With the rainy season here, this umbrella companion is a Daiso-premium bargain.

Having flipped the calendar to June, we’re clearly not in spring anymore, but many Japanese people would argue that we haven’t really made it to summer just yet. That’s because we’re at the start of tsuyu, or “the rainy season,” a roughly month-long stretch of wet weather that precedes the idyllic fun-in-the-sun section of summer.

As a matter of fact, Tokyo is getting drenched with heavy rains at the time of this writing, which is why we’re happy that we recently hit up Daiso and picked up an extremely handy item that we’re going to be putting to good use in the weeks to come.

This is actually one of Daiso’s premium-priced products, costing double what the chain usually charges for its items. Of course, with Daiso being Japan’s most famous 100 yen shop, that means that the Telescopic Umbrella Cover is still only 200 yen (US$1.30), and for how useful it is, that price feels like a bargain.

Even with Japan’s excellent train/subway network, life here tends to involve a lot of walking, since you’re at least going to need to get to/from the station. But while an umbrella will keep the rain off you while you’re outside, once you head inside or onto a train, you’ve now got a sopping shaft of damp fabric that’s going to wet your clothes, or the clothes of anyone standing close to you on one of Japan’s famously crowded trains.

Daiso’s Telescopic Umbrella Cover is here to solve that problem. Essentially a plastic cup with an accordion-like construction, it’s conveniently compact when scrunched down to its smallest size, but expands to accommodate umbrellas.

Simply insert your umbrella into the cover and push until it reaches your desired length.

Daiso’s case has a number of advantages compared to the disposable thin plastic bag-style slip-on covers provided at some shopping centers and stores in Japan. For one, there’s no trash generated with Daiso’s reusable cover, and unlike the disposable versions, the Daiso cover works not only with long umbrellas with pointy tips, but shorter folding umbrellas, the kind most popular with travelers, too.

Also, when you take your umbrella back out from a plastic-bag cover, you’re left with a bag of water from all the drops that dripped off the fabric. Daiso’s cover instead has a removable cap at the tip so that you can pour out the water in an appropriate place.

And while some umbrellas come with cloth covers to be slipped over them when wet but not in use, you then end up with a soggy fabric cover that’ll need to be washed once you get home, and repeated washings can damage its moisture absorbency. On the other hand, since Daiso’s case is made of plastic, you can simply wipe off the interior surfaces and it’ll be ready to go again.

Really, the only drawback we could see is that the case didn’t completely cover an extra-large 70-centimeter (27.6-inch) long umbrella that we included in our testing, but even then, it provided a long area length of protection.

Daiso’s Telescopic Umbrella Cover even has a chain so that you can clip it to your bag for easier carrying, and with sudden showers being something that can happen even after the “rainy season” is done, we might have one of these with us all summer long.

Photos ©SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Eudaemonius posted a photo:

Lotte’s canned water makes its convenience store debut.

The first time you take a look at the drink section in a Japanese convenance store, you might be surprised by some of the packaging, specifically the things that you can buy in cans. Canned coffee and cocktails can be found in pretty much every convenience store in the country, and while not as common, canned teas aren’t all that shocking to see here either.

But even we were surprised to find out that 7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water.

The Day is a brand of canned water from Lotte, who’s best known as a candy and snack food maker. They’re now in the water game too, though, and while the black-can The Day is carbonated, the red version isn’t.

▼ The Day went on sale through online shops and discount retailers in September, but just made its convenience store debut at 7-Eleven on May 5.

The visual design looks more like something you’d see for an energy drink or beer, and the contrast feels even more pronounced when you see The Day next to other brands of water, which tend to go with nature imagery and transparencies as their main visual motifs.

Lotte says they chose The Day’s name to symbolize its concept as “a water that lifts your spirts” and will give you a great day. There are no additional energy boosting chemicals or supplements added, though. The Day is simply canned natural mineral water, sourced from the town of Yaizu in Shizuoka Prefecture, according to the can’s text.

▼ And yes, we did accidentally drop this can on our way back from 7-Eleven, leading to the first time in our lives that we can say that we dented our water.

Once back in our taste-testing center, we cracked open the non-sparkling The Day for a comparison with Suntory’s Tennensui, one of Japan’s most popular bottled water brands.

Oddly enough, while the red-can The Day is supposed to be the non-sparkling variety, after we poured some into a glass we did still see some air bubbles. Not so many that we’d call it a full-on carbonated beverage, and this might just be a side-effect of the canning process, as opposed to an intentional design choice, but still, the water wasn’t completely still.

Taste-testing duties fell to our ace reporter Mr. Sato, and he says The Day’s mouthfeel is smooth, imparting a refreshing sensation as it glides down your throat. He reports no unpleasant metallic taste or aroma either, so while it feels unusual to be drinking water from a can, the flavor isn’t funny, and is perfectly satisfying.

But why has Lotte chosen to put The Day in cans, and not the plastic bottles that are the industry norm? In its press release, the company says it sees the day as “One answer to the needs of a new age of wellness,” and the choice of more easily recyclable aluminum seems to be an extension of that philosophy. The uniqueness factor probably doesn’t hurt either, as the packaging and design really do stand out against other brands of water. Lotte might also be hoping that the more substantial feel of a can helps position The Day as a premium product, and at a price of 158 yen (US$1) for a 480-mililiter (16.2-ounce) can, it is a little on the pricy side, as most other water brands are 140 yen or less for a 500-miiliter bottle.

There is one clear drawback to The Day being in a can, though, which is that once you pop the top, there’s no way to close it back up again. This isn’t an issue for coffee or alcoholic beverages, since they tend to be things where people drink the entire can shortly after opening it. Regardless of whether it started out hot or iced, coffee tends to taste significantly worse once it gets to room temperature, and beer and cocktails aren’t the kind of drinks most people go walking around with. A lot of people, though, buy a bottle of water while commuting to work or out on a walk, take a few sips, then put the cap back on so they can toss the bottle in their bag and have some more when they feel thirsty again a little later on.

By nature of being in a can, The Day doesn’t lend itself to that “I’ll have a little now, and then the rest later on” style of consumption, making it a much less convenient choice than its competitors. On the other hand, being locked into drinking the whole can once you’ve opened it does promote taking the time to mindfully hydrate, and with Japan’s cruelly hot kokushobi-level summer weather on the way, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Photos ©SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Eudaemonius posted a photo:

Eudaemonius posted a photo:

Eudaemonius posted a photo:

Intense summer heat means new safety rules and ice-cold drinks.

Summer in Japan is popular for many things, from festivals and fireworks to delicious and refreshing treats, but there is also another undeniable aspect to the season: it gets pretty hot. In fact, in recent times with consistently high temperatures, the Japan Meteorological Agency officially introduced a new term to refer to days that reach over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), meaning that working outside this summer is not likely to be an easy feat. So, Japan Post has announced an update on how they will be looking to keep their hard-working staff safe as they strive to deliver mail in a timely manner.

The Ministry of the Environment utilizes a heat index called WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) to issue safety warnings, which will be referenced by Japan Post’s new policy to determine their course of action. Under this policy, if a “Heatstroke Special Alert” is issued (when the index is predicted to hit 35 degrees Celsius [95 degrees Fahrenheit]), all outdoor deliveries and collections by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, and pushcart will be temporarily suspended to protect workers. Additionally, on standard “Heatstroke Alert” days (with the index at 33 or above) or when the temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius, local postmasters can shift the delivery windows to completely avoid the hottest afternoon hours.

For the general public, this doesn’t have a significant impact, with general mail being a little slower to arrive. However, if you’ve selected a specific time slot for a package delivery on an intensely hot day, particularly around midday, there is a possibility that it might arrive later than scheduled on the same day or on a later date.

▼ Just show a little patience, instead of reaching for your phone to complain.

To make these gruelling outdoor shifts more comfortable, Japan Post is also allowing some extra gear to be worn, so you might see your local mail carriers rocking some cool sunglasses, neck coolers or fan-equipped vests.

Mail carriers are now officially encouraged to take quick hydration stops at convenience stores during their route, so don’t be surprised if you see a postal worker stopping in for a brief breather and grabbing a refreshing beverage.

This summer, if your mail happens to take a slightly more relaxed route on a blazing afternoon, don’t get too worked up. Sit back, crank up the air conditioning, and enjoy a cold drink, because your delivery is still safely on its way, being carried by a team that is also looking to stay cool and hydrated.

Source: Impress Watch via Yahoo Japan via Hachima Kikou
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert image: Pakutaso
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Rising security and economic tensions prompting consideration of new rules to make it harder for foreigners to buy property in Japan.

In December, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party announced its intent to introduce legislation to add new restrictions to the ability of foreigners to purchase real estate in Japan. In March, a government expert panel began holding meetings to discuss possible changes legal changes in order to address the economic and security concerns being voiced by proponents of increased regulation, with the aim of making a proposal by the end of the currently ongoing parliamentary session, which is scheduled to end in midsummer.

That timetable is now getting shifted back, as the panel is now saying that it is postponing any possible recommended bans on foreigners purchasing property until this coming fall.

The push for tighter restrictions reflects two growing concerns among a vocal portion of the Japanese population. The first is espionage threats from foreign countries, with China the most commonly perceived potential perpetrator. Under the current laws, foreign nationals buying real estate within close proximity to Japan Self-Defense Force bases, nuclear power plants, and other facilities deemed to be sensitive sites from a national security standpoint must disclose their nationality and declare the purchase to the Japanese government. Among the ideas being considered by the panel are installing a framework where instead of simply declaring such purchases, the buyer would have to apply for a license to complete the transaction, granting the government a form of veto power to stop the sale.

Real estate purchases by foreigners have also been attracting increased negative attention in Japan for economic reasons. While Japan’s total population is shrinking, it’s also becoming more concentrated. Instances of foreign buyers purchasing condominium buildings in high-demand areas and aggressively raising rents beyond what the current residents can bear, turning individual condo units into short-term rentals for ill-mannered tourists, or purchasing tracts of land for disruptively large redevelopment projects may still represent only a portion of real estate transactions in Japan, but when they do happen the public and policymakers definitely notice.

Unfortunately, there’s a third group of people who could get caught up in any wide-ranging ban on foreigners buying property: law-abiding foreign residents of Japan who simply want to purchase a place to live. Hopefully the panel will realize and remember that not every foreigner looking to buy real estate in Japan is a spy or speculator, and will leave a path for home ownership open to them within whatever recommendations it makes in the fall.

Source: Yomiuri Shimbun via Jin, Japan Times (1, 2)
Top image: Pakutaso
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

It’s that time of year: Easter is just around the corner, and with it comes all the joy of spring’s most delicious offerings. Carrot cake is back, asparagus and arugula are making their seasonal return, and al fresco dining is officially in full swing. And while planning an Easter menu can feel a little overwhelming, these vegan Easter recipes make it easy to put together a spread that feels festive, fresh, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to add more vegetables to your holiday table, these vegan Easter recipes are true standouts. They bring just as much beauty and joy to the celebration as Easter itself, proving that a meal centered around produce can still feel special, abundant, and completely satisfying.

20 Vegan Easter Recipes to Brighten Up Your Table

Traditions vary, but my family typically gathers for Easter in the mid-afternoon. It gives the morning a slower, more relaxed pace and leaves just enough time between lunch and dinner to “rest your eyes,” as my dad would say. There’s no rush to pull together a full brunch situation, and you can graze your way through the afternoon and into the evening. It really is the best of both worlds! That said, more power to the brunch people—there’s nothing like a beautiful spring table in the early afternoon to brighten the day and spark a little extra joy.

And here’s the best part: every recipe on this list works beautifully no matter how you celebrate. From vegan Easter brunch ideas and seasonal side dishes to crowd-pleasing mains, cocktails, and desserts, these vegan Easter recipes make it easy to build a menu everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a fully plant-based gathering or simply adding a few fresh spring dishes to the table, these recipes are festive, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating the season.

Roasted Carrot and Red Pepper Hummus Flatbread

For a heartier plant-based offering, this vegan flatbread is delish (and simple to whip up!). If you blitz the hummus ahead of time, all that’s left to do is warm your pita, smear on copious amounts of hummus, and top with your favorite veggies.

Get the Recipe

Classic Easy Bruschetta

As a recent tomato fan (used to hate them, sorry), I’m all about bruschetta as an appetizer. This classic bruschetta is, well, classic. All it takes is fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to bring those bruschetta dreams to life. Oh, and toasty sourdough to house these gorgeous toppings. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that you definitely can’t go wrong with!

Get the Recipe

Vegan Pesto

I like to call this one “anytime pesto” because it takes about ten minutes to go from blender to bowl and enhances just about anything you pair it with. You could use this to top bruschetta, pair with crudités, or as a “sauce” option with your Easter spread. Whichever way you choose to take it, be sure to top this pesto with lots of toasted pine nuts and fresh basil.

Get the Recipe

Rainbow Beet Salad

We love this recipe for how it celebrates the season during one of spring’s most joyful gatherings. The colors feel especially festive, and the fresh ingredients make it a lovely contrast to heavier holiday dishes. It’s simple, stunning, and made to be shared.

Get the Recipe

Detox Salad With Cashew-Tamari Dressing

This is exactly the kind of Easter side we want to serve: seasonal, nourishing, and effortlessly beautiful. The mix of greens, crunchy vegetables, and creamy cashew-tamari dressing makes every bite feel special. Plus, those edible flowers make it feel especially festive for a spring gathering.

Get the Recipe

5-Ingredient Citrus Salad

I’ll never stop raving about this easier-than-pie citrus salad. All you have to do is peel and slice up a mix of citrus fruits, top with shaved red onion and marcona almonds, and finish with olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it! It’s a whole that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts, and it makes a stunning centerpiece to any table.

Get the Recipe

Pea Salad with Mint and Microgreens

Whether you’re Team Pea or Team Anti-Pea, you can’t help but admire this gorgeously green side dish. It’s full of springtime veggies like peas (duh), spinach, and sugar snap peas. Plus, it gives such spring vibes, no?

Get the Recipe

Einkorn Salad With Charred Squash

In this salad, einkorn berries straight from the husk are tapped as a textural topping that complements each beautiful element in play. You’ll cook the entire kabocha squash until it’s tender throughout, then layer with radishes, mustard seeds, pine nuts, herbs, and—of course—the einkorn. Consider this your new favorite spring salad, unlocked.

Get the Recipe

The Best Simple Green Salad

This simple green salad with walnuts and fresh herbs is the ideal sidekick to any other vegan Easter recipes you’ve got on your table. It’s simple enough to complement mains without overpowering any flavors. Pro tip? Shake up that dressing the night before so you can drizzle it over the lettuce right before serving.

Get the Recipe

Charlie Bird Farro Salad

Arugula, cherry tomatoes, pistachios, farro, radish, mint, and more—yes, more—come together to make this stunning salad that’s primed and ready to elevate your Easter table. It boasts the perfect balance of heartiness from the farro and freshness from the veggies, with herbs and crunchy pistachios sealing the deal on flavor and texture.

Get the Recipe

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a lean, green, and not-so-mean staple for any and all pasta salad lovers. The green content is off the charts, so you can pack in lots of veggies in a different format than your typical salad. It celebrates artichokes, avocado, peas, cucumbers, and a whole slew of fresh herbs to tie it all together.

Get the Recipe

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

If your Easter table could use something a little cozy, this is the recipe to make. It brings rich flavor and velvety texture, but still feels light enough for a spring gathering. Topped with pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and a drizzle of coconut milk, it’s as pretty as it is satisfying. 

Get the Recipe

Roasted Mushrooms with Thyme and Smoked Salt

In case you missed it, mushrooms are the new superfood. And in this recipe, they’re superstars as well. You’ll take the little gems to the skillet with olive oil, garlic, and thyme and sauté until they’re caramelized and browned. Then, add in a touch of ghee, apple cider vinegar, and dijon mustard. You can serve these alongside a vegan main or eat them as-is—either way is stunning.

Salt & Vinegar Crispy Potatoes

It’s not an exaggeration to say that these are the best potatoes I’ve ever had. As a devout fan of sea salt and vinegar chips, I was immediately inclined to try this OG potato version. And they did not disappoint. Not only are they easy to make, but the recipe only calls for four ingredients that I almost always have on hand. Run, don’t walk to make these—you won’t regret it.

Get the Recipe

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Yes, vegan mashed potatoes are possible and delicious! Here, you’re getting all the buttery, potato-y goodness of traditional mashed potatoes without the actual butter. That’s right—these mashed potatoes let the tuber itself shine with lots of olive oil-laced flavor and texture. They’re silky smooth and only taste indulgent. You get a healthier spin without sacrificing taste. Total win-win.

Get the Recipe

Salty Dog Cocktail

Grapefruit, vodka, and agave come together to create a vibrant cocktail that’s perfect for spring. It’s easy to mix up and refreshing thanks to the tart grapefruit. The best part? You can batch it with everything but the sparkling water, which you can add to each glass just before serving.

Get the Recipe

Elderberry Spring Cocktail

Vodka, St. Germain, meyer lemon juice, and sparkling water are all you need to make this showstopping spring sipper. It’s festive with those gorgeous floral ice cubes, so I encourage you to give those a try. Dainty chamomile flowers make the cutest cubes, but feel free to experiment! Lavender, forget-me-not’s, thyme—the possibilities are endless.

Get the Recipe

Gluten-Free & Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot cake, but in miniature, grab-and-go form. On top of that, this recipe is a cleaned-up classic that you can come back to over and over. With oat milk, maple syrup, walnuts, and shredded carrots, this cupcake is perfect in every way.

Get the Recipe

Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcakes

This gluten-free, vegan strawberry shortcake is a true spring classic—reimagined with a lighter, plant-based twist that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. With crisp, golden biscuits that stay tender inside and just sweet enough to let the juicy strawberries shine, it’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Get the recipe

Banana-Cashew Baked Oatmeal

You know all about chilled overnight oats, but let me introduce you to a warm-style oatmeal bake that you can meal prep for your gathering. This oatmeal combines banana, peanut butter, cashews, and cinnamon plus oats and ground flaxseed to bulk up the health benefits. You can prep this entirely beforehand, then either bake it immediately and reheat the next day, or refrigerate and wait to enjoy it straight out of the oven. You can’t go wrong with either.

Get the Recipe

This post was last updated on March 31, 2026, to include new insights.

The post 20 Plant-Based Easter Recipes (That Everyone Will Want to Devour) appeared first on Camille Styles.

KOTA BHARU, June 3 — Four exotic birds worth approximately RM100,000, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand, were seized by the General Operations Force (GOF) in an operation near the illegal Kak Nah jetty in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, yesterday. 

GOF Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the seizure was carried out under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan at about 7 pm after a Strike Force team detected a man unloading several cages on the Malaysian side of Sungai Golok. 

He said the suspect fled by boat towards the Thai riverbank upon realising the presence of GOF personnel. 

“Inspection of the abandoned cages found two Blue-and-Gold Macaws and two Blue-fronted Amazon parrots, believed to have been brought in without valid permits. 

“Also seized were two cages used to transport the birds, bringing the total value of the seizure to an estimated RM100,200,” he said in a statement today. 

According to Ahmad Radzi, the case has been handed over to the Kelantan Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) for further investigation and action under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). 

He said the exotic birds are believed to be intended for local buyers, adding that patrols and monitoring along the border will continue to be intensified to curb wildlife smuggling activities. — Bernama

With spring comes a craving for fresh, bright flavors—the kind of meals that feel as vibrant and alive as the season itself. And when it comes to eating in a way that fuels our glow, nothing beats spring salads filled with peak-season ingredients, bursting with color, and layered with unexpected textures.

18 Spring Salads That Nourish From the Inside Out

But these are not your average bowls of leafy greens. We’re leaning into crisp snap peas with honeyed feta, ruby-red grapefruit paired with creamy avocado, and a caprese that swaps tomatoes for the first sweet strawberries of spring. These recipes are proof that salad can be both deeply nourishing and utterly crave-worthy.

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

We love this recipe because it brings together everything a great spring salad should have: freshness, crunch, and a little unexpected twist. The crispy rice turns a classic cucumber salad into something totally addictive.

Get the Recipe

Broccoli Caesar Salad

A good Caesar is always a crowd-pleaser, and this version brings something new to the table. Swapping in broccoli gives it more texture, more color, and a spring-ready feel without losing that craveable Caesar flavor.

Get the Recipe

Erewhon Kale White Bean Salad

This salad has that polished, café-counter energy we love, but it’s easy enough to make at home. Creamy white beans, hearty kale, and a bright dressing come together in a way that feels fresh, filling, and very repeatable.

Get the Recipe

Crispy Torn Halloumi Salad

If a salad needs one thing to make it instantly more exciting, it’s halloumi. Seared until golden and crisp, it adds the perfect contrast to the fresh, juicy ingredients underneath and makes the whole bowl feel a little more special.

Get the Recipe

Mediterranean Kale Salad

There’s a reason Mediterranean flavors work so well in a salad like this. They bring that perfect balance of brightness, saltiness, crunch, and creaminess, making the whole bowl feel vibrant, satisfying, and easy to crave.

Get the Recipe

Green Salad With Sesame Dressing

It’s the kind of salad that pairs with everything but still holds its own. Light, crunchy greens and a bold sesame dressing create a balance that feels effortless, satisfying, and perfect for spring meals.

Get the Recipe

Grilled Romaine Salad with Cherries and Feta

This is the salad we make when we want something that feels both fresh and a little unexpected. The romaine picks up a smoky char on the grill, while cherries and Meyer lemon bring a burst of brightness that keeps it feeling light and spring-forward.

Get the Recipe

Citrus Salmon Salad With Avocado & Arugula

This one feels especially made for the season’s first warm evenings. Served on a platter with all those vivid citrus slices and greens, it has that relaxed, dinner-party energy while still being practical enough for an average Tuesday. 

Get the Recipe

Farmers Market Steak Salad

Nothing says spring dinner quite like a salad that’s equal parts fresh and satisfying. It’s packed with color, crunch, and fresh flavor, but still has the richness that makes you want to make it again for dinner tomorrow. 

Get the Recipe

Chopped Radicchio Salad

What makes this salad so special is how it turns simple seasonal ingredients into something that feels really revitalizing. Between the roasted sweet potato, crisp radicchio, and briny, citrusy finish, it’s a beautiful way to eat for both comfort and energy.

Get the Recipe

Quinoa Cauliflower Salad

For a recipe built on such simple ingredients, this one delivers so much flavor and texture. Roasted cauliflower, quinoa, crunchy cashews, and citrus make it feel filling but still light enough for spring. 

Get the Recipe

Mediterranean Tuna & White Bean Salad

Some recipes earn a permanent spot in the warm-weather rotation, and this is one of them. The mix of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients makes it feel sunny and polished, and it only gets better after a little time in the fridge. 

Get the Recipe

Zucchini Ribbon Salad

More than just a side dish, this salad adds instant color and freshness to any spring menu. The shaved zucchini and squash keep it delicate, while the herbs, pistachios, and lemon bring the kind of brightness that makes everything else on the table feel better. 

Get the Recipe

Rainbow Beet Salad

This salad feels like the kind of thing you set down in the center of the table, and everyone immediately reaches for. The colors alone make it memorable, but it’s the lime dressing and savory dukkah that give it the kind of layered flavor that keeps you going back for another bite. 

Get the Recipe

Beet, Farro, & Goat Cheese Salad

This is exactly the sort of salad that works as well for a weekday desk lunch as it does on a spring dinner table. It’s hearty enough to hold up in the fridge, but still has that crisp, just-dressed energy from the greens, herbs, and vinaigrette. 

Get the Recipe

Grapefruit, Avocado, and Golden Beet Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas and Feta

This is the kind of salad that makes healthy eating feel genuinely beautiful. It’s packed with colorful produce, layered textures, and bold flavor, creating a dish that feels as uplifting and glow-giving as it looks.

Get the Recipe

Snap Pea Salad

We love this recipe because it proves a salad doesn’t need leafy greens to feel wholesome and complete. The mix of sweet peas, cucumbers, white beans, and herbs makes it bright and protein-packed, with the goat cheese and feta adding just the right creamy finish. 

Get the Recipe

Strawberry Caprese Salad

This is the kind of spring salad that feels just as fitting for a weekday lunch as it does for a dinner party starter. It’s simple, no-cook, and built around a handful of ingredients that let peak-season strawberries really shine. 

Get the Recipe

This post was last updated on May 2, 2026, to include new insights.

The post 18 Spring Salads That Nourish Your Inner Glow appeared first on Camille Styles.

A number of fantastic ducks lined up in the month of June and I want to talk about all of them, but there isn’t time to do it in one giant post. One duck, however, took the form of appearing at the 14th International Melville Society Conference to speak about my time aboard the Charles W. Morgan eleven years ago. (You can read the comic about that trip here.)

I read Moby-Dick for the first time a handful of years ago and loved it, but I wouldn’t call myself a Melville scholar. However, attending this conference felt like a great chance to scratch the academic itch without, say, going to grad school.

I ended up spending the whole week taking visual notes, which allowed me to drop into a type of weightless, fixated attention that I’ve really missed in my caregiving life. It also helped give me something to do during panels where I felt a little, uh, out of my depth.

When I’m drawing, words just wash over me. I can pluck the ones that resonate in the moment, then step back at the end of the hour and get a picture of what I took away from the talk. I particularly loved the freedom to just wander into panels where I had no idea what the speakers were talking about, only to come away newly-enthused about some niche avenue into Melville’s work.

Time and time again the attendees emphasized how unique this conference is in its warmth and intellectual diversity. I met scientists and art historians and medievalists and printmakers and disability scholars and tall ship sailors and filmmakers and many, many professors. It was a dreamy, albeit intense, four days.

Here are the notes from every talk I attended, all drawn straight to ink during the speakers’ presentations (usually about 20 minutes per person).

The biggest takeaway was that we need embedded cartoonists at all sorts of academic conferences—and the demand is there! People were so thrilled to see this kind of work coming out of the event, and there are lots of journals hungry to publish unusual creative content alongside academic papers.

Something to pursue…eventually. Got a couple things* to wrap up first.

_{*unfathomably vast creative projects}