JALAPENO PAPRIKA HEMP SPREAD

A friend from out of town recently called (actually called, didn't just text) and to my delight was dropping by for lunch. I had a couple of hours before her arrival, and happened to be on my way to the market. Like a smack on the head, jalapeño pepper spread was my craving of the day and our lunch would now revolve around it. Thankfully the experimental recipe worked out! And just like that, a couple of gals were enjoying Jalapeño Paprika Hemp Spread on fresh sourdough bread with roasted beets, avocado and topped with spiralized carrots and sprouts. I'll share photos and details of this next week, but for now, go whip yourself up some of this delicious, spicy spread. It's a nice thing to have in the fridge to enjoy in wraps and sandwiches or with some crackers topped with cucumber.


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 green jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup hemp seed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 garlic glove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until thick and the jalapeño paper has been finely broken down. Store in a jar or glass container in the fridge. 


HEALTH BENEFITS: 

LEMON: a natural detoxifier, rich source of vitamin C, and contains limonene that promotes immunity and helps fight infection. 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: reduces sinus infections and sore throats, prevents muscle fatigue after exercise, improves digestion and cures constipation, and helps to alleviate symptoms of arthritis. 

JALAPEÑO PEPPER: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, boosts metabolism and helps promote weight-loss, a rich source of vitamin E and C and minerals. 

PAPRIKA: promotes heart health and circulation and can even help normalize blood pressure, a rich source of vitamin E, A and C which helps fight colds and helps the body to absorb iron. 

NUTRITIONAL YEAST: excellent source of fiber, complete protein, and rich source of vitamin B's, minerals and amino acids. 

SEA SALT: anti-inflammatory, boosts immunity, alkalizing to the body, promotes heart health and circulation and aids to help deal with stress and promotes better sleep and mood by maintaining hormone levels in the body. 

GARLIC:  anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, boosts metabolism, lowers cholesterol and helps to prevent cancer. 

HEMP SEEDS: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, rich source of vitamin B complex and vitamin E and high in minerals, promotes heart health and circulation, high in fibre, and contains tryptophan which helps regulate sleep and improve mood. 


A DANISH STUDENT'S BEAUTIFUL HOME

Six roommates, hand-me-down couches, IKEA everything, and a variety of contradicting band posters- this was the house I lived in when I was a student. It was a far cry from this Danish student's beautiful space in Aalborg, Denmark. There are so many fantastic details to love about this home- the shelving arrangements, the DIY shoe rack and photo wall, the mix of mid century and modern furniture and those gymnastic rings! I love when something like sporting equipment (in this example: bike + gymnastic rings) is incorporated into the docor, adding character and a hint of lifestyle, while maintaining the overal aesthetic appeal. 

I got excited about the below photos and quickly began pulling this post together. I later discovered a whole new set of photos of the same apartment with different paint, couches and an overall different look. Unsure of which were the most recent, I reached out to Julie Writtrup Pladsbjurg, whose home this is, and confirmed the below photos were taken about a year and a half ago, and these photos are of the most recent interior. 

Julie is clearly a talented interior designer, who was able to evolve one beautiful space into multiple functional, fun and sophisticated living spaces. Which of the two is your favourite? 

CURRENTLY MUSING

Inspired by bare ankles, spring air, and anything that isn't winter.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

 

This space with that window and that view.

This space with that window and that view.

Japanese glassware with coaster that double as lids.

Japanese glassware with coaster that double as lids.

Jeans + pointy loafers combo.

Jeans + pointy loafers combo.

More specifically - these loafers.

More specifically - these loafers.

I'm testing three Bryedo scents right now - this one might just be the winner.

I'm testing three Bryedo scents right now - this one might just be the winner.

A moto jacket way out of my league.

A moto jacket way out of my league.

A book about cookbooks.

A book about cookbooks.

These stackable Spin Stool's by Swedish Designer Staffan Holm.

These stackable Spin Stool's by Swedish Designer Staffan Holm.

Spring/ Summer dedicates.

Spring/ Summer dedicates.

The colours, materials, and where old meets new here.

The colours, materials, and where old meets new here.

Forever obsessing over plants, but I'm all cactus, cactus, cactus right now.

Forever obsessing over plants, but I'm all cactus, cactus, cactus right now.

VEGGIE COLLECTION BY VONTRUEBA

How many plants are too many? Would it be considered overboard if I covered my walls in posters of plants when my entire apartment is already full of live ones? Maybe, maybe not...

The Veggie collection by Carmen Trueba, Spanish Architect and Designer, and founder of Vontrueba Studio, was inspired by nature and botanical illustrations. Simple, bold and vibrant - these works of art allow anyone, green thumb or not, to bring a little "life" into their home.

I'm delighted these luscious prints caught my eye as they also led me to fall in love with Trueba's other collections inspired by materials, textures and geometry.

DIY ORANGE TURMERIC REVITALIZING FACE MASK

I recently did a post with Province Apothecary on 7 Winter Skincare Tips For Better Skin. The post was jampacked with holistic skincare advice and fantastic tips to help fight dry winter skin. Since then I have been more aware of the need to exfoliate, layer my serums and creams, and ensure I stay on top of my fish oils and omegas. I was also inspired to whip up a DIY face mask - which while a new thing for me, I am now a huge fan of! This Orange Turmeric Revitalizing Face Mask is filled with fresh ingredients you can find in your kitchen, and so pure you could eat it (not that you would want to, but you could!) Moisturizing, exfoliating and rejuvenating- this mask will be just what you need to shed your winter skin and move into spring with a fresh face.


BENEFITS:

ORANGE -contains Vitamin C which stimulates collagen production, contains anti-aging properties and is rich in citric acid which helps shrink pores.

LEMON- contains antibacterial properties that help fight acne and is also rich in alpha hydroxy acids which help exfoliate.

YOGURT- contains lactic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells, moisturizes and stimulates collagen production. Additionally, yogurt helps shrink pores, contains anti-aging properties and effectively fights acne with antibacterial properties.

DRY OATS - gently exfoliates and rubs away dead skin layers.

RAW HONEY- packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties that help promote clear and radiant skin. Also, honey is a natural humectant which means it helps retain moisture in the skin.

TURMERIC - contains antioxidants, reduces inflammation and redness helping even out skin tone.



DIY ORANGE TURMERIC REVITALIZING FACE MASK: an anti-inflammatory, exfoliating and hydrating mask.

INGREDIENTS: 

  • 1 orange, squeezed juice
  • 1/4  lemon, squeezed juice
  • 1/2  cup quick or instant rolled oats
  • 3 tbsp goat or greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp raw honey 
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and mix well until you've achieved a thick consistency. Add more oats if the mixture isn't thick enough that it will stick to your face.

2. Pour mixture into a glass container and put in the fridge to thicken further - it's best after it sits for an hour or two or even better the next day.

3. I like to prep the face by doing a steam first. Boil water and place in a deep bowl - add lavender or eucalyptus essential oils for added benefits. Steam face by hovering over boil with towel over your head for a several minutes.

4. After you've steamed the face, pat dry and apply mask. The mask is going to be chunky in texture due to the oatmeal. Pat the mixture onto face until you have a thick layer. This is a bit of a messy process, and turmeric will stain, so pick your attire wisely. Let sit for 15-20 minutes  or until it fully hardens.

5. Remove mask with warm water and cotton pads. The wet cotton pads will help avoid staining towels and the exfoliating process is enhanced when you wipe the mixture off your face.

6. Pat dry face and then apply a moisturizer. I like to moisturize immediately with an oil to complete the mini facial - rosehip oil or or even olive oil  (for dry skin).


NOTES:

Expect the mask to be a little scary looking on the face- it's bright yellow and extremely chunky. I'd go as far as saying it's a nice one to do when no one else is home.

Recipe makes enough portions for about 5-6 masks. Store in a glass container in the fridge, and treat yourself to a mask a couple times a weeks to minimize pores, balance skin tone, and achieve softer, moisturized skin.

A GUIDE TO BEING PARISIAN

There is something about the French and their culture that truly intrigues me. I think it might be their willingness to embrace character quirks and imperfections and overall enthusiasm for life. In a society that is continuously striving for perfection- to be the perfect parent, eat the perfect balanced diet, to Iive each day just perfectly- we tend to overlook the small opportunities of pleasure and joy presented to us daily. These are the sort of "joie de vivre" moments the Parisians seem to embrace as if it's their philosophy on life.

I collected a few of my favourite tips from the book How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are, and have shared them below. 


A GUIDE TO BEING PARISIAN 

1. Read the newspaper by yourself on your lunch break. 

2. Talk to everyone in the same tone of voice, whether it's your parents, the taxi driver, your boss, a celebrity you met at a bar, or the newspaper vendor on the corner. 

3. Be thankful you always wear nice lingerie- you never know what might happen.

4. Promise yourself you won't go out on a Friday, so as to get a good night's rest. Nevertheless, go for a drink after work, then get dragged to a restaurant, and end your night in a club, in spite of yourself. 

5. Be aware of your qualities and faults. Cultivate them in private but don't obsess. 

6. Treat yourself to some flowers to brighten up your apartment. 

7. Eat croissants and buttered toast for breakfast- because it's Saturday morning and you burned enough calories last night, damn it. 

8. Agree to (at least a little) weekend exercise but only in "beautiful" surroundings: a run in a picturesque public park or a swim in a historically listed pool. 

9. Order wine at lunch. 

10. If you only own one sweater, make sure it's cashmere. 

11. Go to the theatre, to museums, and to concerts as often as possible: it gives you a healthy glow. 

12. Be best friends with friends of different generations. (both young and old, but especially the old) 

13. Cross the street when and where you shouldn't. 

14. Not too much makeup, too many colours, too many accessories. 

15. Enjoy the face you have today. It's the one you'll wish you had ten years from now. 

 

 

 

Above photo- Jane Birkin 

A RENOVATED BLACKSMITH'S WORKSHOP

I've come across this picture (the first one below) several times while surfing around on the internet. Each time the picture would stand alone without a link to other photos of the full home tour, as they usually do. My imagination was left to wonder what type of space this room lives in? Is it in a studio in Quebec, a cabin somewhere in Norway, or maybe a loft space in New York?? I was delighted to stumble across this photo again recently, this time with photos of the space and outer walls that surround it. Turns out it's in an abandoned blacksmith's workshop in Lesbos, Greece that dates back to 1930. The shop was later rediscovered by a group of Danish architects who have since renovated it into this quaint modern retreat home. I'm a huge fan of the combination of materials: original wood beams; new wood used for cabinets, the kitchen and a few walls; cement floors and outside stone walls; and touches of copper, stainless steel, and rod iron throughout. 

 

NOTED: WHITE-ON-WHITE SNEAKERS

It isn't breaking news that white sneakers are a classic. Keds, Adidas and Converse have been our go-to summer kicks for decades now. But this spring there isn't just one "it sneaker" -  this classic choice of footwear is popping up in all shapes and sizes. They are being worn casual and dressed up, come in a range of off-white and white-white, canvas and leather, chunky and slim and are giving our "Chucks" a run for their money. 

RAINBOW RICE BOWL

My go to meal when in a hurry is generally a bowl of some sort with a cooked grain, some combination of vegetables (generally whatever is in the fridge at the time), soy (tempeh or tofu), nuts/seeds and a simple at home dressing. Lately, I just can't get enough of this Rainbow Rice Bowl. I love the combination of warm brown rice with fresh colourful raw vegetables, but what makes this dish truly amazing is the addition of the Creamy Lemon Garlic Hemp Sauce. I could rave about this dressing for days! It's the most recent staple to my weekly repertoire, and adds flavour and richness to so many dishes. Not to mention how incredibly good for you it is- all of the wonderful details about this sauce are in the post found here

RAINBOW RICE BOWL: a nutritious meal complete with protein, whole grains, fibre and rich in vitamins. 

INGREDIENTS: (yields 1. adjust vegetable measurements to your liking) 

  • 3 cups water 
  • 1/2 cup rice, uncooked 
  • 1/3 cup tempeh, sliced and cubed 
  • 1/2 cup swiss chard, ribboned 
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced 
  • 1/3 cup tomato, diced 
  • 1/3 cup celery, sliced 
  • 1/3 cup beet, spiralized or julienned 
  • 1/3 cup carrot, spiralized or julienned 
  • 1 tbsp olive or sesame oil 
  • cilantro, to top 

CREAMY LEMON GARLIC SAUCE INGREDIENTS: 

  • 1/2 cup lemon, juice 
  • 3/4 cup olive oil 
  • 1/3 cup hemp seeds 
  • 2 tbsp water 
  • 1.5 tbsp tamari 
  • 1 tbsp raw honey 
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated 
  • 1 garlic glove, minced 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Cook rice using stove top method, or using a rice cooker. 

2. While rice is cooking, wash and prep vegetables and set aside. 

3. Make sauce according to recipe found here. Set aside. 

4. Cut tempeh and toss in chosen oil. Heat pan, and lower heat to med-low and pan fry tempeh until golden brown and crispy on the outside. 

5. In a bowl add desired rice, approx. 2 tbs of sauce and mix. Then top rice bowl with vegetables and cilantro to season. 

I like to serve this in a large deep bowl, mix everything up and enjoy! 

7 WINTER SKINCARE TIPS FOR BETTER SKIN

We are all getting excited for spring to come, the snow to melt, and the days to feel longer again. The reality is, winter isn't over just yet, and right about now our skin is really starting to feel the effects of this dry season. So, to help get us through this last exhausting stretch of winter, I went to the experts at Province Apothecary for their advice on winter skincare. I couldn't be more thrilled to share this inside info- from a team of knowledgeable, holistic skin experts, who are continuously gathering knowledge and inspiration from their clients, the weather and the seasons- with you. 

1. HYDRATE YOURSELF INTERNALLY. 

Every cell in our body requires the right amount of healthy fats to function properly. When our body is given the raw materials to heal itself, we will see the results reflected in the mirror. It won’t happen overnight- but your skin will become plumped up with essential fatty acids that aid in hydration, anti-aging and rejuvenating the overall appearance of your skin. Fortunately, what you’re doing for your skin will benefit your entire body, from the inside out. Flax oil is a great option as it also provides anti-inflammatory benefits that work miracles on sensitive skin or any condition similar to eczema, psoriasis, acne, dehydration or signs of aging. Fish oils are rich in omega-3 essential oils that make the skin look younger, fresher and joints feel better!

2. EXFOLIATE YOUR FACE EVERY 3 DAYS. 

A lot of our clients are expressing concerns with exfoliating during the cold, dry winter months. Especially clients with sensitive skin types mention irritation and inflammation occurring within the skin. The issue is not whether you should exfoliate- it’s the type of exfoliator you’re using. As long as you are using an appropriate exfoliator for your skin type, it’s extremely beneficial to exfoliate your face every 3 days. When using a gentle + hydrating exfoliating treatment, you will improve moisture levels within the skin, slough away flakiness, impart a natural youthful glow, and allow other skincare products to work more efficiently. We recommend our Regenerating + Stimulating Exfoliator, perfect for all skin types. It contains hydrating ingredients such as oats (which retain moisture levels within the skin cells), lentils, flax (high in anti-inflammatory benefits), lavender flowers, and green tea leaf (invigorating and brightening). We suggest using our exfoliator in the shower (morning or night) and massaging it into your face for 1-3 minutes. The massage will increase circulation and improve the benefits of the exfoliation.

3. SCRUB + MOISTURIZE YOUR BODY EVERYDAY. 

Sometimes we focus so much on taking care of our face, that we forget about the rest of our bodies- especially in the winter months when we are covered up! But taking care of your entire skin organ during the whole year will maintain a soft, supple feel and healthy glow. Scrub away that dead skin build up and gently remove toxins from the body. A great DIY body scrub can easily be achieved with ingredients from your kitchen pantry. Mix 1 1⁄2 cups brown sugar with 1⁄2 cup olive oil- add in some fresh coffee grinds for an invigorating and awakening morning scrub. Follow up with a whole body moisturizer- we suggest hemp, avocado, flax, sunflower and/ or olive oil. Trust us- you’ll soon want to remove all those extra layers and show off your glowing hydrated skin!

4. LAYER YOUR FACE SERUM UNDER A MOISTURIZER. 

Layering skin care products will add an extra barrier to protect your skin against the outside environmental elements. It’s essential in increasing and maintaining hydration levels within the skin cells. Sometimes one just isn’t enough- we recommend using a potent + pure face serum underneath your favourite face moisturizer. Serums are packed full of antioxidants that protect the skin against free radical damage, therefore preventing the signs of aging. Moisturizers maintain the hydration levels within the skin and impart a supple, soft feel.

5. TURN ON YOUR HUMIDIFIER. 

Our skin cells naturally lose moisture during the dry winter months. When it’s dry enough, the moisture on our top surface layer of skin will evaporate into the air. Adding humidity to your air will in turn infuse your skin with moisture, soothing dry cracked skin, healing sore acne blemishes, and calming irritated skin conditions. Cold air humidifiers don’t harbour bacteria as quickly as hot air, but it’s still recommended to replace the water daily, and keep it wherever you spend most of your time throughout the day. I like to have one on beside my bed at night time- the soothing white noise is appreciated by some and not by others, so you decide where is best for your home. 

6. TREAT YOURSELF TO A WEEKLY DIY FACE MASK. 

We already have a lot of amazing ingredients in our homes that we can use to create our own DIY face masks. Depending on your combination, it may be pretty tasty too! The basis for a face mask is simple. You want to use dry and wet ingredients in whatever amounts will produce a creamy, smooth paste. My favourite DIY face masks for the winter months include: flesh of an avocado, plain yogurt, natural honey, oatmeal, pureed fresh fruit (or frozen from fresh, then thawed) and lemon juice.

7. AVOID PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS. 

At some point in our lives, we’ve all been told that petroleum based products will heal our skin and maintain exceptional hydration levels. The reality is that they do neither. Petroleum is a by-product of the oil industry. It’s an extremely inexpensive ingredient that provides the appearance immediate “results” but in the long term it’s thick texture will clog pores and seal in dirt and impurities. Instead, opt for lip and face balms with natural ingredients such as beeswax. Beeswax provides protection, hydration and healing qualities- all very important during the dry winter months. Prevent frost bite, flakiness, and dehydration with this superior ingredient. Best of all, it’s completely natural and can be locally sourced. We use this potent ingredient in our face, body + lip balms: Hydrating Rescue Body BalmProtecting + Restoring Face BalmRepairing + Conditioning Lip Balm and Healing Eczema Balm.

 

 

 

 

Advice from: Julie Clark and Cassandra Bradshaw, Holistic Aestheticians, Province Apothecary 

Photo credit: relaxedhairhealth.blogspot.ca