July 2010

Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco Shampoo and Conditioner

Though a little spendier than some brands, I have been using this set of products for years and avsolutely love the rich and luxurious scent and feel it gives to my hair.

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT57&PRODUCT_ID=188

Living the Good Life

An inspiring book about the Nearings, a 50 year old couple who, with no former knowledge or experience, crafted several of their own environmentally friendly dwellings, and planted their own food year round. The book is a detailed account of the triumphs and missteps of their process. Years ahead of their time (during the great depression), many thought they were crazy and they were ridiculed and at times even isolated from their communities, they pursued a fulfilling existence, living off their land and enjoying the freedom of separation from the mainstream economy and lifestyle.

The Power of Intention

Written by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, this book is a wonderful tutorial on how to manifest your life and connect with intention by applying the seven faces of it; creativity, kindness, love, beauty, ever-expansiveness, abundance, and receptivity. 

Granola

3 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 cup dried cherries

preheat oven to 250 degrees

in a large bowl combine oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar

in a separate bowl whisk vanilla, maple syrup, and coconut oil

pour wet mixture over the oats and mix until coated

spread onto 2 sheet pans and place in the oven

bake for an hour and fifteen minutes stirring the granola every fifteen minutes

add dried cherries

enjoy with milk or yogurt!

May 10, 2010

Recipes:

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies
My delicious twist on the classic cookie.

Preheat oven to 350

cream together:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar

add and beat until it has an airy consistency:
1 egg
1/2 tsp orange oil or zest of 1 orange

whisk and add to butter mixture:
1 cup and 2 tblsp flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

add:
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Using a tablespoon, scoop batter onto a baking sheet. Recipe should yield 12-16 cookies. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until light brown. If you prefer crunchy rather than chewy, bake for 5 minutes longer.

 Hibiscus Tea
A most refreshing treat for hot summer days. Can be mixed with white wine or champaigne for a lovely cocktail.

Combine and mix well:
8 cups cold water
2 cups dried hibiscus petals
zest of 3 oranges
1 cup sugar

Allow to sit for 8-12 hours in a cool, dry place. Strain and enjoy.

Books:

Anatomy of the Spirit
One of the most captivating and influential books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Caroline Myss, a medical intuitive, delves deep into the worlds of energy, the chakras, spirituality, and healing oneself inside and out. It is my personal belief that everyone should read this book.

 The Eight Human Talents

Gurmukh explores the seven chakras of the human body through the lens of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. She gives detailed descriptions of poses, breathing exercises, and meditations that benefit each of the chakras. She also shares intimate anecdotes about her successes in utilizing all that she describes. This is a wonderful book for people seeking peace or a new perspective on the human experience.

Miscellaneous:

Rejuvenating Facial Toner

While shopping in a funky organic store in San Miguel de Allende, my mom stumbled across an awesome product. I use this botanical toner all over my body and face. It moisturizes and renews the skin with rose water, aloe vera, green tea, carrot seed oil, and many other organic ingredients. Although the woman who makes this product distributes exclusively in Mexico, we have bought several bottles and I am able to distribute them, $19 a bottle, as desired.

 Macrame Bracelets
In my third trimester of pregnancy, the extremely active lifestyle I am accustomed to has been modified quite a bit. I have had to find alternative outlets for my creative energy and macrame is one of them. I have found it simple and therapeutic with endless artistic outcomes.

you will need:
2 pieces of thread (silk, cotton, rubber, hemp, whatever you choose) one 4 inches longer than your wrist on each side, and one twice as long.
a clip board
beads
super glue

Begin by clipping the wrist length piece to the clipboard allowing the 4 inches of excess to be under the clip.

Make a U with the longer piece and place the center under the wrist length piece with one side of the U on the right and one on the left.

Place the right side of the U under the wrist length piece and over the left side of the U.

Keeping the left side of the U under the right side, place it over the wrist length piece and under the loop created by the right side.

If you wish to have a spirally design keep up this pattern, starting from the right. If you wish to have a flat design, alternate right and left.

You may place beads on the center string and macrame around them in any fashion you desire.

To finish your design, snip the U threads as close to the knot as possible and dab the last knot with super glue.

To create the clasp, overlap the 4 inch pieces and macrame about a half an inch around the 2 threads. Cut and glue as you did for your design. Add beads or knots to the very ends, so the macrame clasp cannot come off.