Chewy Noel Bars:

My mother has been making Chewy Noels for years and it is something that I look forward to at the holidays. They are a chewy bar cookie made with brown sugar and walnuts that just scream Christmas and invoke that warm, fuzzy feeling that we all need this time of year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Perhaps they can become a tradition in your family as well.

CHEWY NOEL BARS (COOKIES)

4 tbsp. butter
2 c. brown sugar
2 c. nuts, chopped (I like walnuts-but you can use whatever nut you prefer)
2/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. vanilla
Powdered sugar

In a 9 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish, melt butter. Stir together brown sugar, nuts, flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Carefully pour over butter in pan. (Do NOT stir in.) Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Sift powdered sugar over top. Cool; cut into bars.

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Be Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving to All! Please be sure to remember those less fortunate than ourselves this season.

www.salvationarmyusa.org/

www.redcross.org/

www.nokidhungry.org/

feedingamerica.org/

www.cityharvest.org/

    
Warm regards and love,
Erin 

Apple Picking In NY

Ahhh - take a deep breath and smell the crisp fresh air of fall. I absolutely love this time of year and all it brings. The crisp cool days, sunny skies, leaves turning, hiking in my favorite spots with the family and of course apple picking time.



We always try to get out to a local orchard every year and do some apple picking. One of our favorites is in New Paltz, NY and it has corn mazes, horse rides, and lots of fun extra things to do. Well, to be honest that place got a little crowded to say the least, so we ventured to other pick your own locations and had just as great of a time. Some of the places we have gone are Dresell Farms, Fishkill Farms, and Hurd's Family Farm.

All of the farms we have visted are excellent, all have acres and acres of farm land with everything imaginable to pick and buy at their farmers markets. I can't wait to buy some apple cider donuts. Always a special treat while we are out picking apples.


So whereever you venture off to to pick your apples make sure it is local and you have fun doing it.


Happy Fall everyone!

Warm regards and love,
Erin

PS: here are some website to get you started:

www.dresselfarms.com
www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com
www.minardfarms.com
www.maskers.com
www.http://fishkillfarms.com/

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is a great natural treatment solution. It is most potent directly from an aloe plant, from the inner layer of leaves.  It can be used for small cuts and minor burns and also skin irritations.  Not only is aloe a powerful natural healing agent it can also be processed and used in food, medicine, beverages and cosmetics production.  Be aware that too much in your food or drink can cause a laxative effect.

Aloe Vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs. [1]
Common Names—aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant’s gall
Latin Names—Aloe Vera, Aloe barbadensis

Pure Aloe also has antibacterial properties and can be used to disinfect. It is soothing and promotes healing of wounds. We know this plant mainly for it healing, soothing and moisturizing capabilities. The benefit of Aloe Vera can be credited to its many nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins c, folic acid, B1, B2, B3 & B6, calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.  

Use Aloe from your own plant or go to the store and pick up a bottle of pure Aloe. It is a great solution to have on hand.

To grow your own Aloe Vera Plant you must keep it inside unless you live in a very warm climate all year round. They are succulent plants and are 95% water and require full sun and moderately fertile soil with fast drainage. Allow soil to become completely dry before watering plant each time.

Warm regards and love -

Erin

 [1] National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts have amazing health benefits–here are 10 ways to use Epsom salts, including a relaxing bath, a face scrub and a hair volumizer. It’s also a miracle cure-all, helping to remove splinters and reduce swelling of sprains and bruises. Amazing stuff!

I always knew that soaking in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salts was good for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body, and here is why. Epsom salts are made of the mineral magnesium sulfate which is a sedative for the nervous system.

When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more.

Relaxing and sedative bath: Soak in warm water and 2 cups of Epsom salt

Foot soak: Soothe aches, remove odors and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry.

Soak sprains and bruises: Epsom salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups epsom salt to a warm bath, and soak.

Splinter remover: Soak in epsom salt, it will draw out the splinter.

Face cleaner: To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

Homemade skin mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of non-fat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt. For normal to dry skin, mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt.

Skin exfoliator: Massage handfuls of epsom salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face. Have a bath or shower to rinse.

Remove excess oil from hair: Epsom salt soaks up excess oil from hair. Add 9 tablespoons of epsom salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse.
 

Remove hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup epsom salt. Combine, cover and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo as normal.

Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.

Warm regards and love,

Erin

AHA's = Alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are fruit acids derived from edibles like grapes, apples, oranges, milk, and cane sugar. These gentle acids dissolve clumps of dead cells, clearing them away. Some researchers also speculate that AHAs may stimulate collagen production. The bottom line: AHAs make skin more luminous. On an ingredients list, look for glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, or tartaric acid.



•Try an AHA facial cleanser It will let you exfoliate and clean your skin at the same time.

•Use a moisturizer with an AHA This double-duty product locks moisture into skin while also whisking away dead cells. Glycolic acid is one of the most popular AHAs found in moisturizers; most over-the-counter products have between 5 and 10 percent. While these concentrations are suitable for most people, take care not to over-exfoliate. If you mix and match too many AHA products—say, an acid-based cleanser and AHA moisturizer in the morning and an exfoliating cream at night—you run the risk of inflaming your skin. A gentler option than glycolic acid is lactic acid, which also happens to be a moisturizer.


Be extra cautious about sun exposure afterward. AHAs may leave skin extra sensitive to sunlight.


Warm regards and love,
Erin

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A light and easy dinner for Summer you can throw together literally in minutes.

Fun Factoid: Summer's heat causes the butterfat in the milk used in Parmesan cheese to rise to the top surface of the wheel, making it better for grating. In the winter, butterfat stays deep inside the wheel. Winter cheeses tend to be more uniform and softer, ideal for serving as a table cheeses.

*Serves 6-8 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound tricolor pasta or whatever pasta you like
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (I like the sun-dried tomatoes that are jarred and packed in oil the best)
1 (14.5 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn into small pieces, or 1 tablespoon dried
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/4 cup diced red onion
¾ cup black or kalamata olives, sliced
2 teaspoons saute spice (equal parts black pepper, salt and garlic powder – I mix up a bunch of this and keep it in a small tupperware in my spice cabinet)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
( you can also add eggplant as an option or alternive to any item above. )

DIRECTIONS:
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil to make a smooth dressing. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon kosher salt to 4 quarts water) to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then pour pasta into a large bowl. While the pasta is still warm, pour a couple tablespoons of the dressing over the pasta and toss so that the pasta doesn’t stick together as it cools. Let it cool to room temperature, tossing now and again to help the cooling process and to prevent sticking.
When the pasta has cooled, add the sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, basil, onion, olives, saute spice, and oregano and toss. Add the vinaigrette and toss again until the pasta ingredients are evenly coated. Add the cheeses and lightly toss. Chill until ready to serve.

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Henry David Thoreau

In honor of the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, I thought I would share some of my favorite quotes: Enjoy!



Henry David ThoreauJuly 12, 1817-May 6th, 1854

1 ) I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

2 ) Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.

 3) If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.

4) Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify

5) Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion. What a man thinks of himself, that is which determines, or rather indicates, his fate.

Merriweather’s Soaps:

I have known about Merriweather’s since I started my own soap business about 5-6 years ago. I was very taken with their website and beautiful pictures of their stores but was never acquainted with their products.

Well as a gift just recently I received one of Merriweather’s soaps. All I can say is; Wow!  I am now a fan for life. This is an all natural cold process soap that is heavenly. I received the Mediterranean Breeze soap and used it the very next day I received it. It smelled so good I did not want to put it down!

Merriweathers uses only high quality ingredients and all natural essential oils in their soaps, no artificial fragrance oils are used. That fact along with the olive oil and nut oils they use make it truly moisturizing and beneficial for all skin types.

Here is a link to their website. They have two stores locally and from what I see they sell product in a few stores across the county as well.

http://merriweathers.com/

They are worth a visit from anywhere.

Warm regards and love -

Erin

Eco-Friendly Nail Polishes

I had no idea these even existed. I came across this article in Allure magazine. What a great alternative for the eco-minded individual.


Please note that nail polish in general is a lot safer these days, with major brands removing cancer-causing carcinogens and toxic pthalates from their formulas to make them safer for both consumers and manicurists alike. So while you can paint on your favorite brands with peace-of-mind, check out these, under-the-radar lines that are not only safe enough for children, but also offer a variety of awesome colors and finishes to satisfy any lacquer-lovers taste.

RGB Cosmetics. Gina Carney, the brand's creator, started the line out of her frustration with brands that constantly changed and discontinued her favorite shades—and the many compliments she received on her own custom-made polish mixtures. The one stipulation Carney had for her own line was that it had to be free of harmful ingredients, so it contains no formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (pthalates). A minimalist at heart, Carney's collection consists of the most necessary shades: the perfect red (no really, it is perfect), a beautiful nude, and even basic black and white. There are also seasonal shades that come out every fall and spring that then become permanent fixtures in the line. These shades are inspired by trends Carney spots on the runway. This fall, my favorite is Vert—a deep, forest green that manages to be both grunge and opulent, and all around cool.

Scotch Naturals. The full name of these polishes is actually "Scotch Naturals WaterColors" and they are, in fact, water-based, containing only H2O, acrylic polymers, and natural colorants. They're also hypoallergenic, 100% biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and, of course, free of toxins and chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, as well as butyl and ethyl acetates. The line was developed after founder Ginny Cardenas created a line of safe polishes for children called Hopscotch Kids and realized there was a demand for eco-friendly, safe polishes for adults. Something to look out for—the 2011 Red Collection, a line of eight shades that range from from a cheery orange-red, to a dark, moody blackened garnet called Blood and Sand.

Butter London. This has to be one of the coolest nail companies out there. They have become major players backstage at New York Fashion Week, creating looks this season at Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham, Betsey Johnson, Yigal Azrouel, and Matthew Williamson, to name a few. Butter London polishes are non toxic and "3 free," so they're formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, DPB, or parabens. The colors are unique and the pigments extra rich. The fall line is full of jewel tones and the colors manage to look as rich as actual gemstones. Bluey (a metallic dark peacock blue), Wallis (a metallic olive gold), and Knees Up (a bright metallic red), are all pictured above and are great options for pretty-meets-punk fall manicures.

Priti NYC.   Completely non-toxic and also "3 Free" (no toluene, dibutyl pthalate, or formaldehyde), the brand was founded by Kim D'Amato while she was pregnant with her first child. D'Amato had switched to organic foods and health products, and wanted an equally green way to beautify herself. The line also aims to support local, organic farms and to help decrease the use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing. These great facts aside, the line carries over 100 (yes, 100) shades, many of which are super pretty and romantic. I've never seen such a selection of soft pinks and nudes, each one a little bit different than the next, and even the brighter shades still feel ladylike and sophisticated. The fall polish I can't wait to wear is Moonstone Cactus, an opaque blue gray.

Julep. Julep originally started out as a small chain of salons in Seattle, Washington that owner Jane Park founded to provide customers with high-quality, "clean-green" nail treatments. "I wanted to make manicures and pedicures a safer, toxin-free experience for both the women who receive the services and the women who work in the industry," says Park. She developed a line of "4-free" nail polishes for her salon business, now available for sale nationwide on Julep's website. Julep's Nail Vernis don't contain carcinogens such as formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, and DBP, butthey do have a full line of interesting shades that are incredibly long-lasting. Last spring, our entire office went gaga over "Amy," a gorgeous smoky-turquoise shade. For fall, I can't wait to try out "Alfre," a shimmery gray-purple, and "Boris and Nicole," a sexy autumn red-brown.

Ginger + Liz.  Ginger + Liz polishes, a line of vegan-friendly, non-toxic polishes (like the others, they have no formaldehyde, resin, DBPs, or toulene). The rich lacquers come in an array of bold hues and foil-like metallic finishes. Two of my favorites shades are definitely attention-grabbing—Goin' Back To Cali (a melon-y pink neon), and Keep Me Interested (a true clementine orange shade). For fall, I'm excited about shades like "Better Off Without You," a brilliant tangelo, and "Jeggings," a denim blue, which are available November 1.

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Home Made All Natural Beauty Treatments

We could all use a bit of spring rejuvenation and at this time of year. After we are done running around getting the yard in shape for the Spring and Summers months and all of that Spring Cleaning, it would be nice to take some time out and create something just for you. Or spread the happiness and create one of these recipes to give as a gift.  Enjoy!

1 ) Lavender Hand and Foot Wash:

Use this wash to relieve red and inflamed hands and feet.

• 1/2 cup dried Lavender Flowers
• 1/2 cup finely chopped Fresh Sage
• 2 cups of water
• 8 drops of Lavender Oil

     In a saucepan, combine lavender flowers, sage and water. Simmer, covered, on low heat for 20 minutes. Strain mixture through cheesecloth and let cool. Discard the solids, retain the liquid. Add Lavender Oil, shake to emulsify, and then apply to hands and feet with a soft wash cloth or cotton pads. Repeat as necessary, or desired.




2) Refreshing Orange Scrub for Face and Body:

• 1/2 of an Orange
• 4 T Cornmeal

To Make:  Squeeze orange juice and pulp into a bowl and add the cornmeal. Mix into a paste.

To Use:  Apply onto freshly washed face and body. Scrub gently for 2-3 minutes. Rinse, tone, moisturize.

3) Coffee Body Scrub:

• 3 T Coffee grounds (organic-caffeinated)
• 1 T Salt (optional)

To Make:  Brew a fresh pot of coffee. Enjoy a cup, if you like. Put grounds (and salt) in a small bowl. Use grounds within 20 minutes of brewing before oxidation occurs.

To Use:  Scrub mixture over entire body while in the shower. Rinse. Tone. Moisturize.

Warm regards and love,
Erin

Sand Dollar Craft Project:

Using a dried sand dollar, a large stone or a piece of debris from your yard, you can make a wonderful plant marker for your garden!


Needed:

• Sand Dollar (Can be purchased at many craft stores; please don't take from the ocean, as they are living creatures.) or a Rock from your yard.
• Acrylic Paint (Various colors. Buy one to match your plants.)
• Yard Debris Stick (Or a paint stick from a DIY store.)
• Paint Rag
• Wood or Super Glue
• Permanent marker

 
 
 
 

 

 

Instructions:
Step 1: Place the sand dollar under a running faucet.
Step 2: Spread some acrylic paint on the front of the sand dollar and then rinse.
Step 3: Repeat step two until the sand dollar has a hint of color.
Make sure to wear gloves or use a rag when you rinse the sand dollar. Do not use bare hands. The front surface of the sand dollar will rub several layers of skin off and cause a painful, raw area.
Step 4: Using a paint rag, take the littlest bit of paint and gently wipe onto surface of sand dollar in a desired design. If you don't like the design, just repeat step two and start over.
Step 5: Once you have the desired look, let the sand dollar dry completely.
Step 6: After the sand dollar is dry, use super glue or wood glue to attach the sand dollar to the yard debris stick. (It can be a stick from most any tree. )
Step 7: Let the glue dry completely.
Step 8: With a permanent marker, write the name of the plant you wish to have a plant marker for.
*If you use a paint stick from a DIY store, you can paint it with the same acrylic paint you used on your sand dollar or you can leave it the natural wood color.

Happy Planting!!!



Warm regards and love -
Erin

“Green” Kids Toys

A few years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in part to protect children from exposure to lead and phthalates in toys. By limiting lead, manufacturers had to find a new material to take its place. Unfortunately, instead of finding something safer, they switched to cadmium – another toxic metal. In advocacy speak – this is called “regrettable substitution.”  While regulators and health groups are now pressuring industry to reduce or eliminate their use of cadmium, what could be next?

Not too many of us have an unlimited budget to replace all of the plastic toys our children currently have in their closets. But what we do have is more information to use going forward to make better choices.

Here are a few ways we can make things a bit more simple:

1)    Look for toys make of natural material like woods without toxic paint or finishes. Look for an all natural cotton or wool toy.

2)    Simplify. Buying fewer toys is much better for the environment in the long run. ( and better on your wallet )

3)    Re-purpose. Can something you already have can be used as a toy? For example a cardboard box or  staineless steel bowls can give a child hours of fun.

4)    Read the labels. What is the toy made of? Where was it made? Get to know a toy before you buy it.

5)    Buy local. You can help a local business and also help reduce green house gas emissions by buying something local. Some countries have very lax toy regulations so be aware of where your toy comes from.

6)    Healthytoys.org is a website that can tell you where to find safer toys. Simply type in the toy and they can tell you what tests have be done on them and how safe they are.

7)    Also remember to not freak out over every plastic toy your child has. That is not the reason for this blog. It is all about having fun, being safe, and making better choices going forward.

Warm regards and love,
Erin

French Onion Soup Recipe

This is in homage of a dear friend of mine who loved French Onion Soup. Hope you enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Epicurious:

yield: Makes 6 (light main course) servings

active time: 45 min

total time: 1 1/2 hr

This version of the classic is gorgeously cheesy, not gunky. Slow cooking gives the broth depth of flavor and a silky texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb medium onions, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced lengthwise
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth (32 fl oz)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 (1/2-inch-thick) diagonal slices of baguette
• 1 (1/2-lb) piece Gruyère, Comte, or Emmental
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• Special equipment: 6 (8- to 10-oz) flameproof soup crocks or ramekins; a cheese plane

Preparation:

Cook onions, thyme, bay leaves, and salt in butter in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are very soft and deep golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in wine and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in broth, water, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.

While soup simmers, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange bread in 1 layer on a large baking sheet and toast, turning over once, until completely dry, about 15 minutes.

Remove croûtes from oven and preheat broiler. Put crocks in a shallow baking pan.

Discard bay leaves and thyme from soup and divide soup among crocks, then float a croûte in each. Slice enough Gruyère (about 6 ounces total) with cheese plane to cover tops of crocks, allowing ends of cheese to hang over rims of crocks, then sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes.

Warm regards and love -

Erin

The Many Benefits of Lemons:

Spring just reminds me of lemons. They are fresh, clean, and bring to mind thoughts of a new beginning. Here are a few helpful tips for using lemons.

Health: Lemons are full of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.  Just add fresh squeezed lemon juice to a glass of water for a full dose of vitamin C for the day. Add lemon and honey to your tea or coffee in the morning for a great vitamin boost.  Always dilute lemon juice as it contains acid that can erode the enamel from teeth.

Lemon Juice helps fight off the flu virus, the common cold and malaria due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.  Lemon juice gives good relief in fever. Lemon Juice mixed with water is useful in quenching the thirst of patients suffering from diabetes. It gives immediate relief in abdominal disorders. Lemon acts as a sedative for the nerves and the heart and allays troublesome palpitation.

Cleaning: A large number of commercial cleaning products smell like lemons and there is a reason for that. Lemons not only smell fresh and clean they can be a tough competitor among the chemical cleaners on the market. To get an eco-green clean just use a ¼ cup of lemon juice with about ½ gallon of water  to clean copper pots, counters tops, drains, windows and mirrors and more.  For use in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.

Beauty: Lemon acts as a natural hair lightener and skin bleach by reducing the pigment melanin.

Lemon juice when diluted can be used as a mouthwash to help remove plaque, prevent gingivitis and whiten teeth. Warning – when used at full strength lemon can erode teeth enamel. Be careful!

Lemon is a great treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

Cooking: Salt, pepper and lemons are the most common ingredients in the culinary world.

 Here is a wonderful recipe for asparagus with lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (can use hazelnut or walnut oil)
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt or sea salt
Pinch freshly-cracked black pepper or to taste
2 pounds fresh asparagus stalks, washed and trimmed
In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.
Blanch the asparagus in lightly-salted boiling water for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; do not overcook. Remove from heat and refresh under cold water; drain well.
Toss asparagus with enough lemon vinaigrette to lightly coat.
Arrange asparagus on serving platter or individual serving plates.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Happy Spring –

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Mineral Makeup:

Is this more than just a trend or is it really good for your skin?

I have tried mineral makeup In the past; I believe it was by Almay, if I am not mistaken.  I was very happy with the results but I tend to need a bit more coverage than what this brand could provide for me. It is very natural looking and light feeling.

What makes mineral makeup different, and in some people’s eyes better, is not what is in the makeup but what is left out.  This list includes parabens, preservatives, fragrance, chemical dyes, and mineral oil. All of which can be bad for the skin and possibly cause a reactions or irritations of some sort.

Without these potentially harmful ingredients mineral makeup can be used by consumers with sensitive skin and because it does not contain oil it is perfect for people with acne prone skin.

Mineral Makeup won’t take the place of acne medication, daily moisturizers, or anti-aging products but you can get some benefit from using this type of product.  

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both physical sun blockers, so an application on the face will provide some sun protection. Of course if you are planning the day at the beach or going hiking you better put on a regular sun block with an spf of at least 30.

Zinc oxide is also FDA approved as a skin protectant and does have some anti-inflammatory properties. It can be useful is calming irritated skin.

However, not all mineral makeup is the same. While most mineral makeup is free from artificial colors, preservatives, talc, and other chemicals, not all companies stay away from this formula. This is why some people believe mineral makeup is no better or different from traditional liquid foundation.

These products are not only the loose powder they used to be. Mineral makeup comes in all shapes and forms these days. Loose powder, eye shadow, lipstick and even bronzer.

So if you have sensitive skin or just want to try something new give Mineral Makeup a try. Just be sure to look for a brand with the least amount of ingredients.

Warm regards and love -

Erin

Cinnamon:

Not only is cinnamon tasty but it is also good for us too!

1)      Cinnamon has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. May help in fighting yeast infections, head lice, and stomach ulcers.

2)      When added to food it inhibits bacterial growth which makes it a natural food preservative.

3)      Anti-inflammatory properties.

4)      Cinnamon may actually help control type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels.

5)      Smelling Cinnamon can help boost cognitive  function and memory

6)      It is a great source of magnesium, fiber, and iron and calcium.

Cinnamon Essential Oil:

Aromatic Description: Much richer in aroma than ground cinnamon. (Ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks is usually not cinnamon at all but is cassia.

Cinnamon Essential Oil is peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woodsy. Oil distilled from the bark of the cinnamon tree is preferred over the oil distilled from the leaves. Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil, however, tends to be much more costly.

Cinnamon Oil Uses: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.]

Safety Information: Cinnamon Oil is a mucous membrane irritant and strong skin sensitizer. Avoid in alcoholism, in hemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. Only the oil from the leaf should be used. The oil from the bark is too hazardous.

*Cinnamon recipe:

Cinnamon Twists

Brush store-bought pizza dough with butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, then twist and bake for an easy treat.

Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.

Warm regards and love,
Erin