Spa Girl asks...Who You Calling a Weed?

The other day the gardener was pulling dandelions from the lawn with his fancy claw digger and I thought of all the locavores and herbalists who would love to get their hands on this basket of cheerful edibles.

While some might see them as annoying little weeds, there are many others who welcome them as a sure sign of spring and a potent and useful medicinal that can be brewed, fried and tossed into a salad.

Known for their ability to clean up toxicity (both in the environment and the body) the dandelion plays an extraordinary role helping the body to detoxify. Known as an effective liver tonic, the root can be juiced to help stimulate gastric secretions that are essential to good digestion and overall good health, and the dandelion is also a welcome kidney stimulator helping to prevent water retention. A natural diuretic the it is also a great source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins A & C.

Dandelions become more bitter as they age so the best time to incorporate them into your menu is when they first start to nudge through the grass. Brew as a tea, make wine, whisk up some fritters, or toss a few small leaves into your salad and enjoy the benefits. of this amazing edible.

Spa Girl Tip...Although edible all season, picking dandelion leaves in the early spring or late fall, after the first frost, will provide greens that are less bitter 

About.com provides this great recipe for Dandelion Greens.

Dandelion greens are cooked with chopped onion, minced garlic, chile pepper, then topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:1 pound dandelion greens, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 whole small dried hot chile pepper, seeds removed, crushed. 1/4 cup cooking oil, salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Discard dandelion green roots; wash greens well in salted water. Cut leaves into 2-inch pieces. Cook greens uncovered in small amount of salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Sauté onion, garlic, and chile pepper in oil. Drain greens; add to onion garlic mixture. Taste dandelion greens and season with salt and pepper. Serve dandelion greens with grated Parmesan cheese. 

Recipe for dandelion greens serves 4.

Books, books & more books...

The Dandelion Celebration: A Guide to Unexpected Cuisine by: Peter A. Gail

Dandelions Are Free by: Stacy L. Wanchisn

The Neighborhood Forager: Finding and Preparing Delicious Wild Foods Anywhere by: Robert K. Henderson

The Edible Salad Garden (Edible Garden Series) by: Rosalind Creasy

Soups, Fritters, Wine and more...

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/eatforfree/tp/Dandelion_Recipes.html

http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/dandelions/

http://www.learningherbs.com/dandelion_recipes.html

http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/05/22/dandelion-recipes-italian-style-greens/

Spa Girl's remedy for dry, dull skin...

William & Kate are coming to Canada

Don't you love it when your skin glows, everyone notices, some comment, and enviably you feel alive and well and on top of the world.  But harsh summer rays can leave your skin looking dry and drab.

Sun, harsh soaps, and extreme weather conditions can take the blame for drab, dry looking skin as they all throw PH levels out of balance.  In previous blogs I have mentioned that proper PH balance for healthy skin is between 4.5 and 5.5, anything above this range and your skin will be dull, flaky and dry. 

To restore proper PH balance all it takes is a milk compress at night after you cleanse, thanks to the lactic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid that removes layers of dead, dry skin.  Simply dip a clean washcloth in a bowl of milk and apply to your skin for a week or so, and then use a good moisturizer with active ingredients such as glycolic acid which will help maintain your proper PH.

I also find adding olive oil to my bath really helps with dry skin, and exfoliating with dead sea salts for that ultimate glow! And while a hot bath is delightful, better to use temperate water so you don't dry out your skin and remember not to wash your face with soap, it is much to harsh.

Foods rich in zinc and vitamin C also aid in the promotion of cell renewal because taking care of your skin is essential from both the outside and in! 

Enjoy all the pleasures of the season and enjoy the glow...and remember to wear your sun screen!

Spa Girl says TWO thumbs up for the New Rules for Sunscreen

In my world a day at the beach ranks the number one thing to do on those hot lazy summer days! Remember...What's a Sun Goddess to do?

Just in time for summer, if it ever comes to our part of the world, the Food and Drug Administration (Canada is soon to follow) has determined new rules for sunscreen protection.  Familiar promotional terms like sun block, waterproof, sweat proof will no long be allowed under the much tougher new standards.

Three decades in the making, the big change under this new legislation will require broad-spectrum sunscreens to protect from the sun's radiation with both UVB (causes the skin to burn) and UVA (causes the skin to wrinkle) and both can cause cancer.

While the new rules won't go into effect until a year from now, we know from this new legislation to look for both UVB and UVA with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.  The rules will also ban sunscreen manufacturers from claiming their products are waterproof or sweat proof because such claims are simply not true.

Can't you just hear the dermatologists applauding!

Sunscreen products represent a $680 million domestic market which continues to grow as the boomers age and with alarming increases in the number of skin-related cancer. More than two million people in the United States alone are treated each year for the two most common types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell, and more than 68,000 receive a diagnosis of melanoma, the most deadly form of the disease.

I have posted a number of blogs on the importance of sunscreen, the number one ingredient to health, happy skin.  This new legislation is a welcome addition especially as rows and rows of sunscreen products make the selection more and more difficult. 

Last week I received three fabulous "I Will Reflect" bracelets (only $4.95) from SpaFinder  in support of my dear friend Nelson.  These wonderful bracelets have been designed to help raise awareness about early melanoma detection and prevention. Support the cause and order yours today!  http://www.spafinder.com/Catalog/product_page.jsp?pId=275

Check out these sites for more information on the new FDA regulations:

http://www.fdalawblog.com/2011/06/articles/legislation/sunscreen-in-the-spotlight-fda-illuminates-new-sunscreen-regulations/

http://www.fdalawblog.net/fda_law_blog_hyman_phelps/2011/06/sunscreens-moment-to-shine-fda-announces-a-flurry-of-new-requirements-for-otc-sunscreen-drug-product.html

Spa Girl is into her 'agya de coco' (Coconut Water)

It seems lately that every time I head to the health food store, or the local grocery more shelves are being stocked with coconut water.  So naturally I tried a few different varieties and it's fabulous, then I did some research and discovered coconut water is a powerhouse of anti ageing properties.

Mother Nature seldom gets it wrong and coconut water is no exception. It is  a rich source of natural fibre, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making it a healthy electrolyte drink.  It is low in sodium and has negligible amounts of cholesterol.  And those who drink coconut water on a daily basis generally have a lovely complexion!

This heavenly hard-shell fruit is known botanically as Cocos nucifera and comes from the coconut palm. Coconut water is extracted from the young green coconuts.

I made a coconut water and mango smoothie which was divine!  There are many ways to integrate coconut into your everyday.  Consider not only drinking coconut water, but coconut pulp, coconut oil and coconut cream can be worked into your beauty routine. There are also many other benefits including increased hydration, better digestion, great complexion, high in  antioxidants and the list goes on!

Wikipedia says...

“Coconuts for drinking are carefully packaged and sold in many places. These are typically Asian coconuts whose outer green husk has been removed, and the remainder wrapped in plastic. In Central America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama, it is found and sold in strategic highway stops or on the beaches; there, the coconut water is called “agua de pipa”, and the coconut is cut in front of the customer to ensure its freshness. In Brazil, coconut water is called “água de coco,” and is the second best-selling juice after orange juice. Coconut water can also be found in ordinary cans or tetra paks (and often has coconut pulp or coconut jelly added) and is also marketed as a sports drink because of its high potassium and mineral content. In fact, one cup-full of coconut water contains more electrolytes than most sports drinks and more potassium than a banana.

For those who extol its benefits, coconut water is the best drink found on the planet. 

Here is how to make my Coconut Water & Mango Smoothie

1 fresh mango (or any of your favourite colourful fruits)2 cups coconut waterpinch of cayennesplash of fresh lime
blend and enjoy!

Check out the many benefits of this tropical water...

http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/05/27/coconut-water-the-many-health-benefits-of-this-tropical-water/

http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article-320.html

http://vitacoco.com/?gclid=CPr_6JPE2KgCFQcnbAodr2BpGQ

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1384653/Madonna-swear-benefits-coconut-water.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

http://healthmad.com/nutrition/seven-benefits-of-coconut-water/

Spa Girl asks, do you know what blueberries, dark chocolate and sunscreen have in common?

What kind of a question is this?

Who doesn't like blueberries and dark chocolate, but what does sunscreen have to do with this equation.  Blueberries, dark chocolate and sunscreen are three essential requirements of keeping your skin beautiful, supple and smooth.

Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, dark chocolate, cantaloupe, citrus fruits and leafy greens provide the important vitamins you need to maintain the skins elasticity. 

But the most important way to keep skin gorgeous is to stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. Sun causes skin damage, wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer, so with summer just around the corner you need a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with a SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply often, especially if you are in and out of the water on those lovely hot days.

Dr. Joey Shulman writes in Canadian Living Magazine about the 5 best antioxidant-rich foods.

"We've all been told to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants for optimal health and wellness. But what are antioxidants? By definition, antioxidants such as vitamins A and C are substances that can help prevent the effects of free radical damage in the body. In other words, antioxidants can neutralize the process of oxidation and cellular damage which contributes to aging and disease. 

Some foods are extremely high in antioxidant content. I recommend consuming these foods on a regular basis to reverse the signs of aging and to help prevent – and even reverse – various disease processes such as cancer and heart disease, plus reduce blood pressure".  

The 5 best antioxidant-rich foods

 1. Berries 

In addition to being deliciously sweet, berries such as raspberries, blueberries and strawberries offer an abundance of antioxidant capacity. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and heart disease. Eat them frozen in a morning smoothie, toss a handful over your morning yogurt or cereal or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli definitely takes the gold medal for most nutritious vegetable. This cruciferous vegetable contains more vitamin C than an orange and has more calcium than a glass of milk. In addition to minerals and vitamins, broccoli is filled with disease-fighting chemicals called phytonutrients. Sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in broccoli, has been shown to lower the risk of many types of cancers. Try steaming or boiling broccoli and seasoning with basil, lemon or salsa for a delicious side dish. This powerhouse vegetable is a perfect addition to omelettes, salads or stir-frys.

 

3. Garlic

Garlic is used around the world as a delicious flavouring agent for any dish. The health benefits of garlic have been well touted for centuries, and raw garlic has been used as a natural antibiotic to kill off some strains of harmful bacteria. Garlic is also useful for decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, removing heavy metals from the body, preventing cancer and acting as an antifungal and antiviral agent. One clove of garlic contains vitamins A, B and C, selenium, iodine, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium.

4. Green tea 

Green tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These compounds work in the body with other chemicals to heighten levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (a state created in the body by burning fat as fuel). On average, you should try to consume a minimum of three cups of green tea per day for weight loss effects. Green tea has also been shown to be preventative against cancer, heart disease and high cholesterol. 

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are by far the richest source of a powerful anticancer agent called lycopene. In fact, research has shown lycopene to be an even more powerful disease fighter than vitamin E and beta carotene. Lycopene needs fat for optimal absorption to occur. Therefore, putting the healthy fat olive oil in your spaghetti sauce is an excellent trick to increase your lycopene levels. Start including more tomatoes in your diet in the form of sliced, whole, canned, stewed or sauced tomatoes or tomato paste.  

In addition to the list above, red grapes, spinach, carrots and whole grains also offer plentiful antioxidant content.

From antioxidants to sunscreen; how to decide which product is right for you can be a major dilemma when there are so many choices out there. 

Julyne Derrick, from one of my all time favourite, and trustworthy websites, About.com says...

"I've done the research on sunscreen and compiled the best sunscreens on the market. Organic sunscreen, sport sunscreen, sunscreens safe enough for baby and the Best Sunscreen in the World. 

Research shows 90 percent of wrinkles are caused by the sun's UVA light and sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging in women and men. The best sunscreens provide broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB-sunburn) protection. Look for either zinc or titanium minerals in your sunscreen".

Here is the link to Julynes sunscreen suggestions:

http://beauty.about.com/od/sunscree1/tp/sunscreenstop.htm

Spa Girl says Grow Your Own...

The sun is out and the weather is finally starting to warm up, it's time to head to the garden.

This is the second summer I am growing a dedicated kitchen herb garden, a small wonderful plot just outside my back door.  I have always grown herbs as it is an easy way to incorporate fresh, nutritional goodies to my diet.  I use herbs in everything, from salad's to soups.  

The wonderful thing about herbs is that you can grow them anywhere, in pots on your balcony, in window boxes, your local community garden or like me in a small neat plot just outside my back door. And Herbs can be used not only for culinary delights, but for aromatic, ornamental and medicinal purposes.

I generally plant herbs I use everyday such as chives, mint, parsley, sage, cilantro, dill, thyme, basil, oregano and of course my favourite, rosemary. My sage plant is now many years old and is fabulous, I use it in all my cooking, and by the branch in the BBQ when grilling salmon.  I also dry it and use it throughout the winter.  Each year I grow one new herb and experiment with its many fascinating uses, not only in my cooking, but making wonderful herbal tinctures and teas and many other herbal remedies. It's like having your own apothecary!

Herbs can be annual, biennials or perennials. Annuals are good for one season only and include anise, basil, chervil, coriander, dill, summer savory; biennials live for two seasons and include caraway and parsley and perennials bloom each season, once established, and include chives, fennel, lovage, marjoram, mint, tarragon, thyme, sage and winter savory.

The most useful tips when deciding to where and how to plant your herb garden is to plant it close to the kitchen, in full, hot sunshine with good drainage and organic soil with little or no fertilizer. And water only when dry, that's it!

Over the last few years I have been transitioning my garden to a totally edible one.  I have collected a number of excellent books on edible flowers and last year counted over 25 edibles flowers that I use to flavour and add wonderful colour to my salads and soups and a hundred other dishes.

There are so many delightful and delectable rewards in planting a herb garden.  So check out the sites below, put on the gardening gloves, and get planting.

Growing Herbs and Edible Flowers

http://www.gardenwiseonline.ca/gw/container-gardening/2007/08/13/tips-growing-herbs-and-edible-flowers

Selecting Herbs to Grow

http://gardenline.usask.ca/yards/herbs.html

Canadian Chefs and their Herb Gardens

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/cooking_school/growing_fresh_herbs_surprising_kitchen_gardens_of_canadian_chefs.php

Growing Herbs Outdoors

http://consumerhorticulture.psu.edu/files/growing_herbs_outdoors.pdf

Canada's Medicinal Plant Industry

http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1174597176899&lang=eng

Medicinal Herbs Guide

http://www.herbsguide.net/

Spa Girl checks out hyperbaric oxygen facial

Spa chatter vs. medical experts, who do you trust?

Whether its Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman or Madonna who has recommended hyperbaric oxygen facials on her Web site and in an interview with Harper's Bazaar this relatively new spa modality is capturing the imagination of Spa Girls around the globe.

However as chic as the oxygen facial may be, academic experts are skeptical. Dr. Christopher B. Zachary, a professor and Chairman of Dermatology at the University of California, School of Medicine, bluntly labelled it "snake oil."

Described as a luxurious marriage of state-of-the-art oxygen technology and restorative relaxation, intraceuticals rejuvenation oxygen infusions are intended to infuse moisture, vitamins and anti-oxidants into the skin through topical hyperbaric oxygen leaving the skin hydrated, pump and luminous for up to seven days.

 

Hyperbaric — meaning high-pressure— oxygen inhalation chambers have been used by doctors since the 1930's to push pure oxygen into the blood stream of oxygen-deprived deep-sea divers. Spas and dermatologists promoting O2 facials describe them as a way to force oxygen and moisturizers temporarily into the skin diminishing all those fine lines and wrinkles.

Needless to say there are many rewards for taking care of your skin and skin specialist are always researching new ways to help us look younger, hooray for that!  However as consumers we must be prudent to sort through the spin, do our research and know what is worth our hard earned money, not to mention our personal safety!

I am generally game to try something at least once, but at (up to) $500.00 a pop for a hyperbaric oxygen facial I sure want to check out both sides of this debate first.

Information in helping you make the right decision...

http://www.beautymagonline.com/pages/oxygen_facials.htm

http://thedermblog.com/2008/06/17/oxygen-facials-a-lot-of-hot-air/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZXl2sEL1t4

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/06/fashion/thursdaystyles/06skin.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNi_ZPhxFsk

http://www.vancouverlaser.com/procedures-treatments/intraceuticals-o2-facials/

Spa Girl says this one's for my MOM, a woman unquestionably ahead of her time!

There is definitely a movement to buy locally grown food, and the locavores are winning! It's not just about CARROTS anymore! 

If you listen to all the chatter about fine food these days you know the buzz words:  fresh, organic, natural, 100 mile diet, locally grown, regional food, food patriotism, and sustainability--to name but a few!  Everyone it seems wants simpler, less refined, chemical-free foods that will support overall good health. 

Local farmers and producers in the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA are working collaboratively to provide on-line resources.  Where I live, I shop all summer at the farmers market and all winter I have organic produce delivered right to my door, which I select and order on-line.  Delightful for so many reasons!

It is all about eating a balanced, healthy diet which many nutritionists suggests equals, 60% complex carbohydrates, 20% fat and 20% protein.  Today's spa cuisine is sophisticated and savvy and is as varied as a spa treatment menu.  The best of the best celebrate the joys of eating locally and  Chef's are looking to create a culinary experience that is aromatic, beautiful, flavourful, and of course nourishing.

Eating should be all about food that tastes good and is nutritionally balanced, low in salt and sugar, made with the best natural ingredients you can find, foods that support good health, boost lean muscle mass, which helps speed up the metabolism, like exotic lean meats, nutty grains, crunchy vegetables, sweet stone fruits and fragrant herbs, chillies and all those delightful citrus flavours.  

My mom always said variety, moderation and a good balanced diet was the key to successful eating.  She was also a big fan of home gardens and local markets.   Thanks Mom! 

A little taste of delightful Spa Cuisine: fresh asparagus are starting to pop their heads up in backyards and market gardens everywhere, here's a great recipe for Asparagus Soup--one of Spa Girls favourites!

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 tablespoons butter divided
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 quart homemade chicken stock
• generous grind of black pepper
• 2 small garlic cloves, mashed
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
• French bread and goats cheese

Clean asparagus; cut off tips and break off ends. Reserve ends. Blanch tips in boiling water about 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water; drain, set aside. Reserve stalks. In large skillet, saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter. Add carrots and celery; saute for 2 minutes. Add asparagus stalks; saute 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Puree mixture in blender. Heat remaining chicken stock in large pot; add asparagus ends, pepper, garlic, tarragon, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain liquid, discarding solids. Stir pureed mixture into liquid. Melt remaining butter in a saucepan; stir in flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk; stir until thick and smooth. Stir in soup mixture; simmer, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add reserved asparagus tips; heat through.

Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, or I also like to toast a few slices of French bread, then melt, under the broiler, a chuck of goats cheese and float on top of soup!  Oh so good.

Happy Mother's Day Spa Girls...

For the Asparagus lovers...

http://www.epicurean.com/articles/asparagus-the-supreme-vegetable.html

How to choose locally grown produce at your farmer's market...

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/cooking_/how_to_choose_locally_grown_produce_at_your_farmers_market.php