Work It Own It

My favorite vegan spot in Phoenix is hands down, Nami Vegan Sweets. Finding vegan food while you're traveling isn't always easy, (it definitely depends on where you're going) but when you find a place that's high-quality, there's nothing better. Now every time I visit AZ I make a point of stopping by Nami's.

Nami is famous for their tSoynami, an organic soy soft-serve ice cream. It has the creamiest texture, and I personally think it tastes better than regular soft-serve. It's made with organic unrefined cane sugar, organic soy and coconut milk.

You can pick between chocolate, vanilla or swirl, and then get topping crazy! They have fresh fruit, hot fudge, cookies, cereal, cakes, coconut, and all kinds of delicious goodies. If the option to build-your own is overwhelming you can go with a Signature tSoynami like S'mores, PB & J, Clunky Monkey, or Chai Tiramisu to name a few. They also offer a variety of fruit tSoynami flavors as well.

The tSoynami is huge too! I decided to keep it simple & build my own with chocolate, banana & hot fudge. I was definitely full after half, but obviously I ate the rest like a champ. It's that delicious!

This is how you'll feel after your first bite...

Now, onto their baked goods. They offer so many types of pastries, all of which are vegan and a majority are gluten-free too. It's the perfect spot for you morning coffee & treat, or for that after-noon pick me up. They also have a hearty breakfast menu, which I have to try next time. Their coffee is sourced from local Phoenix roaster Xanadu, and it's so good & tastes just like real coffee should.

I'm a sucker for donuts and strawberries, so when I saw this deliciousness I was sold.

Make sure to stop by their sister restaurant Green, for lunch or dinner. It's New Age Vegetarian, with lots of vegan and gluten-free options. Everything is fresh, primarily organic and NON-GMO. The food is influenced by so many different cuisines like, Thai, Mexican & classic American fare. The menu is stacked with appetizers, rice bowls, saladas, sandwiches, & burgers. Plus it's right next door to Nami, so it make sure you save room for some sweets after.

Whether you're about to go to your 1st festival, or you've been curious, but hesitant to invest in a ticket... this article is going to help you pack, share some insider tips, and hopefully inspire you to just buy the damn ticket. I believe everyone should attend at least one music festival in their life.

For the longest time I wanted to go to one, but was afraid to make the commitment and spend the money. What if I don't have fun? I should pay off my student-loans instead. What if all hell breaks loose and I get lost and can't find my friends? Pretty much all the negative thoughts and fears filled my brain. But then I thought, "Life is fucking short and I don't want to wake up and be 37, having never gone to a festival." So when my friend asked me if I wanted to go to EZOO, I was like, "Oh hell yeah. I'm in."

Finally saying yes to this dream paid off. I had an incredible time! I met so many amazing people, and left feeling energized and inspired. Seeing hundreds of thousands of people come together through music, and dance to the same beat was a surreal experience. The energy from the crowd is contagious. There's no feeling more powerful than being surrounded by positive energy and feeling the vibrations from the music run through your body. Once you go to your first festival, you're going to want to start planning your next one.

To make sure you have the best experience possible, follow these helpful tips to keep yourself safe and vibing at your best frequency.

Watch the video at the end to see what my first festival was really like!

15 Tips For Surviving Your 1st Music Festival

1. BRING THE RIGHT BAG

Ok ladies, please don't think you can just bring a clutch and everything will be fine. Find a cute cross-body or backpack (my personal fave) that you can store your essentials in. Having something to carry isn't always fun, but prepare yourself for success. You can't expect your organized friend with a bag to have room for your shit.

The same goes for you fellas, you're gonna be in for a rude awakening if all you bring is your wallet. I saw a lot of guys rock the drawstring backpack or even fanny-packs (which was a pretty hilarious sight).

Bringing this backpack was the best decision ever!

2. REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE

You're already dropping some serious dough on tickets, don't waste it on an $8 water bottle. Pack your go-to reusable bottle (I'm a Hydro Flask girl all the way), or if you're afraid of loosing it, pack a SEALED water bottle... and don't make the mistake of opening it before you make it past security. There are water stations throughout the venue where you can fill-up during the festival.

3. SPF! DON'T BE STUBBORN

Speaking as a fair skinned gal that burns like a lobster, SPF 30 was the first thing I packed. If you're someone who magically never burns, than disregard this tip. But be realistic, you're going to be out in the sun all day, there's usually limited shade, and if you're going for multiple days... you don't want your vibes torched by a painful sunburn.

4. HAVE FUN WITH MAKE-UP

Anything goes as far as make-up at a festival. Now's your chance to go for it & do something wild you wouldn't normally do. Experiment with bold colors, glitter or a statement lip. Just don't obsess over lookin perfect, because you're gonna sweat A LOT. Between dancing & being outside, that beautiful full-face of makeup you spent an hour doing is going to melt off.