Arnica…

So sore!!!

So I worked out way too hard yesterday and can barely move. It's a good pain, but still pain.

My absolute fav go-to muscle fixer…

Badger Ginger, Arnica & Cayenne Massage Oil
link to purchase here

~ Arnica ~

Arnica has been a natural remedy through the ages in the form of a topical application.  

It actually does work for muscle and cartilage pain, swelling and such that comes with sprains, aches, inflamed areas, and joint problems.  

The rub I prefer is a massage oil of ginger, arnica, cayenne, vitamin E, & whole plant oils… 

www.badgerbalm.com. 

Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory.  The compounds are effective for stiff, aching muscles & joints. Antioxidants in ginger suppress toxic free radicals that promote tissue damage & inflammation.  

Cayenne contains capsaicin, a substance that is effective at blocking pain.  It tricks the brain into thinking that the skin is being exposed to extreme heat and allows the nervous system to respond by releasing a neurotransmitter until no more pain signals can travel from that area to the brain.

This massage oil is always on the ready in my house… love this stuff!

  

Nutty balls…

I've been having more than my share of cravings lately.

Rather than ignore my body talking to me, I try to accommodate it in a healthy way.  

It's like staying in tune with yourself knowing exactly what those cells are needing, and rewarding yourself by feeling energized, alert, and ready to go!

These delicious nutty protein balls pack a punch of nutrition,can really be enjoyed any time of day, and they always satisfy!

(makes about 14 nutty balls)

Ingredients:

 - 3/4 cup of almonds

- 3/4 cup of walnuts

- 4 tbsp Spectrum Decadent Blend Chia and Flax Seed with Coconut and Cocoa

- 2 tbsp of cinnamon

- 1 tbsp of avocado oil

- 1 tbsp of protein powder

- 1 tbsp of raw cacao powder

- 1 tbsp of water

- 1 cup of medjool dates, pitted

- 1/4 cup of California figs

Do:

In a nut & spice grinder, grind almonds and walnuts into a powdery flour.

Mix in a large bowl with next 6 ingredients (through water).

Puree dates & figs, then add to mixture and blend until moist and smooth.

With hands on, form snack sized balls and chill!

Makes about 14 balls!

A serving = 1 nutty ball

nom nom nom

These nutty balls that are oh so easy to make and keep in the fridge, so when you're feeling naughty, you can sneak one and savor the goodness!

Love!

Nutritional info per serving:

Calories  164

Fat:

Sat. Fat    .9 g

Polyunsatured   3.1 g

Monounsaturated   1.3 g

Trans   0 g

Cholesterol   0 mg

Sodium    10.7 mg

Potassium   162 mg

Carbs  16.8 g

Fiber   3.7 g

Sugars    11.7 g

Protein   4.5 g

Vitamin A    7.6 % of daily recommended

Vitamin C    7.6 %

Calcium    12.4 %

Iron    13.2 %

Simple Salad of the day…

There's nothing more satisfying than creating a naturally beautiful meal with just a few ingredients…

Today, I've made a salad by throwing together 

some greens from the fridge, fresh figs, and avocado!

Love!

Soooooo easy, sooooo perfect!

Super rich green smoothie…

I created this smoothie yesterday, just based on what I was craving… and I have to say that the avo really took it over the top to make it a really rich & lovely treat!

1 1/2 cups water

avo

red chard

green chard

baby spinach

baby kale

celery

English cucumber

asian pear

ginger root

1/2 lemon - juice

maca powder

Polar Vortex Smoothie…

Is there such a thing as a warm smoothie for those moments when one just cannot fathom drinking something cold?  Yes!  In fact, I find it is the perfect solution for defrosting my frozen self following the dangerously icy trek from the car to the front door… here is one that I absolutely can't wait to get home to make, just as eskimo mode starts to set in & become my mindset:

honeycrisp apple
½ cup hemp or almond milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
raw organic honey
ground cinnamon
allspice

adventurous souls may try to add other ingredients ~ 
some ideas…
ginger
star anise
raisins
dates
figs
walnuts
pecans
almonds
banana
maple or pecan syrup

Blend, then heat however you prefer… pour into a nice big mug & sprinkle with cinnamon! 

mmmm… sooooo yummy!

Love!

Pomegranates!

 Superfood Salad!

One of my absolute favorite dishes is a quinoa salad with avos & poms!

… drizzle a bit of honey & balsamic glaze…

& enjoy!!!

Love!

Bath Tea…

One of the most decadent luxuries in a particularly frigid winter is that of a long soak in a steamy bath with a lovely cup of tea, aromatic spices carried through the escaping steam from the tub… talk about cozy!

So, I tried combining the two into one… why not infuse my bath with those same spicy ingredients?  Why not have the real deal as opposed to those "scented" store bought bath soaks?  Hey, what a novel idea!

All in a "sachet" (a cheesecloth tied with string will do the trick), I very simply combined the following ingredients…

Whole cloves

Cinnamon sticks

Star anise

Ginger root, peeled & chopped

Whole nutmeg, crushed

Love!

Warmth on a Cold Winter's Day…

~ green tea latte ~

Snow.

I have to admit, I love snow.  I love winter.  It makes appreciating those special little things like getting cozy that much more special.  After all, how can there be such a harmonious balance of awesomeness without such "polar" opposites?  lol… anyway, this morning I decided to celebrate the loveliness and beauty of winter by treating myself and concocting a yummy green tea latte!  Yum!

~ ingredients ~

matcha

hemp milk (only because I'm slightly allergic to almond milk)

Himalayan white honey

cinnamon

1 teaspoon of matcha, heat milk (do not boil) & add, stir in honey to taste depending on one's own desire for sweetness… there should be a slight froth on top… sprinkle some cinnamon on top & add a lil love!

oh, just made these apple cider donuts this morning, all natural ingredients of course…

great pairing with my green tea latte!