Summer is all about color, showing some skin, and getting outside. The summer solstice is almost here and Los Angeles is certainly feeling it. It’s also a great time for trying new things, especially things you’ve always wanted to do or have been too hesitant to try. Let summer spark a new vest for life– get out of that stuffy house and make the most of your summer!

Do A Summer Solstice Ritual

June 21st is the official day of the summer solstice and it’ll be the longest day of summer. On that day you can do something to welcome the season and usher great vibes into your life. You’ll want to celebrate the sun and that inner light you have, so try doing a few sun salutations, a yoga technique, in the morning. After, go outside and sunbathe with an assortment of fresh fruit by your side because the summer solstice is actually a great time to eat juicy sweet fruits.  Let’s be honest, having fresh fruit is like eating joy. You can also light a candle and write down a list of what you’re grateful for and what you wish to take place this season while the candle burns. Also, feel free to find a solstice ritual that fits you and even create your own!

Photo: Hair Paint Wax LLC

Be Bold & Dye Your Hair

If you’re like me and have always wanted to add a pop of color to your hair, it’s time to try it out. The wonderful thing is how many different types of hair colors are on the market. You no longer have to strip your hair with bleach and dye it permanently. There are semi-permanent dyes and wax colors that completely wash out. Hair Paint Wax is a water-based hair color with a variety of bold looks at an affordable price. It seems to work on all hair types and hair colors. I’ve been following them on Instagram and have always wanted to try their wax. Since my hair will be natural for a while, I think a splash of color would be great this summer! I’ll most likely try Hair Paint Wax first and whenever I want to graduate to a longer semi-permanent color, I’ll use vegan brand Manic Panic*! They have such vibrant and rich colors that almost look natural despite the bold color. 

Get In The Water

Since it’s getting warmer, being in the water is a must. Splish-splashing in a pool may not be much of a surprise but what I mean is do something a little more extreme. Don’t just dip your toes in the water, go surfing or snorkeling or paddleboarding. I never would have realized how much I enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking unless I tried them out! Groupon’s Things To Try page has such great deals that it’s easy for me to find a water activity to do with my friends. I’ll even be kayaking with my dad soon because of Groupon. I encourage you to find an outdoor deal and make a daytrip out of it!  

Photo: NakiMuli (Left) and Fujifilm (Right)

Get Flashy With A Swimwear Photoshoot

If you’re going to do any water sports or beach trips, you’ll most likely be wearing a swimsuit. If you haven’t bought a new one since 2014, it’s more than okay to upgrade.  There are great black-owned swimsuit brands to splurge on like the eco-friendly brand Avid Swim.  Also, check out the gorgeous prints at NakiMuli and for fab plus-sized swimwear hit Rue 107. Once you have your lovely new swimsuit and you’re feeling all kinds of beautiful and confident, go the extra mile and have an instant photoshoot with your friends. Go to Venice or Santa Monica– anywhere a swimsuit is common dress–and take a few snaps on a Polaroid* or Instax Fujifilm* camera. Instant photos still win as the perfect way to capture a moment and pin it to your wall or place on your desk later.

Enjoy Homemade Cocktails

Break out your Afro-vegan cookbook* because chef Bryant Terry shares a score of delicious cocktails perfect for the summer. Afro-Vegan is a cookbook filled with tasty health-conscious recipes and you can learn more about it in the full post I wrote!  If you’re planning a pool party this summer and want to give your guests more than a margarita, check out his recipes for a mango-ginger-based Amy Ashwood or his watermelon-based Red Summer. Chef Terry also dives into non-alcohol drinks like is Gunpowder Lemonade to put a spin on the original favorite. 

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Best,

Kai