Awesome Minty Lip Balm

Awesome Minty Lip Balm

It's time to get creative and make some lip balm. I'm having the girls over soon and decided to make them something to take away other than a full belly!
Here is a recipe I found on Mountain Rose Herbs but there are a zillion on the internet that you can follow with great results.

2 Tbsp Cocoa Butter
4 Tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
1 Tbsp plus 1 Tsp Beeswax
15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
a few drops Vitamin E

Cocoa Butter in solid form and broken up on spoon; Beeswax Pellets

In a glass bowl or measuring cup, melt the oils, butter and beeswax. Put the glass bowl into a bigger saucepan or pot with water and heat it gently on the stove. This is called the double boiler method. Make sure that no water gets into the oil mixture and keep the heat on a low setting for gentle heating. Use a wooden bamboo stick or spoon to stir.
Once it has all melted, add the essential oil, Vitamin E and stir.
Pour into lip balm pots and leave to set

Melt it all in glass bowl; Pour into lip Balm Pots and leave to cool

This is really minty so next time I would add 10 drops on Peppermint EO. 

I love the consistency and the smoothness of this recipe. 
Easy to make, Awesome to use.
I'm sure the girls will love it!!

Ten minutes later it begins to set 

Try it and let me know what you think.
Luscious Kisses!

10 tips for a Healthy Life Eating Plan

The saying goes
Fail to plan, plan to fail

So if you are serious about your health it's time to plan how best to achieve it. Sometimes we approach our desire to have a healthier life by focusing on what we should cut out rather than what we should include. Let's switch that and focus on what we should really be doing more of to see how we can begin to include the good stuff in our daily diets without it being a huge chore.

Think about what a healthy lifestyle means to you. 

Some thoughts might be:
1) I need more sustained energy to take me beyond mid afternoon. 
2) I need to enjoy what I am eating
3) Eating more fresh or raw appeals to me
4) It needs to fit in with my work and family rhythm.

Visualise your healthy lifestyle and write down the key elements of it. 
You may have many more thoughts to add according to your aims.

10 Tips to build a Healthy Life Eating plan for you

1) Educate yourself on foods that provide more energy such as kale, salmon, spinach, fresh fruit etc

2) Plan your shopping to ensure that you have a constant supply of good things so that you don't slip back to bad habits when hungry.

3) Listen yo your body. Are you a sweet or savoury person? Once you recognise your leanings then you must provide alternatives to satisfy them. The key thing is not to ignore what your body is telling you. Listen.

4)Teach yourself how to make tasty, healthy snacks like granola and keep a supply with you wherever you go. Some quick and easy options are nuts, raisins, home made granola, chopped raw vegetables and herbal teas. Always have something on hand for emergencies.

5) Cook in batches. Don't just cook for one meal, cook a big pot and freeze some for later. This is really rewarding.

6) Shop in bulk for those items that you love and are continually buying. If you love oranges buy a box instead of a bag; if you love strawberries do the same. 
Wash them, juice them and bottle it in your fridge or freezer. You could even freeze lemon juice in ice trays for future use. Strawberries and other soft fruit can be washed, chopped and frozen in zip lock bags in the freezer.

7) Recycle or purchase more suitable storage containers. Keep an eye out in the Poundshops and similar places for affordable ones or shop online for what you need. Glass is always best but start where its practical and use plastic until you can upgrade. Amazon is great for mason jars with lids. When you have your items properly stored, it gives you a buzz when you reach for them. Order in the kitchen!!

8) Set aside time for chopping and storing fresh items. You may want to chop all the fruit for smoothies then put them in individual bags for daily use. You can do the same with vegetables for juicing. I have saved a lot of money doing this as I sometimes found that the bell peppers or strawberries would be off before I could use them. Now I wash, chop and freeze as soon as I buy them.

9) Wash and chop lettuce, kale, cabbage and spinach for use during the week. Even when you buy the ready chopped versions from the supermarkets, take the time to wash and dry them and then transfer them to a ziplock bag in the fridge. It makes cooking, juicing and blending easy when life is busy.

10) You can also buy frozen vegetables for cooking to help you to include them throughout the week

A brief starter pack
Purcahse your oils, seeds and nuts in advance so that you have a variety to use. Eating healthy is not boring!

A starter selection of oils
Extra Virgin or Virgin Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Hemp or Flaxseed Oil

Nuts and Seeds
Flaxseeds
Sunflower, Pumpkin seeds
Brazil, Walnut and Almonds
Chia seeds

Vegetables 
Cucumbers
Celery
Red bell peppers
Ginger
Carrots
Beet

Fruit for blending and juicing

Always keep a topped basket of fruit with avocadoes on your dining table for easy access and for eye candy. It's the best fast food there is!

A Healthy Life Eating Plan
A Healthy Life Eating Plan could look like this when you first start

• something green in liquid form (juicing) and in solid form (raw, stir fry or steamed vegetables); 
• drink 2 litres water;
• good fats in avocados, seeds, nuts and oily fish; and 
• enjoy a blended fruit smoothie. 

There are examples for smoothies and juicing on this blog in previous posts, so do have a look for inspiration. 

If you follow some or all of these tips, your transition to a Healthy Eating Plan will be much smoother. You will enjoy increased energy, greater concentration and sharpness throughout the day, the week, the month.

Visit me on facebook for smoothie and juicing ideas as well: Awesome Naturelles. 
What other tips do you have?
I love a good share!

How to Stop Eating Processed Foods

Fresh fruit and Vegetables

There have been many food scares over the years with the levels of horse meat being found in processed foods being the most recent in the UK. Nothing wrong with horse meat but when you think you are eating beef, that's another story!
Many consumers are now wary of the supermarkets and food brands that they once trusted to provide quick and easy meals that would keep their families going in the busy periods of the week.
So what can one do now?

Eat less canned foods
These contain a large amount of salt, sugar and artificial preservatives. You can begin to use more pulses like lentils and kidney beans by soaking them overnight and using a pressure cooker to speed up cooking time. Another fab option is fresh fruit which is the best fast food there is or vegetables which require a quick steam or stir fry.

Increase the amount of fresh meat and fish
Visit the butchers and the fishmonger's section and ask questions until you feel comfortable that you are getting best value. They are also very friendly people and will help with cooking tips until you can give some yourself. Compare them with butchers on your local high street but don't write them off as too expensive.
I have found that you actually eat less of fresh food that you do artificial and so the cost pays off in the end.

Consider the amount of white products you consume
White bread, pasta and rice have no value at all but we consume large amounts. Find ways to replace them bit by bit with whole grain alternatives, starting with bread and then introducing quinoa, brown rice and wild rice. Just do it bit by bit.

Change shopping venues
Source fruit and veg in your local markets. They may not look the same or last as long but don't let that put you off as you will find that they disappear fast! 
You don't have to get everything in the big superstores, walk down the local high street and explore new places that sell fresh unprocessed foods. 
The local Turkish stores have an amazing supply of nuts, yogurts and fresh fruit and herbs.
The Indian stores have all the yam and plantain you need. Explore further.  

And now for the junk food
What snacks do you eat at home?
Fizzy drinks, sweets, crisps are all high in empty calories and just feeding an addiction for more of the bad stuff. 
Replace fizzy drinks with sparkling water mixes; use diluted fruit juices and of course introduce water at every turn. Have a lovely jug always filled with water handy. One in the fridge and one out of the fridge to meet everyone's needs. 
Replace crisps and sweets with trays of cut fruit, granola and flap jacks. You can find awesome recipes online and make up batches to last the week. 
Nuts and seeds are a great snack as well.
Don't forget the unsalted popcorn but include some sweet options as well with maple syrup and chocolate.

Be prepared to prep!
In order to eat less processed foods you have to be prepared in advance. Plan your meals and set aside time to cook. I find that I cook up extra on the weekends and freeze portions for during the week. That helps loads. Or you can buy chopped meats that will cook quickly and include vegetables to be a wholesome filler on the plate. 
You also have to be prepared to shop wider from a number of stores which may seem inconvenient but once you know which stores you like and what you want from each you will be amazed how quickly you settle into a new routine.
Planning is key so that you have all the ingredients that you need at hand.

So swapping processed foods for unprocessed foods takes a new set of skills which will only bring huge benefits to your health and your family. Well worth it!

Have you made the switch to unprocessed foods?
I would love to hear you tips.

How to start your day the healthy way

Eating for Health

Organic Oats, Raisins, Pitted Dates, Hemp Oil and Bananas

I'm really working on eating for health because as I enter into the more mature years of my life, quite happily, I might add, I realise I have to work in partnership with my body. Nature has provided all that we need to live in good health while food manufacturers provide all the unhealthy convenient options.

If we take the time to listen to Mother Nature and we will see the wonders of all her untampered ingredients that will assist us to live with renewed energy, good health and greater well being.  
We would be blown away. I know that I certainly am and continue to be as I look, learn and research. 
One habit that I have adopted to ensure I have the best day possible is to have a healthy breakfast. Eat like a king! 

What's a Good Hearty Breakfast Option?
Cocoa Pops
Frosties
All Bran
Kellogs K

I've tried them all and outgrown them and realise that they don't work for me as I need them to. I cannot afford to be ravenous by 11 o'clock in the day. 
It makes me miserable, I cannot concentrate and I'm not giving my best to work, family or anything else. I also find that if I start the day with these cereals I then feel like eating more unhealthy foods as the day goes on. Does that happen to you?

Recipe for A Hearty Breakfast
I never measure exactly so please adjust for your needs.

1/2 cup Organic Jumbo Oats
6 pitted dates chopped
1 Tbsp raisins
Available fruit: bananas (usually 1/2), strawberries, kiwis, blueberries.

Power Pack Punch
1 Tbsp Flaxseed usually Linwoods brand which comes in a range of choice
You can buy nuts and seeds individually, grind them and add them as you choose.

Super Power Punch
I Tbsp Hemp Oil
1 Tsp Coconut Oil

Method
You can use milk, water or milk alternative such as Almond milk
Add enough liquid to cover the oats and microwave for 1.5 or 2 mins maximum

Add raisins, dates and chosen fruit for the day
Mix
Add Flaxseed Mix and your chosen Super Power Punch oil and mix untill everything is blended

Put on some energising music and enjoy the goodness

The variations for this are endless. You can have  fruit based oats or a nut based or a mix of both according to what your body is saying that morning. 

I guarantee that you will be full right up to lunchtime and will only need to drink your water or herbal tea until then. Less snacking in between meals as well!!
You will be able to work with concentration, patience and joy looking forward to a healthty lunch.

Sources
I buy the Oats from Holland and Barrett as this brand does not go all soft and mushy in the microwave which is my personal preference. The rest of the family like the ordinary oats so you need to see which you prefer.
I also buy the coconut oil from them and a little goes a long way.
The Linwoods Flaxseed and other mixes are available from Holland and Barret also. 1 packet lasts a bit more than a month so its good value for  money and for health.
The rest of the ingredients can be found quite easily in the supermarkets and local stores.

I hope this gives you some help if you are looking to introduce a more healthy start to your day.
Go buy the good stuff and get ready for renewed energy and zest for your day.
Let me know how it goes.

A Mother's Day Drink

Energy Burst Smoothie full of the good essential oils, antioxidants and a burst of iron in a glass.
A great way to start the weekend for all the wonderful Moms on Mother's Day.

Omega rich Antioxidants in a glass

Following on from my last post on Hemp Oil, I decided to include it in a special Mother's Day creation smoothie which I tried this morning. As a busy mom, I focused on a drink that would boost energy and give some extra calcium as I don't drink much milk. 
Almond supplies this beautifully.

Ingredients

1 Banana 
A good handful of Spinach
1 cup Almond Milk
1 cup Pomegranate Juice
1 Tbsp Hemp Oil

Blend Away

Awesome Tips
You could add oats, sliced almonds or some protein powder for extra oomph!

This tasted so good that I forgot to take pictures of it after blending. 
The Hemp Oil has a specific taste which just blended in with the other flavours so err on the side of caution when adding until you get the flavour that suits you. 
The pomegranate juice with cherry gave it sweetness as well so no extra is needed.

It was a beautiful mixture of goodness which I recommend.
I am energised and I feel full! 

Let me know what you think!

Nature's Superfood Oil: Hemp Oil

                                      
                                  Hemp Oil

Interesting Information

1 Tbsp contains 94% of your RDA of Omega 3

1 Tbsp contains as much GLA as 6 Evening Primrose Oil capsules

(Info taken from Good Oil Hemp Oil Website)

So!!  Hemp Oil

The word hemp may conjure images of marijuana and its negative side effects and seem to be out of place in a blog about health, but this oil, which is processed in a different way to the leaf,  is definitely worth considering as a significant part of any natural, nutrient packed diet and skin care regimen.
You can rest assured that Hemp Oil is safe and legal and is sold in many supermarkets right up there with olive oil and grapeseed oil.

Why You should Try This Oil

Hemp Oil has a high content of the essential fatty acids that we hear so much about Omega 3,6, & 9. Hemp Oil can assist in increasing the strength of your immune system, counteract aging, fight psoriasis which is a skin disease associated with deficiency of these fatty acids. Often we may find ourselves feeling dizzy, being always tired and catching every flu bug that is around. Have a look at your diet as it may be that you are lacking a source of Omega 3 and 6. Of course you must always consult your doctor first to rule out anything else.

How can you use it?

• As it has a taste similar to walnuts, it can easily be added to pasta, soups, stews, fried rice and other dishes at the end of cooking so as not to lose the nutritional value through heat. Pour on a tablespoon and blend into your dish. 

• Great for supercharging a smoothie. Add a tablespoon as the last ingredient to your blend and feel the difference throughout the day.

• It adds a boost of flavour to salad dressings and mayonnaise and can be used in place of olive oil. You can include it in your regular recipes by swapping it for the other oils you might use. 

• Your skin will love you for it! A small amount can be used in natural skin care products as your nourishing oil when making lip balms, body butters and massage oils for normal, dry and mature skin. It softens your nails as well, keeping the cuticles from drying out. Use a small amount in your facial Oil Cleansing Blend.

• It can also be a power packed addition to natural hair care products for conditioning and moisturising. You can add it to your hot oil treatment or pre poo as well when your hair feels extra dry. 

Benefits

Great help with menopause and PMT times.

This superfood, hemp oil is a great help with hormonal balance. It is the only edible seed that contains gamma-linoleic acid. GLA is essential for the production of the protective and calming prostaglandin PGE1. This helps to regulate hormonal balance and support menopausal health.

Keeps your skin alive and glowing

Hemp oil helps to regenerate the protective layer of the skin. It helps to regenerate and revitalize dry, tired skin especially mature skin. It increases the skin elasticity and its ability to retain water in the skin tissues. So it can help to plump out your skin and reduce the dullness that you sometimes see. 
Due to its makeup of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, hemp oil is very similar to your skin lipids (or fats in your skin) and this is what makes it an excellent natural emollient and moisturizer.

Awesome News

Hemp oil is the only oil to contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 in the ideal ratio of 3:1 which is ideal for the body needs. These fatty acids are not made by the body and must be obtained by food or supplements. Hemp oil provides this in the most optimal way for the body to use and to store

Nature has once again provided us with a Superfood Oil. So next time you see a bottle on the shelf at your supermarket, don't ignore this Superfood Beauty. Now you know!

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with this product. I just enjoy learning and sharing about natural products that can benefit our health.

Have you tried Hemp Oil?
How have you used it?
Share your finds with us.

Inspiration for the Day

A short one today.

I love the words on this post and I love the colours as well.
  
So they work together to just spark you up to finish what you have started today.

You could just pick one thing and do it right now.

Smile Brightly and see how it just lifts your mood and chases away the blues and the greys as well.

Breathe Deeply Fill your lungs, expand your chest and lift those shoulders. Yes I can see you doing it even now as you read this. Well done!
Allow yourself some more oxygen which will energise you.

You are Awesome as Always