Fresh Friday... Radiant Skin

As we all know Winter weather can wreak total havoc on our skin.

So I thought this week I would share a few tips

 on how to safeguard yourself during these months

and keep that healthy glow amidst icy cold temperatures,

 harsh winds and drifting snowstorms.

I'll start with my favorite new cleanser. 

packed full of wonderful things for your skin.

It contains the enzymes Papain and Bromelain and fruit extracts such as,

 Sweet Orange and Grapefruit, Kumquat, Kiwi and Neem.

All of these ingredients come together to gently exfoliate every time you

 cleanse, infusing your skin with that all important vitamin C.

It's suitable for all skin types and takes just one pump

mixed with a little water on your face to lather up perfectly.

 When the natural fragrance of those citrus fruits hit your senses,

 it's almost easy to forget that Winter is still upon us!

Every little squirt releases the sweet scent of fresh Summertime .

As you can see on the bottle this is a Skin Dimensions product.

I purchased mine at the Morton location.

They also have Illinois Day Spa's in Peoria, Galesburg, Bloomington and Peru

as well as Iowa Spa's in Clinton and Davenport.

Their staff is well trained and licensed to help you with all of your 

skin care needs and provide you with the most exquisite day spa experience!

If you don't live near one of their locations and would like

 to try this cleanser you can make your purchase online.

Since we know that cleansing is just the first step in skincare

you can view all of their other beautiful products right here.

While we're still on the subject of skincare products,

I'd like to share another one of my favorite items that I use every day, 

multiple times a day, year round and more heavily during these colder months.

Over the years, probably like everyone else, 

I have used so many different lip balms.

 Some that I liked more than others and some that went straight

 into the trash because they didn't even glide on properly.

Then a couple of years ago I hit my "Hallelujah!" moment 

with this fantastic product made by doTerra.

The very first ingredient in every one of them is Coconut Oil,

which most likely accounts for the silky smooth application of it.

They all have essential oils in them like:

 Peppermint, Spearmint, Wild Orange, Clementine, 

Marjoram and Ylang Ylang depending on the flavor.

Each one can be purchased separately

 or they can be bought together as a pack of three.

I keep them poked all over the house.

There's always one in my purse and each knitting bag, 

one in a drawer next to the chair I knit in during the evening 

and one in my dresser drawer to use just before I get into bed.

I consider this the final step of my skincare routine each night.

Winter is hard on our lips just like it is the rest of our skin.

No other lip product has ever helped me like this one.

If you live in my area and don't have a personal source to order

 doTerra from but would like to try this or any of their products,

you can contact me and I would be happy to add anything

you want to my order that goes out at the beginning of each month.

I will share my consultants discount with you as this is something

I do solely for the purpose of the health and well being

of myself and my household and not for the sake of earning money.

We can't discuss a topic as important as skincare

 without bringing up the actual real first step... healthy eating.

Every single thing you put into your body

 eventually shows up in your skin

 and even leaves trace deposits in your hair.

{For those of you who don't know,

 years ago I was a licensed Cosmetologist}

So, I'll say it once again...

You are what you eat.

Here's a list of

 Foods that are Good for your Skin:

1. Eggs  help with tissue repair,

High in:

 Selenium - wards off skin infections and acne

Vitamin A - prevents abnormal clumps,

 which can turn into moles and skin tags

Copper - promotes skin elasticity

2. Avocados  prevent blemishes and enhance skin quality

High in age defying,

 free radical fighting Vitamins A, D & E

3.  Blueberries tighten and renew skin

High in Vitamins A & C

Clears blotchy spots and acne

4.  Berries  Raspberries, Blackberries & Strawberries

High in Vitamin C

Keeps collagen in skin healthy

High in Anthocyanins and Quercetin, which:

helps reduce inflammation in skin

keeps skin tone even and causes skin to look radiant

5.  Oranges  (and Grapefruits) prevent wrinkles

tones the skin

High in Vitamin C

Helps improve the texture and color of skin

Restores collagen

6.  Watermelon  helps to clear your skin

improves elasticity

smooths skin 

7.  Salmon  rich in omega-3 fatty acids

helps moisturize skin 

 keeps it looking healthy and radiant

helps clear clogged pores  

erases fine lines and wrinkles

8.  Dark Chocolate  ( at least 60% cocoa)

helps skin stay hydrated

protects skin from sun damage 

*Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits

 of unhealthy looking skin *

9.  Kiwi  firms skin

has antioxidants that:

 fight cancer, prevent wrinkles,

 & keep bones and teeth healthy 

10.  Spinach  (leafy green veggies)

rich in nutrients and antioxidants

High in:

 Vitamins B, C & E

Potassium, Iron, 

Calcium & Magnesium 

Also be sure you are drinking plenty of water.

It hydrates your skin by delivering essential nutrients to the skin cells.

The vital moisture from the water helps to keep your skin soft and supple,

 enhancing your complexion by making it glisten and look more radiant. 

"Nature gives you the face you have at 20.

It's up to you to merit the face you have at 50."

Coco Chanel

"Aging is a fact of life.

Looking your age is not."

Dr. Howard Murad

Fresh Friday...Knitted Pears & Quinoa Two Ways

Friday again already?!

Sometimes I don't know where the weeks go.

It seems it was just yesterday we were all dashing around

making ready for Christmas and here we are into mid-January.

We got that snow my heart was hoping for,

in a very big way!

I think we got a good 10 inches in the Peoria area.

Now we are expecting another big snow storm to bless us with

quite a bit more snow.

Well, ask and you shall receive.

{Sorry for those of you who don't do the happy dance over snow.}

I love the crunch of it underneath my feet,

the bright whiteness it gives the entire world around me,

the way it sparkles with the radiance 

of a million diamonds when the sun sets it afire,

and that incomparable scent it permeates the air with.

There's really nothing else quite like snow.

It always inspires me to knit...more.

Speaking of knitting,

these darling Knitted Pears were a Christmas gift,

therefore they were not made by me.

My cousin Kathy knitted them.

I love receiving gifts from another knitter's needles.

And aren't these too cute in their wire basket with a little

rag bow and natural cotton bolls tucked in behind them?

They're just perfect on my vintage red and white enamel table.

If you would like to knit some pears for yourself

or someone you love, you can find the pattern here.

Another thing cold, Winter weather makes all of us want is warm food.

This week I have two recipes to share featuring one of my 

absolute favorite health foods: Quinoa

.

Let's start with breakfast...

Quinoa "Oatmeal"

3/4 Cup Soy Milk

1/2 Cup Organic Tri-color Quinoa

3/4 to 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1/8 to 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg

1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla

1/2 to 1 Tablespoon Raw Unfiltered Honey

1 Tablespoon Organic Natural Peanut Butter

Bring Soy Milk and Quinoa to a boil.

Reduce heat to low.

Add Spices and Vanilla.

Simmer, stirring occasionally till thick, approximately 15 minutes.

Add Peanut Butter and Honey at last.

Enjoy immediately!

Serves 2

Actual oatmeal has always been a favorite food of mine.

Being a lifelong fan of healthy, hot breakfast cereals,

 this has become a new go to recipe.

It's deliciously filling and makes the whole house 

smell like homemade love for hours 

after it's been cooked up and eaten.

 Perfect for a cold day!

You can easily substitute the Soy Milk with 

Coconut, Almond or regular Milk.

Sprinkle Spices to taste.

Drizzle Honey to taste or substitute with Agave Nectar or Raw Sugar.

Use as much Peanut Butter as you like or replace it with Almond Butter.

And now for later in the day...

Sweet Potato Quinoa Soup 

2 Medium Sweet Potatoes, diced

1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced

1/4 Cup Onion, diced

1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper {to taste}

2 Teaspoons Thyme

1 Tablespoon Organic Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper {to taste}

* I prefer freshly ground Black Pepper and Pink Himalayan Salt

First, saute' these ingredients in the tablespoon of olive oil 

for approximately 3-5 minutes,

just to blend the flavors nicely.

Then add:

4 Cups Organic Vegetable Broth

1 Can Red Gold Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano

1 Cup Organic Tri-Color Quinoa

1 Can Garbanzo Beans/Chick Peas

Let cook/simmer till sweet potatoes are tender.

Enjoy while nice and hot!

Serves 4-6

This is an original recipe of my daughter Chelsea's.

It can be altered easily to spice it anyway you prefer 

and feed as many as needed.

Just don't leave out the healthy Quinoa!

If you've never tried Quinoa before 

you can read the top 11 proven health benefits 

of this wonderful tiny plant food

that is high in protein and actually contains

all 9 of the essential amino acids right here.

It's tasty, filling and oh so good for you!

If you live someplace where it's sunny and warm,

maybe even on the other side of the globe where it's actually Summertime,

I'll share a tiny piece of the Winter Wonderland from my front yard with you.

I took this picture in today's midmorning hours.

If we get hit with what we are expecting there's no telling 

what we will wake up to tomorrow morning.

I must admit, it makes me feel like a child on Christmas Eve...

"When there's snow on the ground,

I like to pretend I'm walking on clouds."

Takayuki Ikkaku

Fresh Friday... You Are What You Eat

 

Here we are in November already.

I think it was just June yesterday...

I have to admit, albeit somewhat grudgingly,
 because I usually cling to summertime white knuckled,
that I am  loving every single beautiful thing
 about this multi-hued Autumn we are experiencing this year.
 The misty grey days provide an ethereal seeming background
 for the sheer profusion of color all of the trees and bushes are bursting with.
 Although I know this must happen all around me every single Fall,
 for some reason my senses are extremely heightened to it this time around.
 I feel as though I am soaking it in through all of my pores
 and every fiber straight into my soul.

These cooler days make me want to stay inside where it's warm
 with my tea kettle going, my doggies around me,
my knitting on the go and something warm and healthy on the stove.

I told you in the last post I would introduce you to my daughter Chelsea.

She's my youngest of two daughters.

My eldest daughter, Hilary, is a Librarian in our local library.

 Chelsea has a Cosmetology license,

 which she uses to specialize as an Aesthetician. 

She works for a dermatologist in a medical day spa.

 Both of my daughters are excellent cooks and healthy, clean eaters. 

Due to ongoing health issues of my own, 

when they were still in grade school and I was in my early thirties,

 I became a vegetarian and thus began my journey 

into grasping hold of the real truth of :

"You Are What You Eat"

Everybody has heard it and even said it at times

 but after years of suffering

 {and I mean truly suffering}

 from serious digestive issues, 

among various other ailments, 

I began the journey of taking hold of that one simple truth

 and what a difference it made and continues to make for me.

 Plus, I believe it made it easier for my girls to make healthier choices as adults.

Eating as healthy as I possibly can helps in my battle against

 two rheumatoid diseases, which cause digestive issues,

 inflammation throughout my entire system and a whole host of issues.

 I will admit right from the start that I am not a person who has a huge appetite and a lot of the recipes I share with you will be on the simple or light side.

 I don't tolerate "heavy" foods. 

Always bear in mind I do not eat the basic American diet and

 have not done so for more than 22 years.

 In the area of food, I have to travel lightly through this world.

Today's recipe is from Chelsea.

  The measurements provided are just enough for two servings.

It's perfect for lunch with a friend or spouse.

Chelsea and I enjoyed it together for lunch one day last week.

Thai Coconut Stir Fry

1 Cup Thai Coconut Broth

1/2 Cup Brown Rice

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

{Organic Virgin, Cold Pressed, Unrefined - if possible}

1 1/2 Tablespoons Liquid Aminos

1/2 Cup Snap Peas, broken in half

1/4 Cup Match Stick Carrots

1/4 Cup Red Peppers, sliced

1/2 Cup Tempeh, cubed

Cook Brown Rice in Thai Coconut Broth instead of water

 by simply substituting, using exact measurement. 

Saute' Tempeh in Coconut Oil on medium - low for approximately 3 minutes.

Add prepared vegetables and continue cooking until barely tender but still crisp.

This makes two nice sized bowls.

 The first delightful flavor that hits the tongue is coconut. 

It's very filling for lunch or supper for two.

 If you want to stretch it to accommodate more people 

just adjust the proportions and play around with seasonings and add ins.

It's healthy, warm and comforting on a cold day and looks like

 a bowl full of beautiful Fall colors to me!

 I just love it!

You can make it ahead and store it in individual containers

 for your busy work week ahead.

It reheats wonderfully and tastes just as good, if not better.

For those of you who have never used Liquid Aminos,
 this is what you are looking for:

If you like soy sauce you'll love it. This is a healthier alternative. It is gluten free, contains no preservatives, alcohol or fermentation and has 16 healthy amino acids. Also, it is lower in sodium than soy sauce. So run straight to your local grocery market and buy some {and chuck the soy sauce in the trash can}.
Here's what the Thai Coconut Broth looks like as well:

You know I can't leave you without showing at least one thing
 that's been on my needles recently.
In my next post,
which will focus on my current knitting projects at hand,
 I'll show you much more.
However here's a tiny sampling of some baby knits
 I worked on last week during my time at the coffee shop.

Just as I love for my food to be as wholesome,
 chemical free, organic and pure as possible,
I also prefer for the fibers I work with to be as natural as possible.
These cable knit baby ear flap hats and booties are knit on size 3 needles
 using divinely soft, soft, soft pure Baby Alpaca.
There is nothing like the feel of it gliding gently
 across my fingers like a mere whisper.
As I work with it, I daydream of and pray for
  the sweet baby that will be cozied up inside these snuggly little accessories
 in order to keep Winter chills far, far away from delicate fresh from heaven skin.
As most of you know, I am a die hard, constant tea drinker.
However, I occasionally enjoy coffee or a coffee latte like this one pictured.
It's the delicious Fall Signature drink at
 Thirty-Thirty Coffee Shop
in Peoria's Junction City.
 A lovely hot drink is just the perfect thing for an evening of knitting!
I typically choose tea because I actually love it so much more than coffee,
which is hard for the coffee drinkers of the world to even fathom.
Also, it is much easier on my sensitive digestive system.
Keeping myself less acidic is always the goal.
For a final note on today's recipe and any future recipe's I share...
Feel free to toss in some chicken in place of the Tempeh if you have to.
But I would like to encourage you to do two things...
If you are a meat eater, try to eat a meatless meal on occasion.
Also, always purchase the leanest, cleanest form of meat you can.
All of the food I share with you will be vegetarian.
This is what I have to do for my body.
You do what is best for yours.
In the meantime,
I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful Autumn
 if you live in an area where this is your season like it is mine.

"The heart of the home beats in the kitchen
and a healthy one beats three times a day."
Bangambiki Habyarimana
The Great Pearl of Wisdom

"Dear Friend,
 I pray that you may enjoy good health
and that all may go well with you,
even as your soul is getting along well."
3 John 1:2

Fresh Friday ... Breathe Deeply

Welcome to the launching of Fresh Friday!

Here's the plan...

On Friday's I will be posting about all kinds of "fresh" finds for all of you.

The list may include:

~ new knitting products I am currently in love with

~ new patterns I am working on and loving

~ healthy recipes, including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan

~ chemical free cleaning products for your home

~ my favorite essential oils and what they are used for

My goal is to eventually do a Fresh Friday post every week,

however it may be more like every other week until after the first of the new year.

I am currently in my super busy season at Front Porch Knits,

especially as I prepare for our upcoming Christmas Open House,

which will be held in my home on Saturday, December 1st.
Not to mention the constant work of new puppy training.

Today's first fresh find is this awesome Namaste Knitter's Train Case 

from Jimmy Beans Wool in Blush.

It's available in several color options but I had to have mine in PINK!!!

It comes with all of these lovely little items included inside.

I was so excited when it arrived on my doorstep yesterday just in time for

my weekly knitting in public trip to Thirty-Thirty Coffee Shop

in Peoria's Junction City

{mmmm....my favorite spot!}! 

Side Note... If you live locally and haven't been to Thirty-Thirty, you have to go!

The drinks are TOO DIE FOR and the staff is AWESOME.

And see the best part of all ...

The Train Case has that wonderful little whole for the yarn to feed through

so everything stays tucked away nice and neat inside while I knit, knit, knit.

I'll let you in on a secret... I'm a spiller at times.

Therefore all of my patterns are kept in plastic sleeves always

because when I'm knitting,

I'm drinking tea, always.

This lovely Train Case is exactly what I needed

to take back and forth on my weekly jaunts.

It holds everything I need perfectly and keeps expensive fibers

from being tea soaked,while also ensuring I don't leave my tiny sterling silver

stitch markers and other notions behind.

It's so much easier to see down inside of than rummaging in a bag.

Yep. I love it!

My current fresh make is this ribbed and cabled mitten.

I love the fact that there's just a touch of cabling

going across the top and that the ribbing

goes all the way around the palm.

This gorgeous charcoal grey yarn is Cascade 220 Superwash Merino Wool,

once again from Jimmy Beans Wool. It is soft, warm and breathable. 

I simply adore merino wool. It's my very favorite fiber to work with.

Nothing makes better mittens.

Speaking of fiber...

I'll leave you with one very simple healthy food idea.

Two pieces of Gluten Free Bread {purchased from Costco, not homemade} toasted.

Topped with:

Organic Almond Butter

Raw Pepitas {Pumpkin Seeds}

Hemp Hearts {Shelled Hemp Seeds}

Health Benefits of:

ALMOND BUTTER ~ Good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help lower the risk of heart disease. We gain antioxidant action from Vitamin E and it helps lower cholesterol.

RAW PEPITAS~ Rich source of fiber. Helps prevent constipation and benefits digestive health.

Boosts your intake of protein and minerals. Contains macronutrients that provide energy and provides essential minerals required for proper tissue function.

HEMP HEARTS~ These babies are so good for you I'm providing a link!

Sometimes this toast is my breakfast and other times it's my lunch.

Either way it is yummy and extremely satisfying and satiating.

I hope you've enjoyed this first installment of "Fresh Friday".

Next time up I plan to introduce you to my daughter Chelsea,

who you'll recognize as a model I use oftentimes on my websites.

Chelsea works in the Beauty industry {more on that later}

and is a whole foods/clean eater and fantastic cook. 

I will be sharing a combination of her recipes along with mine,

including foods that make your hair and skin softer;

something we all need with these upcoming Winter months.

 Until then...

Stay warm and toasty with some nice hot tea,

cozy knitting, and healthy comfort food.

That's what I'll be doing!

Namaste!

"To ensure good health:

eat lightly,

breathe deeply,

live moderately,

cultivate cheerfulness,

and maintain an interest in life."

~ William Londen