Homemade Facial Oil for All Skin Types

I am newly excited about making my own all-natural body care products. Some of the benefits of making my own products are that they are simple and easy to make, I select the ingredients that I know are good for my well-being, and they are much less expensive than natural products in the store or mail order products. Also, they last so much longer!

In the past, I have tested many facial moisturizers. After trying products for years, I finally found a great company that sources all organic ingredients, makes their products in small batches and is excellent quality. I would spend about $40 for a 2 ounce bottle of moisturizer, plus pay for shipping. I would usually go through about 2 bottles per year. That ends up costing about $90 for facial moisturizer for the year. Last year, I made my own facial oil for about $14. The oil I made was so potent, it literally lasted me an entire year! Here is the one I made last year:
http://elliesecocollective.blogspot.com/2013/12/homemade-facial-moisturizer-for-oily.html

Now that I have run out of oil, I decided to try a new recipe. I just ordered some new, very potent therapeutic grade essential oils that I want to test out and I want to use effective ingredients, but don't want to spend a lot of money.

Here is information on the ingredients I decided to use this time:

Apricot Kernel Oil

• Affordable
• Non-greasy
• Anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to soothe minor skin conditions
• High in Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), which enables your skin to maintain its moisture balance. Also helps tone and firm up your skin
• Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which slow down the signs of ageing
• Light, gentle, mild and non-irritating, it can also be used for children and babies
• Great for all skin types, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed or dry skin
• Shelf life of about 1 year, and 2 years if it is refrigerated

Rosehip Seed Oil

• Anti-inflammatory
• Full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids which can correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, while reducing scars and fine lines
• Vitamin C and lycopene, which works to repair the skin's surface, restoring elasticity and protecting against sun and pollution stressors that can lead to wrinkles
• Promotes wound healing by stimulating tissue regeneration

Lavender Essential Oil

• Anti-inflammatory and stimulating for the circulatory system
• Anti-fungal and antiseptic. Reduces scarring and speeds healing
• Beneficial for treating acne, inhibits bacteria that causes the initial infection
• Calming and stress relieving properties

 

Frankincense Essential Oil

• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
• Astringent quality that reduces the appearance of wrinkles
• Helps scars and after marks of boils, acne and pox on the skin fade at a much faster rate.
• Helps eliminate sun spots and generally tones and tightens skin
• Induces a feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction and spirituality. It lowers anxiety, anger and stress.

 

 

Here is a recipe for an all natural facial oil I just made for myself. The essential oils I am using are very potent, so I am not using a lot.

You need:

• 2 ounce Dark glass bottle with a pump or a dropper
• 1 3/4 ounce Apricot kernel oil
• 1/4 ounce Rosehip seed oil
• 4 drops Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Frankincense essential oil

1. Pour the apricot kernel oil into a clean dark glass bottle about 3/4 of the way full.
2. Pour the rosehip seed oil into the bottle, until almost full.
3. Add the lavender and frankincense oil.
4. Close the bottle and shake. Enjoy!

Homemade All Natural Deodorant...That Really Works!

 

Hi Friends,

Life can get busy for many people, and as you can see from my last blog post - which was exactly a year ago, my life is no exception.

As I left off from my last post in 2013, I am once again, getting into essential oils and how seriously powerful they can be in assisting with natural health and well being.

After doing some research, I have decided to start experimenting with creating my own all natural homemade deodorant. This summer I spent 4 months abroad and I ran out of my own natural herbal deodorant. I tried buying something new from the local health food store, and it turned out that it made my tiny bit of body odor even worse!

Now that I am back in America and am making plans to again, be out of the country, I don't want to be dependent on bringing enough deodorant with me. It's time to be simple and make my own. I realized in doing this, that the skin under my arms is very sensitive. Lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic system, are located in your armpits. They are part of your immune system and help your body fight off infections and disease. For me, it makes sense to only put pure, all natural deodorant in such a sensitive place, especially when what you put on your skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream.

Through experimenting, I found out that making my own deodorant is really easy!

Right now I am using a mix of organic coconut oil with geranium essential oil mixed in. I use a tiny bit under each arm and I smell like fresh geraniums all day.

I made the following recipe from WellnessMama.com and it also smells great, but my shea butter and coconut oil separated, so I might have to mix it while it cools. But otherwise, it also works well for me.

One of the recipes I made is from this blog here:
http://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/

Here is another very simple recipe for homemade deodorant, with great photos and a very simple but beautiful way to store natural homemade cosmetics.
http://notrashproject.com/tag/homemade-deodorant/

Homemade Facial Moisturizer for Oily Skin

I have this awesome book called The Aromatherapy Companion, which is all about the medicinal uses for using essential oils. This book has lots of information about using essential oils safely and effectively and gives many great recipes for natural skin and body care.

I found a really easy and effective recipe for facial moisturizer for oily skin. I only like to use all natural skin care products and usually have to special order my skincare online. With the cost of the actual product and shipping, the price can really add up! So I decided to try making my own and see how I like it.

After using it for a few days, I notice that my skin is soft, smooth and supple. I like it even better than my expensive moisturizer that I special order!! I am loving how I am saving money and doing something good for my body. Here is the really easy recipe.

Facial Moisturizer for Oily Skin

• 10 drops niaouli essential oil
• 5 drops cypress essential oil
• 30 ml (1 ounce) hazelnut oil

Combine all ingredients in a small dark glass bottle; shake to mix. To use: After cleansing and toning, place a few drops in the palms of your hands and massage or press lightly over your entire face.

I literally only need 2 drops of this oil and use it on my face and neck.

Have A GREAT Life

My reading of this book was long overdue and I am happy to say, I recently finished it and gained a renewed sense of inspiration and enjoyment for my personal macrobiotic practice.

Practicing macrobiotics has the potential to be a big challenge. I often hear people say, "I don't have time to do all that cooking." I used to feel that way at times. But it seems, once I get things going, make a plan and get into a rhythm, my practice becomes something interesting, inspiring, fun and spiritual. It is more than just food, it is an attitude, a way of living.

The Great Life Diet is written in a short and simple way. It's only 124 pages and includes a few recipes in the back as well as dietary guidelines for healing. This book is great for anyone who wants to improve their health, improve their macrobiotic practice or just refresh their knowledge. It inspired me to get back to the basics and really listen to my body as well as give it what it needs. Macrobiotics can be a gentle, mindful and peaceful way of eating and living that will help you cultivate more gentleness and peace with yourself and others. All you have to do is listen, sit, chew, have gratitude and recognize how beautiful this life is.

Gratitude is the way to be happy.

Check out this book. You will most likely learn something that will improve your life if you put it into practice. Happy reading!
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Life-Diet-Practical-Fulfillment/dp/1933648260/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380546001&sr=1-2&keywords=the+great+life+cookbook

Soap = Hope

At this past Green Festival in NYC I came across a really cool little soap company. As you probably know, I am obsessed with natural body care products and love to try out new soaps see new products that are on the market. This company, SoapBox Soaps, is a company that not only produces a great quality product, they also distribute soap to children in need. They basically adopted the Tom's Shoes One for One idea, so that for every bar of soap you purchase, SoapBox Soaps donates a bar to a child in need, as well as to local struggling families, homeless shelters, women's shelters and nursing homes. What a cool way to make our purchases - knowing that when we buy something, we are also providing for another person!

I thought this was a great idea, and even better, I didn't have to compromise my values to support this worthy cause. SoapBox Soaps contain all natural ingredients, gluten-free oatmeal, organic shea butter and sea salt. All of their soaps are cruelty-free, made in America, packaged with 100% recycled fibers and 35% post consumer waste and vegan. LOVE IT!!!

I think I bought 6 bars and am working my way through each delicious smelling flavor.

https://www.soapboxsoaps.com/

Comfortable Organic Cotton Underware

Comfort is key when it comes to the undergarments we wear. After a long day of running around shopping and cooking for clients, taking care of kids or cleaning up and doing laundry, I want to be comfortable.

One really comfortable garment made by Blue Canoe is the Cami Bra. This bra is light and breathable, made out of 87% organic cotton and 13% spandex. It has an elastic band at the bottom and straps that don't slip, so you never need to worry about readjusting or falling straps as you move. These bras are also not itchy and perfect for hot weather!

If you are looking for a new bra and value comfort, the environment and your health, I highly recommend the Cami Bra. Here is a link and picture:

Blue Canoe Cami Bra

Blue Canoe is a small company that uses organic cotton and bamboo fabrics to create excellent quality undergarments and active wear for women. All of their garments are made in San Fransisco and the company practices fair and local trade.

Thanksgiving Inspirations

Every year my whole family looks forward to Thanksgiving - the one holiday where we get together to eat, relax and have fun! This year will be the best one yet - since we will be coming from all over the US to gather together for great food AND great company. This year I am doing it vegan-style for my family and am excited to share colorful and flavorful, healthy dishes that will leave everyone feeling satiated, happy and healthy.

In anticipation of this Thanksgiving, I have already created my menu for this year's awesomeness:

1. Steamed Southern Style Cornbread Muffins
2. Pecan Crusted Seitan Cutlets
3. Seitan Herb Stuffing
4. Herbed Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy
5. Whipped Maple Sweet Potatoes
6. Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin
7. Garlicky Green Beans
8. Cranberry Citrus Sauce
9. Fresh Green Salad
10. Warm Pumpkin Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
11. Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

I hope this menu of scrumptious goodies will inspire you to make some healthy, vegan dishes to add to your holiday table. Happy festivities!

Natural Autumn Decor Warms Up Your Home

I love Autumn in the northeast. The rich, vibrant, golden colors surrounding us when we are outdoors inspire us to get outside more, appreciate nature and breathe in fresh, crisp air. I find that the deep burgundies, burnt oranges, rich chocolate browns and dark forest greens of the season actually help to comfort and “warm us up” as the weather begins to turn cold and we find the need to break out our knitted sweaters and scarves.

One of my favorite things to do, besides cook and bake like crazy during this season, is decorate my home. I am pretty much OBSESSED when it comes to gourds and home decorating during this time of the year. I enjoy bringing a little bit of nature’s bounty into my home and appreciating all of the rich colors, textures and scents of the season.

When I think of Autumn I think of the smell of Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp filling my home and pumpkin everything - pies, breads, muffins, puddings. I also love making hearty soups, stews and roasted vegetables. Pretty much anything warming, creamy and comforting helps me feel nice and toasty from the inside out in this cold weather.

I love to start gathering cute little gourds, different sized edible pumpkins and squashes, pine cones and pressed leaves to arrange as centerpieces for my festive holiday tables. These inexpensive natural decorations can really help to enliven a living space and bring natural beauty into your home.

I recently had a friend over for lunch and made a beautiful arrangement using many of these items. What a difference it made! The table was all dressed up and took our meal from mediocre to fabulous!

To make your own Autumnal inspired decorations, start with some simple gourds and pumpkins. I recently found some beautiful Tiger pumpkins at my local Trader Joe's. How stunning! Mix these with an assortment of mini pumpkins or even some white pumpkins like these:

White pumpkins like these are so stunning and simple, they even look good like this, in a simple arrangement on a plate or bowl.

You could also get more creative and arrange something more elaborate like this:

Here are some other fantastic arrangements that will brighten up your Autumn table for any holiday, family gathering or upcoming Thanksgiving meal:

Here is a more elegant look for a table setting:

 

Check out this link for Martha Stewart's Fall Centerpieces to dress up your table and home: Martha Stewart's Fall Centerpieces

Happy decorating! 

Cooking With Love

Putting love into the food you prepare for yourself and others can make all the difference between a regular meal and something spectacular.

A meal prepared with love and care has the power to transform a person's mood, outlook on life and feelings about oneself and the world. A wonderfully prepared meal has the ability to relax, strengthen or help a person heal. A meal made with care can make the difference between creating more love, peace and joy in this world or creating disharmony, lethargy and dis-ease.

Isn't that powerful?

These thoughts are something that have been on my mind a lot. If someone is in a negative mood, saying hurtful, rude or negative things to others while they are cooking, how does it effect the food and the person who consumes it? Just think of the movie, Like Water For Chocolate. Remember that wedding cake scene?

When a person prays while they are cooking, speaks kind and gentle words, and feels love and joy to be cooking for others, how does that effect the food?

Our thoughts, feelings and actions are all energy. Energy we are putting into the food and energy we are putting out into the world.

That's pretty powerful.

We have the ability to create or destroy. We have the ability to lift people up or drag them down ~ all with our thoughts, words, actions and intentions.

Try an experiment. Make one dish. Give yourself enough time and space to put gentle and loving energy into the food you are making. Think of the people who will benefit from the food you are preparing so lovingly.

How do you want those people to feel after they have eaten your food?
What kind of energy do you want your food to give to them?

Treat the food kindly the entire time you are cooking. Pray while you cook and infuse the food with holiness, love and healing energy. Talk to your food and tell it beautiful things.

At the end of cooking, serve the food on a beautiful plate. Taste it.

Awesome, right?

Packing Your Lunch? Check Out the Bento Box Rules

Get ready to be a lot more excited about packing your lunch for work or school!! American lunches often consist of the usual travel-friendly foods such as sandwiches, chips, crackers, cookies, apples, baby carrots, juice boxes and the like. Those foods can be nice, but sometimes you just need to mix things up and have something deliciously awesome to look forward to all morning.

One of my favorite things about Japanese culture is the bento box. Not only is a bento box filled with home made fresh vegetables, rice and protein - very healthy - but it is also most often beautifully presented and packed, as well as totally delicious!

Check out this cute book I just stumbled upon, The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches To Go. This book has excellent and practical ideas for packing visually appealing and delicious lunches. It is sure to inspire you to try some new things and help you feel great about eating well and enjoying it.

I need to buy this - even just for the pictures and inspiring ideas!

I also found the Just Bento Blog, (even better since it's free!) with Maki's Top Ten Bento Rules - a must read for getting ideas about lunches that travel well. Enjoy your new outlook on lunch and get ready to chow down with adorable Japanese style.

How to Store Fruits and Vegetables

I just found this awesome article about 'How to Store Fruits and Vegetables to Keep Them From Rotting.' EXACTLY what I have been dealing with in my current job. Being responsible for feeding fruit and vegetables on a daily basis to over 700 campers and staff has been a pretty great learning experience. There are so many things I now need to consider that I never had to worry about when I only did private cooking.

Most recently, I have been ordering a large amount of fruits from our distributor so that we can prep snacks daily. We get cases of bananas, peaches, plums, oranges, grapes and pears - and they all need to be stored correctly, washed, and served, but only when they are just ripe. A day too early and no one will touch them, and a day too late and we will have brown and mushy over-ripe fruits.

What a challenge!

This blog posted lists of vegetables and fruits and exactly what to do with them. Worry no more - just consult the list.

Happy reading and fruit eating.

http://www.mythirtyspot.com/2011/09/how-to-store-fruits-and-vegetables-so.html

Cooking With the Hip Chick...

Many women I meet who are interested in learning more about healthy diet and lifestyle often tell me they feel overwhelmed with all of the information out there. One magazine says to eat this, one diet says to eat that - there are so many philosophies and ways of living that claim to the be "RIGHT" way.

To these women, I have recommended one book. One book to start them on a healing journey - to open their minds and give them a basic understanding about healthy food and lifestyle - and to do it all with humor, wit and intelligence. This book that I recommend is written BY an exceptional woman, FOR exceptional women. Once I got my hands on a copy, I really couldn't put it down. It is not only fascinating, but so well explained that it allows the readers to easily grasp the concepts and apply them to their own lives.

This book is The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics. It is always my go-to book for women just starting out and wanting to learn the in's and out's of macrobiotics.

Get a copy - even if you already have a deep understanding of healing through natural diet and lifestyle and the energetics of food, this book is a valuable resource to add to your own collection of cookbooks. It features over 80 delectable recipes that are good for you AND taste good!

Also, if you ever have the opportunity to learn from the Hip Chick herself, Jessica Porter, grab it! She has a wealth of knowledge about food, health and life and her classes are sure to be educational as well as entertaining.

For more information about Jessica Porter and The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics, check her website and blog:

www.hipchicksmacrobiotics.com

www.hipchicksmacrobiotics.com/blog/

Extra! Extra! Read All About Cooking for Summer.

For fun and fresh Summer cooking ideas, check out the latest issue of Bitayavon Magazine. This beautifully photographed magazine is all about delicious, kosher gourmet food. The pictures in this mag are so fantastic - be careful not to drool while flipping through its pages...


The Summer issue features articles and tips for Summer picnics, healthy smoothies, sizzling summer desserts, and out-of-the-box grilling ideas. It also features an article and three recipes on scrumptious summer salads and health tips throughout the magazine, all written by yours truly! I am so glad to have my article featured in this magazine and get my message of eating well and enjoying it to a larger audience.


The recipes I featured are perfect for cooling down, relaxing and energizing your body during the hot summer months. I also introduce "exotic" ingredients like ume plum vinegar and dried daikon radish, as well as one of my favorite salad recipes, Southwestern Salsa & Black Bean Salad with "Sour Cream" Dressing. Oh yeah.


To get your copy, check your local kosher supermarket, judaica store, some Shoprites or Barnes and Nobles. To order a copy online, go here: http://bitayavon.com/

For more info and kosher, gourmet inspirations, find Bitayavon Magazine on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/bitayavonmagazine

Also, stay tuned for the upcoming Fall Issue of Bitayavon... I will be writing more healthy tidbits, plus tips on how to have an easy fast - perfect for the upcoming High Holiday of Yom Kippur, this September 26, 2012. Looking forward to sharing more info with you soon!

Summer Treats: Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas

I recently took on the exciting job of Kitchen Coordinator for a summer camp. One of the things I love about this kind of work is that I get to do a lot of problem solving. For some reason, I find it thrilling and fun to work under time constraints and stress. Something about having to deal with difficultly staring me in the face, makes me rise to the occasion and somehow accomplish what I did not think was possible. I also love learning and figuring out how to be creative to accomplish the tasks at hand.

One of the most recent challenges that came up was bananas! Literally. We had a HUGE amount of leftover bananas and they were very, very ripe. One more day and they would have been a mushy mess. A few people mentioned that we should make banana bread/cake. Something with chocolate swirled into it and sprinkles baked into the batter. This SOUNDS fun, but in reality, I was not fond of the idea of making a large amount of bread using non-organic, conventional ingredients; white sugar, flour eggs, etc. And I also did not want to spend so much time with a hot oven in the summer. Those of you who know me know how I feel about baked flour products...

So we came up with another idea...

Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas on a Stick.

Now we're talkin'!!! What a great idea. So I had the staff peel and cut in half, like, a million bananas. By the end, they never wanted to see another banana again, but, we saved the bananas and took care of our snack prep for a day. We are feeding over 700 people each day in camp, so that's a whole lot of chocolate covered bananas.

Here is the recipe. Of course, you can make yours at home, for friends and family to enjoy. If you get organic bananas and vegan chocolate, you will be in pretty good shape! I like to use really ripe bananas, because they taste sweeter and creamier when frozen. You can dip the bananas (once covered in chocolate) in anything you like - crushed roasted peanuts, granola, shredded coconut or any other kind of fun topping you can think of.

Happy Summer!

Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas on a Stick
4 bananas
2 bars vegan chocolate - I used this:
http://chocolatebar.com/products.php?product=3oz.-All%252dNatural-Supreme-Dark-Chocolate
2 Tablespoons sunflower oil
a pinch of salt
popsicle sticks

1. Peel the bananas and cut them in half.
2. Stick a popsicle stick into the cut side of each half and place the bananas onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. 
3. Put the bananas into the freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Mix in the sunflower oil and salt.
5. Take the bananas out of the freezer and dip them in the chocolate to cover them completely. If you want to make it easy to coat the banana, transfer the chocolate into a cup and then dip the banana into the chocolate for an even coating.
6. Sprinkle the chocolate covered banana in whatever topping you like.
7. Place the bananas back on the parchment lined cookie sheet and freeze them until the chocolate sets and the bananas are fully frozen, about 3 hours.

Check Out This Flick: No Impact Man

Need some inspiration on going green and staying green?

We all know that making the choice to live lightly on our planet makes sense, but making a deeper commitment to environmental sustainability can be difficult when we lead busy lives. Sometimes we need a little push, to feel inspired and to remember why we do what we do.

This movie came out a while ago, but I think it's a great reminder for people who want to renew their commitment to living lives with respect to environmental sustainability.

The movie is about a man and his family embarking on a journey to living cleaner and greener lives. The film follows this family as they make changes to their lifestyle. Everything from buying only locally grown foods at their farmer's market to getting rid of electricity usage from lights by switching to using candles, to even washing their clothing in their bathtub! Some of this stuff is pretty far out there, but it is cool and inspiring to see how far people will go to live in line with their values.

The good thing is that you can watch this film and let it inspire you to make small changes, and to live a life that is more mindful of how all of our behavior, actions and spending habits truly do effect the people around us.

Check out this movie and let it change your life for the better.

http://noimpactproject.org/movie/

http://noimpactproject.org/

http://noimpactman.typepad.com/

Tighten and Smooth Your Skin with Earth & Sea Clay Mask

Hands down - this is the  B E S T  all natural facial mask I have ever used in my life.


Seriously, once I started using this mask nothing even comes close in comparison. My skin feel smooth, looks healthier and is tighter after I use this mask, even just once! I have tested a lot of natural skin care products in my day, and this one outperforms them all. I seriously look 5 years younger after I use it.


Here is the low-down on this amazing skin care product:

This truly all-natural mask is made with bentonite clay, well known for its powerful abilities to draw out impurities, smooth, tighten, and tone. Combined with our other selected plants and herbs, this mask is also effective for diminishing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, soften, and soothe. Your skin will look more radiant, refined and refreshed. Contains enough for 20 masks.

Ingredients: internal grade pure bentonite clay, organic orange peel powder*, organic rosehip powder*, organic strawberry powder*, wild harvested bladdewrack (fucus vesiculosus), and organic spirulina* (anthrospira platensis).

*Organically grown and produced in accordance with the California Organic foods Act of 1990.

Order it online:
http://www.kushistore.com/Rejuva-Organics-Earth-and-Sea-Clay-Beauty-Mask-Kit-REJ04.htm

Lift Your Mood and Feel Energized with Burnout Reviver

After a long week at work or a particularly stressful time, I find that it is very important to take time to do things that help replenish my energy, nurture my spirit and take care of my body. One thing that I recently discovered during a trip to Whole Foods in Massachusetts is this fantastic essential oil blend called Burnout Reviver.

As soon as I smelled it, I felt better. This stuff is amazing. I brought it to work with me to help improve the air quality near my desk and smell it when I need a lift during the day - and let me just tell you, it is working! I put it on my wrists and use it like perfume. Ahhh... yes.

Check out Leyden House, the company that sells various essential oil blends, carrier oils, shea butter and diffusers.

Next time you are feeling fatigued or need a mood lift, try out some essential oils!

Here are some benefits of diffusing essential oils:

• Improving air quality and health
• Can significantly reduce mold spores, dust mites, fungus, bacteria and viruses from the air we breathe
• Help with respiratory issues
• Elevate your mood
• Reverse negative emotions
• Can encourage concentration, reduce stress and improve sleep

Heaven and Earth Meet at Ahwatukee Farmers' Market

If you love healthy and delicious food and you live in the Phoenix area then you are in for a treat! An incredibly talented and creative chef has recently opened up shop with an array of absolutely delicious and nutritious sushi, side dishes, desserts and beverages at the Ahwatukee Farmers' Market every Sunday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Chef Seiko Yamanobe of Heaven and Earth House of Macrobiotics prepares natural, local and in-season fare to feast your eyes and your mouth on.

Here is a "taste" of their ever changing menu... YUM!!


Miso Soup & Market Vegetable Soup
made from scratch daily

Small Plates and Deli Items
Edamame Hummus, Macro Green Goddess Dip, Cashew Miso Spread, Kale & Quinoa Salad, Steamed Vegetable Plate, Italian Miso Salad, more.

Maki
unique macro in nori rolls
Heaven & Earth Roll, Not California Roll, Tokyo Tempeh Roll, TBLT Roll, Cabo Cabo Special, Shojin Tempura Roll, Kyoto Kinpira Roll, and more.

NuMacro
modern twist on classics
Earth, Wind + Fire Spring Roll, Veggie Heaven (all vegetable) Roll, and more.

Drinks
quintessential Macro basics & more
Twig tea, Roasted Barley tea, blended Apple tea, Green tea, Home-made Fresh Ginger Ale, Amazake Shake, Ume Sho Bancha, and more.

Macro Treats
sugar, dairy, egg free, gentle gems
Yin & Yang Sesame Crunch, Kanten Jelly, Brownies, PB & J Cookies, Almond Biscotti, Blueberry & Raspberry Muffins, Carrot Cake, and more.

Five Elements Energy Bars
formulated for each season, sugar, dairy, egg free
Tree Energy (AAA) Bar, Fire Energy Bar, Earth Energy Bar, Metal Energy Bar, Water Energy Bar

See their carefully selected menu of the day.  (Always in harmony with the season, balanced whole foods, inspired by nature.)

Check out the amazingness every Sunday at 4700 E. Warner Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85044.

For more information, to see the menu or to pre-order, check their website:
http://houseofmacro.com/

Like them on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heaven-Earth-House-of-Macrobiotics/340114606022234

Clean THE LAND May 18, 2012

During my time in Israel, I remember thinking that people there needed to really step-up their game when it comes to basic environmental awareness. I constantly saw trash all over the place - throughout the streets in neighborhoods, on the side of the road, everywhere I looked.

I was raised in a neighborhood that was pretty conscientious about recycling, not littering and taking care of our environment. So going to what many people refer to as "the Holyland" and seeing it totally trashed was a pretty surprising sight!

I thought I was somewhat alone in my views about trash in Israel, but I am excited to say that I recently found the coolest group doing exactly what I had wanted to do, but did not have the time or resources while I was there.

This group is called Clean the Land.Clean the Land is a social, environmental initiative with two simple components: a coordinated, annual, nation-wide trash pickup day; and a mission to educate communities about recycling, sustainability and environmental protection. Ummm, YES  Pleeeeease!!

I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to hear about this group! Environmentalism does not just stop in your own home, or in your neighborhood, we need to spread the word about it to everyone - even in other countries. Not everyone grows up with environmental education and awareness like many Americans do, when they learn about these things in public schools. Many children do not know that they should not throw their candy wrappers on the ground outside...

Be a part of the solution. Help educate the people. Bring communities together.

This MAY 18, 2012 is the Nationwide Trash Pickup Day in Israel. If you live in Israel, get involved. If you know someone who lives in Israel, tell them.

Let the Clean the Land motto inspire you, "Love it. Live it. Clean it."

Check their website for more information and to get involved:

http://www.cleantheland.org/

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/CleanTheLand

Springtime Allergy Relief

I used to have sever allergies every Spring...runny nose and itchy eyes, ears and throat. Springtime was beautiful when everything started to bloom, but I often felt like I couldn't enjoy any of it because my symptoms would interfere.

Once I changed my diet and lifestyle a few years ago, I was finally able to experience a beautiful allergy-free life all year long. The changes I made helped me so much that when I found out last year that a good friend of mine had similar symptoms, I was happy to help her feel better.

The information I gave her is very simply laid out in this fantastic book:
The Macrobiotic Path Total Health

This book is a great resource that people can use to look up all kinds of ailments and illnesses, find out the cause, learn about the illness and find out how to overcome it through following a natural approach to healing. This book has a lot of information, so I suggest getting a copy so you can have this information at your fingertips.

My friend implemented the advice, and within a couple of weeks her allergies were gone! She felt great.

Here is a little bit of the information I gave her from the book:

Cause
"Allergies are usually triggered by contact with specific foods such as milk, nuts, or shellfish;substances such as pollen, dust or animal dander; drugs and medications; and insect bites. Such reactions usually show that the blood, lymph, and other bodily fluids are imbalanced from the consumption of too many acid-producing foods, including animal products, dairy foods, sugar and sweets, stimulants, spices, alcohol, chemically grown or treated foods, and other articles in the modern way of eating as well as a lack of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and other high-fiber foods that help discharge toxins from the body.

Overall the condition of someone with allergies tends to be more yin - overly expansive, loose, and weak. Most allergens or triggers are also extremely yin, so that yin repels yin and the body attempts to throw off the allergen or trigger by sneezing, itching, or other reaction. The principal foods that cause allergies are milk and all other dairy products, overly oily and greasy foods, animal fat, sugar and other concentrated or artificial sweets and sweeteners, refines foods and flour products, tropical fruits, juices, and vegetables with tropical origins (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, avocados, and others), and often various drugs, chemical additives, and similar products. Among these, dairy foods, sugar, and tropical fruits are probably the most common and prevalent causes."

Solution

• "Eat whole cereal grains at every meal, temporarily avoiding all processed grains and grain products."
• "Vegetables can be prepared in a variety of cooking styles, especially iron-rich vegetables such as collards, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and other green leafy vegetables..."
• "All types of sea vegetables are helpful and will help strengthen the blood."

Of course, the book contains a lot more information about how to overcome allergies, but I wanted to give over some of it here.

Have a happy, healthy and allergy-free Spring! Enjoy the new warm weather and the beautiful seasonal blooms. Here are some pictures I took recently of Springtime in New York.