Rosemary Infused Bubbles

Make your New Year’s Eve memorable by infusing your bubbly with rosemary essential oil. It’s delish! (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Tantalize your taste buds and ring in the New Year with some rosemary essential oil infused champagne or presecco! The effervescence of the bubbles is delicious alone, but when paired with the grounding woodsy and herbal notes of rosemary oil, this elixir becomes divine. Rosemary was traditionally used by Greeks to flavor ale and wine, and by Ancient Romans to fend off evil spirits (a good thing to do at the start of a new year, eh?). It’s also an adrenal cortex stimulant (boosts your brain power for making meaningful NYE conversation or tuning into your best resolutions), and is a tried and true immunity booster (stay well through all the midnight kissing and late night revelry!).

Not for use during pregnancy (not that you’d be chugging champagne while preggo, I hope…).

One to two drops per bottle will do ya. Have a blessed New Year!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 bottle champagne or prosecco (something in the $15 price range is fine…no need to “enhance” an expensive bottle of bubbles!)

1-2 drops doTERRA rosemary essential oil

Method:

Pop the cork on the bottle.

Add the essential oil. Put some sort of lid back on the bottle and GENTLY tip upside down and right side up to evenly distribute the oil throughout the bubbles.

Keep the bottle covered allow to chill and cross-mojinate in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Pour into champange flutes and enjoy!

Benefits:

Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary essential oil Rosemary is an analgesic, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant. It is commonly used for calm and stress relief, cold and flu, hair care, arthritic pain, asthma, bronchitis, and digestive issues. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Geranium Chocolate Bark with Sea Salt and Rose Petals

This chocolate bark is a total delicacy. It will melt in your mouth, open your heart, and make you smile. Enjoy!

Instead of fruitcake and candy canes, why not try a different kind of dessert that is sure to put everyone in a good mood? This chocolate bark recipe includes a drop of doTERRA’s geranium essential oil, which is known for its ability to put even Scrooge in a good mood. Plus, the salty sweet combo is sure to please any palate, even this guy!

“Bah! Humbug! Oh, wait…Did someone say geranium chocolate bark? Yes please!”

Have a happy holiday, and don’t forget to pass the chocolate!

Ingredients:

1 bar of organic, fair trade, chocolate (preferably 70-80% cacao)
1-2 drops doTERRA geranium essential oil
Flake sea salt or pink Himalayan salt
1 hefty pinch ground cardamom
*Optional: 1/2 cup shelled roasted and salted pistachios

Method:

Line a 9×13 baking sheet with wax paper.

Heat a small saucepan over low heat. Place chocolate peices in the pan and melt slowly, constantly stirring to ensure even melting.

When chocolate is completely melted and smooth, turn off the burner (about 2-3 minutes).

Add the drop or two of doTERRA geranium essential oil and stir until well-blended.

Mix in a pinch of cardamom.

Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheet. With flexible rubber spatula spread into an 8×10 rectangle about 1/4 inch-ish thick.

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, dried rose petals, and (optional) pistachios.

Refrigerate (or put outside if the weather is cool enough) and chill until firm (about 20-30 minutes)

*Refrigerate up to 5 days (if it last that long…which it won’t).

Benefits:

Cacao (Chocolate): Organic cacao is a legit superfood. It abounds with Vitamin A, C, and E, and a plethora of B vitamins, as well as, magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, zinc, sulphur, iron, chromium, phosphorus, and Omega 6 fatty acids. It is also high in protein and fiber. Move over spinach! See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Cardamom: This spice is an excellent source of iron and manganese, making it a rock star for blood and cellular regeneration. It also contains significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, and can be used as an anti-spasmodic and digestive aid. Great for the belly AND the heart. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Geranium Essential Oil: Geranium is analgesic, antidepressant, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, and a tonic for the liver and kidneys. Geranium is also a hormone-balancing oil, and provides a sense of security and comfort. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Pistachios: These nuts are rich with antioxidants, phytosterols, unsaturated fats, vitamin B-6, and thiamin. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per batch. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Homemade Coconut Milk (and Bonus Eggnog Recipe!)

Coconut milk is an excellent base for smoothies, chai, puddings, soups, and tons of other dishes and drinks.

I’ve been a smidge obsessed with coconut products of late (see below for “benefits” of this lovely “nut). After spending way too much money on canned coconut milk, and trying to figure out how to avoid canned foods (BPA, a pretty icky, hormone-disrupting toxin found in the lining of most cans is worth avoiding when possible. Check this out if you’d like to learn more), I realized that it would be extremely easy, healthful, and cost effective to make my own.

For those avoiding dairy and nuts, this is a lovely milk replacement, and can be used in any recipe that calls for milk. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 1/2-2 cups shredded, unsweetened coconut
4 cups water
Pinch sea salt

Other optional ingredients:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 pitted medjool dates
1 cup of berries of your choice
1 teaspoon honey and some spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or turmeric
1 teaspoon honey and a drop of your favorite doTERRA essential oil such as wild orange, peppermint, cinnamon, black pepper, etc.

Method:

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender.

Begin blending on low speed, then switch to high speed. Blend for at least two minutes, or until the milk is creamy.

Use cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, or a strainer to strain (collecting the pulp for future use) into a large jar.

Keep the coconut milk in the fridge for up to 4 days for best flavor and texture.

*Note: it could separate, so just shake it up before use for the best flavor and texture.

*Note: You can also heat the water (not boil!) before blending to help release the creaminess of the coconut. Try it both ways and see if you can taste/feel a difference.

*Note: You can use the reserved coconut pulp for all kinds of recipes, including smoothies, puddings, pancakes, soups, sauces, etc. Try adding it to this Blueberry Chia Pudding recipe.

To Make Raw and Dairy Free Eggnog:

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut milk

1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

4 egg yolks (pastured farm-fresh eggs preferred)

2-4 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 drop doTERRA cinnamon oil

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated, if ya got it)

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.

Process on high speed for 2 minutes until egg yolks are fully incorporated.

Serve chilled. (If you are a partaker of “spirits,” add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon.)

Add some freshly grated nutmeg on top, and voilá! Holiday cheer in a cup!

Benefits:

Coconut: Coconut is highly nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Both modern and traditional medicine have recognized coconut as having antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Meanwhile coconut provides a nutritional source of quick energy, and can be used to enhance endurance and physical performance. Coconut is also soothing to the digestive tract, and aids in absorption of other nutrients within the body. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Mahvelous Gift Guide 2013

Give your loved ones meaningful gifts this year, or just give them a hug and a kiss and tell them that you love them. That’s the best gift of all.

‘Tis the season to be jolly! (Isn’t it always?) To celebrate, here are a few gift ideas for your beloveds. Instead of buying a ton of things that our friends and family don’t even need, that will likely end up in a landfill in a few years anyway, why not make your own gifts? And if that’s not an option, here are a few other sustainable and/or experiential gift ideas that are sure to express your love and gratitude to the special folks in your life.

Just click on the image for more about each! May you have a blessed holiday season, surrounded by people you love, and who love you.

For Just About Anyone: doTERRA Essential Oils

Contribute to the health and well-being of your friends and family with doTERRA’s certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils. They can be used as personal fragrance, but can also help heal a host of other health conditions. Give the gift of good health with these beautiful gifts of the Earth.

For the Poet: Handmade Journal

Katherine Loeffler (Full Disclosure: YES, she’s my Mom. AND she is an extremely talented bookbinder) creates beautiful hand-made journals and other goodies. Check out her amazing selection of paper goods for the poets and dreamers in your life.

For the Eco Diva: Unique Handmade Sustainably Sourced Jewelry

Who doesn’t love unique handmade jewelry. Andrea Bonelli sources her makins sustainably for eco-friendlier personal adornments.

For the Spiritual Book Worm:

This book piles on the woo. But if you’d care to raise your vibration, or know a friend who’s into healing universal consciousness, this is a lovely read.

For the Health Nut: Breville Juicer

Juice. One of the most nutritious and delicious substances there is. Have a pal who’s über health conscious? They will be forever indebted to you for this gift! (Maybe they’ll even make you free juice for life!)

For the Chocolate Lover: Make Your Own Chocolate Bark

Make your loved ones some therapeutic chocolate bark! Try out these recipes for lavender macadamia or cinnamon with toasted almonds and dark cherries. Yum!

For the Chic Yogini: SENSE Clothing

For she who loves to live in yoga pants, but still wants to look glamorous at all times. SENSE’s chic attire has beautiful lines and is like heaven to wear, from yoga mat and beyond!

For the Frazzled Friend: A Massage

There are few gifts that are more nourishing than a massage. Do an online search of spas and massage therapists in your area and make someone’s holiday extremely special and relaxing!

For the Modern Correspondent: Eco-Friendly Hand-letter-pressed Stationery

Julia Fullerton is a beautiful and talented stationary designer. Check out her various hand-letter-pressed designs. All her stationery is made from 100% recycled paper! She even makes custom stationery.

For the Special Someone: M.Y.O. Specialized Coupon Book

For that special guy (or gal!) in your life, make a coupon book of experiences you think they might enjoy. Also include household chore cards (because really, who wants to take out the trash and do the dishes ALL the time). You can also get a little more playful and add “favors,” if you feel so, ahem, generous. It’ll be perfectly tailored to them, and will absolutely be a gift they’ll never forget!

For the Child: An Experiential Gift

The last thing a kiddo needs is more “stuff” to clutter their closet and mind. How about inviting them to experience something new and exciting? Here are a few ideas: teach them to bake a cake, take them on a “magical” forest adventure, or to your local zoo or aquarium. Get creative. What did you like to do as a child? Help them build memories of feeling inspired and loved.

For The Yogi/ni: Yoga with Me!

I’m offering a slew of new yoga classes come the New Year, so why not give the gift of yoga? From punch passes to private sessions, I have offerings for everyone. Please get in touch for pricing information.

For Mother Earth: Make a Donation to the Pachamama Alliance

Do something nice for your Mother. The Pachamama Alliance combines indigenous wisdom and modern knowledge for a just, sustainable, and thriving world. Other great gift ideas for Mother Earth: Don’t buy another thing! Instead give your friends and family lots of hugs and kisses, a hand-written poem, or bake them a special treat!

For Everyone Else: Make Your Own Candles

Who doesn’t need a little extra light in their life now and again? Personalize your handmade candles with essential oils to suit the recipient’s personality. It’s super to easy to make your own, and you can even make extra for your own holiday gift! Who’d have thought it would be so easy to shine your light?

What are your most memorable gifts? I’d love to hear! Happy holidays, and may you have many blessings in the New Year!

Salty Lime Chile Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)

Grab a handful as a snack or sprinkle over soups and salads!

This recipe was inspired by The Brassica Diaries Blog. 

Ah, winter is upon us. Which means that soups and hearty salads are “fare” game. I discovered these beauties when trying to figure out how to doll up some squash bisque. Perfect combo. But you can also mix these with raisins for a hearty snack or sprinkle them over any other of your autumnal/wintery meal creations for a hint of spice. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup raw pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chile powder
Pinch salt

Method:

Preheat the oven to 375.

Toss all ingredients together to evenly coat the pepitas.

Spread the pepitas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Place in the oven and roast, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, for about 10-15 minutes, or until most of the pepitas are nicely browned and puffed up.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container and use within a week.

Benefits:

Chile: Ah, the beloved chile. A sacred plant where I come from (New Mexico), this pungent pepper has a myriad of health benefits. The phytonutrients found in chile can fight inflammation, clear congestion, boost your metabolism and immunity, while balancing your blood sugar. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lime: Limes are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Pepitas (Hulled Pumpkin Seeds): These babies are packed with zinc and vitamin E, but are also excellent sources of manganese, tryptophan, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. They are also very high in protein. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.