Crust’s fruit pies, Proof Bakery’s fruit tarts, and The Scootabaker’s vegan cupcakes are the perfect desserts for the summer.

We’re right in the middle of summer, which means the season’s fruits are just hitting their peak.  What better way to enjoy the fruits of summer than in a dessert?  In addition to great sorbet from Truly.Raw.Gourmet, we found a few spots where you can satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in the fruits of summer, all at the same time.

Crust by Stephanie Jayne

Stephanie Jayne was the pastry chef at Westside Tavern before striking out on her own and turning her love of pies into a sweet business.  Her apple pie is a perfect rendition of the classic, and her peach pie is the definition of summer. Her pies are made to order, though if you follow her on Twitter or Facebook, you’ll find that she often pops up throughout the city.  On August 6th, for example, she’ll host her own pie sale at Surfas in Culver City.  If you’re lucky, she’ll have hand pies on hand, individually-portion treats perfect on the go.

Proof Bakery

Open for just a few months in Atwater Village, Proof Bakery has proven to be a popular Atwater Village spot for freshly-baked breads and pastries.  The seasonal fruit tarts – a fruit galette with slices of stone fruit was a recent offering – are popular, as are its vegan tea cakes and hand pies bursting with summer berries.  For the chocolate fiend in you, the flourless chocolate torte is one of the best in town.  To cool off, get an iced coffee – cold-brewed overnight – from Cognoscenti Coffee at the bakery.

The Scootabaker

Heather Wong, aka The Scootabaker, can be found zooming across town on her gas-friendly scooter, her freshly-baked cupcakes in tow (hence her name).  She makes special pit stops at Locali to drop off vegan-friendly cupcakes; vegan or not, these easily rival the cupcakes at a certain cupcake shop in tony Beverly Hills.  To bring a dozen or so to your next DIY craft party, order your favorite flavor (“Triple Berry Threat”, “PB & Chocolate”) directly from her site, and she’ll scoot those right on over to you.

 Written by Tien Nguyen

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YOGA

You: have a killer downward dog.

Show off: your skills at this weekend’s Wanderlust Yoga in the City event.

Why? Sign up for one of their three complimentary yoga sessions or find your SEVASANA in their “stress-less” lounge.

EAT

You: know that the key to a good meal begins with the ingredients.

Visit: Fundamental, one of Westwood’s newest eateries, where they have covered the basics from the market-fresh ingredients used in their Chicken Torta and Egg Salad sandwiches to the quality service they provide.

ADOPT

Your: hissy fits, tantrums, bribing and bargaining have paid off – your roommate(s) have finally caved and are OK with you getting a pet.

Stop by: G2 Gallery’s 3^rd annual pet adoption this Sunday and find that furry friend to call your own.

Why? Over 10 million dogs and cats are sent to animal shelters every year, so what’s one additional member of your household?

DINE

You: have had an attack of the munchies.

Get your fill at: California Monster Salads in Santa Monica where you can order one of their signature salads made with organic ingredients all wrapped in a bread cone, or create your own bowl of greens.

Why? If their leafy dishes don’t curb your cravings, perhaps a bowl of vegetable lentil soup and glass of Kale Lemonade will.

Location: 411 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401 (map).

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In recent times, being green has been a trend all on its own.  With the rising popularity of online shopping, getting eco-friendly clothes delivered to your door is no problem.  Many e-commerce companies even use recycled shipping materials.  When you’re out shopping, it’s even easier to pick out that environmentally conscious item.  But how do you know if the store maintains an eco-friendly environment?

Wonder no more—Les Pommettes is just that place.  The go-to spot for trendy and chic pieces is also renowned for being animal friendly!  Located on Robertson Boulevard, in the heart of Los Angeles, Les Pommettes carries unique designers and clothing not found in every other store around town.  Regardless of the trend, “no leather, suede, fur, ivory, teeth or bone will be found in store – not even feathers!”  What a truly great motto.

Delicate silk tops and cotton shorts are just some summer staples to check out here.  Leopard print woven belts complete these exceptional outfits.  Handbags found at Les Pommettes are constructed of faux leather.  If you’re worried about the quality of a faux leather bag, do not fret!  Accessories here are top quality.  In fact, faux leather will probably last even longer.

Store manager Isabella says, “We believe that style doesn’t have to be sacrificed just because animals were not.”  Agreed!

 Written by Daria Akhten

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Ubiquitous over sized cars, houses and meal portions are enough to nauseate the eco-minded consumer. In contrast, many crave the simplicity and freedom of a minimal lifestyle. Sometimes thinking big means living small. Choosing a small house means drastically lessening your ecological footprint, often eliminating a mortgage payment, and spending far less time on maintenance than a large home. An added bonus—many are mobile! That’s right. If you need to move, simply take your home with you.

The concept isn’t new. Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably America’s greatest architect of all time, was obsessed with small houses and promoted organic architecture. Author and architect Sarah Susanka originated the “Not So Big” philosophy of architecture stressing, “build better, not bigger.” Since then, several companies and organizations have popped up such as the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and the Small House Society.

Interiors are thoughtfully designed to maximize the space so that it feels larger. Efficient layout and customization combined with clever reuse and compact appliance features make the home comfy and, well–fun! If you’re handy and up to the challenge, you can even build your own.

They may not be for everyone, but do some investigating. You may find their simplicity liberating. And admit it, who knew sustainable design could look so irresistibly cute!

Images via flickr

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You’re on the plane with your backpack full of eco-travel swag, ready to meet and mingle with other globally minded nomads. A great way to jump in the mix is to volunteer! Here are five places to give back on the go while growing your own voyage from the seeds of your fellow wanderers experiences.

Headed down under for some antipodean antics? Spice it up at Lentil As Anything in Melbourne, Australia, a donation based restaurant. It’s the perfect watering hole to meet other budget travelers and locals who come for the delicious vegetarian nibbles, friendly community atmosphere, and rockin’ tunes on the weekends!

Go native with some friendly Asian pachyderms, and their riders, the Mahouts. You’ll get to listen to the soothing purr of an elephant, and save a little on travel costs.

WWOOFing (Volunteer work on organic farms) is a global way to glow! Especially in New Zealand, which can get a bit pricey for those of us Vantastic vacationers.  If all you have is gas money, then stop by an organic farm for a few weeks to soak in the lord of the rings scenery, drink straight out of mountain springs, and grow organic relationships with other campers.

The best teachers are students. Teach English in a new country, and you never know what hidden mysteries you’ll discover.

If you’re a summer chaser headed to a land of surfing Santa’s and other topsy-turvy seasonal escapades in South America. Kick -start your travel karma with these free to super cheap volunteer opportunities.

Written by Perri Kraus

Image via Flickr

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Every time you stroll past a colorful table of herb seedlings, grand ideas abound. Complex yet delicate herbal flavors frame the perfect summer meal al fresco. Sweet herbs hit a high note when they marry with meat on the grill, while zesty leaves give iced tea a zing that lifts sans caffeine. A creamy tropical salad keeps the meal light on carbs yet oh-so satisfying, while imparting a fresh infusion of sunny summer flavor. These three herbaceous treats will have you on your way to improvising a brilliantly inspired seasonal feast.

Herbs to grow: pineapple sage, garlic chives, lemon balm, lemon verbena, mizuna & cilantro.

Pineapple sage & garlic chive grilled chicken

For the chicken:

• 4 organic, free-range chicken breasts

For the marinade:

• 3-6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 5-10 leaves pineapple sage, finely chopped
• 4-5 stalks garlic chives, chopped
• 1 beer (lighter/darker will achieve different flavors–feel free to experiment!)
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce or tamari

For the chicken:

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large glass container with lid.
2. Marinate chicken overnight or close to it as possible.
3. Heat a gas grill (or charcoal if preferred) to medium high heat.
4. Oil the grill and cook breasts on indirect heat for about 15 minutes on each side, until juices run clear.
5. Cover chicken to retain moisture.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon over chicken before serving.

Mango, avocado & mizuna salad

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 leaves pineapple sage, finely chopped
• 1 handful of cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. honey

For the salad:

• 2 large firm & ripe avocados, cubed
• 1 Hawaiian mango, cubed
• 8 oz. mizuna, washed. (Arugula may be substituted)
• ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced.
• 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

For the salad:

1. Blend dressing ingredients in a small food processor or shake to combine in an airtight jar.
2. When almost ready to serve, combine salad ingredients and dress lightly. Don’t do this until you are ready to eat or the avocado will brown and the mizuna will wilt.

Lemon balm & verbena iced tea

• 3-5 sprigs lemon balm
• 3-5 sprigs lemon verbena
• 6 c filtered water

For the tea:

1. Boil water.
2. Pour water over herbs in a large, heatproof glass pitcher.
3. Allow tea to cool before moving it to the fridge.
4. Serve on ice with a sprig of each for decoration!

Image via Flickr user jules:stonesoup.

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CELEBRATE

You: love French everything – French fries, French men, French women, French accents – the list goes on.

Celebrate:  Bastille Day with a complimentary French wine and cheese tasting at Fig & Olive on Melrose.

Why? Your French accent may not be great, but the restaurant’s Gorgonzola Tartlet and Striped Bass Papillote (offered on their prix-fixe menu) will be.

Location: 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 90069 (map).  Date/Time: Thursday, July 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.  RSVP: Please email RSVP@figandolive.com or call 310.360.9100.  Web: figandolive.com.

(DON’T) DRIVE

You: have stocked up on canned goods, freeze-dried foods and plenty of toilet paper and are ready for whatever Carmageddon may throw your way.

Stop: panicking and try to enjoy all that this wacky weekend has to offer, like free yoga classes, spa discounts and drink specials being offered around town.

 Why? Drive your fears away with $3.00 “Flat Tire” Beers, $5.00 “Traffic Jam” Shots and $7.00 “Car” Jack & Cokes at the Car-mageddon.com Kickoff Party at Wokano in Santa Monica.

Web: car-mageddon.com.

GET (REAL)

You: try real hard to eat real healthy, to cook with ingredients that were grown real close to home and to be real conscious of the impact your habits have on the planet.

Bearing all that in mind: we have a feeling you will be real interested in this weekend’s local food event, the Eat Real Festival.

Why? Their artisanal treats, hearty eats, Beer Shed and Wine Barn will make you real happy.

Location: Helms Bakery, 8758 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, 90034 (map).  Date/Time: Saturday, July 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Web: eatrealfest.com.

TASTE

You: had no intention of leaving your house this weekend – that is until you realized that the LA Street Food Fest’s 2^nd Annual Summer Tasting Event takes place on Saturday.

Grub on: eats from some of Los Angeles’ best food trucks, chefs and purveyors, followed by a tequila tasting, frozen treats from the ice cream social and more.

Why? Not even a major freeway closure can stand between you and your Habanero Chicken Chili Fries.

Location: The Rose Bowl, 360 North Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103 (map).  Date/Time: Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Tickets: Purchase yours here.  Web: lastreetfoodfest.com.

Image via Flickr user biofriendly.

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With summer humidity, excess oils and excessive product, our hair gets a gunky build up. Reinvigorate those tresses with a handy hair care trick for summer: dry shampoo. For a quick fix and on second hair days, we turn to eco-friendly dry shampoo made up of organic cornstarch, white clay and baking soda. Nothing refreshes roots and strands quite like these flawless hair powders, one for home and one for on-the-go. Both leave your scalp clarified and restored.

For the second day after shampoo

LuLu Organics Hair Powder – oil absorbing hair powder formula. Tap a small amount onto your brush or comb and run through from roots to ends. Repeat until all frizz and excess oil has been absorbed. Hair will gain texture and volume.

To tame frizz and oil on-the-go

Jonathan Product Green Routine™ Dry Shampoo – brush on color match powder formula. While on the go, use the portable brush to tap over areas of oil and product build-up. Great for where the hairline meets the face. Hair will feel balanced and clarified.

Images via MzPromise and Kevin N. Murphy.

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