Mossy and clean at the start, this fragrance’s base of musk and amber evokes a damp wooded forest floor layered with soft oakmoss. A hint of lavender and an infusion of sage and orange lend to this scent’s brightness. #bestswimwear #pfcandleco #desertvibes https://ift.tt/2Gq9E92
Remember when Kristen wiig's character in Bridesmaids refuses to eat the "ugly carrot" -- the one misshapen, off color veggie always in the bunch? Super funny, but also a tiny clue about our bad relationship with good, but "ugly food".
According to Theresa Pollard of Darling Magazine food waste in this country has become an epidemic and some of it has to do with the ugly produce that never hits grocery shelves. We're breaking down the story behind the ugly food movement here below...
It would seem that we, as a culture, are more disconnected from our food than ever before.
Despite the proliferation of cooking shows, most Americans are not familiar with the origins of our daily bread: the provenance of a yellow banana, the seasonal ties of carrots or potatoes, what oats look like in a field.
And because we’ve distanced ourselves from the soil and the trees and it’s easy to depend entirely on brightly lit produce displays to guide us to our dinner, we’ve come to expect a level of superficial, waxy perfection from our apples that is abnormal in nature. We only purchase the hearts of celery, neglecting other equally-edible parts of the plant, and rely on expiration dates rather than smell or taste to tell us when our food has gone bad. And we now largely associate “good” more with how a food looks rather than how it tastes or how it makes us feel.
The unfortunate consequence of this shift is that we’re wasting food on an unprecedented scale: As much as 40 percent of our food in America goes in the trash according to Save The Food, a non-profit trying to raise awareness around this issue. And much of that waste occurs before fruits and vegetables even hit the grocery store, as misshapen or marred produce is sorted out and left to die on the farm.
We have largely come to associate “good” more with how a food looks rather than how it tastes or how it makes us feel.
What's The Ugly Food Movement?
The Ugly Food Movement, which began in Europe and has since made its way to American shores, seeks to educate consumers and prevent this form of waste. Their platform is built on the fact that “ugly” produce has the same nutritional content and taste as more aesthetically perfect items.
Going one step further, companies like Imperfect Produce are trying to give consumers an opportunity to opt-in to this “ugly” produce. They’ve created an online marketplace for folks to purchase conventional and organic produce at very affordable prices. Since this food would normally be considered a loss for farmers, it can be sold for less than typical produce and delivered right to your door. By buying irregular fruits and vegetables, consumers can both help farmers make a living and save healthy food from the garbage dump.
Another factor contributing to our national problem of food waste is our general lack of knowledge on edible versus rotten food in our own refrigerators. The Save The Food campaign was launched to also encourage American eaters to create less food waste at home.
We tend to think that a pear has gone bad because it has brown spots or we might blindly toss out a steak based on the sell-by date on its plastic package. Certainly, knowing when things have hit the point of no return is equally important, but have we also lost the ability to use our senses to tell us when food is edible?
Food guru Michael Pollan has written extensively about how the omnivore’s dilemma (what a person who can eat anything should eat) is a battle we moderns face in part because we have lost essential cultural skills to determine what is safe to eat.
Historically, hunter-gatherers would have shared this crucial knowledge in their tribes (eat thismushroom and not that one) and mothers would have taught these lessons to kids over a steaming pot in the kitchen. But, since we spend less time cooking these days, it’s no wonder that we feel less confident in recognizing which foods are safe to eat and how to prepare them.
By buying irregular fruits and vegetables, consumers can both help farmers make a living and save healthy food from the garbage dump.
Although it does require a little time and attention to turn an aging apple into a crumble or wilting vegetables into a soup, I’m here to reassure you that it’s not as hard as you might imagine.
How to Join The Ugly Food Movement
Just think of a friendly loaf of banana bread to bolster your courage; it’s one of our most iconic efforts to use fading food and is miraculously simple to prepare. In fact, banana bread is a great place to start, along with a hearty chicken stock and a handful of other ideas, including:
Eat your vegetables. Many veggies like carrots, celery and asparagus can be stored in water in the fridge to keep them from getting dehydrated and floppy. Shock limp greens in an ice water bath to revitalize them. You can also save the ends of carrots, celery and onions to use for stock. (See recipe below.)
Use your nose. Take a moment to smell fresh chicken, beef, pork and fish so you can more easily recognize when they have gone bad.
Be meat wise. Don’t think you’re going to get around to using those chicken breasts before the expiration date? Simply place them in a freezer bag in the original packaging and squeeze out all the air to store for up to two months.
Bake with fruit. Brown bananas, wrinkly apples and spotty pears can all be transformed into simple and satisfying desserts.
Make Stock. The process of making this chicken stock begins ahead of time, as you stash discarded ends of veggies away in a container in the fridge and save the leftovers after having a roast chicken dinner. I like to plan my stock for the same night as a chicken dinner and let it cook while cozying up in front of a movie. [olists num=1]
The post Things Are Getting Ugly: How Can We Save The World One Ugly Carrot At A Time appeared first on The Chalkboard.
In the restaurant culture of L.A., there are a good handful of famous farms whose names come up again and again. Thao Family Farms in California's Fresno County is one of them. The Thao's grow over 300 different types of all-natural, pesticide-free produce that they supply to farmers markets and top restaurants throughout California, including pretty much all of our favorite eateries in L.A.: Rustic Canyon, P.Y.T, Gjelina, Republique, Botanica, Sqirl, AOC, Animal, Jon and Vinnys, The Little Door, Felix, Night Market, Kismet...the list goes on.
Many of us who live in big cities fantasize about getting closer to the earth through that farm life, despite the enormous amount of day-to-day work it entails. We love talking with farmers about what they do to get a glimpse at that life and to achieve a closer sense of connection to our food. Follow along for a day in the life of farmer Kong Thao and watch for his top notch local produce next time you're surrounding by small plates at Gjelina or Kismet!
The post On The Farm With The Family Who Supplies LA’s Top Restaurants appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Luxury beauty has been all about oils, potions and elixirs for the last few years. And, while we've reserved a warm place in our hearts for a scented bar of soap for the guest bath, we left bar soap behind in our tweens - eschewing a bar of skin-drying soap right along with the rubber duckie.
Lately, however, a new crop of clean, luxurious bar soaps has been single-filing it into our beauty closet and we're finally giving them the chance they deserve to make their mark...
What's Up With Bar Soap?
We have some outdated assumptions about bar soap that we asked a few soap-makers to set us straight on. Dr. Sarah Villafranco, physician and founder of natural skincare brand Osmia had this to say...
"Face soap got a bad name when it became mass produced and commercialized. In order to save time and money, big soap companies started making bar soap much more chemically complicated than pure soap. The result was bar soap that stripped, dried and irritated the skin with synthetic fragrance, often contributing to redness."
We hear that loud and clear, so what's the difference with this new crop of wellnessy bar soaps? A return to traditional methods, of course.
"When done the old-school way, bar soap is a thing of beauty - made slowly by hand, cut into bars, and cured for weeks. We use organic, skin-nourishing plant oils - like avocado oil, shea butter, coconut milk and Dead Sea mud - and the cold-process method, in which we leave all the good stuff in the soap. A finished bar has only soap molecules, which help remove dirt and oil from the skin, and glycerin molecules, which draw moisture to the skin throughout the day. We add essential oils for scent and some clays and muds to help soothe the skin."
Osmia's black clay face soap actually made our short list of TCM-approved face soaps below. Clay and mud make a lot of sense as soap ingredients - think of them as a sudsing clay mask.
Lano founder, Kirsten Carriol shared this with us about bar soap's reputation for being too harsh...
"A cleansers #1 job is to truly, properly clean – and nothing does that better than an age old natural milk-soap formula done right. You have to be careful with the acid mantle not to strip the skin, but to get the skin truly clean in one go – especially if you are taking off waterproof mascara etc - then your skin will definitely have that squeaky clean feeling afterwards, which I love. I added the egg white to our soap, for its pore refining heritage in Swedish skincare, and the lanolin to give it a soft creaminess and silky feel."
Do these skincare pros have you interested yet? Here are the four best bars we've tried...
The 4 Best Natural Bar Soaps
For A calming Cleanse : Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap | Dead sea mud and Australian black clay are famously packed with detoxifying minerals; this bar soap includes both, along with soothing organic coconut milk and deeply-conditioning almond, avocado, and castor bean oils. Lather up for a serious clean that removes makeup, calms redness and won't leave skin dry - period. CHECK OUT
for Troubled Skin: Jenette Skincare Cacao Herbal Infusion Soap Bar | Celeb makeup artist Katey Denno swears this bar transformed her once troubled skin. Loaded with healing herbs, aloe and organic cold pressed coconut and grape seed oils, this detoxifying soap softens, tones and soothes skin, cleanses pores deeply, clears bacteria, and even helps reduce acne without drying. CHECK OUT
For A deep Cleanse: Lano Lanolin & Egg Wash Gentle Cleansing Bar | Created by the daughter of a DNA Professor, Kirsten Carriol developed a passion for transforming natural ingredients into something greater. Her brand, Lano, produces bomb lip balm and other skincare products like this bar soap made of lanolin - a natural (and ethically sourced) substance taken from freshly shorn sheep’s wool. Her completely natural, pure, medical-grade skincare delivers deep moisturization that nourishes and lasts. CHECK OUT
For Sensitive Skin: MV Skincare Gentle Cleansing Bar | Our skin is our biggest organ -- feed it as well as you feed the others. This bar soap contains nourishing shea butter, olive, coconut and apricot oils. A lend of essential oils (lavender, geranium, sandalwood, patchouli and roman chamomile) give this natural cleanser a major power-up.CHECK OUT
The post What’s Up With Bar Soap? Here’s Why We Gave It Another Chance appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Registered dietitian Shira Lenchewski is The Food Therapist. Her new book of the same name is a genre-bending guide to nutrition and self-mastery -- and the perfect pick for any book club this spring since it's guaranteed to stir conversation.
We've been relying on advice from Shira for years, from self-care routines to edible earth day plans. Our favorite piece of advice from Shira over the years? This bite-sized, but high impact piece of advice excerpted from the pages of The Food Therapist below. If you have a tough time deciphering whether or not you're truly hungry or just bored from time to time, Shira's trick works every time...
I figured this one out when I was in grad school. Quite stressed, without much structure to my days, I ended up snacking all day and losing touch with my hunger cues, and then being kind of dissatisfied with dinner because I had been snacking all day. As I discovered, one easy way to gauge hunger is by keeping fresh crudites (raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers that have been washed and cut) and a tasty dip at eye level in the fridge at all times. If you're between meals or post-snack but you're not totally satisfied, go for the crudites. If you don't want the crudites, you're probably not really hungry. In my practice, I see a lot of students, moms, freelancers, actors and other people who don't have much built-in structure to their days often grab snacks when they're stressed or procrastinating -- they, too, have found that the crudites trick really works!
Bored by raw veggies? Discover our fave non-traditional
crudites and how to make them here.
The post The Crudites Trick: How To Tell If You’re Hungry or Just Bored appeared first on The Chalkboard.
What's not to love about Meghan Markle? Elegant and philanthropic, this royal-to-be is also a California native with TCM-approved wellness practices to prove it. We interviewed the former actress for our 'Living Well With' series a few years back -- check out the full story here -- and she shared not one, but two delicious and nutritionally balanced smoothie recipes fit for a (wellness) queen.
Meghan's daily smoothie recipe is simple in all the right ways: all it takes is a few whole food ingredients that give you a nutritional bang for your buck (and are probably already in your kitchen). Clean protein powder provides energy, chia seeds offer more protein, fiber and essential omega 3s, blueberries bring on the antioxidants, cinnamon squelches inflammation and coconut water helps us hydrate deeply.
According to Meghan, sometimes she likes to mix the smoothie recipe up by using "frozen mango, a squeeze of lime, I swap the cinnamon for turmeric (which has unbelievable healing properties!) and just use coconut water". Try the smoothie both ways and report back if you achieve Meghan-like energy levels! [olists num=1]
Peek at more TCM stories featuring Meghan Markle and her wellness habits here.
The post The Coconut Smoothie Meghan Markle Says She Drinks Daily appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Actress Emmy Rossum always looks great, but the Shameless star beat out every red carpet appearance she's ever had on her wedding day last spring. As we prepare to embrace a season full of weddings, we thought we'd share a few insights about how she got that killer glow going - for brides-to-be and those healthy bridesmaids who want to look their best.
Working with a team that included TCM contributor and celeb-adored nutritionist, Kelly LeVeque, Emmy slipped into that custom off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera after following Kelly's 'Fab 4' protocol.
Fab Four emphasizes a balance of four key nutrients at every meal to prevent blood sugar spikes, balance the appetite, and keep bloating at bay. According to Kelly, in the two or three months leading up to the big day Emmy was on a 'fab four' smoothie cleanse. For 21 to 30 days she drank a fruit-free smoothie for breakfast and dinner and fish and veggies with avocado or olive oil for lunch.
Whether you're looking to get svelte and strong with an intense smoothie plan like Emmy Rossum's or not, we love Kelly's tips for the day of the wedding below. Share these tips with your bridesmaids and stay physically and emotionally balanced on your big day...
How to Look + Feel Amazing The Day Of Your Wedding
Curtail The Coffee. Limit caffeine! When nerves and adrenaline are high, one comforting cup of coffee is enough. Instead, focus on hydrating with water throughout the morning while you get ready.
Drink Lemon Water. Hydrate with enzyme-rich water! Adding cucumber and/or lemon to your water will help your body to stay hydrated and encourage urination to prevent water retention and swelling on the day of your wedding and leading up.
Avoid Foods That Bloat. Steer clear of cheese, gluten and any white or empty carbohydrates for ten days before your wedding; all of these will make you bloat. For breakfast on the big day, go for a fructose-free smoothie made of protein, fat and fiber to balance blood sugar and turning down hunger hormones. Why fructose-free? Fructose feeds gut bacteria that can contribute to bloat. Not to mention, fructose is metabolized in the liver and if you plan to drink alcohol it’s best to give your liver a break. Added fiber from chia or flax helps ensure you have a BM before you slip into your dress and slows the absorption of glucose to prevent a blood-sugar roller coaster.
Take Your Enzymes. Take an enzyme supplement before your #bewellsmoothie and #bwbkfab4 lunch to support your body in breaking down the macronutrients in your meal and to help easily convert your food to energy. An added bonus: Taking enzymes can reduce bloating!
Don't Forget To (Actually) Eat. With so much going on, it's easy to forget food all together and you might end up more frazzled - or tipsier - than you want. Nourishing your body with essential omega-3 fatty acids and protein prior to a night of drinking can help slow the absorption of ethanol into the circulatory system to avoid being a super tipsy bride. Choose a fatty fish like salmon over easy-to-digest greens like spinach or mixed greens, with ½ of an avocado and lemon juice or avocado oil for dressing. A high-protein high-fat lunch will keep your blood sugar balanced and help prevent a hangover.
Low-Sugar Cocktails. If you want to toast/drink alcohol while you are getting ready, consider low-sugar options such as vodka or silver tequila with double soda water instead of champagne.
Discover a million more holistic nutrition tips from Kelly here.
The post Emmy Rossum’s Wedding Day Wellness Guide appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Chloe Coscarelli got a taste of food fame after becoming the first vegan chef to win Food Network's Cupcake Wars. Since then she's launched the trendy bi-coastal vegan fast-food mini empire, By CHLOE and published a couple of best-selling cookbooks.
Mainstream veganism has gotten a lot sexier in the past few years, partly thanks to creative leaders like Chloe who have reshaped the public perception of what vegan food can be. Her personal food philosophy, "vegan for all," says it all. With a menu featuring dishes like Maple Bacon Benedict and Cajun Jambalaya with Scallion Biscuits, Chloe has carved out a world of her own where vegan food leaves us both physically and socially satisfied.
Chloe's new cookbook, Chloe Flavor: Saucy, Crispy, Spicy,Vegan, delivers more of the food ethos vegan foodies have come to love her for. Get to know the pro who's smashing vegan food steyotypes -- one Hawaiian Teriyaki-Pineapple Burger at a time -- with our exclusive 'In The Kitchen' interview: from tree pose in the kitchen to an avocado buying tip we didn't see coming, and a drool-inducing weeknight recipe from Chloe's latest cookbook... [olists num=1][olists num=2]
The post Saucy, Crispy, Spicy, Vegan: In The Kitchen With Chef Chloe Coscarelli appeared first on The Chalkboard.
For the third part of our series on healing Hashimoto's with author and holistic nutritionist, Elissa Goodman, we're exploring the significance of our daily toxic load on this increasingly common autoimmune condition.
We've discussed what to do first after a diagnosis and why an emotional cleanse is just as important on a physical one. Next up, Elissa explains the impact of our cumulative toxic load and what we can do to lighten it...
There’s a common culprit at the root of so many of today’s health issues. It is the toxins that we have been exposed to over our lifetime, such as pesticides, heavy metals and viruses. The one virus that I’ve been really focused on is Epstein-Barr, the same virus that causes mononucleosis (AKA the “kissing disease” that was always going around in your high school and college years). It's a sneaky virus that nearly 95% of the adult population has. Even if you haven’t had mono, the virus could still be living in your body. But here’s the good news: You can heal yourself from it and, at the same time, lower your toxin load overall, and by doing so, heal your body of the illnesses it causes, including Hashimoto’s.
The Role of Epstein-Barr (EBV)
The Epstein-Barr virus is also occasionally known as the “thyroid virus.” This virus has been tied to a number of diseases, including certain cancers, like the Hodgkin's Lymphoma I was diagnosed with at the age of 32, and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. One study found that of all the people with Hashimoto’s tested, 81% of them also had EBV. Anthony William, the medical medium, estimates that approximately 95% of all thyroid problems can be attributed to this virus.
It was William who actually introduced me to this idea that this virus could be causing so many of my health problems. As a kid, I was always getting sick: I had chicken pox, strep throat, tonsillitis, mono, shingles, herpes -- you name an illness and, chances are, I had it. I never realized that they could all be interconnected until I saw William and he explained that I likely had EBV living in my organs, and that was the cause of so many of my maladies -- including Hashimoto’s.
Most of the time, Epstein-Barr lays dormant in the body and shows no signs, but the virus can spread. Here’s where the Hashimoto’s connection comes in. If the virus spreads to your thyroid, and enters the cells there, the immune system may try to attack both the virus and the thyroid cells, thus causing the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s. Plus chronic infections, like EBV, begin to wear down your body’s stress and immune response, therefore making you more susceptible to disease. If you think you might have Epstein-Barr you can ask your doctor to run a standard EBV test, but if it’s been a long time since you had a flair up, it might not show up on a blood test. Also, if it’s living inside your organs, there are no tests to detect it.
The Role Toxins Play
What really sets the virus off, and can lead to it becoming more than just a dormant intruder living in your body, is exposure to toxins. The Epstein-Barr virus essentially feeds off certain toxins, so the more you have in your body, the higher the chance the virus will spread. These toxins can be anything from pesticides and heavy metals in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat, to bacteria in our makeup and beauty products. Additionally, many of the environmental toxins that we are exposed to can contribute to low levels of thyroid hormones, AKA hypothyroidism. Heavy metals, in particular, love the pituitary gland, which is in charge of producing some important thyroid hormones. So when that’s out of whack, your thyroid most likely will be too. Most of the time, we are not even aware of the heavy metals and toxins that we are ingesting because it happens in everyday life. But when you know how to recognize the sources of your toxin exposures and how to detox yourself from them, you can heal your body and prevent the progression of EBV.
Ways to Lower Your Toxic Load
Drink water. This might seem like an obvious suggestion to some, but making sure you’re properly hydrated can do wonders for your body. Most people are not drinking enough filtered clean water, and if you’re dehydrated, your body can’t properly flush out toxins. For an extra toxin-removing boost, try adding some freshly squeezed lemon into your water. And if you really want to take it to the next step, add some aloe vera to the mix. Aloe is a strong antiviral and can help remove toxins from your liver and bloodstream.
Add barley juice extract and spirulina. When it comes to detoxing, if you really want to take your daily hydration routine to the next level, try adding some barley juice extract powder and spirulina.
Vimergy Barley Juice Extract Powder is packed with thyroid-supporting micronutrients, and is great for removing heavy metals like mercury from the body and detoxifying the liver. It has a protective effect on the thyroid, particularly when it comes to the Epstein-Barr virus.
Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina Powder is another favorite green powder of mine. It’s extremely supportive for the thyroid. It contains iodine, which acts as an antiseptic against EBV and it has important nutrients and antioxidants that can help to remove toxins from various organs, essentially removing EBV’s fuel and stopping it from spreading. Spirulina can reduce the growth of nodules and tumors.
Boost immunity. You want to make sure that your immune system is properly prepared and strong enough to fight off the toxins and viruses. For this, I recommend supplementing with Nature’s Answer (alcohol free) Goldenseal/Echinacea and Astragalus; Eidon Ionic Zinc Sulfate Concentrate; and LipoNaturals Liposomal Vitamin C (made from sunflowers not soy). Making sure you get enough sleep is vital for good immunity, so try to get 7-9 hours per night.
Be aware of toxins in the products you’re using. For women, this is a common source of toxin and bacterial exposure. Beauty products, like makeup, hair products and lotions can contain toxins that can seep into your body through your skin. Try to stay away from products containing parabens, sodium sulfates and other chemicals that may bring you harm. Be mindful of the products you’re using, from those in your cleaning closet to your bathroom cupboard, and try to find products with natural (and pronounceable) ingredients.
Add celery juice to your diet. Celery gives your body certain mineral salts that work against EBV. Celery helps to give the adrenals a little extra support; it cleanses your thyroid and boosts the gland’s hormone production. It also aids in the liver’s production of bile to make sure food is broken down efficiently. I juice straight organic celery and drink it on an empty stomach.
Supplement with cat’s claw, licorice root and bioactive silver. These are all great natural supplements to help reduce your viral and toxin load. When starting supplementing, begin with one thing at a time to test your sensitivity. Start with the recommended dose on the bottle and then once your body has adjusted, double it. And always be sure you’re using an alcohol-free supplement.
Hawaii Pharm Cat’s Claw (alcohol free) contains important phytochemicals that can destroy certain viruses that cause inflammation. It stimulates the immune system and can help remove toxins and waste. And it can reduce tumors and nodules in the thyroid and the liver.
Nature’s Answer Licorice Root (alcohol free) can help to remove the Epstein-Barr virus from the thyroid, liver and reproductive system and helps to restore the adrenals and kidney (don’t take this supplement if you have high blood pressure, try licorice root tea instead).
Finally, supplementing with Sovereign Bioactive Silver too can boost your immunity and kill all kinds of pathogens. To read more about the supplements that can help you heal, read the first part of this series here.
Eat sea vegetables and wild-caught fish for iodine. Iodine is a great antiseptic, meaning it immediately kills germs, and it is a great antiviral and antibacterial. Wakame, kombu and nori are all great sources, but stay away from hijiki because of the possible high arsenic.
These are just a few of the things you can do to help your body reduce its levels of toxins and viral load, particularly when it comes to the Epstein-Barr virus. Healing your body from Hashimoto’s is not something that happens overnight, but with time and careful consideration to your health, you can gain control of the disease and feel better than ever.
The post The Possible Link Between Hashimoto’s + Your Daily Toxic Load appeared first on The Chalkboard.
The Average Woman’s Bra Size is 34DD…. why is it so hard to find cute styles in DD? Not a problem we have you covered. Shop our D+ Cup Swim #sunsetsswimwear #dcupswim #musthave https://ift.tt/2GkqyG0
Join us on April 5th at LA's green beauty paradise, The Detox Market for an evening of green beauty, golden milk lattes and a conversation about modern wellness featuring a few of our favorite pioneers from across the globe.
If you've made it to any of our other sold-out events at The Detox Market, you already know why we're excited for this upcoming gathering: think delicious drinks, good company and great chats about the topics we care about most. In addition to getting a chance to connect with other TCM readers and local wellness lovers, guests will enjoy golden milk lattes provided by Pressed Juicery and each attendee will head home with a copy of Jasmine Hemsley's incredible new Ayurvedic cookbook, East by West.
Moderated by Laura Piety, Founder of Noble Media and Associate Producer of The True Cost documentary, our wellness panel will feature top British cookbook author and wellness pro, Jasmine Hemsley, native Frenchman and founder of The Detox Market, Romain Gaillard, and our own co-founder, Suzanne Hall.
Discover how to reserve your spot for this awesome event below! [olists num=1]
The post Hey, LA: Join Us For A Wellness Convo You Won’t Want To Miss appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Your Pinterest boards serve as perfect proof: you know how to entertain in style. Pulling things together for a last minute weekend gathering however - sans florist, caterer and wedding-sized budget - can be a whole different story.
We asked a few LA pros we love how they entertain on a budget and they shared the insights and ideas below. A-list hyper-local caterer, Tara Maxey of Heirloom LA, is all about that self-service bar; local restaurateur, Hayley Collins Feldman of Venice's Chez Tex sings Spotify's praises; top wedding blogger, Amanda Dawbarn of 100 Layer Cake lives for a Moroccan braise; cooking instructor and cookbook author, Pamela Salzman, throws votives everywhere...
The Restaurateur:
Hayley Collins Feldman of Chez Tex
Serve Sexy Wines. I strongly believe that a great party comes down to good wine and music. Mix up the under $20 wine selections with a few sexy bottles you can start your guests off with. I love Cruse's Valdiguie Nouveau, which hovers right under $30 bucks and has a little spirtz to it.
Music Matters. For music, my Spotify rotates between Billie Holiday and Rhye radio (which we play at the restaurant).
Bring on The Bubbles. And one last thing no party should be without (budget or not): LaCroix!
The Caterer:
Tara Maxey of Heirloom LA
Start Early. Entertaining for a crowd on a budget is about getting ahead. Picking up your wines and sparkling waters early so then you can set them out for a self-service bar.
Forget The Florals. Consider platters rather than flowers which can really eat up a budget. Instead opt for fresh herbs and edible flowers to place in small little vases and as garnish on your platters that can sit out and look nice without having to attend to them throughout the night. It’s all about presentation! Strategically place these little noshing beauties in communal areas.
Tend to The Vibe. Don’t forget the music playlist because that sets the tone of the event -- and it's free!
The Cooking Instructor:
Pamela Salzman of Kitchen Matters
Get PotLuck-y. This is something that I learned after I moved from LA to the beach: People are so happy to be invited to someone's house for dinner and most people ask what they can bring. Take them up on it! The host can provide the main dish, but there's nothing wrong with assigning guests one item, whether it's a dip and chips, a dessert or a bottle of wine.
Go Plant-Based. No one will ask, "where's the meat?" which is usually the most expensive ingredient on a menu. There are loads of great meatless recipes that will make for a great centerpiece dish and save you some cash in the meantime. Think vegetable and chickpea curry, veggie lasagne, or baked vegetable risotto, all of which can be made in large quantities. (If you must serve meat, look no further than your slow cooker which can transform tough, inexpensive cuts of meat like chuck, brisket or pork shoulder to meltingly tender).
Decorate With Food. I love to use seasonal fruits and vegetables on my table mixed with lots of inexpensive votive candles. Choose different produce in one color or choose lots of colors. Don't be afraid to cut open items to expose their color, like citrus, pomegranate and melons. You'll still be able to use and eat your table decorations the next day!
The Wedding Blogger:
Amanda Dawbarn of 100 Layer Cake
Pour A Pitcher. If I’m trying to entertain on a budget, I’ll oftentimes serve a big pitcher of sangria instead of fancy mixed drinks at a party. It’s inexpensive, easy, looks beautiful with its ruby-colored fruit infusion, and pretty darn delicious.
How do you entertaining on a budget when it's last-minute? These easy tips will guide you through.
The post How To Entertain on a Budget According To 4 Stylish Pros appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Can we all agree that the transition from winter to spring is weird? We're thinking about flowers but still curled up in thick knits; we want to bake but have strappy sun dresses on the brain. These sunny little lemon curd tarts are perfect for celebrating the shift.
This recipe from the clean food advocates at Food Matters feels rich and indulgent but is actually squeaky clean. The crust is made with nuts and oats for a crunchy and protein-rich base. The filling is made without any butter or processed sugar, but with from fresh lemon, honey and eggs for a silky, creamy center that's surprisingly refreshing.
The post Sunny Days Ahead: Try These Impressively Clean Lemon Tarts appeared first on The Chalkboard.
We can't keep our hands off the Alaska from Scratch cookbook by photographer and food blogger, Maya Wilson. Recipes like this poached halibut in thai curry and the salmon noodle bowl below have slipped seamlessly into our weekly meal cycle. This one packs a punch with a flavorful sauce you'll want to put on all the veggies, and offers the perfect balance of nutrition and practicality.
On one of our trips to Idaho to visit my wife’s cousins, I was tasked with making dinner for a whole crew of their friends who were coming over. I knew immediately that I would make a version of these noodles, my go-to recipe for satisfying a hungry crowd. That night I used shrimp and chicken thighs as the proteins in the dish and added carrots to the mix of vegetables. Sometimes I use wide rice noodles, other times I use thin rice noodles. This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to play around with the proteins and the vegetables in this one, customizing it to your liking. In this version, I’m using seared wild Alaska salmon fillets and crisp green snow peas. It’s the addicting sauce and salty roasted peanuts on top that really make this recipe a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser. [olists num=1]
Study up on seven simple and fail-proof ways to prepare wild salmon here.
The post Make These Salmon Noodle Bowls For Dinner, Forever appeared first on The Chalkboard.
When dealing with seasonal depression, living well can feel like an impossible goal, but waiting until summer isn't a solution; the longer we linger in depression, the more difficult it can feel to break free. According to nutritionist and founder of The Women's Wellness Collective, Kristin Dahl, there are simple but impactful shifts we can make to begin the shift back toward a vibrant sense of health. Here are holistic protocols for seasonal depression that have helped Kristin with her own clients...
During the winter months, we tend to feel a bit low and naturally turn inward, with less of a desire for high levels of activity and social engagements. This is our instinctive response to the winter season, and when we answer this call for deep rest, we begin to sync up with the innate rhythm of our nature. When it comes to low moods, it’s essential that we start with the basics and make sure that our fundamental needs are being met: adequate filtered water, fresh light and air, healthy food, regular exercise, circulation and ample time in nature.
Many other factors play a role in deeper states of depression: Too much screen time, a lack of social connection and toxic environments impact us more than we realize. A heavy toxic load, hormonal imbalance, gut issues and genetics strongly influence how we treat and move through debilitating states of depression.
In order to heal from depression, it’s important to consider the mental and physical components as a whole. Tailor these suggestions to your lifestyle, and integrate what feels right for you.
Remember, these tips are best for mild cases of seasonal depression, not clinical disorders. If you feel that you’re suffering from something more serious, contact a health professional.
Unplug
Regularly unplugging from technology and taking space for quiet reflection offers so much clarity. It’s imperative that we allow this space for ourselves. Constantly filling up our time with the distraction and ego projection of social media is often a way to avoid the feelings deep inside us that need attention. It’s essential to create boundaries with tech use and take space whenever needed.
Feeling lonely? Call a friend or family member, plan a date night, try something new, sign up for a class or start a women’s group. Nothing is better for the soul than genuine human connection.
Support Your Gut
The gut is directly connected to the brain via the vagus nerve, so any dysbiosis (imbalanced gut flora) will have an impact on the brain, negatively affecting cognitive function and mood. The majority of our feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine) are produced in the gut, which is why it’s often referred to as our “second brain.” A healthy, balanced gut that is functioning optimally will result in better moods, higher energy and an overall sense of calm and wellbeing.
Support a balanced microbiome by consuming fermented foods that contain high levels of natural probiotics, such as raw sauerkraut, beet kvass, kimchi, coconut yogurt, tempeh, miso and natto. These all replenish healthy bacteria in your system.
Supportive herbs that aid in digestion and support healthy gut flora include ginger, lemon balm and fennel.
It may also be beneficial to include digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (commonly called HCl, aka stomach acid) to improve digestion. Testing your stool and supplementing with high-potency probiotics may also be necessary. Working with a holistic practitioner through this process can be incredibly supportive.Nature Therapy
We’ve developed deep attachments to being constantly “on.” Getting into nature is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reset the nervous system. Connecting to nature eases stress and tension in the mind and body and soothes our primal need to feel connected to our environment.
Earthing (walking barefoot outdoors in the dirt, grass or sand) is a particularly grounding practice that helps to remineralize the body. Earthing supports all body systems and helps to reset our biological clock, regulate circadian rhythms and balance cortisol levels. These effects can significantly reduce seasonal depression symptoms and lift mood.
Nourishment
Balance blood sugar: The brain depends on a steady supply of glucose to function optimally. Hypoglycemia has been directly linked with depression, so balancing blood sugar is vital to mental health. Blood sugar spikes and crashes can also worsen symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue and irritability.
Eat balanced meals: Eat balanced meals and stick to regular meal times to help stabilize the body. Include a healthy protein source (such as free-range, organic meats and eggs, wild-caught fish, beans and lentils, chickpeas, etc.) and a healthy fat (such as avocado, olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts, etc.) at every meal to keep blood-sugar levels on an even keel.
Avoid refined carbohydrates + Sugar: Avoid carbs such as white pasta, bread, rice and sugars, including natural sugar sources such as fruit juices and dried fruits as much as possible, as these are the primary culprits responsible for the spikes (and corresponding drops) in blood-sugar levels.
Support brain health: Healthy fats support brain function as they reduce inflammation, boost mood and energy, balance blood sugar and support cell-membrane function. Lipids in the brain are also made up of omega 3 fatty acids, and a deficiency of omega 3s, in particular, has been linked to depression. Supplementing with fish oil can be incredibly supportive.
Get Your OmeGAs In: Omega 3-rich foods include cold water fish, mackerel, wild salmon, sardines, avocado, chia seeds, flaxseed and walnuts.
Minimize alcohol + caffeine: These are stimulants that can alter mood and digestive function while also contributing to blood-sugar imbalances. Make sure to stay hydrated with plenty of filtered or spring water throughout the day (aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day) and include alternative options to alcohol and caffeine such as herbal teas and adaptogenic mushroom blends.
Reduce inflammation + increase nutrients: Inflammatory foods (such as allergens, refined foods, sugars, dairy, gluten, chemicals and additives) can exacerbate depression and mood disorders. By contrast, nourishing and nutrient-dense foods improve and support cognitive function, energy levels and mood. Proper nutrition is a leading factor in treating depression, as the food you supply your body with is also fueling your energy and mental health.
Eat Fresh: Include plenty of fresh organic vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats at every meal.
Herbs for Depression
Adaptogenic herbs improve stress hormone levels and help to relax the nervous system. They assist in the production and regulation of cortisol when the body is under stress. Two adaptogenic herbs that are especially beneficial for depression are rhodiola and ashwagandha.
+ Rhodiola assists with serotonin and dopamine utilization in the body, which has highly positive effects, as serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that improve our moods and increase focus and memory.
+ Ashwagandha reduces the effects of depression and anxiety and helps to balance hormones. Both are best taken in tincture and powder forms.
+ Gingko has antidepressant power, as well as anti-inflammatory, relaxant and neuroprotective effects. It is best taken in tincture form.
+ Lemon balm helps relax and regulate the nervous system, gently lifting mood. It is best taken as a tea or infusion.
Supportive Supplements
Certain deficiencies are very common when it comes to depression. Support your mind and body by supplementing with the following:
+ Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for cognitive function. Vitamin D deficiency has been clearly linked to depression and is extremely common in those living in the Northern Hemisphere. Get your vitamin D levels tested before supplementing, as vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so over-supplementing can be dangerous. It’s best to work closely with a holistic practitioner if your levels are chronically low.
+ B vitamins: Involved in neurotransmitter function, the B vitamins support positive mood and help the body to better manage stress and anxiety. Low levels are common (especially B12 in vegetarians and vegans) and have been linked to mood disorders.
*You may also have a genetic mutation (MTHFR) that impairs your body’s ability to process folate (vitamin B9). This mutation can alter neurotransmitter function and disrupt hormones. It has also been linked to depressive disorders and autoimmunity. Get your genes tested with companies like 23andMe.
+ Probiotics: Pop some probiotics to help to boost and restore gut flora. Serotonin, an important chemical neurotransmitter that regulates mood, is mainly produced in the gut, and many important nutrients including vitamin B12 and iron are absorbed in the small intestine. A healthy gut is essential for those vitamins and minerals to be properly absorbed and assimilated by the body.
+ Magnesium: Calming and hormone-balancing, this mineral is essential for treating depression. Magnesium-flake baths are a soothing restorative option that are highly effective at raising magnesium levels within the body.
Supportive Lifestyle
Move your body every day: Exercise acts as an antidepressant, as it creates feel-good endorphins, cleanses toxins, increases energy and circulation and boosts confidence. Physical activity also increases blood flow, moves stagnant qi within the body and provides the blood with more oxygen, all of which leave you feeling and looking your very best. The act of regularly moving your body and integrating movement into your daily routine will do wonders. Even a quick walk around the block is better than nothing! In fact, walking outside is one of the easiest ways to shift energy. Whenever you’re feeling low, go for a walk and focus on taking deep breaths along the way.
Some great options include yoga, walking/hiking, strength training, swimming, dancing or anything you enjoy that gets your heart rate up!
Get quality sleep: Sleep is when our bodies work at healing and repairing, so it’s incredibly important for all bodily functions and especially for brain function. Lack of quality sleep is associated with negative cognitive functioning, poor stress management, weight gain, imbalanced hormones and low moods. Start to wind down from your day by turning off all electronics at least an hour or two before bed, making a relaxing tea and getting cozy with a book or guided meditation. Try your best to get to bed before midnight and aim for seven to nine hours per night to ensure you’re well rested and functioning optimally.
Sleep hygiene is just as important as a bedtime routine. This means sleeping in a cool (60-67°F) and dark room, limiting daytime naps to 30 minutes max and avoiding anything stimulating too close to bedtime (such as exercise or a late dinner).
Social connection: Surround yourself with those who lift you up, support you and nourish your life. As difficult as it may be, releasing toxic relationships is highly necessary, as they inhibit your ability to grow and to consciously create the experience you want for yourself. Build a community with those who share your vision. Create feel-good routines and rituals with your friends. We are social beings, and connection is a crucial part of our mental health and wellbeing.
Try volunteering, setting regular friend dates, participating in group classes and seeking help from a therapist or coach.
Support adrenal and thyroid function through stress management: Stress is directly connected to depression. Chronic stress depletes the adrenal and thyroid glands and creates hormonal imbalances. Increased cortisol levels dis-regulate hormones and trigger effects such as mania, nervousness, depression and insomnia. Underactive thyroid functioning (hypothyroidism) is also linked with depression and can trigger symptoms such as lack of concentration, fatigue, mood swings and irritability.
Practice stress management techniques that feel good to you: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, walks in nature or time spent with friends, family and animals are all highly beneficial options.
Self-Care
Emotional healing: Set aside time every day to relax and simply be. Downtime is highly underrated. Listen to healing music, meditate, journal or engage in activities that make you feel grounded and calm. Unplug and daydream for a while. Take a magnesium-flake bath with lavender essential oil (lavender oil triggers brain reactions that promote a sense of calm and relaxation). Choose activities that nourish your soul, and then give yourself time to melt into them and to fully relax.
Ask for help: Talk to your close friends, your partner or your family when you feel stuck or like you need love and understanding. It can also be helpful to seek advice from a therapist or holistic practitioner. It’s important to feel like someone is holding space for you and to share your feelings versus holding them in.
Try talk therapy, somatic therapy and somatic experiencing.
Experiment with light therapy: This is another effective natural treatment for depression. During the winter months, less sunlight exposure can cause seasonal affective depression (SAD). Light therapy is often beneficial for all types of depression however, as it helps to restore connection with our circadian rhythm and to regulate neurotransmitter dysfunction.
Try getting into the sun first thing in the morning. This is a free and natural way to help reset your body and doubles as nature therapy.
You can also try light therapy lamps, with these factors in mind:
+ Look for a light box made for Bright Light Therapy or phototherapy that emits 10,000 lux.
+ Ensure the lightbox filters out 99% of ultraviolet rays.
+ Choose a lightbox that provides the full spectrum of bright white light.
With a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of your being - from the physical to the mental, emotional and spiritual - depression can often be cured naturally and effectively. If it’s wintertime wherever you are, be extra gentle with yourself and remember that this season is a natural time to restore. Give yourself extra rest and nourishment during this slow season of grounding.
Learn more from Kristin about holistic health and nutrition here.
The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related program.
The post How One Nutritionist Helps Her Clients Overcome Seasonal Depression appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Our city runs on cardio and kale. That's why we're shocked that LA was ranked as not the first, not the second but the sixteenth most fit city in America, according to this report.
Personal finance site, WalletHub, ranked 170 of the most populated US cities by how healthy they are using forty key indicators of good health. These measures ranged from cost of doctor visit to fitness studios per capita. Each city received a score out of 100 and ranked for five categories: overall health, health care, food, fitness, and green space.
We think the findings are fascinating and exciting. And an interesting measure for the popularity of a wellness-driven lifestyle, beyond what shows up on our social feeds. Here are the top five U.S. cities ranked by food and fitness. How does your city measure up?
Top 5 Cities For Healthiest Food
First: San Francisco, CA
(Overall Health Ranking: 1st)
Second: New York, NY
(Overall Health Ranking: 12th)
Third: Honolulu, HI
(Overall Health Ranking: 8th)
Fourth: Portland, OR
(Overall Health Ranking: 3rd)
Fifth: Los Angeles, CA
(Overall Health Ranking: 16th)
Top 5 Cities For #FitnessGoals
First: Scottsdale, AZ
(Overall Health Ranking: 7th)
Second: Seattle, WA
(Overall Health Ranking: 2nd)
Third: Atlanta, GA
(Overall Health Ranking: 26th)
Fourth: Denver, CO
(Overall Health Ranking: 10th)
Fifth: San Diego, CA
(Overall Health Ranking: 4th)
Explore our fave healthiest cities with our TCM travel guides here.
The post Are You Living In One of The Healthiest Cities In The Country? appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Cheaper than a statement coat and more comfortable than stilettos, a boldly colored lip is our favorite accessory every spring.
Green celebrity makeup artist, Katey Denno, has been known to send her A-list clients out onto the red carpet with a show-stealing bold lip by layering lip products that last. Her latest YouTube tutorial walks us through her fool-proof (and totally non-toxic) technique for lips that look sharp, but pouty - and stay put.
step 1: BITE BEAUTY Line and Define Lip Primer | This moisturizing lip primer instantly preps your canvas for lip color that lasts and doesn't feather. Resveratrol, jojoba oil, and argan oil condition and nourish lips to perfection. CHECK OUT
step 2: BITE BEAUTY Beetroot Lipstick |We're obsessed with this color for spring. Made in small batches from fresh pressed fruit and edible oils that deliver vitamins and nutrients, it's as good for you as it is gorgeous. CHECK OUT
step 3: BITE BEAUTY 100 Lipliner | Lightweight but trustworthy for full-coverage, this shea butter-based lip liner ensures your lip color goes exactly where you want it to - and no where else. CHECK OUT
step 4: Au Naturale Ravish Gloss | This moisture-locking gloss is ideal for daily use. The color is right but not too shocking, the texture is glossy but not sticky or tacky. Best of all, the ingredient list is non-toxic and nourishing. CHECK OUT
Watch Katey teach us how to fake a falwless 'vacation face'
for any season with this video tutorial.
The post How Not To Screw Up A Bold Lip (It’s All About Layering) appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Your desk plant is cute, but it ain't no rain forest. Amazon just opened the coolest office ever. The new rain forest-filled HQ in Seattle is aptly named 'The Spheres' and in addition to being a functional office space it's also home to more than 40,000 plants from the cloud forest regions of over 30 countries.
The Amazon Spheres are an innovative space designed for people to think and work surrounded by plants, based on the idea that nature helps us function better. That's why amid conference rooms and desks you'll find floor to ceiling biodiverse wall gardens, bushes and trees galore, and yes, a literal rain forest.
We love the idea of finding holistic and natural ways to boost a sense of community and nurture productivity and innovation. Are plants the secret ingredient for it? We can only hope more companies start testing out the theory. In the meantime, stock up on your own collection of office plants, learn how to take care of them, and check out The Amazon Spheres here on Instagram.
The post Amazon’s New Seattle HQ Is Literally A Rain Forest appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Cake Donuts are the new cupcakes. We're obsessed with these single serving sweets lately -- especially when they come from the queen of grain, dairy and refined sugar-free baking, Laurel Gallucci.
As the founder of Sweet Laurel Bakery, Laurel is our go-to for desserts that don't send our bodies into crisis mode. Just like her hazelnut flour donuts and these coconut frosting spice donuts inspired by one of our fave SLB cakes, the recipe below is a clean and easy treat-to-self that's just begging to be shared. Get in on all the gut-friendly goodness with this pineapple upside-down cake donut... [olists num=1]
Can't get enough donuts? Discover more clean cake donut recipes here.
The post Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Donuts, Because Self Love appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Fresh from the pages of his brand new book, The Beauty Diet, OG wellness influencer and former TCM Guest Editor, David 'Avocado' Wolfe is sharing a simple daily bev that's essentially a facial in a cup.
David, who is known for his natural wellness solutions and remedies, recommends building beauty from the inside out with simple daily habits. In this potion, a potent blend of adaptogens, superfoods and other hydrating and alkalizing ingredients delivers a punch of nutrition for our skin. Sip up daily for a serious glow...
An easy (and delicious!) way to drink your way to clear skin is with my Berry Beauty Lemonade, which you can easily make at home.
This beautifying lemonade is chock full of skin-supporting ingredients and features one of my all-time favorite superherbs for skin, schizandra. This superhero-sounding plant has the power to cleanse your liver and purify your blood, two critical actions that keep your skin glowing and radiant. It also moisturizes your skin from the inside out by keeping your cells hydrated. Plump, juicy cells on the inside create firm, smooth skin on the outside.
The berries in this recipe bring the power of antioxidants to battle fine lines and wrinkles, coconut water hydrates from within, lemon detoxifies and alkalizes you to express your full beauty potential, and let’s not forget pearl powder! With its rich stores of bioavailable calcium and trace minerals, pearl goes right to work turning back the hands of time on your skin’s appearance. Pearl was hailed by the emperors and empresses of ancient China for well over two thousand years for its ability to preserve a youthful appearance! [olists num=1]
Looking for more ways to beautify from within?
This herbal infusion is worth a sip or two.
The post Would you drink David Wolfe’s Pearl Powder Beauty Elixir? appeared first on The Chalkboard.
We Woke Up Like this -- but, actually. The secret to looking on-point before our first sip of smoothie is an overnight beauty routine that does most of the work for us.
We were floored by the results from the Sio masks and these silk pillowcases are a must for vain side-sleepers. Check out all six picks...
Sio Overnight wrinkle-smoothing patches | These potent, medical-grade silicone patches nourish, lift and smooth skin for a notably visible trasformation in just a few hours. The patches can be worn anytime, but are perfect to wear for a full eight hours (there isn't any product on the patch - just silicone!). Patch shapes for the neck and chest work miracles for those who sleep on their sides and get those habitual wrinkles around the decollete. CHECK OUT
Fraiche Organic Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth Serum | Healthy-looking brows and lashes are all we need to feel comfortable skipping makeup all-together (gather a few pro tips here). This lash and brow wand makes swiping on castor oil nightly an easy and mess-free part of your routine and will help hair grow thicker and longer. CHECK OUT
The Nue Co Sleep Drops | So far The Nue Co can do no wrong -- check out our feature on the fashion-savvy brand here. Their liquid herbal tincture helps us gently power down and relax, using natural ingredients like valerian root, passionflower calm and chamomile. Slip some into a tonic before bed for an extra deep and beautifying sleep. CHECK OUT
Herbivore Moonfruit Superfruit Night Treatment | This overnight treatment feeds the skin with antioxidant-rich superfoods like prickly pear, goji berry, and red raspberry seed, while it hydrates deeply with shea butter and nourishing oils. Natural plant enzymes gently resurface the skin for a glow the next morning and an other-worldly complexion over time. Soak it all in overnight, and get ready to glow. CHECK OUT
Slip for beauty sleep silk PILLOWCASE | Made of high-grade mulberry silk, this luxurious pillow cradles our head and face in non-abrasive softness for beautifying results you can see after just a few nights. Whereas cotton pillow cases tend to tug on skin and frizz-ify hair, silk helps skin retain moisture (which means less redness and lighter fine lines), helps hair achieve smoothness and avoid micro-breakage. CHECK OUT
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion | Magnesium helps us down at the end of the day, getting our brains and bodies ready for sleep. Transdermal magnesium is a great way to supplement on this calm-inducing mineral that so many of us are deficient in. CHECK OUTThe post These 6 Overnight Beauty Products Work While You Sleep appeared first on The Chalkboard.
We rely on quick recipes to keep us on track during busy weeks, but it's the longer, slower -- and often, more collaborative -- culinary endeavors that really give us a sense of belonging in the kitchen. These sweet potato and white bean veggie dumplings come from the mother-daughter food blogging duo behind Golubka Kitchen and their new cookbook, Simply Vibrant -- and they're just begging to be made into a tradition.
Host a weekend prep party with good friends and great wine and enjoy the fruits of your labor all week long, or pop a batch of these fiber and protein-packed veggie dumplings into the freezer for your future-self to savor...
I'm going to take advantage of a dumpling recipe to tell an anecdote, which has become something of a hilarious legend in our family. The Soviet Union during the 1980s was a patriarchal society, where most women cooked every meal from scratch and most men did not step foot in the kitchen. My mother's female coworker, very much from this kind of family, had to go out of town to take care of urgent business, leaving her husband alone to fend for himself. Worried that her husband might starve to death, she stocked a freezer full of home-cooked foods, including his favorite vareniki (Russian potato-filled dumplings). She gave her husband very detailed instructions on how to cook the vareniki, explaining that once they are floating atop the boiling water in the pot, they are ready to be eaten. When the time came to boil the dumplings, our hero followed all his wife's instructions and waited for them to float. He waited a while, something close to an hour, turning up the heat more and more and failing to realize that all the dumplings had stuck to the bottom of the pot, since he had never been instructed to give them the obvious, a good stir!
Now that you've learned to always stir your boiling dumplings, consider making these ones, stuffed with white bean and sweet potato mash and flavored with chipotle spice, onion and garlic -- a combination that I cannot say enough about. The dough here is a very simple, go-to dumpling dough, delicate but with a bit of that rustic bite from spelt -- a perfect envelope for the soft and hearty, root and bean filling.
Alternatively, you can use a ravioli stamp. You can also divide the dough in half and roll out one portion at a time into a 1/8-inch-thick sheet. Then cut out uniform skins using the rim of a glass or a round cookie cutter. Re-shape, re-roll and re-cut the scraps until you use all of the dough. Be sure to keep the skins covered so they don't dry out during the assembly process. If you use any of these alternative shaping methods, you may end up with a smaller amount of dumplings.
Carrot Top Chimichurri: I have yet to meet anyone able to resist freshly made chimichurri. This garlicky Argentinian sauce is traditionally made with parsley and served with meat, but can elevate many vegetarian dishes just as well. It also solves my dilemma of utilizing lush carrot tops that often come with market carrots - carrot top chimichurri is almost identical in flavor to the original. That being said, if you do not have carrot tops, make this recipe with parsley for a delicious classic. [olists num=1]
Discover more delicious recipes from the Simply Vibrant cookbook here: gluten-free millet polenta with spring greens and barley porridge with candied kumquats.
The post Learning To Cook: Make These Sprouted Spelt Flour Dumplings appeared first on The Chalkboard.
NYC's premiere esthetician and holistic skincare expert, Joanna Vargas, has opened shop here in LA and our pores are tingling with excitement. Brand new and long-awaited, The Spa by Joanna Vargas is nestled within Hollywood 's iconic Sunset Tower Hotel - a location we're more than happy to cross the city for.
Starting as a facialist at one of New York City’s first organic spas, Joanna has developed a devoted following over the years, including an impressive line-up of A-list clientele from Julianne Moore and Charlize Theron to Emma Roberts and Karlie Kloss.
Vargas' new space is an impossibly stylish hideaway for her West Coast devotees (Elizabeth Moss popped in just before the Oscars this year!). The perfect hint of pink paint lines every room, along with vintage furniture, gold accents, fresh plants and other modern, lady-like details we love.
Joanna uses plant-based ingredients and a passion for science to master the art of beautiful skin, both in her studios and with the namesake products we stay stocked-up on. Her sessions use a combination of technologies and proven techniques including microcurrent, microdermabrasion, oxygen infusions, and LED light therapy to deliver immediate results.
A natural (and impeccably stylish) extension of everything we love about Joanna's approach to skincare, The Spa by Joanna Vargas delivers the privacy, comfort and luxury her top clients have come to expect -- and keep coming back for.
We stopped by The Spa to bliss out in the space and try one of Joanna's signature facials, The Triple Crown. The popular treatment is a potent combination of oxygen, microcurrent, and diamond therapy designed to keep skin plumped, pure and youthful like nobody's business. Other treatments we love include the Oxygen Purifying Facial and LED Vitalight Treatment which use various technologies and hard-working natural ingredients to perfect skin tone and texture. Explore the full treatment menu.
To learn more about why we're all over The Spa by Joanna Vargas, check out our recent piece here on the top natural facials in LA.
The post We’re Literally Moving Into Joanna Vargas’s New Hollywood Studio appeared first on The Chalkboard.
Tech has tip-toed its way into the at-home beauty world for decades, but it's never looked as good as it does now. We've been trying a few of the at-home gadgets that get rave reviews and were not disappointed.
While we won't be cancelling our monthly facial any time soon, beauty gadgets like the Ziip, NuFace and Foreo Luna promise to elevate the results of our DIY skincare. We're leaving the heavy lifting to the pros (are we really ready to microneedle at home?), but are devoted to these tech tools for weekend pick-me-ups...
ZIIP device: the uplift | Setting the gold standard for DIY microcurrent, nothing compares to the ZIIP's ability to wipe out fine lines, lift, tone and amplify overall radiance -- even after just one use. The FDA-cleared technology is so potent that using it for just a few minutes, one to three times a week can result in transformation that gives Botox a run for it's money. Use this beauty gadget's app to design custom facial 'cocktails' like a true pro, including a mini-treatment just for the eyes that's quick as can be. CHECK OUT
NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device: The Heavy Lifter | This FDA-approved mini microcurrent device is ideal for someone who luxuriates in their daily skincare rituals. While the lifting and firming effect can be seen instantly -- ideal before a night out! -- committing to just a few minutes of use each day builds up to dramatic results in just a few weeks. It also helps skin absorb products better when used before your circuit of serums and creams. Download the app for a personalized routine (ranging from five minutes to twenty) and be sure to take before and after photos to track the progress. Our team has been impressed. CHECK OUT
TCM Editor Tip: Microcurrent conduction gels can get pricey, and aren't always as non-toxic as we'd like. For a a more natural and sustainable option slather on 100% pure aloe gel instead.
FOREO LUNA MINI 2: the Deep Clean | Regular exfoliation is key for keeping skin clear, bright, firm and even. But scrubbing until our face falls off isn't the best approach. This sonic-powered pod vibrates at an impressive speed to gently - but effectively - remove oil and dirt, minimize pores, reduce acne and increase elasticity without causing irritation. It's 100% waterproof and made from silicone that won't collect bacteria as most facial brushes do. CHECK OUTThe post Tech To Cheek: The Top 3 Beauty Gadgets We’ve Tried So Far appeared first on The Chalkboard.
