Dairy Free Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream

Summer is coming which to me is awesome because that means there will be more watermelon in season for me to eat. I am obsessed with watermelon everything, so when I came across this Watermelon Coconut Dairy Free Ice Cream recipe, I had to try it out. I think the best thing about this recipe, besides the awesome ingredients, is that you don’t need a blender to make it!

-How to Make Dairy Free Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream-

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 5 pitted Medjool dates
  • â…› teaspoon scraped vanilla bean or â…› teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups cubed watermelon

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Blend all ingredients in a blender and transfer to a brownie or cake pan.
  2. Place in the freezer for 3 hours or until hardened.
  3. Break the frozen watermelon mixture into chunks and place back in the blender.
  4. Blend until a creamy consistency is reached.
  5. Place back in a container or large bowl and place in the freezer to firm up for about 30 minutes.
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Eco Brow Review

Did you know that the oh-so-popular Anastasia eyebrow products contain multiple parabens, which as we know, have various links to breast tumor formations? Many studies of actual breast tumors show a build-up of methylparaben in the breast tissue, which is why I refuse to use any product with parabens in it.

As a huge fan of the bold brow movement, I am pleased to announce that I have finally found the perfect solution to eco-friendly bold brows! Meet Eco Brow, a naturally derived, mineral based, paraben free brow wax designed to deliver fuller, more fabulous brows, without compromising your well being.

When I first tried this product out, I will admit I overdid it. Because I was not used to a brow wax {Normally use a powder}, my brows came out super dark and I was left not liking the product. I realized that I probably was just not used to this method, so I gave it another chance, which proved to pay off as I loved it much more the second time around using a much lighter hand.

How to Use Eco Brow-

This product works best when used with their angled brush, simply dip the brush into the brow pot and slowly dab and drag the color on. I suggest using less to start out, adding more if needed. The colors are very pigmented and rich so really… less is definitely more here. After I applied a few strokes, I used the brush end to comb the product through, then going back and applying in more product where any holes were spotted.

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GuruNanda Oil Pulling

We’ve all heard about it, but how many of you have actually tried oil pulling? I’ve done it a few times, but I haven’t been able to keep it up daily, despite really wanting to. I recently came across these GuruNanda single servings of mixed oils that make it easier to do each day, so, I am hoping to give this another whirl to really monitor the benefits now that half of the work has been done for me. Time to step up my oil pulling game in hopes to rid my body of the toxins that accumulate in me each day!

Where Do Toxins Come From?

  • Spending most of your time in front of computers or steering wheels in artificially air-conditioned environments.
  • Consumption of unhealthy and untimely processed fast foods.
  • Lack of water, drinking mostly dehydrating liquids such as sodas, alcohol, teas, and coffee.
  • A lack of exercise, which prohibits the body from releasing toxins.Over time, these factors can create a vicious cycle of toxic buildup.

Over time, all of the above can create a vicious cycle of toxic build-up that can clog the body’s lymphatic system, which affects every organ and cell in the human body. An unhealthy lymphatic system cannot easily absorb or discharge unwanted body fat, carry away excess body fluids and toxins, or heal inflammation of the body’s muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems. This dysfunction is what leads to health problems such as weight gain, migraines, aching joints, constipation, energy loss, mental fog, mental confusion, mood change, insomnia, restlessness, muscular spasms, a weakened immune system and nausea.

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Cheers to Spring!

While I do love all things organic and healthy, sometimes I also like to enjoy an occasional cocktail, especially if it is pink with flowers. I can not remember the last time I did have one, but perhaps after seeing these adorable cocktails it’s time. I came across these on Pinterest, and after seeing how easy they are to remake, I had to share!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pink lemonade
  • 2 oz coconut vodka or coconut rum
  • Edible flowers of your choice
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Swap it Out Sunday- Goodbye M.A.C Lipsticks

Every glam girl has loved M.A.C. cosmetics at one point or another, however, I am happy to say that I have tossed out all of my M.A.C. items after learning about how unsafe they really are.

Every Sunday I do “Swap it out Sunday” where I let you know the toxic reality of some of my favorite old products, encouraging you to dump them for safer options that perform just as well! Today’s Swap it Out is for M.A.C. lipsticks.

Many M.A.C. lipsticks score the worst possible on the Think Dirty app because they contain class 3 carcinogens like Red 33 Lake. This is what gives their lipsticks their vibrant colors, but in return, it can be damaging to our health, especially when used on lips that lead to accidental consumption and absorption.

Why sacrifice your health when there are awesome lipstick colors out there that are much safer, and that still perform just as well? One of my favorite lines to use for fun, safe colors is Nudus. Nudus lipsticks are certified organic from Australia with a wide variety of colors to choose from, made mostly from flowers, fruits, and vegetables!

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The Secret Table Event in San Diego

Two years ago I attended the very first Secret Table event here in San Diego and had a blast, which is why I am super excited to be attending this years event on April 4th! I figured this event fits in perfectly with this site, so I wanted to share it here in case anyone local to San Diego would like to attend.

The Secret Table is basically a huge organic dinner party/ mixer, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy organic food and drinks and mingle with like minded individuals, all while supporting local non-profit organizations. This event isn’t advertised too much as the Secret Table prefers to keep a genuine crowd, appealing mostly to San Diego change makers, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, visionaries, food and sustainability experts, science and business leaders, and other individuals working to make our community a more vibrant and prosperous place.

The name Secret Table comes from the concept of the location being kept a secret until the day of the event, so all I know right now is that this year’s event will be at a private location in Ranch Santa Fe, however the photos of the venue look beautiful.

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joeSCRUB Organic Coffee Body Scrub

I love coffee, the smell, the taste, which is why I was super excited to try out this 100% natural coffee scrub by joeSCRUB. Made from organic coffee grinds, organic cacao, sea salt and various other skin soothing ingredients, this is one safe, delicious smelling scrub all coffee lovers must try out!

This scrub is awesome for a variety of things, you can use joeSCRUB for:

  • Diminishing the appearance of cellulite
  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Treating acne
  • Alleviating eczema & psoriasis
  • Fading scars
  • Exfoliating off dead skin
  • Improving skin hydration
  • Protecting against free radicals
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Naturigin Hair Color Review

Did you know that conventional hair dyes contain damaging chemicals like ammonia, parabens, SLS and other harsh ingredients that wreak total havoc on your overall health and hair? It’s pretty much common sense to know that hair dyes aren’t the best for your hair, however, girls around the world, myself included, continue to turn a blind eye when it comes to this process. I never really knew exactly how bad this process was, but after researching it bit more, I discovered a few things you never want to expose your hair to.

Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Dye-

  • Ammonia– This is one of the worst offenders in the beauty industry.  Ammonia is added to hair color to force open the hair’s cuticle to deposit color, however, this can severely damage the cuticle creating dry, damaged hair. Ammonia is also highly toxic when inhaled, putting you and your stylist at risk.
  • Parabens– As we all know by now, parabens are the enemy. Found in just about every type of beauty product these days, hair dye is no exception. You never want to use products with parabens, as they are continuously being found in breast cancer tumors.
  • SLS– This stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and it can be found in the majority of all hair care products today. Many researchers do believe there is a link between SLS and cancer, on top of it being known to cause major skin irritations, hormone imbalances, corrosion of the skin and allergies. There are many products labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ that still contain sulfates so you do want to double check for these before you buy.
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Aleavia Skin Care Review

For as long as I can remember I have had problems finding a shampoo that did not leave my scalp itchy and irritated. I always thought that it was something I was eating, but after reading more about what is in my beauty products, I realized that it was definitely an ingredient in my shampoo that was causing my irritation. Because I love/want/need a good lathering shampoo, I was sad to learn that what allows my favorite Acure Organics shampoo to lather, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, actually could be the cause of my scalp irritation.

While the Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate in Acure Organics shampoo is naturally derived from coconuts, because of the high amounts, it can pose a threat to those with a sensitive scalp. The risks associated with this ingredient are low, the only issue really being that it is a detergent that can irritate sensitive scalps causing scalp psoriasis or eczema. If you do have a sensitive scalp, check your shampoo for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, as either could be the cause of your irritation.

So now that we are all having to ditch all our old shampoos, what should we use instead? Well, for a while I didn’t have a solution. I would simply use less of the shampoo on my scalp and hope for the best, which never worked. And then it happened, I came across an organic line called Aleavia which claimed to be 100% organic, prebiotic and known for it’s amazing ability to clear up acne, rosacea, eczema, dry skin and psoriasis, all while helping balance your skin’s PH level.

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Dairy Free Vanilla Cashew Ice Cream

If there is one thing I can not live without, it’s ice cream. I love ice cream! However, my body hates ice cream and every single time I eat it, I end up with a stomach ache and major regret. Traditional ice creams are packed full of hormones, gums, stabilizers and other nasty ingredients, which is why I always end up with bad skin, stomach aches, and eczema anytime I consume dairy or other store bought milks. {Organic almond milk is no exception here! The store bought brands of organic nut milks also have gums in them so beware!}

So, what’s a girl to do that loves dessert but ends up sick after eating it? Make a new, healthier way of course! I came across this Dairy Free Vanilla Cashew Ice Cream on Pinterest and just knew I had to try it out.

Not only is this recipe so simple, it is so delicious, better than regular ice cream in my paleo personal opinion.

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