. Mylar balloons
      While most of us already know that releasing balloons into the air is a pretty terrible thing to do (birds and wild animals often choke on them once they deflate), did you know that Mylar balloons (the big, trendy ones that are often bought for milestone events—think numbers and rings) wreak havoc on the earth even when not released?  
      These balloons never fully degrade, as they are made from synthetic nylon with a metallic coating—basically, a recipe for disaster. Animals, both marine and land, often mistake deflated balloons for food, with sea turtles being particularly vulnerable as they confuse them for jellyfish. 
       
      Try this instead:

      There are tons of beautiful ways to celebrate, including floral wreaths, reeds, paper banners and bunting, leaf confetti, and bubbles. Get creative and binge all the Pinterest content when planning your next event.

      3. Microfiber kitchen cloths
      Popular kitchen cleaning cloths made from microfibers are great at keeping surfaces shiny, but come with a not-so-lustrous impact. These types of cloths (as well as your typical green and yellow kitchen sponge) are made from plastic. Their tiny microplastic fibers shed while in use or while being washed, entering our waterways and polluting our planet in an irreversible way. 
      Even some cloths that claim they’re eco-friendly might have microplastic fibers in them, a common greenwashing move. Microplastics are one of the worst offenders when it comes to ocean pollution, as they’re basically impossible to capture by filtration systems, ending up in the stomachs of marine life, and oftentimes, ourselves too.
       
      Try this instead:
       
      Biodegradable sponge cloths, also known as Swedish Dish Cloths, are lovely, soft cloths that are made from wood pulp (cellulose) making them 100 percent biodegradable and compostable (that too, at home). They can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels, last anywhere from 6-12 months, and because they’re made from plant fibers, never harbor that nasty kitchen cloth smell, according to Swedish dishcloth brand Ten and Co. They’re also inexpensive, making them a win in every way.

      4. Glitter and sequins
      OK, I know this might burst your bubble, but I’m here to deliver some sad new: glitter and sequins, the sparkly bits of joy in our lives, are also made from plastic. Both materials are notorious for ending up literally everywhere (internally shuddering at craft night gone wrong), so you can imagine the havoc they wreak on our environment.  
      Because these particles are so tiny, they are almost impossible to capture once in our environment, where again, marine life and unsuspecting animals ingest them, as they will never biodegrade. If you’re someone who eats seafood, you might be consuming last year’s NYE party dress without even knowing it.
       
      Try this instead:

      When it comes to wanting to really sparkle in your outfit, consider a luxurious fabric like velvet or silk instead, and accessorize with sparkly jewels. To replace conventional glitter, try a biodegradable option from brands like Universal Soul or Eco Star Dust—these types of glitter are made from plants, not plastic.

      5. Dryer sheets
      A big trend in the sustainability world is the shift away from dryer sheets. Mainstream dryer sheets are made from synthetic polyester, an under-the-radar single-use plastic that is trashed with one use, lingering in our environment for eternity. Not only are they made from wasteful plastic, but they can contain potentially harmful chemicals and hidden fragrances that haven’t yet been fully researched for their health effects. Rolling around in fresh-from-the-dryer bed sheets doesn’t have quite the same appeal anymore, does it?
       
      Try this instead:

      A great alternative to conventional dryer sheets is wool balls. Made from yarn, these balls are multi-use, often lasting years. They take the static out of fabrics, are natural and biodegradable, and you can even add some scent with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. These wool balls also look super cute sitting in a little basket—much better than a giant box of dryer sheets that so doesn’t match your aesthetic. 
       
      Choosing sustainable options over conventional might take some getting used to, but when it comes to the impact mainstream products have on our environment, the alternatives are becoming non-negotiables. With small steps (my motto is always “progress over perfection”) and intentional consuming habits, we can transform into mindful consumers, making our impact responsible and effective.   More

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      in health and weelbeing

      What It’s Like to Be a COVID Bride and How I’ve Found Peace

      by

      Maybe COVID-19 ruining our big wedding was the plan all along. When we got engaged in September of 2018, my fiancé Zach and I chatted about getting married in Yosemite National Park, where we were living at the time—just eloping and then moving back to the Midwest. We like things simple, and it seemed like just the relaxing and stress-free plan we needed. My mom, ever the traditionalist, had a different plan; she was set on seeing my fiancé and I tie the knot. And truth be told, once I started thinking about celebrating with all of our friends and family, I started to get really excited about the idea. 
      Fast forward to September of 2019. My fiancé and I moved back across the country to Kansas City and had just moved into our new house, a milestone we wanted to check off the list before we started the wedding planning. We set a date for the spring of 2020, and everything started to get real. 
      We selected a venue, went wedding dress shopping, picked out a cake, started paying our photographer… the works! The process was fun and less stressful than I’d heard it would be. And as a bride on a budget, I was putting in the extra work to explore the various options for food and drinks to get the least expensive option. Wedding dress shopping with my Gucci tastes on a dimestore budget was time consuming, but I was committed to keeping our costs low! 
      Just over two months out from the wedding, we only had rings, a suit, and vows to worry about nailing down. My sister and my best friend were well into the bachelorette party planning, and my mom was all over the decor. As someone who relishes in planning and being ahead of schedule, I was over the moon. 
      It was at this point that I heard about the virus. News about COVID-19 was starting to speckle my Twitter timeline, and the fact that it was spreading rapidly was starting to make me feel uneasy. 
      I stayed on top of the news, reading anything and everything I could get my hands on about the novel coronavirus. Most people were still shrugging it off at this point, not taking it seriously. I didn’t know what to think, but I had a feeling that it wasn’t good. When businesses and events started closing down, the brides in my favorite wedding planning Facebook group had to start cancelling their weddings. Most of the initial shutdowns and cancellations were on the East and West coasts, so the reality of the impact this disease was having hadn’t quite made it to us in the Midwest yet. 

      I stayed on top of the news, reading anything and everything I could get my hands on about the novel coronavirus. Most people were still shrugging it off at this point, not taking it seriously.

      Source: rawpixel

      The Facebook group quickly became divisive; alarmist and devastated brides having their feelings invalidated by women who were already married, or brides whose wedding was too far out to be bothered worrying about something “like the flu.” Women were lashing out at other women on totally non-COVID-related topics. It was a stressful and sad—and quite frankly, angry—place to be. I had to leave. 
      Just two months out from the wedding, with more and more things shutting down across the country, travel was beginning to be restricted. Friends and family members started losing their jobs. Zach and I started to realize that our wedding guests would need to start booking travel to our wedding soon. While a lot of brides were looking at whether they could or could not hold their event due to event restrictions, we were much more concerned with the stress—financially and emotionally—our wedding was putting on our guests. 
      At the end of March, my fiancé and I made the call to postpone the wedding. There’s no defined etiquette for how one should postpone or reschedule or even cancel a wedding. (Cue the Four Weddings and a Virus Facebook group creation, a lifesaver to spring brides everywhere.) I quickly transitioned into the more appropriate group for me, accepting my fate as a Corona bride. Brides were putting together templates and resources for one another, providing feedback on invitation language, and sending love when someone just needed the space to scream.

      Many couples were rescheduling, but as the realists we are, we decided to postpone indefinitely.

      I used some of the information I found in the group to email everyone on our guest list and made calls to those who weren’t the email type. The news was received with overall love and support and lots of disappointment, mostly from friends and family who were excited for us, and knew we were looking forward to it. Many couples were rescheduling, but as the realists we are, we decided to postpone indefinitely. The experts had no idea when it would be safe for our friends and family to gather again, and if they didn’t know, then, of course, we didn’t either. It seemed like the easier option than possibly rescheduling again. 

      Source: Emma Bauso | Pexels

      The Waiting
      When we postponed until further notice, we went through the process of notifying vendors. Many didn’t respond to us, but our photographer was gracious and flexible. We decided to chat in another month. In April, our photographer pushed us to at least get a second date on her calendar, just in case things get better and we were able to go through with our wedding. Setting a second date also gave us something to look forward to, but we still didn’t want to tell people we’d rescheduled for fear of having to postpone again. Zach and I decided between the two of us that we’d see what the COVID situation was toward the end of July and try to give everyone an update at that time. Morale in our house was low, but honestly, whose wasn’t? 
      For the month or two that followed, it was constant questioning and a stall in planning. I’d lost all motivation to nail any plans down. 
      “When is the wedding going to be?”
      “Have you set another date yet?”
       And then, once group sizes were allowed to get larger in our region, it was:
      “Why don’t you just have a small wedding?”
      “You could get married in your backyard?”
      “What are you waiting for?”
      “What are you going to do to celebrate your original wedding date?”
      It was constant. When asked, I didn’t get the feeling that people really wanted to hear our answer, or when they did hear it, they looked at me like I was making an excuse to not get married. Umm, nope. I’d try to explain that two-thirds of our wedding guests were from out of town, including 100 percent of our immediate family. If we had a small local ceremony, our closest friends and family wouldn’t be able to make it. That, and I had a deep fear that the coronavirus would just hang over the ceremony and celebration and it wouldn’t feel like the celebration of our dreams. In the Four Weddings and Virus Facebook group, I learned that lots of brides had this fear. How could we sit back and enjoy this joyous day when people are dying all over the world? 

      How could we sit back and enjoy this joyous day when people are dying all over the world? 

      The persistent questioning coupled with the never-ending news cycle of doom felt like hundreds of pounds of weight on my shoulders. And the waiting and not knowing felt hopeless. But I kept reminding myself, we’re in no hurry.
      My fiancé and I have stayed employed and stayed busy throughout the spring, and I’ve leaned into the online community of women going through the same experience. I saw so many brides struggling with their vendors not being flexible, with their families not being flexible, with sick relatives, with fiancés overseas, or with putting families on hold, and it helped me to remain centered and humble. We weren’t losing a lot of money on uncooperative vendors. We weren’t putting our life on hold until we got married. Our relatives were being safe and staying healthy. We were still the lucky ones. And still, the not knowing persisted.
      Worrying about the wedding felt not only pointless, but also selfish, so we didn’t. Both Zach and I got involved supporting those in our local community who needed food, money, and supplies, and doing our absolute best to not go insane in the house. The wedding stayed quietly in the back of our mind. 
       
      The Wedding Date
      By the time our original wedding date rolled around, Zach had totally put the change behind him and was looking forward to the future. I tried to do the same, but the full weight of things crashed down on me. I was supposed to be joining a new family and celebrating with all of my favorite people. I didn’t want to get out of bed.
      To my relief and utter appreciation, bouquets of flowers and sweet texts from friends filled my entire day. c
      Once the day passed, I felt lighter. We still didn’t know what the plans were going to be, but people slowly got tired of asking us if we’d picked a new date. It’s almost like they totally forgot, and honestly, it was a relief. The pressure of having a wedding slowly melted away over the next few weeks. With the pressure off, it was much easier to not dread the date that we’d make our decision on whether or not to have our wedding on the secondary date.

      Even when it feels like the world is against you, there are people in your life that are there for a reason. I realized that mine will show up for me even when I don’t ask for them to.

      Source: Flora Westbrook | Pexels

       
      The Pivot
      As summer continued to pass and news of the virus spreading seemed to get worse and worse, we still didn’t feel safe being around a handful of people—let alone our whole families or friends. News of dozens of people getting COVID-19 after attending a wedding kept popping up on our timelines and newsfeeds. It felt irresponsible to host a group of people to celebrate us. Many brides and grooms were still moving forward with small weddings, and I was genuinely happy for them. Genuinely. But with our guests traveling across the country, we had to have the conversation. Is the health of our guests worth risking for the wedding of our dreams? If we did risk it, would the fear and confusion around the virus bring down the mood on our big day? Did we want to wait until a vaccine was widely available to host our wedding?

      Is the health of our guests worth risking for the wedding of our dreams? If we did risk it, would the fear and confusion around the virus bring down the mood on our big day? Did we want to wait until a vaccine was widely available to host our wedding?

      Ultimately, Zach and I decided the answer was no. The risk of our loved ones getting sick and possibly having long-term damage from a virus that doesn’t have a vaccine was too high. We didn’t want that pressure and responsibility to be on us. The second date with our photographer was just too soon. In an ultimate resolve and sigh of relief, we decided we’d get married—just the two of us. Our original dream wedding.
      My fiancé was thrilled when we made the decision, of course—he’d wanted to elope all along. And my bridesmaids gave me overwhelming support, “Go marry your man, lady!” It was the right choice; having a plan gave me relief and I was finally at peace. I get to marry my dream man in the mountains. We’ll be at minimum risk, and our friends and family won’t have the emotional and financial strain that our wedding would put on them. Plus, as people keep saying, what a story to tell. 
      We’ll party with friends and loved ones eventually, but for now, we’re off to go get married. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      7 Ways to Start Eating More Vegetables—Plus All the Recipe Inspo You Could Need

      by

      If you’re anything like me, some days are a vegetable paradise—healthy and colorful meals all.day.long—while on others, there’s nary a vegetable in sight. So, basically, I’m always striving to fit more vegetables in where I can. And, luckily, it’s pretty easy to sneak extra vegetables into just about anything.Eating plenty of vegetables is super important when it comes to your overall health and well-being. From nutrient deficiencies to higher rates of chronic disease and beyond, focusing on getting enough vegetables in your diet is key. Here are just a few ways that you can up your vegetable intake—without changing things up too much or sacrificing flavor.

      1. Add extra to soups, sauces, and smoothies
      Soups and sauces probably aren’t too shocking in terms of where you can make sure to get your veggies in, but you can pack a serious punch in both of them. Soups, in particular, are such an easy place to add extra vegetables. There are probably already vegetables in your soup anyway—just add some more. Sauces, too, can be easy spots. Add spinach, kale, broccoli, or even beets to pesto, purée carrots or red bell peppers and add them to a pasta sauce, or make a creamy sauce a little healthier by including cauliflower—the possibilities are endless.
      Smoothies are one of my all-time favorite ways to “trick” myself into eating extra vegetables, though. Of course, adding greens to a smoothie is always a good way to go, but there are plenty of other vegetables that make great additions as well. Frozen cauliflower, zucchini, cucumber, and pumpkin or butternut squash purée are all good options. You won’t even taste it.

      2. Stick them on a pizza
      What’s better than pizza for dinner, you ask? Not much in my book. I don’t guilt myself for eating plain old cheese, but I’ve found that adding herbs and vegetables can make it even better. Try kale, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, potato, peppers, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, a pickled vegetable like giardiniera, carrots, broccoli, and more.

      3. Get creative with dessert
      Add beets to your brownies, make carrot, zucchini, butternut squash, or pumpkin cakes. It’s such an easy way to get a few more vegetables in your diet. Of course, you’re still eating dessert, so don’t feel too much like the epitome of health, but it’s something!

      4. Add them to breakfast
      If given the choice, I will always opt for a savory breakfast over a sweet one. The good news? A savory breakfast makes it even easier to add vegetables. Serve your fried eggs over sautéed leafy greens, add tomatoes or mushrooms, make a veggie-packed frittata, quiche, or omelet. You’re already well on your way to your vegetable goal for the day and you’ve only eaten breakfast.

      5. Make vegetable tacos, sandwiches, or quesadillas
      If you’re a meal-prepper (or even a sort of meal-prepper), roast or sauté a big batch of vegetables at the beginning of the week and then season for tacos, layer onto sandwiches, tuck into quesadillas—it’s just as quick (if not quicker!) than making the veggie-less versions and oh so delicious.

      6. Go meatless one day (or more!) a week
      Whether it’s Monday or another day, opting to try to go meatless at least one day per week can help you boost your vegetable intake. A meatless day isn’t a guarantee that you’ll eat more vegetables, but you might find that it encourages you to branch out a bit more and get more creative with what you’re eating those days, leaning more on vegetables than you otherwise would.

      7. Try a new-to-you recipe
      If you don’t usually eat a ton of vegetables, trying new-to-you recipes just might encourage you to eat more. Rather than sticking with your typical side salad, try vegetable-packed meatballs, a vegetarian curry, one-pan dinners, and more. You’ll be introduced to a new dish, but maybe also new foods and cooking techniques. It’s a great way to help shake off your routine.

      What to Make

      Source: The Real Food Dietitians

      Source: Sweet Potato Soul

      Source: Eating Bird Food

      Source: Midwest Foodie

      Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated

      Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

      Source: My Food Story

      Source: Orchids + Sweet Tea

      Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

      Source: My Food Story

      Source: Sweet Potato Soul

      Source: Eating Bird Food

      Source: Midwest Foodie

      Source: The Real Food Dietitians

      Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated

      Source: Orchids + Sweet Tea More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Forget Boring Salads—15 Plant-Based Recipes to Meal Prep This Week

      by

      It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of eating more fruits and veggies. In fact, the only “diet” I’d ever universally recommend is plant-based, because it’s one of the few ways of eating that isn’t about limiting or labeling foods as “good” and “bad.” Instead, it’s about how you can add more of the foods your body needs. Plant-based means exactly what it sounds like: the majority of your diet is made up of plants (it really is that simple!). But that doesn’t mean you need to settle for boring salads at every meal. Eating more plants requires simple alternatives to recreate favorite dishes like nourishing bowls, filling tacos, and delicious pastas. Whether you’re vowing to stick to Meatless Monday or just want to eat more plants, here are 15 delicious, filling, and plant-based recipes you’ll be craving all week long:

      Source: Love & Lemons

      Source: Pinch of Yum

      Source: Eating Bird Food

      Source: Drizzle & Dip

      Source: Downshiftology

      Source: Live Eat Learn

      Source: Abra’s Kitchen

      Source: One Lovely Life

      Source: Ambitious Kitchen

      Source: Cookin’ Canuck

      Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

      Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

      Source: Pinch of Yum

      Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

      Source: Love & Lemons More

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      in beauty and fashion

      9 Things to Do This Summer (on a Budget)

      by

      Maybe this isn’t exactly the summer we had in mind (read: canceled vacations and closed beaches), but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of this year. Because you deserve the very best that the season has to offer, we’ve partnered with Gilt City to bring you major discounts on all of our summer favs that can be enjoyed from the comfort (and safety) of your own home.Gilt City is an online shopping and lifestyle website that offers insider-level access to major deals on experiences in your area, top brands, and beyond. To quote Norah Jones, “it’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” Oh yeah, and it’s majorly discounted too. Read on for nine things to do this summer, and check out Gilt City for our favorite brands and experiences at a lower price. 

      So you’re wearing flip-flops and open-toe sandals more than booties, and you can no longer hide a bad manicure or chipped polish behind gloves and mittens. Painted and groomed nails are as essential for summer as a cute swimsuit and a faux tan, but they’re not always easy to maintain. Not only is painting your nails at home more affordable, but it’ll be safer this summer as well. Thanks to Gilt City, you can score major deals on high-end nail care brands that will leave your fingers and toes looking pretty all season long. Try MiniLuxe Nail Kits for up to 42 percent off nail kits, or Deborah Lippmann for 50 percent off nail treatments, colors, and more. 

      Fall fashion is fun (the plaid!), but I’m partial to summer clothes. Light fabrics, effortless styles, and pretty colors make this season’s clothing chic without having to try too hard. Revamp your 2020 summer wardrobe with crisp basics, lightweight shorts, and pretty dresses you can throw on (because the hardest decision you make all day should be whether to have a glass of rosé or an Aperol Spritz, not what to wear). We love Joules for effortless styles and summer basics, and thanks to Gilt City, you can get 40 percent off full-price items (yes, really!), and an extra 20 percent off of sale items. Revamping your summer wardrobe with the best items of the season doesn’t have to break the bank. 

      I love coffee as much as the next girl, but there’s something about warmer weather that motivates me to fuel my body with only the best. Instead of reaching for the second cup of coffee or an afternoon americano (which comes with coffee jitters and caffeine crashes), I’ve been opting for matcha, which is a powder made of concentrated green tea leaves. You get the boost of energy without crashes or jitters, plus up to 33 percent off MatchaBar with one of the packages from Gilt City. 

      The #1 most Instagrammed accessory of summer? A pool float. Whether you’re booking a weekend away at a nearby lake or you’re lounging by your aunt’s backyard pool more often than you’re in your own home, a pool float that’s as cute as your swimsuit is a necessity. Try the Giant Swan Float that went more viral than the “Renegade” Dance on TikTok, or the Seashell Float that helps you live out your wildest The Little Mermaid fantasies. Get up to 43 percent off fashion girls’ favorite pool floats and accessories at #GETFLOATY when you purchase through Gilt City. 

      Sure, wine tastings are fun and cheese boards are always a crowd-pleaser, but if you want to really impress your friends, host a dessert tasting instead (yes, I did get this idea from Kyle Richards’s infamous party on season 7 of RHOBH). Not only is it fun, different, and creative, but who doesn’t love desserts? Give the people what they want and surprise your significant other with gourmet versions of their favorites, or have a few friends over for some cake and chill. Using Gilt City, you can score up to 36 percent off award-winning sweets from Mini Melanie, shipped to your door (be warned: the Oreo Sprinkles Cookie Cake will make you drool). 

      Summer means more energy and longer days. With all the extra time you have after the workday is over, turn off the TV (sorry, Netflix!) and tap into your creative side. Michaels is our go-to store for everything you need to make a scrapbook for your college roommate’s bridal shower present or to get materials to try out a free sketching class on Youtube. Gilt City is conveniently offering 25 percent off any online purchase (available for delivery or curbside pick up). With a discount and easy delivery (or pick up), there’s no excuse to keep putting off that mood board you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start or picking up a new hobby like painting. 

      One of the best parts of the season is fresher, brighter flowers, so why not make the most of summer by buying yourself a pretty bouquet (because self-love is a good enough reason for any indulgence). Plus, a fresh bouquet of your favorite peonies or sunflowers will not only freshen up your home and show off your style personality, but it will feel like a little extra luxury (and you deserve it!). Get up to 35 percent off bouquets from Bouqs when you order online through Gilt City. Plus, a major bonus for our Everygirl brides: you can also score almost $100 off towards any wedding floral package.

      Laundry is a chore, but upgrading to the right products can make it feel more like a luxury. With better options (and insane discounts), you no longer have to settle for laundry care that’s bad for the planet or bad for your skin. The Laundress has been saving us from dry cleaning prices and stains on delicate fabrics (like cashmere and silk) for years, and Gilt City is offering 40 percent off their eco-friendly detergent and laundry care. This season is the perfect time to freshen up bed sheets, wash the linen pants and swimsuits you never get around to dry cleaning, and turn laundry into a luxury (all while being friendly to the environment). Win, win! 

      Winter is meant for cozy accessories, warm throw blankets, and lit candles. Summer, however, is the perfect time for brightening up the home with fun accessories and bold colors. Make the most of the season by adding a standout piece or two that will draw a whole lot of attention and revamp your space. And what’s brighter and bolder than a trendy neon sign? Name Glo is a go-to for high-quality custom designs and Insta-worthy accessories (my personal favorite is the Mini Stand “Yes”). Yes, they’re investment pieces, but only at Gilt City can you get them for 50% off. I mean, can you even resist a deal this good!?

      This post was in partnership with Gilt City, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More