Daily Dish

Just Juice

I’ll keep this short and sweet today, but thought I would share 3 juice/smoothie combo’s I am loving lately. I do recommend blending these fruits and veggies or doing half and half to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you can from these delicious foods. I often will find myself juicing the harder fruit and veg + any citrus first. And then taking that juice and blend in the more leafy choices (you’ll yield much more green goodness). Of course blending works with all these recipes, just be sure to add water!

This PineApple-Mint juice is a big favourite of mine! But be aware that it can carry a lot of sugar, so make this one more of a treat. I like to juice the pineapple and blend in the apple and mint. That way I get the most flavour from the mint and the fibre content of the apple skin. This one is so quick and delicious, you’ll want to make it all the time!

Ingredients

1 apple, half a pineapple, handful of mint

Ingredients

Next up, we have Sweet Carotene which is high in beta-carotene (see what I did there haha).

This immunity boosting nutrient works to protect against toxic free radicals. So load up on this one. 🙂

2 apples, 2 sweet potatoes, 2 carrots and 1 lemon.

Ingredients

Lastly, Lean Green. Which is great when you are looking for a reset. I often feel like this one first thing Monday morning,

after an indulgent weekend. First, juice the apple, lemon, cucumber, and celery. And then blend it with the spinach and romaine.

If needed add a touch more water and you are good to go!

1 apple, 1 lemon, 1 cucumber, 4-6 stalks of celery, 1 head of romaine and 2 cups of spinach.

Juice

Reset. xx

Banana Matcha Mask

Everything green is my motto. You can’t go wrong when going green. Whether you are adding greens to your eats, drink or being green through your daily activities. We all win with a little more green in our lives. And now I’m adding greens to my beauty regime.

Naturally, I have been blessed/cursed with dry skin but this winter my skin seems to be EXTRA dry. I’m attributing winter running as a big factor to this. The cold air has not been favourable to say the least; basically my skin has been feeling a bit like the beach lately – without the ice cold cerveza’s and tan lines. 🙂

I am trying to use up all the products I have before I buy anything new, which has led me to DIY facial masks. My latest combination is very simple and mega moisturizing.

Bananas, Matcha, honey and coconut oil are all great ingredients when it comes to natural skincare. Bananas moisturize and hydrate thanks to their potassium content. Once combined with coconut oil and its vitamin E composition – you’re looking at a moisture powerhouse ready to nourish and repair.  Adding raw honey adds the element of a natural antibacterial that cleans out pores. And lastly, adding in the powerful Matcha packed with minerals that will stimulate and energize your skin cells, fighting signs of aging. This is an at home beauty mask that you’ll absolutely love!Banana Matcha Mask Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1.5 tbsp Matcha
  • 1 tbsp raw organic honey
  • 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
  1. Mash banana well with fork until smooth.
  2. Stir in honey and coconut oil until combined.
  3. Mix in Matcha until most lumps are gone. (this is tough, but a few lumps won’t kill anyone)
  4. Evenly apply a thick layer of the mixture to your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse gently with lukewarm water.

You’ll likely only need third to half of the mixture, so feel free to half the recipe or eat the remaining half on its own or through it in a shake! 🙂Matcha Mask

Be Green. xx!

 

 

Light Blue Shade

Today I am sharing my best kept secret with all you beautiful blondes. I just hope my hairdresser doesn’t kill me. 🙂 (Sorry Olivia!)

I’m sure many of us can agree that our aim to be blonder can be categorized as a sickness (comically). It’s that feeling of when our roots start to grow out and we basically think we’ve become brunette and stress on when we can book our next appointment. It’s actually pretty funny when you think about it.

The only thing is, we all hate paying $150+ every 8 weeks to keep that sun-smacked look, plus that $30 bottle of purple shampoo, that lasts like 2 weeks. (Yes, I know it should last longer!) Not to mention the time to revisit the salon again and again for that brightening touch up that we live for.

If you feel the pain, you’ll be happy to hear how I have been able to minimize my colour treatment to once every 5 months. And not to brag but when people ask and I tell them this, their eyes pop out of their heads they are so stunned. Granted my colourist does an AMAZING job, but I do my own maintenance along the way to help prolong. She might think it’s terrible (I am always scared to ask), but my fellow blondes always ask for the secret, and coincidentally it’s usually the day after I wash my hair using this cheap and cheerful solution.

So here it is – Light Blue Shade Shampoo & Conditioner. Yes that is the actual name and brand. Designed for white, silver and blonde hair, this formula will instantly liven up your blonde when it begins to get a bit brassy and dull looking.

Light Blue Shade Products

I don’t use it everyday, but both together at least once a week and alternatively, the shampoo or the conditioner coupled with other premium products to ensure my hair keeps strong and healthy looking. Do note that if left on for more than 4 minutes or so (probably depends on each person) you may actually notice a white purplish tone to your hair. This has happened to me a few times but I’ve still always received compliments and within a wash or two it fades out.

You can find this hidden gem at Shoppers Drug Mart (bottom shelf near the hair colour) or on Well.ca  for just under $10.00 CAD. Or if you get so lucky you can find it at Walmart for just under $7.00 CAD! It isn’t always the easiest find, so when you do stock up or do yourself a favour and just order it online.

Lighten Up. xx

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

MonkWhoSoldHisFerrariThis inspiring and wonderfully crafted fable written by Robin Sharma, takes you through the essential steps to higher living. To living a life with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. It was my first read for 2016 and a good choice at that. Inspiring me to shine brighter this year and play into the poetic possibilities of life. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate read to kick-start the year!

This tale reveals the revelations of Julian Mantle, former superstar lawyer, as he embarked on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and enlightenment after a near death experience. His findings outline steps to follow in life to ensure your desires come true. All of which, I am sure we know, but often forget to put into practice. Here they are as an important reminder for us all.

  1. Have a clear vision of your outcome
  2. Create positive pressure to keep you inspired
  3. Never set a goal without attaching a timeline to it
  4. Go out and buy a journal, your dreambook
  5. Magic Rule of 21- for new behavior to crystallize into a habit, one is said to perform the activity for 21 days in a row

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

These 5 treasures of wisdom, along with the 10 rituals for radiant living, (briefly touched on below) will enrich your everyday and bring great balance and control. Take a moment for yourself, curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and this read. I promise you it is sensational and a book you will not want to put down.

And for later reference and because I love these so much; I’ll share with you a snippet from the Rituals for Radiant Living.

Ritual of Solitude– ensuring that your daily schedule includes mandatory period of peace, for your soul to recharge and explore the healing power of silence. Understand who you are.
Ritual of Physicality– as you care for your body, you care for your mind. Get your blood circulating and your body moving for increased energy. At least, 5 hours per week should be invested in physical activity.
Ritual of Live Nourishment– as you nourish your body, you nourish your mind. Your diet affects your clarity and mood. Enjoy live foods that are created through the natural interaction of the sun, air, soil, and water.
Ritual of Abundant Knowledge– lifelong learning and expanding the knowledge base while taking daily, consistent action to apply the knowledge and realize your dreams.
Ritual of Personal Reflection– taking the time to get to know yourself.
Ritual of Early Awakening– rise with the sun and start the day off well.
Ritual of Music– never forget the power of music. Improves mood and motivates.
Ritual of the Spoken Word– recite a series of mantra every morning, noon, and night. See the effects, keeping focused, strong and happy.
Ritual of a Congruent Character– do the right things. Take daily, incremental action to build your character.
Ritual of Simplicity– live a simple life. Focus on your priorities, those that are meaningful and better for your well-being. Take pleasure in the simple things.

 

Happy Reading. xx

Oat Smoothies

Looking for a real treat? These breakfast smoothies will have you pleasantly satisfied for hours. Heavier than our favourite vegetable/fruit smoothies, but another perfect way to start the day, especially for when ravenous and on the go. Basically, it’s your oatmeal breakfast thrown in a blender.

Oats are a great way to start the morning, packing a great punch of nutrients and minerals. High in carbs, oats are a great source of energy and strength to kick start your morning. Check out these percent daily values for 1/4 cup!Oats Nutritional InfoFor their in-depth nutrition profile, check it out here.

Here are two variations for you to try out – you are in for a treat!Oat smoothiesNutty Banana Oat

Blend – 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana (ripe or frozen), 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats, 2 tbsp natural peanut butter or almond butter, 1/2 tsp agave, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, & 1/4 cup ice.Peanut Butter Banana Oat Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Oat

Blend – 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 banana (ripe or frozen), 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberres & 1/4 cup ice.

Blueberry Banana Oat Smoothie

Also, don’t be afraid to add in some greens to the Nutty Banana Oat! Everything is better when you add kale. I added in 2 cups and I barely noticed a change in taste. Give them a whirl and let me know your thoughts!

xx.