Blog for Lovelies

Useful tips and posts to help you live happy life

Food

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: The BEST Grain-Free and Sugar-Free Chocolate Granola (Vegan- Keto – Paleo)

This recipe is A-MAZING – so satisfying and chocolate-y. It’s also ridiculously healthy and very low carb, so it’s an all-around real exciting recipe 😛…

Food •
Wellness •

Is Decaf Tea Good For You?

There’s a good chance that at any point throughout the day I’m sipping on a warm cozy drink. Years ago I thought I was hacking…

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: Ginger Honey Tea

This tea is basically a ginger and honey tonic that you add to hot water. It’s such a nice warm, soothing drink that has anti-inflammatory…

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Latte

This turmeric ginger latte is so healthy and tastes amazing! Turmeric is an incredible superfood because it has so many healing benefits. I actually remember…

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: Healthy Hot Cacao Latte

Cacao is one of my favorite ingredients in the world because not only does it give you an amazing chocolate flavor but it’s also high…

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: Healthy Baked Eggplant Fries

I found the most amazing eggplant fries recipe and I NEED to share :) The recipe can be found here but I’ve included it below…

Food •
Wellness •

Grain-free V. Gluten-free

I share a lot of quick tips on my social media whether it’s in a quick story or in recipes on my blog. Oftentimes I’ll…

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: Matcha Latte & Everything You Need To Know About Matcha

Matcha is such a buzz word at the moment and it can definitely be an intimidating drink but I wanted to make this blog post…

Food •
Recipes •

Recipe: Strawberry and Banana Acai Bowl

If you love acai bowls, but find they can get a little expensive, here’s how easy it is to make them at home in under…

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My daily tips

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DAILY TIPS BY MONA VAND

A woman in her 80s stopped me on the street to tel

A woman in her 80s stopped me on the street to tell me this jacket was fabulous... and that’s what i love about NYC 🤩 (also .. her face mask had a painting of a smile that you just seriously can’t help but smile at ☺️ So i paid compliments back, ofc. And also... i told my bf this jacket was a sleeping bag and he believed me 😆)
⠀
What do u think - yay or nay on the jacket? I’m obsessed
⠀
Jacket @normakamali
Blazer @ronnykobo
Boots @paristexas_it

If I’m using a product every single day, I make

If I’m using a product every single day, I make sure it’s clean and chemical-free...
⠀
This is a personal guideline I set when trying to navigate this world which isn’t so black and white. We can’t live in a bubble and be perfect, but at the same time when it’s an everyday product like body wash, toothpaste or laundry detergent, it’s a good idea to be diligent in choosing healthy brands
⠀
i love @spotlight_oral_care because it’s clean and non-toxic, the packaging is made from sugarcane and is 100% biodegradable and carbon negative, and it really whitens teeth! Also how cute is this rose gold sonic toothbrush? Highly recommend an electric toothbrush for keeping teeth white (the charge on this one lasts up to 70 days)
⠀
You can shop @spotlight_oral_care on their website and use my code MONA40 to get 40% off your order #harmfreeoralhealth #ad
⠀
Leave a 💗 if you want to try @spotlight_oral_care - i will send one person a fun package 🥰
⠀
Sweater is @lacademie_ via @revolve
Jeans are @joesjeans

I saw a lot of requests for a clean or not clean v

I saw a lot of requests for a clean or not clean video on household items... that’s coming next 🧹 there are so many candles (free of paraffin and lead-free wick), cleaning supplies (with no fragrance or chemical-free fragrance), essential oils, hand soaps, dish soaps, and more that don’t need to compromise our health 🤍🤍
⠀
It’s not my goal to cause anxiety or fear, but instead to educate on the options we have. My motto continues to be: do the best you can in the environments you control (home, car, workspace). Then let the rest go and live your life ☺️
⠀
Blazer is @thefrankieshop
Console @rh_restoration_hardware
Couch and chairs @cb2
Rug @potterybarn

New product find at @CVS_Beauty 🤍 #Ad This alwa

Nothing like a Sunday stroll on fifth Ave ❄️
⠀
The other day someone suggested I pay more attention to the surroundings while I walk. Practice being present right where I am to feel more grounded. You’d be surprised what you never noticed on the same street you walk by hundreds of times. I can’t explain it but it REALLY works. This is especially important living in a city! It might sound weird but even noticing all of the trees on the street for the first time felt crazy (how did i not see them before?) and comforting. Try it and see how much grounded you feel.
⠀
Leave a 🤍 below if topics like this interest you (I’m VERY into it these days)

Coffee table vibes ♟ Just recently swapped out s

Coffee table vibes ♟ Just recently swapped out some books for this chess set that i loveee. I think it’s fun to have gadgets or interesting things people can pick up / play with (@morgangruber gave me this tip! She’s helped me style the entire apartment).
⠀
Also love big beautiful books 📚 such an easy way to add sophistication
⠀
And color scheme... can you guess what I’m into? Neutrals neutrals neutrals 😍 It feels less busy and cluttered, which just helps keep a cozy but relaxing/zen vibe.
⠀
Should I do a full apartment tour now that it’s 98% finished??
⠀
(chess set is @zgallerie, necklace is @femalequotient, sweater @gucci, jeans @joesjeans)

This week’s groceries:
⠀
ROMAINE HEARTS x 2 🥬 (can’t get enough these days, i love the crunch in my big salad)
⠀
PERSIAN CUCUMBERS X 2 🥒 (i snack on them plain with sea salt, and add to salads)
⠀
CELERY X 3 💚 (it’s the base for most of my green juice and i wash and cut it up to have ready for snacks)
⠀
EGGPLANT 🍆 (..lol...trying out an eggplant curry recipe this week!)
⠀
CAULIFLOWER RICE 🍚 (latest obsession. Just posted my favorite recipe with this on my YouTube channel yesterday)
⠀
KALE 🥬 (to juice, make kale chips, and sauté. I personally don’t love it in salads, it’s too rough)
⠀
TIGER NUTS 🌰 (love making milk with my @almondcow and then adding the tiger nut pulp on top of @thecoconutcult yogurt omggggg try it 🤤)
⠀
Others: @thecoconutcult yogurt, avocados, sweet potatoes @drinkspindrift)
⠀
Is this helpful?? LMK below and if yes I’ll post it more 🤍
⠀
Outfit: @marineserre_official

EXHAUSTED. The amount of hours I put into prepping

EXHAUSTED. The amount of hours I put into prepping for videos, paired with the mental energy of talking / being “on” the whole day drainssss me. I’ve made a new promise to myself to always take the next day off to let my body get the rest it deserves. Rest is good, and needed. I used to feel guilty when I took a break, now I’m proud of myself. Leave a 🤍 if you can relate

My mom and I are so different, but so similar. Si

My mom and I are so different, but so similar. Since I was a little girl I would obsess over being perfect. My hair had to look a certain way and my clothes had to be just right (I definitely still carry that trait, but i try to gently step away from my previous notion of “perfect”). My mom was and is the opposite. She always says “who cares” “you look fine.”
⠀
I’m also super sensitive, and very meticulous with everything I do, and she’s definitely not. Oh, and she can’t stick to a skincare routine for more than like 2 days. We all know where I stand on that🙋🏻‍♀️😆
⠀
A lot of times I’ve let these differences bother me, feeling like I’m not being seen or heard. We all want our parents to understand us. But I’m learning that when I change my expectations of other people and don’t expect them to feel or think the same way I do, I feel so much happier, and our relationship is so much better. It’s a work in progress, forever striving to better myself and my happiness🤍
⠀
And while we may have a lot of differences, I’m so grateful for some of the traits I know I got from her: nurturing, sensitive to other people’s feelings, the biggest love ever for family, and ... my hands 💁🏻‍♀️ (we have the exact same hands!) love you mom 💕

Love daily walks 🖤 The calm before the storm ye

Love daily walks 🖤 The calm before the storm yesterday! Omg this snow in NYC today ... It’s so pretty to look at it but 😳
⠀
I’ve always hated cold weather so much... I loved LA the most and when I first got to NY I was really homesick. All i did was compare everything bad about NYC to everything good about LA (it’s cold, it’s not as pretty, i cant find the same kind of food, etc).
⠀
But this year, given everything, I have such a different perspective on it (and so many things). I chose to embrace. And then, like a switch, all of a sudden I love it. I even like the winter (if u know me, u know this is WILD). I have fun with winter fashion, wear a million layers, and CHOOSE to walk everyday for 20-30 minutes so I can move my body and get some air. I throw on an audiobook or podcast and you know what ... it’s not so bad :) I even enjoy it
⠀
You see what you choose to see... and generally speaking, there’s good and bad to most situations. So, NYC: even though you’re not as aesthetically pleasing as palm trees and sunshine, i love you for your rawness, the melting pot of people and culture and style, and for making me walk more than i ever did in LA 😝

Last nights full look 🤍 I find myself having fu

Last nights full look 🤍 I find myself having fun with fashion more than ever these days. I like the escapism, and i think a little healthy escapism is so important for our mental wellbeing 🙌🏼 do more things that bring you joy - it’s good for your immunity 😏
⠀
Sweater: @lacademie_ via @revolve
Jeans: @motherdenim
Hat: @ragandbone
⠀
Comment 🤍 if you want me to add swipe up links in stories?

BIG SALAD ❤️ Every. Single. Day... ⠀ I’m

BIG SALAD ❤️ Every. Single. Day...
⠀
I’m obsessed! Its always around the same thing but i try to switch it up with fresh herbs or veggies to get a variety in my diet... here’s what I added today:

romaine & red leaf lettuce, fresh dill, fresh parsley, cucumber, and endive. And dressing:
⠀
I’m super liberal with cold pressed olive oil (i try to eat mostly cold olive oil, and stick to cooking with avocado and coconut oil. I do the best i can), celtic sea salt (has a much better balance of minerals than table salt so its not as bad for blood pressure. It’s actually good for you in moderation!) and lime ... i like a lot of all 3, and then massage massage massage with your hands for about 1 minute and 😍😍 😍 *chefs kiss*
⠀
Whether you’re fully plantbased or not, getting in your raw greens just does a body (and skin) good 💚 I like a sour palate because i grew up eating Persian food which is a LOT of lemon, lime, and sour flavor. But try this your way. And make sure to massage in dressings because it makes the flavor really stick to the lettuce. Huge step.
⠀
Does anyone else go through food phases? I get really into one thing for a few months then it’s not as much of a daily, but still incorporated (remember my daily kabocha squash for breakfast last year hahah...)

A woman in her 80s stopped me on the street to tel

A woman in her 80s stopped me on the street to tell me this jacket was fabulous... and that’s what i love about NYC 🤩 (also .. her face mask had a painting of a smile that you just seriously can’t help but smile at ☺️ So i paid compliments back, ofc. And also... i told my bf this jacket was a sleeping bag and he believed me 😆)
⠀
What do u think - yay or nay on the jacket? I’m obsessed
⠀
Jacket @normakamali
Blazer @ronnykobo
Boots @paristexas_it

If I’m using a product every single day, I make

If I’m using a product every single day, I make sure it’s clean and chemical-free...
⠀
This is a personal guideline I set when trying to navigate this world which isn’t so black and white. We can’t live in a bubble and be perfect, but at the same time when it’s an everyday product like body wash, toothpaste or laundry detergent, it’s a good idea to be diligent in choosing healthy brands
⠀
i love @spotlight_oral_care because it’s clean and non-toxic, the packaging is made from sugarcane and is 100% biodegradable and carbon negative, and it really whitens teeth! Also how cute is this rose gold sonic toothbrush? Highly recommend an electric toothbrush for keeping teeth white (the charge on this one lasts up to 70 days)
⠀
You can shop @spotlight_oral_care on their website and use my code MONA40 to get 40% off your order #harmfreeoralhealth #ad
⠀
Leave a 💗 if you want to try @spotlight_oral_care - i will send one person a fun package 🥰
⠀
Sweater is @lacademie_ via @revolve
Jeans are @joesjeans

I saw a lot of requests for a clean or not clean v

I saw a lot of requests for a clean or not clean video on household items... that’s coming next 🧹 there are so many candles (free of paraffin and lead-free wick), cleaning supplies (with no fragrance or chemical-free fragrance), essential oils, hand soaps, dish soaps, and more that don’t need to compromise our health 🤍🤍
⠀
It’s not my goal to cause anxiety or fear, but instead to educate on the options we have. My motto continues to be: do the best you can in the environments you control (home, car, workspace). Then let the rest go and live your life ☺️
⠀
Blazer is @thefrankieshop
Console @rh_restoration_hardware
Couch and chairs @cb2
Rug @potterybarn

New product find at @CVS_Beauty 🤍 #Ad This alwa

Nothing like a Sunday stroll on fifth Ave ❄️
⠀
The other day someone suggested I pay more attention to the surroundings while I walk. Practice being present right where I am to feel more grounded. You’d be surprised what you never noticed on the same street you walk by hundreds of times. I can’t explain it but it REALLY works. This is especially important living in a city! It might sound weird but even noticing all of the trees on the street for the first time felt crazy (how did i not see them before?) and comforting. Try it and see how much grounded you feel.
⠀
Leave a 🤍 below if topics like this interest you (I’m VERY into it these days)

Coffee table vibes ♟ Just recently swapped out s

Coffee table vibes ♟ Just recently swapped out some books for this chess set that i loveee. I think it’s fun to have gadgets or interesting things people can pick up / play with (@morgangruber gave me this tip! She’s helped me style the entire apartment).
⠀
Also love big beautiful books 📚 such an easy way to add sophistication
⠀
And color scheme... can you guess what I’m into? Neutrals neutrals neutrals 😍 It feels less busy and cluttered, which just helps keep a cozy but relaxing/zen vibe.
⠀
Should I do a full apartment tour now that it’s 98% finished??
⠀
(chess set is @zgallerie, necklace is @femalequotient, sweater @gucci, jeans @joesjeans)

This week’s groceries:
⠀
ROMAINE HEARTS x 2 🥬 (can’t get enough these days, i love the crunch in my big salad)
⠀
PERSIAN CUCUMBERS X 2 🥒 (i snack on them plain with sea salt, and add to salads)
⠀
CELERY X 3 💚 (it’s the base for most of my green juice and i wash and cut it up to have ready for snacks)
⠀
EGGPLANT 🍆 (..lol...trying out an eggplant curry recipe this week!)
⠀
CAULIFLOWER RICE 🍚 (latest obsession. Just posted my favorite recipe with this on my YouTube channel yesterday)
⠀
KALE 🥬 (to juice, make kale chips, and sauté. I personally don’t love it in salads, it’s too rough)
⠀
TIGER NUTS 🌰 (love making milk with my @almondcow and then adding the tiger nut pulp on top of @thecoconutcult yogurt omggggg try it 🤤)
⠀
Others: @thecoconutcult yogurt, avocados, sweet potatoes @drinkspindrift)
⠀
Is this helpful?? LMK below and if yes I’ll post it more 🤍
⠀
Outfit: @marineserre_official

EXHAUSTED. The amount of hours I put into prepping

EXHAUSTED. The amount of hours I put into prepping for videos, paired with the mental energy of talking / being “on” the whole day drainssss me. I’ve made a new promise to myself to always take the next day off to let my body get the rest it deserves. Rest is good, and needed. I used to feel guilty when I took a break, now I’m proud of myself. Leave a 🤍 if you can relate

My mom and I are so different, but so similar. Si

My mom and I are so different, but so similar. Since I was a little girl I would obsess over being perfect. My hair had to look a certain way and my clothes had to be just right (I definitely still carry that trait, but i try to gently step away from my previous notion of “perfect”). My mom was and is the opposite. She always says “who cares” “you look fine.”
⠀
I’m also super sensitive, and very meticulous with everything I do, and she’s definitely not. Oh, and she can’t stick to a skincare routine for more than like 2 days. We all know where I stand on that🙋🏻‍♀️😆
⠀
A lot of times I’ve let these differences bother me, feeling like I’m not being seen or heard. We all want our parents to understand us. But I’m learning that when I change my expectations of other people and don’t expect them to feel or think the same way I do, I feel so much happier, and our relationship is so much better. It’s a work in progress, forever striving to better myself and my happiness🤍
⠀
And while we may have a lot of differences, I’m so grateful for some of the traits I know I got from her: nurturing, sensitive to other people’s feelings, the biggest love ever for family, and ... my hands 💁🏻‍♀️ (we have the exact same hands!) love you mom 💕

Love daily walks 🖤 The calm before the storm ye

Love daily walks 🖤 The calm before the storm yesterday! Omg this snow in NYC today ... It’s so pretty to look at it but 😳
⠀
I’ve always hated cold weather so much... I loved LA the most and when I first got to NY I was really homesick. All i did was compare everything bad about NYC to everything good about LA (it’s cold, it’s not as pretty, i cant find the same kind of food, etc).
⠀
But this year, given everything, I have such a different perspective on it (and so many things). I chose to embrace. And then, like a switch, all of a sudden I love it. I even like the winter (if u know me, u know this is WILD). I have fun with winter fashion, wear a million layers, and CHOOSE to walk everyday for 20-30 minutes so I can move my body and get some air. I throw on an audiobook or podcast and you know what ... it’s not so bad :) I even enjoy it
⠀
You see what you choose to see... and generally speaking, there’s good and bad to most situations. So, NYC: even though you’re not as aesthetically pleasing as palm trees and sunshine, i love you for your rawness, the melting pot of people and culture and style, and for making me walk more than i ever did in LA 😝

Last nights full look 🤍 I find myself having fu

Last nights full look 🤍 I find myself having fun with fashion more than ever these days. I like the escapism, and i think a little healthy escapism is so important for our mental wellbeing 🙌🏼 do more things that bring you joy - it’s good for your immunity 😏
⠀
Sweater: @lacademie_ via @revolve
Jeans: @motherdenim
Hat: @ragandbone
⠀
Comment 🤍 if you want me to add swipe up links in stories?

BIG SALAD ❤️ Every. Single. Day... ⠀ I’m

BIG SALAD ❤️ Every. Single. Day...
⠀
I’m obsessed! Its always around the same thing but i try to switch it up with fresh herbs or veggies to get a variety in my diet... here’s what I added today:

romaine & red leaf lettuce, fresh dill, fresh parsley, cucumber, and endive. And dressing:
⠀
I’m super liberal with cold pressed olive oil (i try to eat mostly cold olive oil, and stick to cooking with avocado and coconut oil. I do the best i can), celtic sea salt (has a much better balance of minerals than table salt so its not as bad for blood pressure. It’s actually good for you in moderation!) and lime ... i like a lot of all 3, and then massage massage massage with your hands for about 1 minute and 😍😍 😍 *chefs kiss*
⠀
Whether you’re fully plantbased or not, getting in your raw greens just does a body (and skin) good 💚 I like a sour palate because i grew up eating Persian food which is a LOT of lemon, lime, and sour flavor. But try this your way. And make sure to massage in dressings because it makes the flavor really stick to the lettuce. Huge step.
⠀
Does anyone else go through food phases? I get really into one thing for a few months then it’s not as much of a daily, but still incorporated (remember my daily kabocha squash for breakfast last year hahah...)

A woman in her 80s stopped me on the street to tel

A woman in her 80s stopped me on the street to tell me this jacket was fabulous... and that’s what i love about NYC 🤩 (also .. her face mask had a painting of a smile that you just seriously can’t help but smile at ☺️ So i paid compliments back, ofc. And also... i told my bf this jacket was a sleeping bag and he believed me 😆)
⠀
What do u think - yay or nay on the jacket? I’m obsessed
⠀
Jacket @normakamali
Blazer @ronnykobo
Boots @paristexas_it

If I’m using a product every single day, I make

If I’m using a product every single day, I make sure it’s clean and chemical-free...
⠀
This is a personal guideline I set when trying to navigate this world which isn’t so black and white. We can’t live in a bubble and be perfect, but at the same time when it’s an everyday product like body wash, toothpaste or laundry detergent, it’s a good idea to be diligent in choosing healthy brands
⠀
i love @spotlight_oral_care because it’s clean and non-toxic, the packaging is made from sugarcane and is 100% biodegradable and carbon negative, and it really whitens teeth! Also how cute is this rose gold sonic toothbrush? Highly recommend an electric toothbrush for keeping teeth white (the charge on this one lasts up to 70 days)
⠀
You can shop @spotlight_oral_care on their website and use my code MONA40 to get 40% off your order #harmfreeoralhealth #ad
⠀
Leave a 💗 if you want to try @spotlight_oral_care - i will send one person a fun package 🥰
⠀
Sweater is @lacademie_ via @revolve
Jeans are @joesjeans

I saw a lot of requests for a clean or not clean v

I saw a lot of requests for a clean or not clean video on household items... that’s coming next 🧹 there are so many candles (free of paraffin and lead-free wick), cleaning supplies (with no fragrance or chemical-free fragrance), essential oils, hand soaps, dish soaps, and more that don’t need to compromise our health 🤍🤍
⠀
It’s not my goal to cause anxiety or fear, but instead to educate on the options we have. My motto continues to be: do the best you can in the environments you control (home, car, workspace). Then let the rest go and live your life ☺️
⠀
Blazer is @thefrankieshop
Console @rh_restoration_hardware
Couch and chairs @cb2
Rug @potterybarn

New product find at @CVS_Beauty 🤍 #Ad This alwa

An expert in nutrition and natural wellness, and a health coach dedicated to keeping people off medications in the first place.

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