What To Do With Pumpkin Seeds: Make Honey Hi’s Sprouted Seed Pesto

Wondering what to do with pumpkin seeds after a few visits to the pumpkin patch? Don't let them go to waste!

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and healthy fats, making them a great addition to recipes calling for similar seeds -- like pesto!

We first ran this pumpkin seed pesto recipe in celebration of Honey Hi's one year anniversary. Five years later, the recipe is still a favorite -- and so is the small, but mighty Echo Park cafe!

We're bringing this pumpkin seed-based recipe up just in time for all those pumpkin patch visits. This pumpkin seed pesto recipe is used in the cafe's  That One Bowl alongside sprouted quinoa, a turmeric poached egg, spiralized cucumber noodles, massaged kale, beet pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, watermelon radish matchsticks, lemon zest,  and paprika roasted pumpkin seeds.

Get ambitious and make this bowl at home or simply toss is over oven-roasted veggies or any grain bowl of your choosing!

Vegan Pumpkin Seed + Arugula Pesto

INGREDIENTS:
1 large clove garlic or 1 Tbsp crushed garlic
2 cups basil, loosely packed
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup salted sprouted pumpkin seeds*
2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 oz arugula
fresh nutmeg
pinch black pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt plus more to taste

*Buy seeds sprouted or learn the quick sprouting method from our recent class.

DIRECTIONS:
Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil, salt and pepper. Toast on a baking sheet in oven at 350 until golden, around 15 minutes.

In a food processor or blender, combine basil, arugula, lemon juice and blend until you get a thick paste. Add pumpkin seeds. Slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify. Add nutmeg, salt, pepper an

Read Next: Inside our Mother's Day cooking class with the Honey Hi founders

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A Chai Coconut Smoothie Bowl That’ll Nourish You Through The Weekend

This season, we're doing our best to be present, slow down, and take care of ourselves mindfully. It's neither as easy or as painful as it sounds!

We recently chatted with Alexa Gray and nutritionist Kristin Dahl about balance as it applies to this highly transitional season. The result? A really amazing smoothie bowl recipe and these notes on the wheel of life. Here are Alexa and Kristin... 

Achieving health is not a quick fix; it’s about creating sustainable daily habits and nurturing all areas of life to create balance and harmony. This chai-spiced bowl is just the thing for the transitional season. Here's why...

YOUNG COCONUT Full of healthy fats, fiber, and calcium. Anti-inflammatory, energy production, and cellular regeneration.

POMEGRANATE High in antioxidants, vitamin C and folate. Fights free radicals. Immune boosting, supports cellular repair and circulation.

PERSIMMONS Loaded with fiber, vitamin C, iron and calcium. Immune boosting and blood building.

BANANA Loaded with vitamins and minerals. High in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. Supports athletic performance and regeneration. Relieves symptoms of PMS and supports cardiovascular health.

FIGS Full of fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium. Lowers blood pressure, supports the female system and may help prevent macular degeneration.

BEE POLLEN A complete protein, full of B vitamins, helps boost the immune system, and helps reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.

 

The Chai-spiced Coconut Smoothie Bowl

INGREDIENTS:

Meat from 2 young coconuts
1 frozen banana
2 Tbsp tocotrienols
1 Tbsp almond butter
1/4 cup strong brewed chai tea
1/2 tsp vanilla
few dashes of cinnamon
optional -1 Tbsp raw honey, 1 fresh date or 8 drops omica organics stevia
optional- splash of coconut water

For the toppings:
1 fresh banana
1 persimmon
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
2 fresh figs
1/4 cup fresh pomegranate
1 Tbsp bee pollen

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth

Transfer to the freezer while you prepare your toppings (about 10 minutes).

Remove from the freezer, place in your favorite bowl and add toppings.

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11 Chic + Sustainable Travel Essentials You Need Before Your Next Trip

Just as the last of the summer sand has been dumped from our travel gear, many of us are prepping for holiday travel.

Before you make plans to head over the river and through the woods, take stock of your essentials and consider an upgrade or two. We're living for a few of these matching sets made with travel in mind, and sustainable luggage has never looked so good...

11 Sustainable Travel Outfits + Essentials

Calpak Stevyn Duffle | The Calpak brand has been around for ages, but their latest collections are modern as can be. This duffle is the ultimate overnighter -- and makes a great gift. An extendable handle, wheels, and a hard lower compartment that fits about two pairs of shoes makes this the perfect piece for the frequent traveller.

Pact Airplane Track Pant + top | Eight hour flight? Dress in clean and breathable organic cotton head-to-toe. Pact's new Airplane Collection is made entirely with sustainable materials and designed to help you pull yourself together for long flights and awkward terminal changes. This neutral striped set is my top pick!

Frank & Eileen Malibu Travel Set | Another set designed specifically for travel, Frank & Eileen's cropped pant and matching capelet are a step up from your usual leggings and sweatshirt combo. A set like this will have you feeling incredibly put-together, no matter what your travel day brings. Obsessed!

Jenni Kayne Medium Zip Pouch | The secret to in-flight and pre-airport joy? Tons and tons of pouches. Compartmentalize your essentials, from earbuds to passport to hand cream, in a variety of pretty pouches and envelopes so that your odds and ends are easy access -- even stowed under a seat. This version from Jenni Kayne takes the travel convenience factor even further: use it as a handbag once you arrive!

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus | The Aviator carry-on from Paravel may be the most beautiful luggage I've ever seen. Like an old-fashioned trunk turned modern-day weekender, the case is sustainably made and carbon neutral with TSA-approved locks.

Paravel Packing Cube Quad | The reason that Paravel is on my radar in the first place? I'm all about their packing cubes. Pick your color, monogram if you want to get extra about it, and learn to pack and unpack on a whole other level. If you've never used cubes to pack before, you'll be surprised at how they magically condense things. Using them to keep clothes orderly in a hotel room or your grandmother's guest room? Life-changing.

Hickies Tie-Free Laces | I've threaded Hickies into so many pairs of Allbirds sneakers, that I almost forgot they wern't part of the purchase. Turn any pair of lace-up sneakers into slip-ons with these clever stretchy laces. Perfect for security, overnight flights -- and a game-changer for children's shoes.

Cuyana Tote Organization Insert | Cuyana's leather totes have become an ubiquitous fashion classic. For travel or even just a meeting across town, the brand's organizational insert for totes will save your harried mind through traffic or whatever the day may bring. Bonus points for the timeless and beautiful colorways. And the optional leather tassles.

Frank & Eileen Effie Long-Sleeve Funnel Neck Capelet | Another wildly comfortable, easy-to-wear piece from Frank & Eileen. The Effie looks like an elegant sweater, but wears like a fleece sweatshirt (because it is one). This is the kind of piece I love to pack.

M.Gemi Felize Suede Moccasin | Slip-on shoes are a must if you're flying, but if its a road trip you have in mind, go for a pair of driving mocs. You may only associate this accessory with a rich old uncle, but most women know what it's like to scuff up a pair of flats, heels or mules while driving. Driving moccasins have a sole that creeps up the back of the shoe for better traction -- and to save your good shoes. A great little luxury and perfect gift idea for those who are always on the road.

The Lunya travel Kit | Cozy, body con essentials bundled up in one set. Lunya is all about rest and comfort and their Travel Kit is the ultimate. These charcoal grey pieces, including socks, are easy to layer all the way across the Atlantic and their cushy soft sleep mask is probably the most luxe one out there for long flights!

Want more travel tips? Read Next: 7 Healthy In-Flight Essentials To Pack Now

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The Health Benefits of Colostrum: The Dairy Product 3x More Effective Than The Flu Shot?

Research shows that colostrum is 3x more effective than the flu vaccine at preventing flu! An impressive statistic. According to this 2007 study, clinicians report that "colostrum, both in healthy subjects and high-risk cardiovascular patients, is at least 3 times more effective than vaccination to prevent flu and is very cost-effective."

The team at physician-developed ARMRA Colostrum recently shared this science with us and we were intrigued. Backed by over 5,000 published studies supporting its ability to strengthen the immune system, colostrum is the first nutrition we receive in life and contains all of the essential nutrients our bodies need to thrive.

Another of our most trusted sources for this ancient superfood is Mattole Valley Naturals. We asked their COO, Maressa Garner to break down the benefits of consuming one of the least understand dairy products out there...What The Heck Is Colostrum?The benefits of colostrum are far-ranging and profound. Literally everything that a newborn life needs to build a strong immune system and develop healthy tissues is found in colostrum. Think of this mammalian-derived substance as Mother Nature’s first milk, the original superfood.

The benefits of colostrum are attributed to the presence of numerous immunoglobulins (immune-system boosters) and growth factors. These immune factors can boost the immune system by supporting resistance to colds and flu (colostrum has even been proven to be more efficacious than the flu shot!) as well as increasing gut efficiency, nutrient absorption and wrangling bacterial or fungal conditions (such as candida albicans). Colostrum does this by aiding the gastrointestinal tract in lowering pathogens in the colon.

The growth factors in cow colostrum are capable of stimulating normal cell growth and increasing DNA synthesis and fat utilization, as well as augmenting serotonin levels in the brain. Because there is a rapid gut-cell turnover, colostrum supplementation can help naturally heal malnutrition due to intestinal issues such as leaky-gut syndrome, IBS and other permeability issues.

Bovine colostrum supplementation is best, as it is one of the few species’ of mammals whose colostrum is not species-specific, meaning the immunoglobulins and growth factors are bioavailable and readily transfer trans species.

It goes without saying that you should source colostrum that is ethically harvested from grass-fed cows that are hormone-, pesticide- and GMO-free. Low-temperature processed is best, as the fragile immunoglobulins and source probiotics are easily damaged via pasteurization.

Colostrum Benefits

+ natural immune and growth factors
+ optimized gut health
+ immune-regulating
+ optimized metabolic function
+ broad spectrum, whole-food probiotics
+ supportive of healthy HGH production
+ adaptogenic properties
+ immune system support: proline-rich polypeptides (PRP), lactoferrin, essential amino acids, fatty acids and glyconutrients

How To Use Colostrum

Colostrum has a mildly sweet, creamy flavor and is an amazing addition to your tonic and elixir cabinet. We love making coffee with ghee and tonic herbs; the addition of colostrum creates a cappuccino-like foam that is to die for.

Mattole Valley makes the perfect tub for your pantry so you can mix into any number of things. ARMRA makes single serve packets that are lightly flavored, perfect for travel and stir well into a glass of water.

Look for colostrum sourced from grass-fed cows and collected only from overflow colostrum after baby calves get fed all that they need.

Use colostrum in frosting like this refined sugar-free recipe from Crosby Tailor or simply mix into your daily superfood smoothie.

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How To Make Natural Blue Frosting – Because Artificial Dyes Are Scary!

It's hard to know which food battles are worth fighting these days -- especially as a parent.

Last year, NBC News ran a story about an aggressive child who's behavior was transformed by a simple dietary change: the removal of artificial food dyes. The story is remarkable.

According to the same report, researchers found that 64 percent of the 27 clinical studies analyzed showed an association between food coloring and children's behavioral problems.

Tough facts to swallow as we enter into a season filled with Halloween candy and other holiday treats! But we've got good news -- you can make wildly colorful treats without any toxic ingredients...

How To Make Natural Blue Frosting

Knowing how to create fun, colorful treats at home can go a long way in avoiding dangerous ingredients without spoiling the fun. The most fun color of them all -- neon blue! -- can easily be achieved with butterfly pea flower powder at home.

These gorgeous baked donuts are frosted with blue (and purple!) frosting using Anima Mundi's new Butterfly Pea Flower. Here's why this simple plant-based powder deserve a permanent spot in your pantry for Halloween, birthday parties and beyond...

The Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower 

Called Anchan tea in Ayurvedic tradition, butterfly pea flower's vibrant blue shade contains many of the same health-promoting compounds you'd expect from foods like blueberries. The blue powder contains the antioxidant anthocyanin, also found in red grapes, cherries, pomegranate, purple cauliflower and red radishes.

Most often consumed as a tea, this is the first plant-derived natural blue source to be approved by the FDA.

According to Anima Mundi's founding herbalist Adriana Ayales, butterfly pea flower tea is also used traditionally for healthy-looking skin, hair and eyes. "Proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin helps to stimulate collagen production and elastin synthesis. What’s more: research has affirmed that the flower can also inhibit glycation, the process of metabolism that leads to wrinkled skin."

Not only does butterfly pea flower make you outwardly radiant, it also works from inside the body to activate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

While we lose some of these acetylcholine receptors as we age, certain functions also suffer. These include how we experience pain, learning, memory function, and muscle movement. Further, acetylcholine helps to regulate the endocrine system (responsible for hormone balance and REM - rapid eye movement sleep cycles). That means butterfly pea flower contains important properties for both physical and cognitive mental health."

...And Natural Purple Frosting Too!

As though the health benefits and rich color of butterfly pea flower aren't enough, a spritz of lemon will also change your tea, frosting and other concoctions into a vibrant violet!

If you're looking for ways to excite your kids (or friends!) with clean eating, we can't think of a better addition to your pantry than Anima Mundi's new organic powder. Add a little to bottle of water or bowl of cereal to turn it blue or purple -- without adding toxic food colorings.

Baked Donuts with Butterfly Pea Flower Frosting

Make these baked donuts with natural blue frosting by Sarah of the Sculpted Kitchen for Anima Mundi. We recommend setting a bit of frosting aside and adding lemon so that you can use both colors!

For Gluten-Free Donuts:

2 cups hazelnut meal
1 cup oat meal
2 tsp baking powder
1 flax egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 cup coconut sugar
4 tbsp apple sauce or coconut oil
1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp apple cider

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven at 350F°
Combine all ingredients in one bowl.
Fill a donut pan 3/4 full. These don’t rise as much as gluten ones. Bake for 10 mins. Let cool completely. They need to be soft and they’ll taste fudgey!

For non-gluten free donuts:

1 cup flour
1/2 cup coconut sugar/refined sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
pinch cinnamon
1/2 cup plant based milk
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 T butter/apple sauce/coconut oil/1 flax egg
1/4 raspberries or wild blueberries

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F °
2. Set aside your milk with apple cider vinegar
3. Mix all your ingredients together in one bowl, adding your milk that you set aside.. Note, if using apple sauce the donuts will have an apple taste. It tastes really nice. If using coconut oil, it’ll have a coconut taste. The best version was with flax meal. They were firm, light and couldn’t taste a flavour.
4. Fill a donut pan half way to 3/4 of the way. Bake for 12 mins. Let it cool completely.

For the Blue Frosting / Glaze:

2 cups of icing sugar
5-6 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of Anima Mundi Butterfly Pea Powder
Optional: 1 -2 tsp of lemon juice to turn things purple!

Method:
1. Warm up your milk for 20 seconds in the microwave.
2. Add your tsp of butterfly pea powder until it’s evenly mixed.
3. Slowly add this to your icing sugar. Check for consistency - if it’s too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more icing sugar.
4. Optional, if you want to have purple icing add lemon juice BEFORE you add your blue butterfly pea milk you made to the icing sugar. Alternatively, you can just make more donuts and purple glaze to your next set of donuts.
5. Garnish and enjoy your magical donuts!

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12 Celebs Reveal Their Favorite Clean Beauty Products

Gigi loves Tata and Hailey loves Gucci. Are we speaking your language? If your bathroom cabinets are filled with Tata Harper and Westman Atelier, you know what we're talking about. And you'll love this curation of celebrity clean beauty favorites from those who have professed with love for these non-toxic greats...

12 Celebrity Clean Beauty Favorites

Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector | Kate Hudson shared her love for this Exa Color Corrector via TikTok recently. Find a shade that balances you out when you need it. We love this lines inclusive skin color solutions.

 

Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser | Gigi Hadid shared about one of Tata Harper's all time classic products on Vogue. This lightweight oil cleanser is packed with soothing and nourishing ingredients like Arnica, Borage, Elderberry and Calendula.

True Botanicals Renew Chebula Active Serum | Lizzo told InStyle about her love for this super-moisturizing True Botanicals serum. Chebula is a highly bioactive Ayurvedic fruit and a powerful antioxidant.

Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick | Hailey Bieber told Grazia Daily about her obsession with this stick highlighter. Use Westman Atelier's subtle shimmer for browbones, cheekbones and the bow of your lips.

RÓEN BEAUTY 11:11 Eye Shadow Palette | Mandy Moore shared a recent Credo haul on Instagram and in this PopSugar article. Included? This shimmering palette from Roen packed with flattering colors in four metallic shades.

ILIA Multi-Stick | Megan Fox told Well+Good she uses ILIA's timeless multisticks that can be used on lids, lips and across the cheeks. Discover everything this OG clean beauty brands makes, we've tried everything and stick by Megan's endorsement!

Kosas The Big Clean Longwear Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara | UsWeekly shared about Gwyneth's love for this cult-hit mascara. Kosas' giant brush and buildable formula makes this a dupe for all the drugstore greats. Try Kosas concealer too!

Jones Road Miracle Balm | Apparently, Cindy Crawford is as big fan of Bobbi Brown's Jones Road. Crawford share her love for the blushy balm with W Magazine which makes sense since she's probably been a fan of Brown since the 90's!

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly | Olivia Rodrigo's signature lip shine involves Tower 28 according to Olivia in Seventeen. These rich and creamy glosses give great shine and somehow manage to feel light without stickiness.

Henry Rose Flora Carnivora | Michelle Pfeiffer is the founder of Henry Rose (a clean fragrance brand) and shared her favorite scent with Glamour. We don't blame the beauty for naming her favorite scent -- who wouldn't want to emulate the one and only?

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray | Another Tower 28 product! Ashley Tisdale shared her favorite products with NY Post and included Tower 28's unique spritz made with hypochlorous acid -- a potent skin-healing and calming ingredient often used post-surgically.

MARA Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil | Chrissy Teigen loves this nourishing facial oil according to StyleCaster. We love Mara and this rich oil packed with vitamin A, B, C, E & F, plus omega fats 3, 6 and 9 from algae.

Read Next: 10 Top-Rated Clean Beauty Products At Sephora Worth Shopping Right Now

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This New Oracle Deck Combines the Magic of Astrology + Herbalism

Have you ever used an oracle deck? Whether you use one frequently as part of your meditation routine or are you just looking for a fun activity for a weekend with friends, Anima Mundi's The Herbal Astrology Oracle is our new must-have.

Don't worry if you don't know much about herbalism or astrology -- if you're interested in these topics, the guidebook for this card deck is an incredible way to get better acquainted with both. Have a friend who is interested in herbs and astrology (AKA the one who asked what time you were born), consider your holiday shopping hunt complete!

The Herbal Astrology Oracle is a mystical card deck designed to amplify our intuitive and energetic knowledge. Harnessing the powerful connection between the healing wisdom of plants and their astrological correlates, this 55-card deck and guidebook is already selling out with Anima Mundi's hardcore fan base.

If you're not familiar with Anima Mundi, meet founding herbalist Adriana Ayales HERE. Adriana's line of herbs, adaptogens, teas and beauty products fit seamlessly into modern life.

The new deck, richly illustrated by Josephine Klerks and published by Hay House, illuminates the traditional medicinal applications, ceremonial uses, spiritual messages, animal guides, and symbolic meanings associated with each card.

"I was guided to create this oracle deck to help lift the veil placed on ancient healing systems and diagnostics, particularly within herbalism," Adriana told us.

"From a young age i've connected deeply with the spirits of nature, and my path is to help bridge ancient knowing back to modern times. This oracle deck is an ofrenda, a divine offering; a tool to invoke and connect to the archetypal energies within Nature, and ourselves."

The Herbal Astrology Oracle Deck is an introduction to the mystical and ancient dance between herbalism and astrology. If you've been interested in going beyond the surface of herbalism into the symbolic worlds of nature, this deck is your jam. Integrating folk history, magic, herbal energetics and divination, this oracle promises to open an "ancient portal into the energy and healing power that connects the stars above us and the plants growing from the earth".

Shop the unique 55-card oracle deck and guidebook before it sells out. A perfect little gift for all your friends on Costar and Pattern.

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7 Healthy Treats To Bring To Halloween Parties That Aren’t Boring

Just because you're the "healthy mom" or the friend who overspends at Erewhon, doesn't mean you need to be the buzzkill who comes to the party with a crudite tray and a fistful of digestive enzymes.

We actually encourage you to bring both, but add something from our list below to keep things festive and, you know, spooky.

Almost everything we've included below has sugar in it -- however natural. Our best advice? Drink our kind of roadie before you head out and make sure those trick-or-treaters have a solid meal before the inevitable sugar binge!

7 Great Recipes For Healthy Halloween Parties

Black Tahini Hummus |  The gorgeous dish from French blogger Eva Gaillot shown above is delicious, easy -- and a perfect pairing for that boring crudite.

Crunchy Almond butter cups | "Healthy dupes" for our favorite treats don't always work out. Homemade chocolate cups are a major exception Try this crunchy version and make it as simple or as complex as you like!

Claire's Pumpkin Hummus It's another hummus. But here's the truth: you probably are bringing crudite and having options to dress things up is what it's all about. Claire's pumpkin hummus is a win-win.

Ella's Quinoa Crispies | We love a good, homey rice crispy this time of year! This cocoa-infused version from Deliciously Ella's Ella Mills is an easy win for any kind of crowd.

Bourbon Caramel Apple Crostada | One more time-tested recipe from Claire, a rustic apple crostada. The best way to add a layer of chic to things that's still crowd-friendly and Halloween party appropriate.

Blood Red Rose Cocktail | Make them to order or amp up the recipe and make it by the pitcher! Rose wine and whiskey combine here in a way we think you'll love.

Warm hot toddy | Technically, this is a holiday drinkAs we're all rearing to go for the holiday party season this year, we think your guests will be down for this! Our favorite recipe includes Pressed's apple lemon ginger juice. Chef's kiss.

Gone sober in 2022? Bring a few cans or a bottle Katy Perry's de soi instead!

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4 Delicious Ways To Make Cauliflower Rice

We're not exaggerating when we tell you that learning how to make cauliflower rice might actually change your life. This healthy food hack is prepped in a matter of minutes, and is so delicious it won't leave you lusting after the grains it's meant to replace. Not that there's anything wrong with rice, but more cruciferous vegetables is always a good thing (here's why)! 

Already a cauli rice veteran? Spice things up with a bold flavor combo inspired by the following recipes from our girl, McKel Hill of Nutrition Stripped... 

Cauliflower is no longer the boring vegetable you steam and then douse with butter. It can transform classic favorites like pizza, mashed potatoes, bread, muffins, and rice into a more nutrient dense version that tends to be lower in calories.

Cauliflower rice is one of the “trends” of the season offering a low carbohydrate version to white rice and can be used in the same way from Mexican flavor, for stir-fry, to use as a base of a “bowl” meal or enjoy as a side dish. The added bonus is you can enjoy this cauliflower rice raw, lightly steamed, or sautéed (my favorite). Master the template for making this and then skies the limit with the variations you can make with this...

How To Make Cauliflower Rice

INGREDIENTS

1 head organic cauliflower, chopped
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
½ cup sweet onion, diced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Additional seasonings as desired (ex. seasoning mixes)

DIRECTIONS

Add chopped cauliflower into a food processor and pulse into tiny, fine cauliflower pieces. This should look like “rice”.

In a sauté pan with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, lightly cook the cauliflower and onion until they’re softened to your desired texture (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in remaining ingredients while the cauliflower is still in the pan. 

Spanish Cauliflower Rice: add red pepper flakes + 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa + diced tomatoes + jalapenos + fresh cilantro

Curry Cauliflower Rice: add curry powder seasoning + fresh grated ginger + red chilies +  lime juice

Italian Cauliflower Rice: add dried oregano + fresh basil + diced sundried tomatoes + diced red onion

Cheezy Cauliflower Rice: add 1 or 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast + enough almond milk to create a “sauce” + dash of cayenne

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Getting Dressed with Model Kate Bock: On Sustainability, Alterations + Good Trousers

During the first year of COVID, model Kate Bock made a pivot. Like so many of us, her work was completely interrupted -- fashion shoots and travel at a complete stop.

Bock decided to take that time and turn her love for wellness into a business, launching Love Kate to partner, collaborate and invest in health and wellness focused brands. So far that roster includes involvement with Abby's Better, Pompette, and Aussie swimwear brand, bond-eye swim.

We asked the wellness-minded model what's inspiring her these days and ended up on the topic of sustainable fashion. Kate's style is marked by great personal taste and a honed feel for what looks best after a career in front of the camera...

My style in 3 words: Timeless, Neutrals, Effortless.

My uniform lately: My uniform is pretty simple: denim, cropped t-shirt or tank and white sneakers.

Favorite sustainable fashion brands include: Bond-Eye Swim (I released a collection with them last year), Levi’s, Sezane, Re/Done, Reformation.

Trend I'm excited about: I love that trousers have been trending for a while now. Trousers are a timeless staple that you can dress up or down and elevate just about any outfit. The Favorite Daughter Favorite Pant are the perfect easy fit. I love to wear them with a fresh white pair of Nike Air Force 1’s for a comfortable and put together look.

Trend I'm ready to see go: I’m personally not a big fan of exaggerated platform sneakers. I like to keep it more clean and simple with sneakers.

Clean skincare/makeup MVPs: I love anything Dr. Barbara Sturm for skincare. I also use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and Necessaire Body Wash. For makeup I love Westman Atelier and Tom Ford Beauty to name a few.

travel non-negotiables: When I travel I like to feel comfortable, but put together. The Anine Bing Billie Pants are great and don’t wrinkle. I pair those with a tank, long sleeved T and denim jacket for layering so I’m comfortable for take off and landing. Athleisure sets are also great for traveling and perfect for layering for when the temperature changes.

Best style learnings from my career: Finding balance with fits. An oversized top and tighter bottoms or oversized pants and a well-fitted top. Find a balance that’s flattering on your body. Also, alterations! Getting a piece minorly altered can make a MASSIVE difference!

Best styling hack: Neutrals are everything. Choose a few staple pieces in muted tones to mix and match for effortless outfits that won’t go out of style.

To freshen up my look in a flash: I think the easiest way to freshen up a look is switching up your jewelry. I usually gravitate towards gold jewelry. My favorite piece at the moment is the Demi necklace I designed with Alexa Leigh. Add that to a few more delicate layered necklaces, throw on some hoops and your look can be totally revived!

My style advice to any bride: (Editor's note: Bock was recently married to NBA Star Kevin Love) Stay true to your vision. This is your day and your look should reflect who you are and your personal style. Don't feel like you need to go for what is trending right now or popular with other brides. Do what makes you feel the best on your big day.

On my wish list lately: Jacquemus Trousers, Anine Bing Oversized Denim, and Bulgari B01 Ring!

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The 10 Worst Halloween Candies To Avoid According To A Doctor

Most of us are facing the facts on processed foods and their creepy ingredients. Sure, we're all for a treat now and then, but we've learned to shop smarter and avoid the worst Halloween candies.

Dr. Josh Axe is listing the worst offenders in the candy aisle and we sure hope your favorite didn't make his list! We rarely mention name brands like this on TCM, but we think these details are worth sharing.

The good news? We've got tons of ideas for really good homemade almond butter cups and clean candy, plus a few ideas about which storebought candies are best! 

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are estimated to spend around $2.6 billion on candy annually, which equates to an average of $25.37 per person. Not only that, but the average Halloween candy haul reportedly contains up to 7,000 calories, which is the equivalent of approximately 28 hamburgers, 25 slices of pizza or 36 chocolate donuts.

So why do many of us find it so difficult to scale back on the Halloween treats? For starters, almost all classic Halloween candies are jam-packed with added sugar, making them some of the post prominent hidden sugar foods.

It’s no secret that sugar can be highly addictive. It activates the reward centers in the brain, which causes increased cravings and makes it much harder to cut out your favorite candy cold turkey. In fact, much like other “addictions,” giving up sweets can cause a slew of sugar withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, nausea and more, as you attempt to overcome your sugar addiction.

However, the amount of sugar crammed into the most popular Halloween candies isn’t the only reason you might have some difficulty slashing back on the Halloween snacks.

Some research suggests that filling up on fatty foods can have a similar impact on the pathways in the brain as sugar, causing people to eat for pleasure rather than hunger and throwing off the body’s ability to regulate hormones that affect hunger and appetite, such as ghrelin and leptin.

Check out almost any of the foods found on the top 10 best Halloween candy list and you’ll notice that almost all are pumped full of both sugar and fat. This combination is perfect for fueling cravings and overeating.

Not only that, but Halloween is a holiday that many associate with positive memories and nostalgia, which can rewire our brains to link Halloween candies to happiness and pleasure. For example, you might find yourself craving a specific type of candy because of the experiences you associate it with rather than the actual candy itself.

Fortunately, making a few smart swaps and practicing a bit of mindful eating can obliterate overeating and help you keep your candy consumption under control.

The 10 Worst Halloween Candies To Avoid This Year

01. Skittles Skittles are a front-runner on the list of top 10 worst Halloween candies, and for good reason. In addition to being packed full of food additives and questionable ingredients, they also contain hydrogenated oils — also known as trans fats — which can quickly crank up cholesterol levels.

02. Crunch Bars Made up primarily of milk chocolate and crisped rice, Crunch Bars are one of the highest calorie candy bars on the market. In fact, just four of the mini fun-sized bars contain a whopping 205 calories, 23 grams of sugar and 11 grams of fat.

03. Sour Patch Kids These sweet and sour snacks are often considered one of the worst candies for you, thanks to both their addictive flavor and high levels of acid, which can erode tooth enamel and contribute to cavity formation.

04. Candy Corn Not only has candy corn been dubbed the worst Halloween candy of 2019 based on a survey published by CandyStore.com, but it’s also one of the worst when it comes to your health. Besides bringing little to the table apart from added sugar and calories, it’s also full of highly refined, processed and artificial ingredients, all of which you’re better off without.

05. Starburst This fruit-flavored snack is full of some of the worst ingredients that can take a toll on your health, including an artificial food coloring known as Red 40. This dangerous dye actually contains benzidene, a carcinogenic compound that could contribute to cancer formation.

06. 3 Musketeers  Lurking in these tasty candy bars is a hearty dose of hydrogenated oils, or trans fats. In addition to clogging your arteries and contributing to heart disease, trans fats have also been linked to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes and certain types of cancer as well.

07. Snickers  Although it may be one of the most popular candy bars on the market, Snickers also rank as one of the top 20 worst Halloween candies when it comes to nutrition profile. With layers of nougat, caramel, peanuts and milk chocolate packed into each bar, Snickers are high in calories, sugar and fat, all of which can do some serious damage when it comes to both your dental health and your waistline.

08. M&Ms  Brimming with artificial food dyes and flavorings, M&Ms are a small snack that can have a big impact on health. Additionally, although fun-sized packs are available to help promote portion control, most standard sizes contain up to three ingredients in a single bag.

09. Twix With 14 grams of fat, 28 grams of sugar and nearly 300 calories per serving, it’s no wonder Twix is considered one of the worst Halloween candies available. And unfortunately, despite popular belief, it doesn’t matter if you prefer the right or left side of the Twix bar — both are equally bad for your health.

10. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins  No list of candy would be complete without this beloved Halloween favorite. However, this classic candy is not known for its health benefits, and seasonal shapes are actually even worse in terms of nutrition.

For instance, while a typical Reese’s cup contains around 87 calories, 8 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fat, one serving of Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins clocks in at 170 calories, 17 grams of sugar and 10 grams of fat.

What To Try Instead

Just because you’re trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean you need to give up everything on your favorite Halloween candies list. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives, and keep your portion sizes in check to enjoy the occasional indulgence without sacrificing your health.

Dark chocolate is a good alternative to milk chocolate because it’s higher in heart-healthy antioxidants and polyphenols that can help fight free radical damage and protect against disease — and those are just some of the benefits of dark chocolate. Be sure to also swap the full-sized candy bars for miniatures to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard.

Lower Calorie Candy Options: Other novelty Halloween candies like Tootsie Pops, Dum Dums and Jolly Ranchers are relatively low in fat and calories and take longer to eat than other candies, which can help slow you down and prevent a binge.

Vegan Halloween Candies: Smarties, Twizzlers and Mike & Ikes are also all vegan Halloween candy options that are lower in calories than other types of candy and typically pre-packaged in smaller servings to keep your candy consumption in check and help you avoid the worst Halloween candy.

Cleaner swaps: Justin's PB Cups, Annie’s Bunny Fruit Snacks, Surf Sweets Jelly Beans, YumEarth Organic Lollipops, YumEarth Sour Beans, Terrifically Tingly Sun Cups, Amy’s Chocolate Candy Bars, Heavenly Organic Honey Patties

Read Next: Tricky Treats: Healthy Halloween Tips For Kids From A Pro

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Why 90’s Hair Icon Frédéric Fekkai Bought Back His Brand To Take It Clean

Frederic Fekkai is one of the most iconic names in hair. His New York City salon inside Bergdorf Goodman came to define the luxury salon experience in the early 90's, Fekkai becoming one of the most sought after stylists in the world.

I was amazed to learn that Frederic reacquired his namesake haircare brand from Proctor + Gamble in 2018, choosing to reformulate everything using only the cleanest, most sustainable formulas in the world.

Over the last ten years, we've seen the clean beauty space absolutely explode. -- and some of the most exciting moments along the way are when iconic beauty leaders like Fekkai or Bobbi Brown join the 'cause' and launch clean product lines!

I've now tried a range of products from the new Fekkai collection and they are everything a clean beauty devotee could dream of -- safe, clean, and sustainably packaged with incredible performance.

Here's Frederik in his own words on clean beauty, 90's hair and those luxe years inside Bergdorf's...

You reacquired your brand to take the products clean. What inspired you? I felt compelled to take action. As a father of young children looking toward the next generation, I knew there had to be changes I could make within my brand to hopefully spur change from others. It became my mission to give consumers the most sustainable products with the cleanest formulas.

I've always been happiest in nature, whether climbing, sailing, or swimming. The environment is a constant inspiration for me. It's been disheartening to consistently hear about the beauty industry's negative environmental impact.

There is so much thought that goes into our product development. We work with cutting-edge clean science labs and opt for eco-certified and Qualitree ingredients whenever possible. We were also the first brand to walk away from virgin plastic in 2019.

Top 3 haircare ingredients to avoid: Sulfates, Parabens, and Silicones!

What are some of your favorite or most glamorous memories from the early 90's in NYC? Some of my favorite memories include campaign photoshoots with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. These shoots were full of energy, creativity and we worked with iconic photographers.

Styling hair for the Oscars and Golden Globes award shows were also incredibly special. I worked with stars like Jessica Lange, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Selma Hayek, Elizabeth Taylor, Anna Paquin, and Jennifer Lopez. I would work on two to three celebrities at a time, sometimes finishing their hair in the limos on our way to the event. The rush of it all was exhilarating.

Can you share an example of a formula change or an ingredient you wanted to omit? It was essential to me that our products were clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable. So, we took a closer look at our products and ensured all pre-existing and new formulas were free of silicones, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens.

We now use naturally-derived ingredients and cutting-edge clean science innovations for high performance and efficacy. For example, instead of sulfates which strip hair of moisture—creating dry/frizzy hair that can cause irritation—we use a natural coconut-derived surfactant that gently cleanses without stripping your hair. We also use jojoba- and olive-derived silicone that provides slip and adds shine to strands, as alternatives that won’t cause any buildup or weaken the strands in the way non-soluble silicones do.

90's beauty trends you loved most? I love how hair in the 90s looks glamorously groomed but effortless. It was natural and sexy. I love deconstructed updos with pieces that fall to the side and frame your face, a wispy bun, or a side-swept low knot bun. It’s why I love seeing these come back in favor now.

Can you tell us about a favorite beauty prep moment that was really special? This had to have been when I styled hair for the first lady, Hillary Clinton. I changed her signature bob that she normally styled with a hairband and updated it to something more dynamic and modern. I gave her a shorter cut with layers that felt fresh and wanted it to feel powerful and still sophisticated enough that could take her to the office during the day and her events at night.

What product are you most proud of in the collection? I am proud of our whole Fekkai collection. If I must pick one, I’d have to say choose our Brilliant Gloss collection. (Editor's note: also a TCM team favorite!) It’s a true winner. It gives hair a gloss-like sheen like no other and protects against dehydration with various antioxidants and natural ingredients like French cold-pressed organic Olive Oil.

I love to look at natural ingredients when I can, but always the best version of it—organic, pure. If you see how olives grow in the South of France, they stay moisturized and juicy in the sun. Olive oil can do beautiful things for the hair and that’s why I wanted to include it in this formula.

Star product in your line that could convert a skeptic: Our Clean Stylers Straight Balm. It really works like magic. Apply it on damp hair before blow drying to see the difference. We powered it with clean ingredients that help repair hair to be smooth, shiny, and frizz-free.

Your new aerosol dry shampoo launch is pretty major for clean beauty lovers. Can you talk to us about that? When I bought back my company in 2018, one of my key priorities was to develop an earth-friendly way to use aerosol found in dry shampoo and hairsprays, knowing its impact on our environment. During my search, I met with the team at Honeywell, a leader in research and development for sustainability, and they introduced us to a Solstice® Propellant, a planet-positive aerosol solution. I was thrilled and using this technology will make all the difference.

We are one of the first brands to integrate it fully into our products. Clean Stylers Sheer Dry Shampoo is invisible, talc-free, and extends any blowout without an ashy cast or buildup on the scalp. It's part of our Green Aerosols Collection, including two hairsprays: Clean Stylers Flexible Hold Hairspray and Clean Stylers Firm Hold Hairspray.

Your personal take on wellness and clean living in a nutshell: To me, wellness is all about balance, and clean living falls within this.

It’s crucial we look after ourselves. We have 24 hours in a day, and I try to maximize these as much as possible. I aim for eight hours of sleep, eight hours of hard work, and eight hours of family fun time. I’m deeply passionate about sustainability and part of my wellness routine includes making conscious changes at home like shopping for local produce at the farmers' market and using eco-friendly packaging.

What are you most excited to see happen in the clean beauty space now? Customers are beginning to demand companies to look at their environmental impact, and I’m excited to see innovation come at a faster pace. Producing packaging that’s sustainable, and sourcing eco-friendly ingredients is more expensive, but I believe the more brands begin to integrate this, the quicker this will replace older ways of doing things which in turn would offset production costs.

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10 Things Nobody Tells You About Menopause

Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a renowned OB-GYN. Her new book Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age has been endorsed by Rashida Jones, Dr. Mark Hyman, Pamela Adlon, and more.

As an authority on the topic of menopause, we asked Suzanne to talk to us about the things no one tells you and she quickly rocked back these ten keys.

Whether you're 25 or 55, this story is an important read. Whether it's period health, birth, sexual health of menopause, so many women's health topics are shrouded in mystery. That lack of transparency serves no one. Let's aim toward a future in which every woman can manage the stages of her life in good health...

10 Things Nobody Tells You About Menopause

1. It’s not something entirely out of your control. — Through a combination of traditional medicine, Ayurvedic healing practices, diet and exercise changes, symptoms can be managed much more effectively than we are often led to believe.

2. Hormones are not dangerous, and they won’t give you cancer. — In fact, hormone therapy is life-changing for many women, and major studies that have previously linked hormones to cancer have been discredited.

3. There is a happy medium between alternative and traditional remedies. — The best symptom treatment plan for you will be a unique blend of herbal remedies, movement, diet, and medication.

4. Major weight gain is not inevitable, and you don’t have to crash diet to maintain your weight. — Most women in the United States gain between 5 and 10 lbs during menopause, which is totally normal and won’t majorly affect your health. The best thing you can do for your diet in menopause is maintain a diet low in processed foods and high in healthy fats, protein, and fruits and vegetables.

5. Your self-care routine is just as important as your wellness regimen when it comes to managing menopausal symptoms. — Most women spend the majority of their time caring for someone else—husband, kids, coworkers. When you slow down and take time for yourself, your stress level decreases, and your body responds in kind. Try meditation, yoga, exercise, journaling, or even just dedicating the last 90 seconds of your shower to self-massage with some essential oils. Small moments can have a big impact.

6. You’ll need to be your own advocate. — Sadly, menopausal symptoms are often dismissed as overly-dramatic or non-existent by some doctors. Ensuring you have the right doctor by your side through this transition will literally be life changing. Gather intel about the best doctors from friends and online reviews, and don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself once you’re at the office.

7. Consistency is key. — Once your body begins to go through these changes, bringing stability to your daily routines, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, will help offset the intensity of the menopausal transition. Start by making small changes.

8. Your gut is calling a lot of the shots. — Ayurvedic practitioners have long understood the importance of the gut microbiome to our overall health, but Western medicine is just coming around to the importance of this connection. A happy gut microbiome can positively impact your changing body in myriad ways. Start by incorporating more fiber and fermented foods into your diet.

9. You can’t do it alone. — Sure, you can—and for centuries, women have. But now we know the incredible value of a support network for major life changes. Invite some friends over for your own mini-Menopause Bootcamp. There is great power in numbers.

10. Menopause is not the end of a woman’s life; it is just the beginning! — After all, if your period stops in your late forties or early fifties and you live to see your eighties (the average American woman’s life expectancy is 80.5 years), you’ll spend between a third and half of your life in menopause.

Read Next: What A Top Doc Wants You To Know About Menopause (Even If It's Decades Away)

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The Most Coveted Pieces From Inside The Jenni Kayne Ranch

SUNLIGHT FLOODS THROUGH floor-to-ceiling windows at The Jenni Kayne Ranch. In one word: a visual exhale. The Ranch, recently featured in Architectural Digest, centers on a breathtaking view of the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley, but it’s the way the home is furnished that has everyone’s attention (and that we're offering for 15% off!)

Situated just a few hours north of LA, The Ranch was created by California lifestyle brand, Jenni Kayne. Years in the making, the home serves as a stunning showcase of the brand’s coveted home line and our ultimate inspiration for a bit of a fall home refresh.

Think nubby boucle chairs, linen slip-covered sofas, and the softest alpaca throw blankets you’ve ever felt tossed everywhere.

                        Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave Throw in Oatmeal + Charcoal

Fans of Jenni Kayne Home will find everything they love best about the brand’s signature aesthetic represented at The Ranch – a calming sea of soft shapes, beautiful textures and subtle neutrals. It’s that cohesive natural palette that makes everything from Jenni Kayne so effortlessly chic and easy to live in.

The piece de resistance throughout the living and sleeping spaces are the brand’s popular and unbelievably soft alpaca wool throws.

You can find these sumptuous throws draped throughout The Ranch -- across the end of a bed, tossed on the living room couch.

Made with a blend of alpaca and merino wool, the Alpaca Basketweave Throw is the simplest way to add a bit of natural luxury into your fall refresh.

In a range of gorgeous, neutral shades, the throw looks sumptuous in just about any space and is incredibly soft to the touch. Bonus: these throws look just as good crumpled up on the sofa on a Sunday night as they do properly folded on a Monday morning.

Throw one over your bed or sofa for an instant touch of luxe without a complete design overhaul.

Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave Throw in Ivory, Oatmeal, Light Grey + Cocoa

Jenni Kayne also offers oversized alpaca and wool pillows from the collection -- a welcome addition that satisfies both form and function. (And also 15% off with our exclusive code!)

If you’re looking for an effortless upgrade for your living spaces, pick your favorite color from the collection and call it a day. These throws also make a cozy holiday gift for just about anyone!

Styling tip: we love the monochromatic look right now at home. Consider selecting a throw in the same shade as your sofa or bed linens. The tonal, layered look will have your friends asking you who came to design the space.

Shop Jenni Kayne Home for 15% off this fall with our exclusive code TCM15. Offer ends 12/20/22 so don’t wait to shop. Consider this your opportunity to shop the line’s collection of throws, candles and other irresistible home items for holiday gifting too!

As if design inspiration weren’t enough, enter to win the giveaway that can’t be missed: an opportunity to win the most coveted piece from inside The Ranch...

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By sharing your email you agree to receive communication from TCM and Jenni Kayne. This story is brought to you in partnership with Jenni Kayne Home. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only.  

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