Excellent Natural Sunscreen – Product Review Alba Botanica

Alba sunscreen

An excellent choice for your holiday

If you have had difficulty in finding the most suitable sunscreen, may I suggest this product from Alba Botanica. Have you been experiencing so called “sun allergy” or itchy patches when exposed to warm sunshine?  And it often gets worse the more sun cream is applied?
Have a look at this video. After using this Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30 under the African sun for more than 2 weeks, I can truly recommend it, even for most sensitive skin conditions.

In a previous video review I had explained that often a reaction can be due to the ingredient called titanium dioxide, used predominantly as active ingredient in sun creams. Make sure to watch it.

 

A Day For Soup….

Ingredients used in this recipe

Bring Out Those Flavours

Danny has decided to delight us with a “leftover Veg” soup. The powerful properties of organic ginger, chillies, onions and garlic are extracted by glazing them first in the slightly heated oil. Following that, he adds his choice of vegetables like sweet potato and carrot. A great way to use up any bits of leftover vegetables from the fridge before going off to buy new ones.

All the ingredients used are from our own organic store selection. You can find the complete recipe below. But first, watch this little clip and feel free to share:

Ingredients Suggestion:

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion, roughly chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
4 cm fresh root ginger, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes or 1 chili finely chopped
700g sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 liter vegetable stock
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large and lidded saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened. Stir in the ginger, garlic and chili flakes and fry for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.

2. Stir in the sweet potato and stock. Turn up the heat and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer with the lid on for about 15 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender.

3. Remove the pan from heat and blend soup using a stick blender until smooth. Make sure soup has cooled down before blending to avoid hot splashes. Alternatively use food processor or leave veg chunky.

Season to taste and serve and most of all…..

ENJOY! 

 

AVALON ORGANICS – A BURST OF VITAMIN C FOR RADIANT GLOW

This fast-absorbing, mineral oil-free range brightens and immerses our skin in replenishing antioxidants:

Click here for Suzan’s Product Review on this beautiful range
Serum

Infused with a powerful blend of Triple-C Complex, Olive Squalane, Kakadu Plum, Turmeric, Licorice Root and Milk Thistle, our daily serum makes your skin look brighter and smoother, imparting a healthy radiance. Its subtle citric scent definitely puts a smile on your face, giving you that summer feeling.

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Safe for sensitive skin

In consumer testing following 4 weeks of use, 98% of users felt that the serum absorbed easily into the skin, while 95% said their skin looked more radiant.

Gel Cleanser

Our cleansing gel’s pure botanical ingredients gently wash away impurities and pollutants while preserving your skin’s hydration leaving it fresh and vibrant. Infused with Triple-C Complex and Kakadu Plum, rich in replenishing antioxidants, this refreshing cleanser gives you brighter, healthier looking skin without stripping away skin’s moisture. The perfect way to start your morning and wash away the day in the evening.

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Safe for sensitive skin

In consumer testing, hyperpigmentation was shown to be significantly improved after 4 weeks of use.

Renewal Crème Riche

Our rich creme emulsion envelops your skin to deeply nourish and protect it from environmental pollutants while revealing a brighter-looking complexion. Infused with Triple-C Complex, Olive Squalane, Kakadu Plum, Turmeric, Licorice Root and Milk Thistle, loaded with replenishing antioxidants, our nourishing moisturizer rejuvenates and hydrates skin overnight and throughout the day. A little goes such a long way and its subtle citrus scent is like a freshly squeezed orange.

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Safe for sensitive skin

In consumer testing following 4 weeks of use, 94% of users said skin had a healthy glow and felt hydrated the next morning.

Gel Cream Moisturizer

Our lightweight gel formula combines brightening and lightweight hydration leaving your skin rejuvenated.

Infused with Triple-C Complex, Olive Squalene, Kakadu Plum, Turmeric, Licorice Root and Milk Thistle, rich in replenishing antioxidants, the unique gel creme hydrates and gives skin a soft, smooth finish with a radiant glow.

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Safe for sensitive skin

In consumer testing following 4 weeks of use, 85% of users said skin had a healthy glow, while 88% said skin felt soft, smooth and hydrated.

Toothpaste Product Review – Buccotherm My Test Result

After using this product for a couple of weeks both morning and evening I can truly give it a “thumbs up”.

This French company offers a range of oral care products that make sense and cover the complete spectrum in my opinion. Some products contain fluoride and others don’t. So make sure to ask or read the label carefully for your preference.

I’ve recorded a little clip here for you where I describe the results of my test. I am happy to continue using this product. It does certainly keep my gums in good shape.

Buccotherm Toothpaste The Outcome Just click here to see my video review.

 

Oral Care Product Range from Buccotherm

When taking in a new product or range, there’s nothing like giving it a “test drive”. While this is hard to do with supplements as results will take a bit of time, it is very easy to do with toothpaste.  Please pop in to see the full range. Oral health is very important yet hardly spoken about. I will add to this review after a few days to talk about the gum health side of it.

Feel free to comment. Constructive criticism is also welcome but we love the nice words. 🙂

Click on the link below to watch the clip.

Toothpaste brand Buccotherm put to the test

What is Curcumin? Is it Turmeric?

It’s a question I’m often asked when on the shop floor. So let me share with you some information based on Solgar’s Curcumin product which will give you an idea of what it is and what its potential benefits may be.


CURCUMIN by Solgar 

CURCUMIN is the active component of the spice turmeric, which is used in cuisine all over the world. From curries to lattes, the many uses of turmeric are no secret. But did you also know that it is an excellent joint supporter as well? Curcumin, its active component, acts as an antioxidant helping to fight free radicals that are naturally produced in the body. Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress (a bit like rust) which is negatively associated with joint health. Although turmeric is highly accessible, it has poor bioavailability – meaning the body struggles to absorb all of curcumin’s benefits. For that reason, when looking for a curcumin supplement, it is important to choose one formulated for greater bioavailability, as in Solgar® products. OUR RECOMMENDED CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENT: Solgar® Full Spectrum Curcumin Liquid Extract Softgels have better absorption than regular curcumin. Each serving contains 40 mg of curcumin and stays in the body longer than native curcumin extract, giving you the all-day joint support you need. (Source: Solgar.com).

Taking on a regular basis, curcumin can be a fabulous digestive aid also. I personally believe that when our digestive system is healthy, inflammatory conditions tend to be reduced. This is my own observation over the years as health store owner and living in my own body. 😊

So, eat well. Sleep well and before midnight 🕛 is best.

Laugh a lot and do lots of what you love, little of what you tolerate and none of what you hate. (John Assaraf).

Sea Magik Hair – Simply Magical

My Personal Favourite (The Boss that is)

The secret is out! Well, let’s say part of the secret of that healthy and ever-growing head of hair of mine. But credit where it’s due. I have been using this shampoo for many years now. The odd time I tried some other wonderful and natural products, but find myself coming back to this always.

Another secret of healthy hair is a very good digestive system. 80/20 rule of clean eating applies. As well as washing it only once per week or as little as possible. This allows the natural oils and nutrients to stay balanced.

Let’s look at what the owners of Spa Magik have to say about it:

OUR BEST-SELLING DAILY-USE 
SEA MAGIK MINERAL SHAMPOO…

is a remineralising shampoo that gently cleanses the hair and soothes an irritated scalp. Containing organic seaweed, Dead Sea minerals, Salicylic Acid and Pro Vitamin B5 help to soften, hydrate and strengthen your hair and its follicles, as well as calm, soothe and nourish your scalp. Hair is left healthy, silky soft and shiny whilst the scalp is left hydrated.

Mineral Shampoo is suitable for all hair types and great for anyone that suffers from a dry or flaky scalp, eczema or psoriasis. This gentle shampoo can be used daily. Apply to wet hair. Lather and massage all over the scalp and hair and rinse with warm water. We recommend following with Sea Magik Hair Magic Conditioner.

Tip – Shampoo your hair twice before conditioning. This will thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp.

There you have it. Pop in to check it out. Or send us a message if you would like to find out more.

 

Super Food Recipes from our Fan Food Fair

Tatiana’s Recipes

Lentil Burgers

Ingredients

250g black, green or brown lentils, soaked overnight

100g cooked brown rice

75g sunflower seeds

1 tablespoon tomato puree

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 gloves of garlic

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt and pepper

Âź teaspoon chili powder

 

Method

  • Place lentils (drained well) cooked rice, sunflower seeds, tomato puree and all spices in the food processor and pulse repeatedly until well combined.
  • Make burger size shapes and fry in a pan for approx. 4-5 mins on each side

Millet Salad

Ingredients:

200g Millet

1 teaspoon stock

Pear and Walnut Millet

100g Walnut, toasted (10mins in the oven at 160C)

2 ripe pears

Handful of fresh spinach or rocket

Tomato and Sweetcorn

2 Tomatoes

1 glass of sweetcorn

75g pumpkin seeds, toasted (10mins in the oven at 180 C)

Handful of fresh spinach or rocket

Dressing

2 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil

2 teaspoon lemon juice

2 teaspoon maple syrup

2 teaspoon wholegrain mustard

1 small garlic clove, crushed & finely chopped

Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

Method

  • Cook the millet in 400ml of water and add a tsp of vegan stock, cook until all water has been absorbed and the millet has become soft (add more water if needed)
  • Let the millet cool down and mix with the preferred salad ingredients.

Gluten free Apple crumble

Pastry:

150g white rice flour

100g buckwheat flour

100g butter

80g caster sugar

1 large egg

 

Mix the butter with the sugar first, then add the egg and mix again until it looks like scrambled eggs. Add the flour and mix with your hands, let it cool in the fridge for 30mins.

Knead the dough and roll it. Put it as the base of the baking form.

 

Filling:

2 – 3 sweet apples

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Cut the apples into small pieces and add the cinnamon, then put the mixture on top of the Pastry.

Crumble:

100g buckwheat flour

50g caster sugar

50g butter

Put all the above ingredients into a bowl and mix with your fingertips until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Then put the mixture on top of the apples and bake in the preheated oven.

 

Oliver McCabe – FuelFood Cook Book Author 

Here are his delicious recipes:

Magical Moroccan Warming Veggie Stew (one pot wonder)

Recipe by Oliver McCabe

Serves 5/6

Vegan Allergen Free

Contains celery

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon True Natural Goodness organic

extra virgin coconut oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

400g of chopped peeled boiled sweet potato

2 garlic cloves, chopped

100g baby spinach

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 & 1/2 teaspoons True Natural Goodness

Organic Ceylon ground cinnamon

250ml homemade Vegetable stock

150g pitted Kalamata olives halved

100g golden raisins

400g can organic chickpeas, drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 tablespoon of coconut chips

Method:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add onion, carrot and garlic to pan. Cook until vegetables are soft, stirring frequently,

about 10 minutes.

  1. Add spices and squash and spinach; stir 1 minute, Add broth, olives, raisins, chickpeas and

coriander; bring to boil. Simmer on a very low heat for 40 minutes.

  1. Add lemon peel. Remove pot from heat and let rest for 20 minutes.  Serve with cooked

couscous, boiled potatoes or quinoa and top with fresh coriander and coconut chips.

Classic Christmas Hummus

recipe by Oliver McCabe

Makes 250g

Vegan, Gluten, Dairy, Sugar and Nut Free

When making your own hummus from scratch, it’s always best to use dried beans that you soak overnight. This leads to a creamier, more wholesome hummus that you’ll love making again and again.

A good source of calcium, plant protein, essential fats, dietary fibre and vitamin C. Low GL.

Ingredients

400g dried chickpeas or organic chick peas drained

5 tablespoons dark tahini paste

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon tamari

Pinch of Himalayan fine rock salt

Method

Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water in an airtight container in a moderately temperate place. The following day, drain the chickpeas and rinse thoroughly. Place in a large saucepan, cover with three times their volume of cold water and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, until tender. Drain and add to a blender with all the remaining ingredients. Blend together, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency. You will probably need to stop the blender several times to scrape down the sides. Add more smoked paprika, salt, lemon juice or tahini to taste. Transfer to an airtight container or a glass jar, cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving. This hummus will last for up to five days in the fridge.

 

Persian Spiced Buckwheat, Cranberries and Feta Salad

Recipe by Oliver McCabe

Serves 6. Vegetarian allergen free

Ingredients

1 cup Organic Buckwheat grain

4 cups water

3 Tbsp pomegranate molasses

1 tsp True Natural Goodness Irish honey

4 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Âź tsp of True Natural Goodness Organic Turmeric

Âź tsp of True Natural Goodness Organic Cinnamon

100g of organic cooked butter beans

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup dried True Natural Goodness cranberries

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Bunch of Rocket leaves

True Natural Good shelled hemp seeds for sprinkling on prepped salad

Directions

Rinse and drain the buckwheat. Place in a saucepan, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, checking frequently, until it tastes chewy but cooked all the way through. While the grain is cooking, combine the pomegranate molasses, honey and olive oil in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add salt and pepper to taste. Shake the jar to emulsify the dressing, and set aside. When the Buckwheat is cooked (it will be chewy, not mushy), drain and add it to a mixing bowl with the cucumber, cranberries, beans and dressing. Toss well to combine. At the last moment before serving, add the cheese, toss lightly, and serve with rocket leaves mixed through.

Spice it up

Let’s add some spice and why am I craving this?

I hope you enjoyed our Italian farmer and his passion for growing food full of vitality. And I will continue on a culinary journey with you for the next while to add some flavour to our lives. Let’s explore some herbs and spices, what their cravings may mean and how to use them in simple but tasty ways.

What made me think about this topic was the strong craving for mustard and horseradish I’ve been having for a few weeks. I did a bit of research on it, as you do as a nerd, and found it really fascinating. Let me tell you in a little video which you can watch HERE And come back!

Did that make your mouth water? As mentioned, here is a recipe you can try for yourself: I think, simple is best. And Jamie Oliver has just that. Here you go:

All you need is organic (of course) mustard seeds, organic cider vinegar, white wine if you wish, some salt and optional extras in time to come. 
Click on this link.

I’d be delighted to hear about your attempt or any other culinary suggestions you may have. 

 For today that’s it from me. Hope you’re enjoying our little chats. Always happy to hear from you and get some feedback. Love you – bye 

I travelled to Italy for you to meet this nice man

Is it a philosophy ? Or should we have more of this kind of farming.

I did a little travelling since we spoke last . Went to Italy with one of my aromatherapy suppliers and one day we went on a field trip to a distillery and Demeter farm in the Piemont region.

Meet Marco Marco Video 1 and Marco Video 2,second generation owner who produces essential oils using his state of the art steam distillery. Plant materials are delivered on a daily basis during the summer season and distilled off instantly. 

You can see that we were invited to lend a hand filling the steel containers with plant materials, in this case it was thyme. Next to us is another batch awaiting distillation. A batch of precious Melissa officinalis aka Lemonbalm. Very little yield of essential oil is obtained from this plant. It also composts very quickly and therefore requires pretty instant processing. Seeing these processes makes us understand the price of those products on shop shelves. Immense amount of work with very little yield but fantastic benefits for the end user. If quality is of importance to you that is. 

Please click the ‘Marco Video’ links above to watch videos I took of Marco describing some of the farm processes. It takes a little effort to listen as he has a wonderfully strong Italian accent. But I think you will enjoy it. In the second video he refers to why moon cycles are so important in Demeter farming. Makes sense I think.

Feel free to check in with me if you have any questions about it. I’d love to have a chat with you.

Here’s a little reminder I shared with you in my last mail about the principles of biodynamic farming:

Demeter farmers consider their farms as living, unique organisms. Each organ needs the others. Each part serves the whole. Human beings, plants, animals and soil work together.
The requirement of keeping cattle on the farm has been eased a little as it is truly difficult for small farmers to look after cattle as well as fulfilling the other requirements. The soil however still needs to be “injected” with the specific biodynamic preparations. 

It is truly a philosophy of its own. But wouldn’t it be nice to see more of it applied?

And why do the cows get to keep their horns? Demeter farmers respect the innate being of the animal. This enables the creatures to express their instinctive behaviour. Part of this are their horns which are an important sense and communication organ for the animals. They are also linked to their digestive systems and the gases produced by the animal. Resulting in far lesser amounts of digestive disorders in the animals. 
And again, here are some links for you if you didn’t get around to it last time 🙂

What is demeter?

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ui=2&ik=3d204d4121&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1635901051891806461&th=16b3e356ddb2f0fd&view=att&disp=inline&realattid=cdd31c16c8854e8_0.1

Hope you enjoyed this slightly specialized topic. I’m all about the learning and keeping an open mind. 

Demeter Farming: Let’s look at farming….. says a non farmer

But wait. This is really interesting. Biodynamic farming and what it means…..

What would these farmers say about the state of farming today compared to 1924? Some still live I guess. I’d love to ask them.

Oh, sorry. Which farmers am I talking about? CLICK HERE and watch my little intro video. Then come back here.

Great. You’re back!

Those farmers at that time felt inspired by this man,  Rudolf Steiner, and by his visionary thinking coined by the term “anthroposophy “, as I mentioned just there. Anthropo = Human, Sophy = Wisdom.

Maybe you’ve heard the term “Phil Anthropy” before? Friend of human. Always nice to learn some new little nuggets right?

But now, have a look at a quote by the man himself in the image above (or below?)

At first the quote may seem a bit strange. But it encourages a new way of viewing things. Steiner was convinced that food only achieves the quality that allows people to develop, when all factors are taken into account in its production: cosmic rhythms, the soils as a digestive organ of the plant or as soul forces of the animal.

To bring all these aspects together and to order them, he introduced the Biodynamic preparations.
 
Demeter farmers consider their farms as living, unique organisms. Each organ needs the others. Each part serves the whole. Human beings, plants, animals and soil work together.

What are your thoughts now?
If you are curious and would like to find out some more, here’s a link for you.

What is demeter?

I’d be delighted to get your feedback. Have you heard of this before? Used some Demeter products? You are very welcome to pop in to my lovely little big store (it’s a Tardis :)) and explore what’s on the market. Let’s chat. 

And I almost forgot…. Demeter cows keep their beautiful horns! Let me tell you about that in my next mail though. Enough to “digest” for you for now I think.

Smart Health = Heart Health

How about some practical tips?

To create this post I spent a lot of time thinking about what would be most helpful for you with regard to your lovely heart. Our topic was, how do we prevent and/or reverse heart disease. Right? And Dr. Decker Weiss’s message was mostly about getting inflammation out of our body. Keep in mind also, that inflammation is caused by mental and emotional stresses too. Fatigue, insomnia, depression and the likes. Often overlooked when it comes to inflammatory issues. Please take some time to think about this.

The biggest take away from this for me is however, how important an alkaline body is. And truth be told, it’s all about what goes into it. We all have heard it before, best diet, the Mediterranean one.
The key here: Fresh, Fresh and Fresh food which leaves it very mineral dense and heavily alkalizing.
Green leafy vegetables, fish, seafood, wholegrains, good oils, butter, bread and of course, some red wine. I know you were waiting to hear that!! :). And now you are most likely rolling your eyes up, thinking “Oh Suzan, how can anyone eat that stuff? Every day? I have no time….
Let’s do some exploring. I’ve made a little video for you with some simple yet important tips. 

Click here to watch!
 
And I’ve chosen a couple of easy recipes for you to try out. Scroll down for the link. See how much I care? 
Really…. make an effort.

So, Beer and sausages? Even if you’re German, noooo, not a good idea. Yummy for sure but only when visiting the Oktoberfest in Munich, meaning, it’s an exception. You have my permission then.

Here’s another interesting something for you to look into. Have you heard about your Homocysteine levels and what they are about?  And while you are at it, also look into CoQ10. If you’d like me to elaborate some more, please let me know. Otherwise, our dear internet is the job. Or your GP or health care professional. 

You have to make all those decisions for yourself dear friend. There’s only one person who knows your body, you know who that is!

But first, watch my little video clip and have a look at these, simple and delicious recipes you too can make (Courtesy of my lovely friend Oliver McCabe – FuelFood Chef)
Click here for recipes