Nourishing News: January 2008

Happy New Year! I thought it would be fun to share 10 of my favorite discoveries from 2007. Some are little, some are lavish, but all of these are things that I can't stop talking about! I hope that some of my favorites from 2007 become some of your favorites in 2008!

White Peony Tea. I have always loved teas and had quite a collection. Last winter, my friend Pamela turned me onto white tea....and it is a near obsession for me still! White tea is the least processed of all teas and is very high in antioxidants, so I happily drink it up! I've tried several brands and Choice Organics is my absolute favorite.
Cast Iron Griddle. After doing research for my May 2007 Newsletter on Healthy Cookware, I got rid of all of my non-stick cookware and switched to cast-iron and stainless steel pots and pans. My Emerilware cast-iron griddle, which was an engagement gift from my friend Karen, is a winner! It browns nicely and nothing sticks to it...even gluten free pancakes!
Pear & Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher. As many of you know by now, I am a natural products junkie! I have never smelled anything as good as this all natural scrub from Eminence Organics. Although I'd love to smell it daily, I use it only once or twice a week and my skin feels smooth and soft.
Coconut Water. My friend Marc turned me onto coconut water last summer telling me that it was more refreshing than water! I love this mineral-rich drink! At the farmers market, nothing beats a fresh young coconut....but you can also get it bottled, for when fresh coconut is not available.
Earth Boots.I am quite a wimp in the winter!But I have found that keeping my feet warm has helped me stay warm (okay, warmer!). These boots are made by Earth, a company who refers to their shoes as "healthy shoes". Designed by a Yoga master, the negative heel (your heel is slightly lower than your toes) is said to align your body.
Dagoba Hot Cocoa. What to say besides I LOVE CHOCOLATE! As a kid, my mom owned a decorative chocolate company, which she operated from our house. I am convinced, chocolate is in my blood! I found Dagoba chocolates a few years ago, and things would never be the same for me again. This is what chocolate should taste like! Dark, smooth and not too sweet, this hot chocolate is rich and creamy, even made with rice milk!
Tinkyada Pasta. Who would know that this pasta is gluten-free? Certainly no one I've served it to! With a ingredient list of stone-ground brown rice, rice bran, and water, this is a pasta you can feel good about eating.
Blueberry Antioxidant Mask. In Colorado, we certainly get dehydrated! Especially with the cold winters....and the warm summers! This Mychelle blueberry mask hydrates and nourishes your skin with antioxidant-rich blueberries. It says to keep it on for a half hour, but I occasionally sleep in it. A little messy, but well worth it!
Cashew Butter. Move over peanut butter and almond butter, Debbie has a new favorite...Cashew Butter! I've eaten it for years, but it made its mark on me during our 4-week candida cleanse last March. Without being able to eat anything sweet or starchy, I found happiness in the creamy and slightly sweet taste of cashew butter. Any health food store will sell it in a jar, but fresh ground (available at Whole Foods) is by far the best!
Far Infrared Sauna. A Far infared sauna heats the body without raising the temperature of the surrounding air. This type of energy travels 2-3" deep into the body, increasing circulation, nourishing damaged tissue, improving the immune system and aiding detoxification. My brother bought his about 6 months ago and says it was the best purchase he's made this year (and that says a lot if you know my brother!). I've followed his lead and have had mine for about a month. I use it about 3x a week. It's too soon to report anything dramatic, but I can tell you that it warms me to my core and I feel great both while I am in it and afterwards. I've never sweat like this...ever....so I am sure to drink lots of water and take a good mineral supplement.