I absolutely love transition times because it really gives you a fresh perspective on life!  Summer can be a time of new birth and new beginnings as well as a time to slow down and pursue what really matters to you.

Today, I am welcoming summer with “10 Ways to Freshen Your Life & Health for Summer.”  And guess what? Most of these are practical little things you can incorporate into your life daily that won’t cost you a dime!

Watch more sunsets than Netflix

It’s so easy to fall into a routine and miss out on chasing sunsets and adventures.  Be spontaneous this summer and see where the wind takes you!

Go makeup-less

Let your skin breathe!  Summer is the perfect time to let your hair loose and let your skin breathe.  Your skin is your largest organ and a great way to naturally detoxify, so let it do its thing.

I love using this Brightening + Vitamin C Facial Mask and Face Oil to brighten my complexion and feel confident without makeup!  Seriously, it truly brightens your skin!!

Take time to plan

Summer can be a bit of a slower time for some businesses or with not as many school year style activities.  Take this time to plan ahead.  Do you have a project on your heart that you have been wanting to pursue forever? Take action and start putting your dreams into motion!

Switch to safe sunscreen

Yes, the sun is hot and in full force but don’t go reaching for any sunscreen.  Most sunscreens are full of toxins that act as endocrine disruptors and can greatly damage your hormones, fertility, brain functioning and your future.   

I personally recommend these safe, non-greasy solutions: Face Stick Sunscreen, Body Stick Sunscreen, Protect All Over Sunscreen

Switch to an out-door workout

Fresh air and sunshine are so important to our health but they also make us happy! Change up your gym workout routine and instead go for a run or walk outside.  Instead of going to the movies, invite a friend to your local pool for an afternoon swim.  Walk to dinner instead of driving, if possible.  Make movement apart of your everyday routine!

Buy an ice cream maker

Meet your new best friend, the ice cream maker.  When the sun is hot, there is nothing better than cooling down with a sweet treat.  Making homemade ice cream is so simple and it allows you to use good quality ingredients and sweeteners so that you can feel great!

• Dairy Free Vanilla Bean Pistachio Ice Cream
• Creamy Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream
• Honey Sweetened Lemon Curd Ice Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Love yourself & your journey

With beach attire on all our minds can come a bit of shame, not feeling like we are skinny enough or pretty enough.  Trust me, I have been there and don’t for one second think you are alone in your thoughts.  Remember you are uniquely and wonderfully made and bring value into this world far beyond your swimsuit size.  Learn to be content with who you are as a person and trust in the beauty of your own journey!

Plan an outdoor picnic

Take your meal outside, choose a beautiful spot and plan a picnic.  You can have each of your friends bring a dish!  

For more picnic inspiration check out this post: “Gluten-Free Summer Oceanside Picnic”

Invest in a good hat

Chances are you will be in the sun a lot this summer and as much as I encourage soaking in the sunshine and Vitamin D, protecting your face is always a good idea.  I absolutely love this straw Panama hat (that I wear daily), this basic ball cap and this amazing straw hat.  I love this SAFE sun face stick (non-greasy sunscreen) if you need a bit more protection on your face.

A good hat is an investment you can use over and over again!

Pick berries or wild-flowers

Berries are in full swing in the summer time and there is nothing better than those fresh little bites of sweetness.  Check your local area for what is in bloom and go on an adventure! Then you will have fresh berries to make cobbler or enjoy with a dollop of cream!