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There are many more aspects to health and happiness than merely what’s on your plate. Wholesome food, fitness, and time with loved ones can certainly take you a long way, but true fulfillment comes from the full expression of one’s authentic self.

While some may discount creative endeavors as frivolous or wasteful activities, immersing yourself with focus, energy, and enjoyment towards something that you care about has many benefits to overall well-being.

Being fully present and mindful, as we tend to be during times of creativity, is an incredible stress-reliever. It also helps tap into the subconscious mind where our deepest desires are held, and creates a sense of personal success and accomplishment. That’s not to mention the added bonus of developing mental clarity and problem-solving skills that can be applied to other areas of life!

One of the greatest joys of summer is spending time outdoors in the sun. As the best natural source of vitamin D, sunlight promotes bone health, supports the immune system, and boosts the mood. Yet too much sun can cause painful burns and potentially dangerous long-term skin damage, so it’s important to protect yourself with sunscreen, especially if you’re going to be outside during peak hours.

When shopping for sunscreen, choose wisely. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are absorbed directly into the body and can be harmful. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, create a physical barrier to block UV rays and are regarded as quite safe. For more information about which sunscreen ingredients to look for and which to avoid, check out our Summer Wellness Tune Up guide.

The Environmental Working Group is a fantastic consumer resource that reviews thousands of sunscreen products for their safety and effectiveness. We rounded up a list of our favorite mineral sunscreens that all ranked the highest. Slather them on before you head out to enjoy some fun in the sun!

Loving Naturals Clear Body Sunscreen - SPF 30. This unique formula is clear and rubs in easily. Water resistant up to 40 minutes.

There’s nothing better than biting into a juicy tomato ripe off the vine or adding fresh herbs to a summertime meal. But the reality is that if we want to enjoy fresh seasonal produce, our local grocery store isn’t always the best option.  So what do we do if we want to add fresh foods to our diet without stretching our budget with frequent trips to the farmer’s market?

Growing your own herbs and veggies is a fantastic way to help save money, reduce your environmental impact, and eat fresh, healthy foods all season long. The best part is that you don’t need a ton of space to grow your own organic produce. There are lots of herbs and vegetables that you can grow right in your backyard or even your kitchen!

A surprising number of herbs thrive as in indoor plants.  If you’re looking to add a flavorful punch to your food, why not grow your own fresh seasonings this summer? To get started, all you need is a bright space and the appropriate containers and soil.

Here are 5 easy-to-grow herbs:

1. Basil: there are variety of basil plants that can grow in your outdoor garden or easily be transplanted indoors. Basil complements any salad, tomato dish, soup, or stew.

It’s that time of the year again. The days are longer, the weather is heating up, and you’re craving the most satisfying of summer beverages: smoothies. These blended drinks have numerous benefits: they’re quick and easy, they can pack an incredible nutritional punch, and they’re endlessly customizable.

Best of all, smoothies give you the chance to easily try many different nourishing ingredients – sometimes all at once. We rounded up a list of our favorite superfoods that are perfect for smoothies and encourage you to try them this summer season.

Chia seeds: You may first have heard of chia seeds during the Chia Pet craze of the 1980s. They are actually an ancient Aztec superfood packed with calcium, fiber, protein, phosphorous, manganese, and omega-3 fatty acids. They lend an instant creamy thickness to any smoothie.

Bee Pollen: Fans of bee pollen call it one of nature’s best-kept secrets. Pollen is an excellent source of easily digestible protein as well as the antioxidants lycopene, selenium, and beta-carotene. Many herbalists believe that bee pollen improves allergies and asthma.