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mountain rose herbs

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask + Spring Equinox Ritual

Happy Spring Equinox! I love this season so much. And with temperatures near 70° for the last several days and the daffodils in full bloom here in Portland, it sure feels like spring. This season is all about awakening. After a long winter, the energy starts to shift and slowly, day by day, everything seems to come alive again. The changing of seasons is a great time to check in with yourself. To notice your own energy and the energy around you. To check in on the goals and intentions you set at the beginning of the year and see what’s changed and blossomed.

I love using self-care rituals as a time to check in, to go inward. Taking time for ourselves gives us the space to be reflective and introspective. This spring equinox, I’ve partnered with Mountain Rose Herbs to share a DIY Hydrating Hair Mask with you all. As a ritual for the changing of seasons, I encourage you to set aside 30-60 minutes for yourself. Start by applying the hair mask recipe below. Notice the quality of your thoughts and your energy when you enter into this ritual. Focus your attention on slowly and lovingly applying the mask to your scalp and hair. Maybe you repeat a mantra like, “I am strong. I am beautiful. I am enough.” as you work. Once the hair mask is applied, wrap your hair up in a towel. Spend the next 30-60 minutes in quiet. Maybe you draw a bath and deeply relax. Maybe you take pen to paper and write down your intentions and goals for the next few months. Maybe you read some passages from your favorite book. Whatever feels nourishing, loving and right for you in the moment. Honor yourself and the changing of the seasons by giving yourself time and space to be as you are.

A few notes on ingredients in the hair mask…

Fractionated coconut oil absorbs more quickly into the skin than solid coconut oil. It also doesn’t solidify below 72°, so I find it easier to work with. Regular coconut oil would be fine to substitute in this recipe.

Jojoba oil protects against dryness, breakage and split ends. It also moisturizes the scalp and can help with dandruff. It also strengthens hair and promotes thickness.

Vitamin E oil is supremely hydrating, adding moisture to dry, split ends, as well as being an antioxidant.

Rosemary essential oil is good for all hair types. It’s said to unclog pores on the scalp and balance our natural oils. It also promotes moisture and shine.

Lavender essential oil is said to promote hair growth, as well as improve scalp circulation and dryness. It also is known to help balance the oils and relieve itching.

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask
[One use]

2 Tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
2 Tablespoon jojoba oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 teaspoons raw honey
5 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil

1.) Wrap shoulders with a towel you don’t mind getting a bit oily. Start with dry hair. Rub some of the oil blend between your palms then massage oil blend deeply into the scalp, working from scalp to ends. Add extra to dry ends. Wrap hair in towel, and leave on for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours. Wash out in the shower with your regular shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all oil. Condition as usual. You can use this hair mask 1-2 times a week or when you feel like you need extra hydration.

March 20, 2019 0 comment

Snacks

Spiced Fig and Date Conserves

Oh the holidays! I love to hate them and I hate to love them. This time of year brings up a lot of emotions for many of us. Feelings of grief, sadness, resentment, loneliness. Having moved to Oregon almost 15 years ago, I’ve spent the holidays away from my blood family most years. I’ve been alone on the holidays, spent them with friends, other people’s families. I’ve worked retail jobs and skipped the holidays all together. You name it.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve felt the pressure and anxiety surrounding the holidays ease. I’ve taken what I love about the holidays – sharing food with friends or family – and I’ve left what does not serve me. I’ve lowered my expectations and have learned to just enjoy the day for whatever it ends up being. Most of all, I use this time of year as a moment to really slow down, stop and think about how grateful I am for all that I have in my life. If the holidays are hard for you, I want you to know I support you and love you. There is no pressure for these days to be something that does not resonate with you. Live fully in your truth, your sadness, your grief, your power, your love, your anger, whatever it is you are going through.

Like I mentioned, my favorite part about the holidays is sharing food with family and friends. December is usually packed with social engagements for me. I try to invite as many people as I can over for intimate meals, to talk, to share with one another about how the year has been, the hardships, the triumphs. It’s a great time to check in with the people in our lives. My favorite part about food is its powerful ability to bring people together. And my favorite way to entertain or share food is with an elaborate spread of mostly veggies and fruit that people can pair with various spreads and dips. Eating with their hands, casually and informally.

These fig and date conserves are perfect for serving on your holiday snack board or charcuterie. I especially love the conserves paired with nut cheeses, regular cheese, meats and smeared on bread. The spices add warmth and depth to the flavor while the apple cider vinegar, lemon and orange give a bright acidity that makes the conserves pop! I especially like this flavor profile for the holidays, but it would be nice all winter long. I get all my herbs and spices from Mountain Rose Herbs. The have pretty much every one you would ever need. The quality is top notch, and everything is available in bulk quantities. If you don’t move through your spices very quickly however, Mountain Rose also sells everything in smaller portions too. Most of their products come in quantities ranging from 1 oz to 1 lb. Herbs and spices should be enjoyed fresh, so I typically do an inventory of my spices and herbs every 6-8 months.

Spiced Fig and Date Conserves
[Makes about 2 cups]

1 1/2 cup dried mission figs, cut into small pieces
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1.) In a small sauce pan over medium heat, bring the figs, dates, water and all other ingredients to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow ingredients to simmer for about 20 minutes stirring every 3-5 minutes.

2.) Once the conserves have cooked down for 20 minutes, put the lid on the sauce pan, and allow to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to be sure the bottom doesn’t burn.

3.) Let cool completely. Using a potato masher, mash the conserves to desired consistency. Place in an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

December 18, 2018 1 comment

Drinks Wellness

Adaptogenic Dream Tonic and Tips for Restful Sleep

This evening I’m sharing a brand new adaptogenic dream tonic recipe and my favorite tips for promoting restful sleep. Though the winter months are more conducive for sleep because it’s colder and darker, I find my sleep is often times more disrupted during the holiday season. Whether it’s the stress or indulgent eating and drinking, sleep often suffers this time of year. We may wake up feeling unrested and may have a harder time falling asleep.

Incorporating herbs and adaptogens into my daily routine over the past several years has improved the quality of my sleep tremendously. Adaptogens work to help the body better react to stress by balancing cortisol levels in the body. Because adaptogens work bi-directionally, they not only help promote relaxation and restful sleep, but also give us more energy and stamina overall. Adaptogens work to bring the body into better balance, giving our bodies the power to better respond to various external stimuli.

I’ve been drinking Mountain Rose Herbs Dream Tea for years now, and I love it. When they asked me to make a dream tonic, I thought it would be lovely to use their tea mixed with a couple of my favorite adaptogens for sleep. This creamy tea latte is one of my favorites to drink an hour or two after dinner time. As always, Mountain Rose Herbs is one of my favorite places to source organic and sustainably harvested herbs. They offer a large variety of bulk herbs and spices, as well as some of my favorite tea blends out there (try the spicy, caffeine-free turmeric chai if you haven’t already).

Create a nighttime ritual
Creating a nighttime ritual that I look forward to is one of my favorite ways to get me excited about going to bed each night. I usually make a tea tonic (like the recipe below!), turn down all the lights in my house, spend 30 minutes or so in the living room lounging, sometimes reading, other times talking with my husband. Then I dedicate about 15-30 minutes to my evening self-care routine. In the colder months, I might take a bath a few nights a week. Otherwise, I spend time taking care of my skin and teeth before getting into bed. By this time, I’m usually pretty wound down, but I usually like to read for about 15 minutes at least and/or take time to practice deep breathing.

Shut off screens at least 1 hour before bed.
And if possible, dim the lights throughout your living space. Soft, dim light signals the body to relax and that it’s time to wind down. Blue light, which electronic devices like our smartphones and computers emit in large amounts, does the exact opposite. It tries to trick the body into thinking it’s daylight.

Include herbs that promote sleep and relaxation
My favorite herbs that help promote rest, relaxation and overall calm are: peppermint leaf, chamomile, skullcap, mugwort and oatstraw. Adaptogens for sleep: ashwagandha, tulsi, eleuthero and schisandra. Try incorporating some of these powerful herbs by drinking the Dream Tonic recipe below, or you can take them in whatever form calls to you (capsules, tincture, infusion, etc.)

Stick to a sleep schedule
Waking up and going to bed at the same time everyday allows your body to get into a rhythm. As we create habits, our bodies respond either positively or negatively based on what these habits are. Our bodies love routine. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule will improve the quality of your sleep. If you want to start waking up earlier in the morning, at first it’s always challenging, but if you stick with the same sleeping schedule, over the course of a few months, your body should slowly adapt to your new bedtime and morning wake up time.

Limit caffeine after noon.
This rule doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, I definitely recommend limiting caffeine intake, especially after noon.

Remove the clock from your bedside table.
I can’t stress this one enough. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night, turning over and seeing your clock staring back at you with the numbers 3:15AM in red. I never check my clock (on my phone, as I don’t have an alarm clock) if I wake up in the middle of the night or if I’m having trouble falling asleep. I know from experience that this gives me anxiety and then I usually have a very difficult time falling asleep. Instead lying there thinking about how soon in the morning I have to wake up.

Set up your sleeping space for success.
Lots of cozy blankets. Supportive pillows. Mood lighting. Plants. Crystals on your bedside. Whatever it is that makes you feel safe, calm and protected in your space.

For enhanced dreaming, sleep with a piece of labradorite or spectralite by your bedside.
I’m always impressed that this works. Crystals are magic! Whenever I sleep with a piece of labradorite or spectralite next to my bed or under my pillow, my dreams are much more vivid, and I usually have an easier time remembering them.

Adaptogenic Dream Tonic
[Serves 2]

2 Tablespoons Mountain Rose Herbs Dream Tea
3 1/2 cups boiling water

1.) Steep loose leaf tea in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and/or cheesecloth.

_________________________________

1 oz (2 Tablespoons) coconut butter
1/2 teaspoon ground ashwagandha
1/2 teaspoon ground schisandra
1-2 teaspoons raw honey or 1 medjool date (optional)

1.) Blend all ingredients with steeped Dream tea in a high-speed blender for 1-2 minutes. Serve, sip slowly and enjoy!

December 4, 2018 1 comment

Beauty Self-Care Wellness

Immune Support Bath and Tips to Stay Well this Winter

Okay friends, unfortunately, cold season is upon us. Now is a great time to adapt immune-boosting practices into your daily routine. Besides getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated, one of my favorite ways to support my immune system is with a relaxing bath using Epsom salts and essential oils. Mountain Rose Herbs is my favorite one-stop-shop for herbs, spices, essential oils, salts, teas, etc.. All of their essential oils are 100% pure, certified organic and high-quality from farm to bottle. I’ve long been inspired by MRH’s commitment to sustainability. You can read all about what they do as a business, here. Also in this post, I’m also sharing some of my favorite tips for staying well this winter. Take care of yourselves, bbs.

Essential Oils for Immunity:

Eucalyptus – Known for its ability to support upper respiratory health and break up congestion. Eucalyptus is also an anti-inflammatory for the lungs. Great to use in a the bath, hot shower, sauna and/or a facial steam especially during a cold or the flu. Eucalyptus also help fight infection by stimulating antibodies.

Lemon – A powerful detoxifier. Used as a lymph tonic to help move cellular waste out of the body during a cold or the flu.

Rosemary – Provides a great boost to the immune system and can be helpful in loosening mucus clogging nasal passages. Can also help relieve a sinus headache.

Oregano – One of the best all natural antibiotics because of its high carvacrol and thymol content. Oregano essential oil can be used both help strengthen the immune system and prevent cold and flu, or to shorten the timespan of an illness once you get sick.

Cinnamon Bark – One of the most powerful antibacterial/antivirals among all essential oils. You can add a drop or two to your bath. I also love add to a spray bottle with water and use to clean surfaces in my house. Just be sure to let the cinnamon-water spray sit for 2-5 minutes on a surface before wiping dry.

Clove Bud – Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic and antiviral properties. One of my favorite essential oils for stimulating the immune system.

Frankincense – Strengthens the immune system by increasing production of white blood cells. Also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Immune Support Bath
2-3 cups Epsom salt
4 drops clove bud essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1 drop rosemary essential oil

Optional after bath care:
In 2 teaspoon of jojoba oil (or any other carrier oil of choice), add 3 drops of oregano essential oil and 2 drops of frankincense essential oil. Massage into the soles of your feet then cover them with cotton socks to allow the oils to absorb.

Tips for Staying Well:

Plenty of sleep – This is KEY. Any time we’re worn down, overworked or stressed, our bodies become way more susceptible to illness. I always advocate for getting plenty of rest, but I find especially in the colder months good sleep is essential to staying healthy. For me that means at least 8-hours a night. Sometimes more if my body is craving it. Winter is a good time to slow down, get more rest, stay closer to home and really nurture your body and your mind.

Plenty of water – Hydration is so important for every aspect of health. In the cooler months, it can be harder to get your daily water quota, so you may want to sip warm water with lemon instead of room temp or cold water. I aim for 3 liters of filtered water a day. Sometimes more when I feel like I need an extra boost.

Dry brushing – Dry brushing (I do it before bathing or showering) stimulates the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This helps clean the body’s tissues and maintain its balance of fluids. Our lymph nodes filter out waste, toxins and pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Dry brushing also improves skin health and appearance by increasing blood flow and exfoliating dead skin.

Apple cider vinegar – One of my favorite things to soothe, and usually get rid of, a sore throat. In a mug, mix 1-2 Tablespoons of ACV with warm (not hot!) water, lemon juice and a little bit of raw honey. Sip morning and night until sore throat goes away.

Vitamin C – A real powerhouse. I bolster my immune system with Vitamin C anytime I feel the slightest bit run down. There are plenty of food sources of Vitamin C: Papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, bok choy, grapefruit, etc. I also take this supplement when I feel like I need a little extra.

Adaptogens – As we start to move into the cooler months, now is a great time to start bolstering your immune system for cold and flu season. One way I love to do this is with adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine lineages. If you want to start incorporating some adaptogens for immunity this season, these are five I recommend:

Astragalus – my top choice for immunity. However discontinue use if you do actually get sick and reincorporate after getting well again.
Ashwagandha – immune boosting as well as helps the body combat stress and anxiety
Reishi – the queen healer mushroom – strengthens immune system, antimicrobial
Chaga – the king healer mushroom – antiviral and immune-boosting properties
Rhodiola – best taken in the morning as it’s energizing and helps with focus.

Start slowly, incorporating 1-2 into your daily routine and see how your body responds. You can always add more after a month or so if you feel called to. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon of each adaptogen per day. Autumn is also a great season to incorporate warming herbs and spices. Try adding powdered adaptogens into your favorite chai recipe or into a warming bone or mushroom broth.

Cut out dairy, sugar and alcohol – I don’t eat dairy or sugar normally, and I cut out alcohol completely from January – March every year. It might be worthwhile to cut one or all of these things out of your diet during cold and flu season, or at the very least, at the first signs of cold or flu. All three of these things act as immune system suppressants. Dairy also increases mucus production, which can make you feel worse if you’re fighting a cold.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

October 23, 2018 2 comments

Snacks

No-Bake Lemon Poppy Seed Glazed Donut Holes

You guys!!! These No-Bake Lemon Poppy Seed Glazed Donut Holes are seriously a dream come true. After I made them this morning, I gave one to my husband. He took a bite and said, “This is why I love you.” These little snacks are sweetened with dried unsweetened and unsulfured apricots and a small amount of coconut nectar. The base is made with gluten-free oats and walnuts. If you don’t do walnuts, you could try subbing soaked sunflower seeds. I haven’t tried this substitution, so if you do, I’d love to hear how they turn out. I seriously love how many amazing products I can get from Mountain Rose Herbs. I love stocking my pantry and spice cabinet with their bulk goods. The vanilla bean powder in these donuts is definitely a splurge (and I think a worthy one), but the recipe works great with vanilla extract as well. Enjoy!

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

No-Bake Lemon Poppyseed Glazed Donut Holes
[Makes about 16 donuts]

Donuts:
1 ¼ cups gluten-free rolled oats
1 ½ cups raw walnuts
2/3 cup dried unsweetened and unsulfured apricots
1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or inside of 1 vanilla bean)
¼ cup melted coconut butter
¼ cup melted coconut oil
2 Tablespoons coconut nectar
¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Juice from 2 medium-size lemons
2 teaspoons lemon zest
¼ cup poppy seeds

Glaze:
6 Tablespoons melted coconut butter
2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon lemon zest + more for garnish

1.) Add all donut ingredients except poppy seeds to a food processor and process until dough forms and all ingredients are well mixed. Add the poppy seeds and pulse a few times until well combined. Dough will be wet and sticky.

2.) Form into about 16 balls of about 1 Tablespoon each. Place on a parchment paper lined tray and freeze for about an hour until firm.

3.) Once the balls are firm and chilled, make the glaze. Place a smaller bowl into a large bowl of hot/just boiled water to melt the coconut oil and butter and to keep everything liquified as you glaze the donuts. Add all ingredients to the smaller bowl and whisk until smooth. Dunk each donut in the glaze and roll until fully coated and return to the parchment-lined tray. The glaze should harden almost immediately since the donuts will be cold from the freezer. If the glaze doesn’t harden because you are in a warm climate, place the tray back into the freezer to harden.

April 17, 2018 31 comments

Wellness

Inside My Spice Cabinet

What would food be without the spices??! Of course the natural flavor of the foods we eat are incredible, but I find so much joy and pleasure in finding spices to compliment the natural flavors in the dishes I’m making. From dukkahs to dressings, I’m always finding ways to incorporate new spices. I love buying my spices in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs. I value MRH’s commitment to sustainability and the highest quality of sourcing. It’s so important that we support brands that are dedicated to the most sustainable sourcing practices as with the age of Amazon the quality and means of sourcing can be easily jeopardized. MRH has so many different herbs and spices to choose from, and you can purchase them in a variety of quantities. I use a funnel to transfer them into recycled glass bottles and jars to store in my spice cabinet.

As a general rule of thumb, ground spices last about a year while whole spices can last 2-3 years. To extend the life of your spices, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep track of when you purchased your bulk herbs and spices, just write the date you purchased or received them on a piece of masking tape and stick it on your bulk bags and/or bottles/jars. You can also usually tell if a spice has gone bad if the color and/or the aroma is faded or dull. In this post, I’ll go through the most commonly used spices and herbs in my spice cabinet. These are by no means the only spices and herbs I use, but the ones I use on a daily and weekly basis.

Here’s one of my favorite dressings using dill OR fennel pollen. Super simple recipe that packs a ton of flavor.

Dill or Fennel Pollen Dressing
1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dill or fennel pollen
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Salt – I keep a variety of salts on hand. My favorites are Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, smoked sea salt and black lava salt.

Peppercorns – I seriously loooooove pepper. I grind it fresh on most of my meals. I love the richness and depth that a mix of black, white and pink peppercorns offers.

Turmeric – Turmeric should be mandatory in every person’s spice cabinet. I love that it can be used in sweet and savory preparations. I’d have to say my Golden Chip Bliss Balls top my list.

Cardamom – I love adding a hint of cardamom to my potions and elixirs, and of course my Walnut-Cardamom Bliss Balls are a crowd favorite.

Ceylon (Sweet or True) Cinnamon – I use this one everyday in my matcha, but cinnamon has so many uses. This warming spice is packed with antioxidants and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Ginger – I love using ginger powder in moon milks and bliss balls. The fresh stuff is still my favorite, but I always keep the dry stuff on hand.

Mesquite – A great low-glycemic natural sweetener, mesquite powder has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor with hints of caramel and molasses. I often use mesquite in my matcha and moon milks.

Vanilla Bean Powder//Vanilla Beans – These are a bit pricey, but for me they are worth it. I prefer to use these over vanilla extract, but the extract is a great more affordable option.

Nutmeg – I don’t use this one that often, but when I do, I always use my microplaner to grate it myself. Like pepper, nutmeg just tastes better when it’s freshly grated.

Herbs de Provence – Such a lovely blend. I love adding these to tomato sauce and pizza dough. Also lovely on roasted chicken and fish.

Bay Leaves – Great for enhancing the flavor of any broth, soup, stew or sauce.

Fennel and/or Dill Pollen -Highly aromatic and alive with freshness, both dill and fennel pollen are great additions to a spice cabinet. I love using them to infuse dressings with flavor. You can also just sprinkle them over your favorite salad or meal.

Caraway Seeds – My favorite way to use these is in dukkah as well as in sautéed purple cabbage. I also love making caraway pickled carrots.

Fennel Seeds – So fragrant when toasted and used in dukkah. Also love using this seed in tomato sauce and in homemade chai tea blends.

Coriander Seeds – Another dukkah ingredient, these guys pack a serious flavor punch. Also great to use in pickling brines.

Cumin Seed and Powder – I love making cumin seed oil and using them toasted in dukkah. The powder is great in so many dishes. Just used in in my shakshuka from this past weekend.

Nigella Seeds – Tiny black seeds that I love to toast and sprinkle over my finished dishes or use in dukkah. They taste slightly bitter and resemble cumin or oregano with hints of toasted onion.

Sumac – This one I just started using last year, and I love it. It has a bright, tart and almost sour flavor. I add it to dukkahs and dressings.

Smoky Paprika – I love the deep smoky flavor this spice imparts.

Urfa Biber – A dried Turkish chili pepper with a sweet-smoky-sour flavor. I love using it as a finishing pepper.

Chili Powder – My favorite popcorn topping with nutritional yeast, vegan butter and salt. Yum!

Cayenne – This spice brings the heat! A little goes a long way. I love adding a sprinkle to soups and curries.

Curry Powder -Curry is a staple dish in our haus. In the winter, I make it once a week. Curry powder is also a great popcorn topping!

Red Pepper Flakes – I use this for Italian-inspired dishes. One of my favorite pastas is just olive oil, sautéed garlic, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes.

Za’atar – This is one of my favorite spice blends. I love using it to top roasted veggies and chickpeas, and it makes a great addition to socca batter.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

April 3, 2018 2 comments

Beauty Self-Care

Bath Rituals + My Go-To Bath Salt Blend + Body Oil Recipes

Creating a bath time ritual is one of my favorite ways to practice self care. I love making over-the-top baths (proof here, here and here) and really taking the time to relax my body and my mind. There are so many amazing bath and beauty products on the market these days, but it’s really fun and empowering to make your own at home. My absolute favorite resource for getting the supplies you need to make your own bath products is Mountain Rose Herbs. They have everything from essential oils and salts to carrier oils and containers to hold your homemade products. Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to sourcing sustainable and organic products, and I’ve always admired their transparency and dedication to doing what’s right.

Adding flowers and citrus to a bath makes it super beautiful, but you can absolutely have the most wonderful bath without those things. Below I’m sharing my Go-To Bath Salt Blend, as well as my Go-To Body Oil Recipe scented with my favorite essential oil blend that I’ve created. I encourage you to play around with creating your own custom scent blends too. Some of my favorite bath rituals include surrounding the tub with crystals and candles, reading from a book of poetry then closing my eyes and letting my senses take over. I also love morning baths. When the sun is shining, I love to hang my rainbow-making prism in the bathroom window and bathe in the rainbow light.

Salt baths are great for detoxification, balancing pH, easing muscle tension and soreness, stimulating circulation, combating water retention and bloat and so much more.

Alison’s Go-To Bath Salt Blend
1 lb. Himalayan Pink Salt
1/2 lb. Epsom salt
1/2 lb. Dead Sea salt

1.) Pour salts into a jar (I like to use these ones). Cork the jar and shake to mix evenly. Use 1-2 generous handfuls (or up to whole jar if you need) per bath.

I’ve been loving these Relaxing Bath Herbs, which are basically like tea for your bath water. This blend includes chamomile, lavender, rose petals, comfrey, hops flowers, passionflower and essential oils. It comes with a reusable muslin bag that you fill and use to ‘steep’ your bath water. MRH also makes Baby’s Bath Herbs that are perfect for children.

Alison’s DIY Body Oil
[Makes 4 ounces]

Carrier Oil Blend:
2 ounces jojoba oil
1 ounce Argan oil
1 ounce avocado oil

Essential Oil Blend:
5 drops sandalwood essential oil
4 drops grapefruit essential oil
4 drops palo santo essential oil
4 drops clary sage essential oil
3 drops patchouli essential oil

1.) Add carrier oils to a reusable glass bottle (I use these ones) then add essential oils. Screw cap on tightly and shake until well combined. Use all over body when skin is still damp from bathing or showering.

[Note: You can also add this essential oil blend (without the carrier oils) directly to your bath or to the bath salt blend above. It’s also lovely in a diffuser.]

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

February 20, 2018 1 comment

Beauty Lifestyle Self-Care Wellness

DIY Holiday Gift Idea: Nourishing Herbal Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a staple in my beauty cabinet. I only wash my hair 1-2 times a week, so dry shampoo is a savior on days in between washing. My hair is naturally very straight, smooth and overall pretty oily at the roots. For this reason, dry shampoo works wonders for me. Not only does it soak up excess oil, but it also gives my hair some texture and much needed body. I highly recommend it for people like me with very straight and smooth hair. I’m super excited to be partnering with one of my favorite brands, Mountain Rose Herbs, on this post. MRH is an amazing resource for all things natural beauty, as well as bulk herbs and spices.

This DIY Dry Shampoo recipe includes nourishing herbs to sooth your scalp and enhance your hair. I’ve included a variation for dry/sensitive/dandruff-prone scalps and one for more oily scalps. If you are brunette, or have darker roots/hair, I recommend adding cacao powder for a darker colored hair powder that will blend in with the natural tones of your hair. I’ve specially crafted 2 scent options for this recipe, but I also encourage you to play around with mixing scents or if you have a blend you love to use that. These powder containers from MRH are great for storing your finished dry shampoo, and can be customized with personal labels for the perfect holiday gift idea. You can also use small mason jars if you prefer.

Here are some of the ingredients featured in the recipe and their benefits:

Arrowroot Powder: Soaks up excess oil on scalp and hair without over drying. Used over cornstarch because arrowroot is harvested without the use of harsh chemicals or high heat. It is also loaded with beneficial nutrients for the skin.

Fuller’s Earth Clay: Fuller’s earth also absorbs excess oil and has astringent properties. It helps to regulate the production of oil and sebum by the hair follicles. Rich in minerals calcium, silica, iron, quartz and magnesium.

Yarrow Leaf & Flower Powder: Yarrow is a nourishing herb with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. It’s a great herbal remedy for treating scalp conditions that may stunt hair growth. It leaves hair feeling soft and manageable.

Horsetail Powder: Promotes hair growth. Works especially well for scalp conditions such as dandruff, sensitive skin, inflammation, itchiness and dermatitis.

Oatstraw Powder: A good source of silica and magnesium which promote scalp health and hair growth.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Wu Haus Dry Shampoo
[Makes 4 bottles]

Shampoo Base:
2 cups arrowroot powder
2 cups Fuller’s earth clay
1/4 cup yarrow leaf & flower OR horsetail powder
2 Tablespoons oatstraw powder
Optional: For dark colored hair or roots, add 1/2 cup cacao powder.
[Note: Use Yarrow leaf for oily scalp, and use horsetail for dry, itchy or sensitive scalp.]

2 Scent Options-

Option 1:
6 drops sandalwood essential oil
5 drops patchouli essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil

Option 2:
7 drops palmarosa essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops palo santo essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil

1.) In a large mixing bowl, whisk all powders for the base together. In a separate small bowl, mix together essential oils. Add essential oils to powder, and whisk well to remove any clumps.

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December 12, 2017 4 comments

Drinks Wellness

Wu Haus Guide to Matcha

I can’t tell you how excited I am about this post! I get countless questions about matcha (how to make it, what brand to buy, what adaptogens to add to it, etc., etc.) everyday over on Instagram, and now I can finally point to the WU HAUS GUIDE TO MATCHA as the complete source to (hopefully) answering all your questions. So let’s dive right in!

SOME BENEFITS OF MATCHA
Sustained Energy + Enhanced Calm: Amino acid L-Theanine and caffeine work together to produce a sustained and focused energy. L-Theanine is a calm-inducing and non-dietary amino acid found almost exclusively in teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike traditional green tea that is steeped in water, matcha powder includes the entire ground Camellia sinensis leaf providing 100% of the leaf’s nutritional benefits to the drinker. A serving of matcha offers between 30-70 mg of caffeine while coffee offers anywhere between 95-144 mg depending on how you prepare it. Unlike coffee, matcha supplies a healthy dose of caffeine without causing you to crash a couple hours later.

Mental Clarity: L-Theanine promotes both natural relaxation while simultaneously heightening mental clarity. It is also known to reduce anxiety levels and enhance your mood.

Packed with Antioxidants: Matcha has very high levels of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids. These power houses protect you from harmful free radicals – the molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, cancer and some inflammatory diseases.

Immune Boosting: Matcha boosts the body’s natural immune defense. The antioxidants in matcha are a key component of helping your body fight diseases and infections. Just one cup of matcha has the equivalent antioxidants of 10 cups of regular green tea. Matcha also contains polyphenols, catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which help boost immunity and promote overall wellbeing. Additionally, matcha provides the body with potassium, vitamins A & C, calcium and iron.

ORGANIC VS NON-ORGANIC
Of course, I think it goes without saying, it’s always preferable to use organic matcha. I say that, yet I don’t use organic matcha. I’ve done tastings at Mizuba (where I source most of my matcha), and the fact of the matter is I prefer the taste of some of their non-organics to their organics. Mizuba is about to release a new organic variety called Yorokobi that I’m SO thrilled about, which will get me to finally switch over to organic (yay!).

CEREMONIAL VS CULINARY
There is much debate over whether or not you need to spend the extra money and buy ceremonial grade or if you’re okay to drink culinary. There is a multi-faceted question. My rule of thumb is that if you are making a matcha americano (with just water + matcha, no milk or added ingredients), use the highest quality ceremonial. If you are making a morning potion with adaptogens or a simple matcha latte, you can probably use a culinary grade. That being said, I use Mizuba’s Culinary, which is A LOT higher quality than many other culinary matchas out there. So, I would recommend purchasing your matcha from a reputable brand and doing a taste test if possible. Especially if you are new to drinking matcha, you don’t necessarily need to jump right into spending $55 on a 40g tin. You can work up to that as your taste for matcha changes and becomes more refined.

FAVORITE MATCHA BRANDS

Bottom Line: Only buy matcha that comes from Japan. Products from other places that claim to be matcha should not be trusted.

Pro Tip: To preserve flavor and freshness, always store your matcha in the refrigerator after opening.

Mizuba Tea Co.: Mizuba is definitely one of my favorite matcha brands. What I love about Mizuba is that every single variety of matcha they offer tastes delicious and is of the best quality. Whereas some brands of matcha use lower quality for their culinary, I use Mizuba’s very, very high quality Culinary matcha for my morning potion everyday. The main difference between their Culinary and Ceremonial is that the Culinary is a coarser grind, making it stronger in flavor so that it can be tasted through whatever you mix it with (milk, desserts, smoothies, etc.). I also love their ceremonial Kokoro and everyday matcha, Daily, for my Matcha Americanos. I love that this brand is woman-owned and local to Portland. Lauren, Mizuba’s owner, works with a single source farm outside of Uji, Japan. She is in the process of adding another AMAZING organic matcha (the 3rd to her line) called Yorokobi that should be ready soon. I’ll keep you posted on that!

House of Matcha: I love House of Matcha’s line (and their amazing branding). Both their Ceremony and Cold Brew are delicious and high quality. The Cold Brew is my go-to for summer, as it dissolves right into cold water.

Ippodo: A luxury line of matcha that feels completely authentic and traditional with its roots in Kyoto. Definitely a bit on the spendier side, but absolutely delicious and worth the splurge.

TOOLS NEEDED TO MAKE MATCHA AT HOME
Chasen (bamboo whisk): Essential for making the perfect Matcha Americano. Also great for use when traveling. You can mix your adaptogens in with your matcha and make a paste as you would for a Matcha Americano (recipe below) if you don’t have access to a blender on the road.

Chashaku (bamboo scoop) and/or Measuring Spoons: I usually use the chashaku when making a Matcha Americano to stick with the traditional way of preparing matcha. I use measuring spoons when making potions.

Chawan (tea bowl): Drinking matcha out of a plain mug would simply not be as lovely of an experience as it is drinking from a beautiful handmade chawan. Some of my favorites come from: Brian Giniewski, Helen Levi, Earth and Element, Wolf Ceremics and Romy Northover.

High-Speed Blender: Really makes things quick and easy for potion making. I’m currently using the Breville Boss.

Battery-Powered Matcha Whisk (great for travel!): I recently purchased this whisk. It’s amazing for traveling with and even froths the liquid!

Kettle and/or Small Saucepan: Pretty essential for heating liquids. I use this kettle and this saucepan.

KEY INGREDIENTS (BESIDES MATCHA, DUH)
Coconut butter: This is a key ingredient if you aren’t using milk in your potion. It adds the creaminess that milk would otherwise add. If you want your drink extra, extra creamy, use milk + coconut butter. Coconut butter also makes the potion ultra frothy, which is an added bonus. I like using it as an alternative to milk, as it is a pure ingredient. Unless you’re making your own nut/seed milks, there are so many unnecessary gums and fillers in the prepackaged stuff. I love CAP Beauty Coconut Butters in 1-gallon and 16 oz sizes.

Collagen: Not absolutely necessary, but contributes to a lovely froth while adding some protein to your potion. Collagen is also great for gut health, skin, hair and nails. I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides or Marine Collagen, but Great Lakes is another great, more affordable option.

Adaptogens: The adaptogens you choose for your potions are entirely up to you. Based on what benefits you are hoping to reap, there are SO many options. As a general rule of thumb, I don’t usually put more than 3-4 adaptogens in each potion. I’d also advise to keep portion size small. You only really need a 1/2 teaspoon of each adaptogen. In the recipes below, there are a few suggestions, but I encourage you to do your research and see which adaptogens call to you. In terms of brands, I recommend Sun Potion and Mountain Rose Herbs. I’ll be posting a Wu Haus Guide to Adaptogens very soon, so stayed tuned for that!

MCT Oil/Brain Octane: This is great to add if you need an extra pep in your step! With the addition of MCT oil or Brain Octane, you basically have a Bulletproof matcha. KAPOW! If you’ve never used either, I would start with a teaspoon or less. This is really powerful stuff.

Matcha Americano
[Serves 1]

2 chashaku scoops (or about 3/4 teaspoon) ceremonial grade matcha
4 to 6 ounces of hot water

1.) Scoop 2 chashaku scoops into your tea bowl.

2.) Add a very small splash of hot water (160°-175°) to the tea bowl with matcha. Using your chasen (whisk, make a smooth paste making sure to break up all matcha clumps.

3.) Add an additional 4-6 ounces of hot water to your tea bowl. Using the chasen, whisk in an ‘M’ or ‘W’ motion very quickly until frothy. Drink immediately.

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Alison’s Everyday Matcha Potion
[Serves 1]

2 cups hot water (160°-175°) OR 1 cup hot water + 1 cup coconut (or any other kind) milk
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter (you can omit this if you’re using water + milk as your liquid)
2 scoops collagen peptides or marine collagen
1 Tablespoon tocos
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
1 teaspoon MCT oil (only if you want an added kick – I don’t add this everyday)
1/2 teaspoon cordyceps (or adaptogen of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon reishi (or adaptogen of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon pine pollen (or adaptogen of your choice)
[Note: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add 1 teaspoon raw honey or 1 teaspoon mesquite powder]

1.) Bring water to a boil (heat milk in a saucepan on the stove, if using) in a kettle. Let cool a bit (160°-175°) before pouring into a high-speed blender. Add all other ingredients to the blender, and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Pour into tea bowl, and enjoy!

Hormone-Balancing Matcha Potion
[Serves 1]

2 cups hot water (160°-175°)
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter
2 scoops collagen peptides or marine collagen
1 vanilla bean, insides scrapped out
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
1/2 teaspoon astragalus
1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha
1/2 teaspoon maca
1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon

1.) Bring water to a boil in a kettle. Let cool a bit (160°-175°) before pouring into a high-speed blender. Add all other ingredients to the blender, and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Pour into tea bowl, and enjoy!

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Pumpkin Spice Matcha Potion
[Serves 1]

2 cups hot water (160°-175°) OR 1 cup hot water + 1 cup coconut (or any other kind) milk
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter (you can omit this if you’re using water + milk as your liquid)
1 1/2 Tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
1/2 teaspoon maca
1/2 teaspoon chaga powder
1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of pink salt
Optional: 1 scoop of collagen and/or 1 teaspoon raw honey or mesquite powder

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October 17, 2017 19 comments

Soups + Salads

Favorite Summer Herbs + Cucumber-Cherry-Peanut Herbed Salad with Tamarind Dressing

Fresh herbs are my absolute favorite part about cooking. They’re what get me excited about being in the kitchen and creating new recipes. I never shy away from using them and playing around with combinations of herbs together. Mountain Rose Herbs is a wonderful resource for sourcing dried herbs in the off-seasons when fresh herbs may not be available. Basil, cilantro and mint are some of my favorite herbs for summer. They’re all versatile and work well on their own or combined together, like in the recipe below. I love serving this salad over quinoa or your favorite variety of rice. This allows the dressing to be absorbed while making it a more hearty meal.

BASIL
Pretty much screams summer. I love how versatile basil is. Use in savory preparations, sweet preparations (love it paired with blackberry), raw, cooked or dried. Flavor profile is peppery and minty with a touch of sweetness. For this recipe, I used Thai basil, which has a stronger flavor with hints of licorice, cinnamon and mint

CILANTRO
I really do feel bad for people who have the cilantro-tastes-like-soap gene. For those of us who don’t have it, cilantro has a bright, citrusy flavor profile. It’s best used fresh. The seeds (coriander) are amazing in dukkah.

MINT
Definitely one of my favorite herbs, both fresh and dried. Peppermint has a strong, cooling aftertaste while spearmint has a lighter and sweeter profile. Can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. Mint tea is one of my all-time favorite drinks. Can be made with fresh or dried leaf.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Cucumber-Cherry-Peanut Herbed Salad with Tamarind Dressing
[Serves 2-4]

For the salad:
2 cucumbers, de-seeded, peeled and sliced on a bias 1/4″ thick
2 Tablespoons fresh mint
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 Tablespoons fresh Thai basil
¾ cup cherries, halved and pitted
2 green onions (green part only), sliced thinly on bias
¼ cup dry roasted, unsalted peanuts, chopped
1 teaspoon red chili flakes

For the dressing:
1/8 cup Tamarind paste
1/8 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons raw honey
1 teaspoon salt

1.) Whisk together the dressing and combine with the cucumbers. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, prep all other ingredients. After cucumbers have marinated, toss with the other ingredients and serve. For a more hearty meal, serve salad over rice or quinoa.

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August 24, 2017 2 comments

Soups + Salads

Salted Watermelon, Black Rice, Sesame + Mint Salad

One of my favorite parts about summer is the abundance of amazing fruits and vegetables available locally. I absolutely love using fruits in savory salad preparations (exhibit a. and exhibit b.). And I think this salad might be the best one yet! Watermelon in salads is so lovely, but I’m feeling like the watermelon, feta, mint situation is a little played out. This recipe really hits all the marks in terms of flavor. The black lava salt from Mountain Rose Herbs adds a depth and complexity of flavor while the jalapeño adds some spice and the mint keeps it fresh. MRH is one of my favorite resources for spices, adaptogens, oils and more. They have such a wide variety of ingredients, and they have high standards for their sourcing process, so I always know I can trust that whatever I get is the best quality. They sell most items in bulk quantities, so once I receive whatever I’ve ordered I transfer the herbs/adaptogens/etc. into airtight jars and keep them in a drawer away from light – a pantry would be great, too.

The black rice absorbs the dressing and watermelon juice rather nicely. Bonus: black rice is nutritionally superior to other varieties of rice, offering 8.5g protein, 3.5g iron and 4.9g fiber per 100g serving. You want to be sure you don’t overcook the rice here. If you’ve never made black rice, you’ll want to use the ratio of 1 cup rice : 1 1/2 cups water. Bring well-rinsed rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Watermelon, Black Rice, Sesame + Mint Salad
[Serves 2-4]

4 cups seedless watermelon, balled
1 teaspoon black lava salt
1 1/2 cups cooked black rice
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1/2 cup mint, torn into pieces
2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
To garnish: sesame seeds

1.) Using a melon baller, ball the watermelon. Remove as many white seeds as you can. Place in large mixing bowl. Add black lava salt and gently toss to coat. Set aside.

2.) Prep the jalapeño and mint. Whisk together the lime juice and sesame oil in a small bowl.

3.) In a serving bowl or tray, gently toss together the salted watermelon, black rice, jalapeño and mint as you slowly drizzle in the sesame-lime dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds, and enjoy!

July 18, 2017 2 comments