Small Business Saturday - Jamberry Nails.....

 

 

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses both in my local community and all over the UK. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me hand over to Saralyn, consultant for Jamberry Nails -

 

In 2010, a slow and expensive visit to a nail salon sparked the idea for sisters Lyndsey, Christy, and Keri to create a line of do-it-yourself nail wraps. Today, Jamberry is bringing you their creation: one-of-a-kind nail wraps that truly represent your signature style!

Jamberry nail wraps are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes. With over 300 nail wraps in an incredible variety of designs, you can customize, pair, and layer Jamberry nail wraps to create a look that’s all your own—all from the comfort of your home.Nail wraps are thin vinyl sheets that are pressure and heat activated to adhere to your nail for a long lasting and beautiful look. They are made with durable materials, so smudges and streaks are never an issue, and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes! Jamberry nail wraps are a one-of-a kind way to express your unique style! Plus, through innovative technology our nail wraps are:

• Non-toxic

• 5-Free (Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor) & SFV

• Easy to apply at-home

• Requires ZERO dry time

• Durable for long-lasting wear without chipping, peeling or fading

 

For further details please contact Saralyn – saralynsoto.jamberry.com/

Cozy Socks, Winter Nights & a guide to Vegan / Cruelty Free Candles.....

When the days grow shorter and the dark of night begins its wintry reign, you know the signal to cozy-up your living space and create a nurturing environment has been officially sounded. A key ingredient in this process is the addition of candles. They provide ambience at dinner parties, set the mood for romantic evenings at home, and even play a role in our spiritual lives, giving our personal spaces a warm, peaceful glow. They smell good, look good, and cast a snuggly light that begs for you to whip up a cup of hot cocoa and settle in for the night. Best of all, today's cruelty-free, alternative-wax candles support our desire to live compassionately while keeping the home fires burning with a cozy warmth.

But did you know that many conventional candles contain harmful ingredients and animal by-products like paraffin, benzene, toluene, lead, parabens, and other artificial fragrances that have been linked to asthma attacks, allergies, eczema, and even lung cancer, with regular exposure?

Most candles are made with paraffin—a petroleum waste-product. When burned, paraffin releases carcinogenic toxins like benzene and soot into the air, which, in addition to being dangerous for your lungs (and your animal companion's lungs), can settle on furniture and countertops, damaging surfaces. A better bet for a soot-free home is soy. That's right: The mighty soybean that yields so many health benefits also lends itself to candles. Natural soy-wax candles are not only healthier for the environment, but more economical, too, because they burn up to 50-percent longer than their paraffin counterparts.

Alongside soy Mother Nature has generously supplied us with another natural source of cruelty-free candle wax in the bayberry. You could call bayberry the "patriotic alternative to paraffin," since colonial Americans were the first to transform the teensy little berry into candle wax. Today, as in the past, bayberry candles enjoy extra popularity around the holidays, when they are burned to bring good luck for the coming year. When scouting for these special candles, be sure the wax consists of pure bayberry (a pleasant, delicate fragrance on its own) and not artificially scented paraffin wax.

My quest for cruelty-free candles made from renewable resources brought me to an unexpected source: palm wax. Like olive oil, palm wax oil is a ”virgin" oil that doesn't require refining—just a bit of filtering and deodorizing. Shaped from the fruit of the oil palm, palm wax candles also burn clean and last longer than those made with paraffin, and are a fabulous alternative to beeswax—the production of which usually involves drug and pesticide treatments, genetic tampering, wing clipping, and the use of manufactured pheromones. There's nothing natural about that.

Once you've made the choice to bring natural-wax candles into your home, be sure any added fragrance is pure, essential oil—otherwise your good intentions will go literally up in smoke as harmful by-products from artificial scents are released into the air.

There is no denying the magic of candlelight. With a little detective work, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of candles while keeping your home cruelty- and toxin-free.

Candle-buying Guide

 

These online retailers offer candles for the conscious consumer.

 

A Scent of Scandal

This vegan-owned company is committed to creating quality soy-wax candles—and a healthy dose of sass to match. Our favorite scent? Oh Snap! Smells like fresh-baked gingerbread.

Intoxicated Zodiac

There's one of these organic soy-wax candles for every sign of the zodiac. Not into astrology? The packaging is subtle enough that you'll never notice you're actually an Aries.

Pacifica Candles

The company known for its beautifully-designed perfumes also produces a seductive line of scented votives. Try Bourbon Island Vanilla, Zanzibar Cinnamon Almond, or the Indian Chai scent.

SoyBeam

GMO-free soy wax and cotton wicks are just two reasons to love these green candles. With soothing scents such as Lavender & Geranium and Vetiver & Sweet Orange, you'll be relaxed in no time flat.

Yankee Candle

From a small start, Yankee Candle has become the most-recognised name in the candle business worldwide. Today they offer the world’s largest and most compelling selection of scented candles, accessories and home fragrances. All of which are vegan and cruelty free.

Harper’s Candles

Save the best until last they say and Harpers, to me, are they very best. Their candles use no animal products, they are not tested on animals and neither is the wax or the fragrance – and they carry The Vegan Society logo to prove it.  They also support dog sanctuaries with charity candles that have proper donations (£3 from each candle sold). On a green note, the tins can be recycled and they use recycled paper wherever possible. They use high grade soya wax made from 100 percent sustainable resources and as many as possible of the local deliveries are done on foot. Amazing right?!

 

 

Exciting News & Essential Oils.......

What started off as ordinary day quickly turned into a pretty amazing one when I opened an email from one of my favourite companies – Essential Oils. They kindly wrote to tell me that they loved my profile on InstaGram and thought it would be a great idea to run a collaboration with little old me via my blog! Excited was an understatement. I love Essential Oils for many reasons but to name a few they are -

• Vegan
• Cruelty Free
• Gluten Free
• Natural
• Ethically Sourced
• Organic

They told me they’ve recently launched a new range of 100% certified organic essential oils, which is very rare in the global market. So many things can be made from them such as scented candles, body scrubs, lip balms, body lotions, soaps and so on, all natural and organic. They also love to focus on EDUCATION and spreading the awareness of how beneficial organic essential oils are for our overall wellbeing. And we all know how much I love and support education!

To add to the excitement they are growing so fast that they've even recently had the honour to be a sponsor for the business summit and gala ball of the Australian Women's Network alongside names such as BMW Melbourne, Lorna Jane, Bonds, Swarovski and Vodka+ just to name a few.

Then they said the magic words – ‘we would love to send you a few samples to see how you like them’. A few clicks of the mouse, a quick send of an email & a patient wait by the letter box - they arrived!

Essential Oils were very kind and gave me a choice of which samples I would like and which I felt I would get the most from. I choose stress relieving and digestion aid as I felt they were both needed in my life at this time. So let me tell you all about them……

Relieving Stress

What’s in it: Lavender, Fractionated Coconut Oil

How to use it: This is already diluted with organic coconut oil and ready to be applied with the roll on. Best to apply on back of the neck to feel the relaxation.

I used this after a long (standard for me!) day. I had been up at 6am, been to the gym, worked a 9 hour day at work, gone for dinner with the girls then headed home to do a couple of hours uni work so I was very tired and stressed when I sat down with my lovely man to enjoy a film. I ached, couldn’t focus and felt my mind was racing at a million miles per hour. I applied the oils to my neck as advised and waited for them to work their magic, which oh my goodness they did! I could feel the tension ease out of my shoulders and I was able to relax and enjoy the evening. Since trying this de stressing oil it has become an essential part of my bed time routine.

Digestive Aid

What’s in it: Peppermint, Ginger, Rosemary, Fractionated Coconut Oil

How to use it: This is already diluted with organic coconut oil and ready to applied with the roll on. Best applied to stomach area for digestive relief.

I really struggle with my digestion so I was excited to try this oil. I have IBS and a gluten intolerance as well as struggle with anxiety which often makes me feel sick/ my tummy turn all of which have a direct impact on my digestion. I started to use this at the beginning of the day to help set me off for the day ahead, I incorporated a simple stomach massage for a few minutes into my morning routine and have found it really helps set me up for the day ahead. The peppermint and ginger help lift any early morning blues while the rosemary leaves me feeling balanced and calm. Another winner for me.

If you’d like to check out this amazing brand and try some of their fabulous natural products sign up to their mailing list here tiny.cc/register-eog

For further info -  

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/theessentialoilsguide

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/essential_oils_guide

Website:

www.essentialoilsguide.com.au

The Mountains are Calling & I'm taking Vegan / Gluten Free Lasagne.......

Some times its good to step back and look at what we have, sometimes we need that space or break away to help us to see what we have and appreciate it. We live in a world that spins so fast it’s easy to lose focus on how we feel and what is important to us.  With all significant relationships there can be too much going on or maybe there’s not enough, whatever the problems sometimes space and time are the only answer. This week life and I needed a break. Frustrated and drained with the constant noise, hustle, and endless treadmill of work / study - I knew I needed some time out. So when an invite came our way to have a mini adventure celebrating our second anniversary I jumped at the opportunity.

With hiking boots, fluffy onsie and champagne packed in the car, my thoughts turned to food (what’s new!).  Self-catering has so many advantages especially when it comes to maintaining meal plans and dietary needs etc. One of my favourite advantages of self-catering   is that you can prepare meals and take them with you so after a day’s amazing adventure there is a fabulous home cooked meal minutes away from being in your rumbling belly. There was no doubt that I would be taking our favourite vegan and gluten free lasagne away with us , easy to make, great to freezer and reheated in minutes – what’s not to love!

 

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagne – Serves 4.

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

3 cloves garlic, 2 thinly sliced and 1 whole

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1 pound white mushrooms, sliced

One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Salt

One 12.3-ounce package firm tofu, strained

One 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

One 8-ounce package vegan cream cheese

1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

6-8 Gluten Free lasagne sheets

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella-flavoured vegan cheese

 

How To -

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with oil.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic, fennel seeds and red pepper flakes and stir until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add the mushrooms and cook, undisturbed, until they begin to brown in spots, about 3 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes more. Add the tomatoes, 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon salt, bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce is reduced and most of the water is evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool.

Meanwhile, add the tofu, spinach, vegan cream cheese, basil, nutritional yeast, whole clove garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and nutmeg to a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Spread a few tablespoons of the mushroom-tomato sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish and top with 4 noodles (it's OK if they overlap slightly; break 1 noodle into pieces to fill in any gaps if needed). Add half of the tofu mixture and spread out evenly. Top with a third of the sauce. Repeat with another 4 noodles, the remaining spinach mixture and half the remaining sauce. Finish the lasagne with the remaining 4 noodles and sauce. Cover with foil and bake until the lasagna is hot, about 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the shredded vegan cheese and bake until the lasagne is very hot and the cheese is slightly melted, about 15 minutes more. Let cool for a few minutes, cut into 6 pieces and garnish with basil leaves.

Serve with an icy cold glass of fizz whilst snuggling up in your onsie. Enjoy!

Vegan Tag Featuring Lisa from Raspberry Ketchup.....

When the beautiful Lisa from www.raspberryketchup.com contacted me and asked if I fancied collaborating with her again I immediately jumped at the chance, after all it is nothing but a privilege to work with such a lovely person who is creative and like minded!  After bouncing some ideas around we decided to challenge each other to a vegan tag, mine can be found on Lisa’s blog and I am excited to have hers here on mine. So grab yourself a cuppa (cake optional but advised!) and enjoy……

So, the other day I was introduced to a friend of a friend who was extremely curious about my veganism, one of her questions was, but what if you do all this and you still get ill or get cancer?

My response:

1. I am not JUST vegan for me. I am vegan for the animals, the planet and those around me because I practice what I preach. I am vegan for my health, but I also love that my money will not be going into industries and companies that exploit, torture, and murder animals. I love that when I cook a meal the majority of the waste biodegrades back into the ground and provides it with nutrients. I love that my carbon footprint is so much lower than someone who buys into the meat or animal products industry.

2. I want to feel as good as I can while I am here. A plant based diet will give you more nutrients and that is a fact and the more vitamins and minerals in your body - the better you will feel. Animal products just aren't good for you anyway so I don't know why people have become so protective of them? Tell me how you feel after cow's milk or a product with it in? Got mucus in your throat? That'll be your bodies defence system because it is made for a baby cow, not you. Are you feeling bloated all the time? Probably because you're putting these alien substances in your system constantly. Feel anxious, depressed and stressed all of the time? Do you think it helps that you eat animals that have cortisol (the stress hormone), epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (another stress hormone) in as they die and you then eat it? I don't think so. The fact of the matter is you probably can't lecture me on a diet I have read so much into. Especially if you have never even given it a go!

3. The Ripple effect. 'Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into the water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects' - Dalai Lama (he is a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to veganism to be fair which is ironic I should use his quote here, but he makes a valid point). Since being vegan, I want to learn all I can about nutrition for when/if I have a child so they can pass it down my family tree. Remember, a seed never gets to see the tree it creates, but it is the start of something amazing. I don't need to feed my ego, I want to be a part of a movement for an ethical world and I want future generations to live healthy and free lives, from all species. If I've been living this diet and know all I need to know about it then I could lead a new human being with absolute confidence.

4. I'm not a pessimist. LOL. If you have ever read a book called 'Mind over medicine' or a similar book then you will know the true benefits of being an optimist. It isn't impossible to change from pessimist to optimist either so I would recommend doing so! I am not going to sit around and live my life thinking there is no point in anything so I won't even bother trying. I won't live my life thinking I will just be ill. I am alive right now and I will make the most of that. I am not easily defeated and know that I am my own authority. I refuse to put my money into industries that truly do not give a fuck if you live, become sick or die. I also know that you create the majority of, it not the entirety of your own reality with your thoughts and I quite frankly love myself too much to giving myself those kinds of thoughts, your thoughts produce your actions, your actions produce your next thoughts and over time they both produce the reality you will live in.

Peace out potatoes xo

 


 


If you want to read more about Lisa and her blog check out her amazing website http://www.raspberryketchup.com/

African Adventures, Cat Worshiping & Not A Camel in Sight.......

I have a little confession to make…. I have totally forgotten how much I love Egyptian food. Which is odd as since returning from my African adventures a year ago now all I have done is think about the amazing foods I ate. During my travels I spent time in various places across Egypt and also Morocco, and being honest, it is the Moroccan food which has stayed with me the most. So when Sunday lunch with the girls came round and an Egyptian restaurant was decided upon I was very excited to get my teeth into every dish on the menu. Egyptian food lends itself to veganism incredibly well. Just ask for no cream or milk to be added and voila! A door of foodie opportunities opens up. Being unable to decide what we wanted we opted to share a large sharing platter made up of 5 dishes plus some olives on the side (which were AMAZING!) These were some of the delicious dishes we tried -

Foul – Mashed fava beans served with salad and pita bread.

Falafel – Deep fried balls of mashed broad beans and/or chickpeas with dill, parsley, garlic, onion and cayenne pepper. Served as a dish or in a sandwich with pita bread

Kosheri – Rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, noodles and fried onion, lovingly topped with spicy tomatoes source..

Hummus – As sold across the world but only better in Egypt. Hummus is a thick, filling dip made from mashed chickpeas, sesame paste, and olive oil. In Egypt a bowl of hummus and pita bread is a meal in itself.

Tabouleh – Quintessential Middle Eastern salad made from chopped parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, spring onions and bulgur wheat

Tahini – Thick, rich, sesame seed paste served with olive oil and pita bread.

Mahshi – Assorted vegetables stuffed with rice.

These are really just a small selection of what’s out there for vegans. Egyptians do a zillion and one things with okra, aubergine, and courgettes most of which involve no meat or dairy products at all. They are super easy / cheaper to recreate at home and minus the oil are extremely healthy. All the vegan foodie delights and no camel spit in sight!

A Vegan Miracle (well vegan / gluten free Ricotta)............

There is nothing better than finding an amazing vegan cheat that actually works and when I found this one (which really does!) I HAD to share it with you lovely lot. It is a pure stroke of genius and super simple to use tofu to make a cholesterol-free lower-fat ricotta cheese substitute that is 100% vegan and dairy-free! If you need a ricotta cheese substitute for a vegan lasagne,ravioli or any pasta dish, try this simple yet convincing ricotta cheese substitute. It's made with fresh garlic and shallots for plenty of savoury flavour, with a bit of nutritional yeast and lemon for a cheese-like taste.

Like all vegan recipes, this ricotta cheese substitute is dairy-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free, and it is also gluten-free. Winning!

Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe - courtesy of Chef Scot J. Jones.

•8 ounces firm tofu

•1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

•1/2 teaspoon minced shallot

•1/2 teaspoon plum vinegar

•1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

•1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

•1 teaspoon nutritional yeast flakes

•1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

•1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

•Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

How To -

·        Press the tofu through a potato ricer into a large bowl. If you don’t have a potato ricer, mash the tofu with your hands until crumbly.

·        Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. It should be the consistency of ricotta cheese.

·        Use in the recipe of your choice. I incorporated it in to Jamie's Baked Ricotta & Tomato Orechiette (GF) With Broccoli, Fresh Oregano & Chilli. Totally pukka!

Faking it, Barbie & Cheating the Sun......

With the sun firmly refusing to put his hat on and the summer zooming away at an alarming speed nothing cheers us girls (and some boys!) like a splash of fake tan. Over the years I have used many brands from the cheap to the expensive and everything in-between. While some brands are better than others there is no arguing that prepping is crucial for the ultimate tanning finish. Hair removal should be completed 24 hours before to enable the pores to close. If you're worried about open pores on the face, use a  gentle facial exfoliator that cleans and helps seal the pores. Otherwise apply an ice cold flannel to the face for a few minutes first. A must do tip is to free the skin of any older self tan and the remnants of any oil based products. A hot soak and exfoliation is ideal, then avoid any body moisturiser to keep the skin like a clear canvas, so that the tan can cling evenly. Always clean your teeth before self tanning to avoid water or toothpaste reacting with tan at the side of the mouth. Remember you don't want your tan wet for at least eight hours.

Even if you're super confident applying your own self tan, always apply the same preparation tips, it really makes a difference I promise! Tie your hair back and apply a small amount of barrier cream carefully over the eyebrows (Superdrug do a brilliant SFV one). Blonds and fair heads should also apply a little around the hairline to avoid staining, as white bleach blonde this is an essential step.

The best application is with a mitt however if you are experienced and through use your hands but ensure to wash them well after.

When it comes to keeping the colour looking natural and hydrated, always stick to cool showers and press the skin dry with your towel. Then moisturise generously with an oil free moisturiser. I like the ESPA oil free moisturiser.  

Contouring your tan on the body is a must if you'll be showing arms and shoulders in a strapless dress. An extra layer of product on top of your existing colour should be applied sparingly from the top of the shoulder and dragged under the arms. A trusted mousse from  Superdrugs own range applied with a tanning mitt helps make this easy and effective."

If by any chance there are any unwanted signs of tan - perhaps on the palms, wrists, heals etc - a great tip is to use a little olive oil on a cotton pad. This helps fade down the colour.

But by far my favourite cruelty free vegan fake tan is Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion which gives skin a natural looking even tan. The natural and organic tanning ingredients develops into a sun kissed, streak free, radiant look after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Not only does the self-tanning lotion give a beautiful fake tan, but also contains moisturising and nourishing ingredients of organic macadamia, organic jojoba and organic shea butter to keep skin soft and smooth. Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion can be used on sensitive skin thanks to the calming ingredients of calendula and aloe vera and smells nice too!

Memory Lane, 6.30am Yoga Classes & a Morrocan Chickpea Stew (vegan & gluten free)..........

Last September saw me back packing around Morocco – from Marrakesh to Agadir via the Atlas Mountains (yep we trekked!) and finally a week in a surf / yoga camp, it really was the trip of a life time. My muscles ached from the hiking, surfing and 630am yoga classes but my goodness, it was worth it! But my favourite thing about my Morocco with out a doubt was the amazing food – delicious veggie tagines, thick dark coffee, dates in abundance and of course falafel. But it was this recipe which I picked up in a little riad I stopped at in Old Town Marrakesh that has stayed with me. Some how between the lovely owners non existent English and my very poor French we got the ingredients down so I could enjoy it when I got home – well worth the effort!

 

Moroccan Chickpea Stew (serves 4)

•1 small aubergine, cubed

•Olive oil

•½ onion, thinly sliced

•1 garlic blub crushed

•½ tsp ground cumin

•½ tsp paprika

•Pinch of cayenne pepper

•200g  chopped tomatoes

•200g cooked chickpeas, drained

•Salt and freshly ground black pepper

•Dash of harissa paste

•Finely chopped parsley or coriander, to garnish

 

How To -

1.Brush the aubergine with olive oil and cook under an overhead preheated grill or in a cast iron ridged grill pan until it starts to soften and colour. Set aside

2.Line a heavy saucepan with olive oil and set over a medium heat. When hot, add the onion and garlic and cook gently until golden. Stir in the spices and cook for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the sauce has reduced a little.

3.Add the chickpeas and aubergine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat through gently and then stir in a dash of harissa (if using).

4.While the stew is cooking, make the couscous / quinoa or brown rice. Squeeze in a little lemon zest and juice and chopped mint, fluffing up the grains with a fork. Season to taste and serve with the hot stew, sprinkled with parsley or coriander. Enjoy!

Small Business Saturday - Dash Water......

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses both in my local community and all over the UK. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

 And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

 Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

 2. It is the ethical choice

 Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

 Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

 4. You can help build communities

 Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

 Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

  So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me hand over to Dash Water owned by Alex and Jack to tell you all about it –

We’re Jack and Alex and we originally started out working in the mainstream soft drinks industry. It's where we developed a daily office ritual of bringing in a water bottle filled with different fruit and vegetables. We'd nerdily compare flavours, but frustratingly couldn’t find anything we liked half as much available in the shops. So Dash was born - and we're doing it all with only three natural, organic, British ingredients: water, fruit and vegetables, and bubbles. Crafted in East London, our infusion is a finely-tuned six hour process to achieve perfection, and currently comes in two delicious flavours: Lemon & Lime and Cucumber & Lemon. Dash is for healthy, tasty, on-the-go hydration - all day long. Our mission put simply is to get people drinking more water. We want to make water more exciting for you, using as few, and as naturally good ingredients as possible. We want to create a drink of the highest quality, adding a little sparkle along the way and that's why we're made in the UK, artisanally crafted and mindfully sustainable. Our sparkling spring water is infused with organic and misshapen fruit and vegetables to add a subtle dash of flavour. Meaning no calories, no sugar, no additives - nothing but all-natural ingredients.

http://dash-water.com

Sunny Days, Friends & Stuffed Peppers (vegan & gluten free)........

So the *finally* has his hat on and is playing nicely! There is something so perfect about early mornings, sunny days, friends and if any one dare moans they are too hot, well….

 

In this lovely sunshine it is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of infused water (my favourite is by dash-water.com) but food can also play a big part in keeping you hydrated too. Water melon, peaches, big green salads as well as lots of other fruits and veggies can help keep us cool and nourished during these gorgeous sunny days. And some times you just need a little something to go with them, so for me that will always be the stuffed pepper. Super cheap, easy and nourishing this humble veggie can be spruced up into a perfect little treat to be served along side that green leafy salad in the sunshine when your friends pop round…..

 

Stuffed Peppers (serves 2)

• 2 large peppers cut in half and de seeded.
• 1 red onion chopped.
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp minced garlic (I used lazy garlic)
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• ½ can of kidney beans
• Handful of frozen sweet corn
• Green leafy salad for serving (I used romaine, kale, cucumber & baby spinach)

 

How To -

• Cook the chopped onions and add the mixed herbs, garlic and paprika.
• Mix into the cooked rice, red kidney beans and sweet corn.
• Stir until sweetcorn is cooked.
• Spoon into the pepper halves.
• Cover in foil and bake them for 45 mins at 180c Gas 4, until tender. Serve with a green leafy salad in the garden with friends. Enjoy!

 

Girl Flu, Mindful Snot Bubbles & a Healing Curry (vegan & gluten free)......

This week has seen me hit with full on girl flu and I look beautiful! Snotty nose, red eyes, sore throat, chapped lips, aches and pains all over and of course the obligatory loss of taste / smell. With nothing to do except practise some mindfulness (focusing on a snot bubble is NOT mindful haha!) and the company of our foster kitty Basil I was asking the universe for a speedy recovery when I remembered I have a stash of herbs and spices in the cupboard. Now according to the wisdom of the Ayurvedic sage, Vagbhata, who wrote: “There is nothing (in the world) which is not a medicine.”  all remedies can be found in nature. Where possible I try to follow the Ayurvedic teaching for eating to help ensure I am in balance so I know you can make effective remedies using common kitchen ingredients. Try some of the following instead of the Lemsip and see how they work for you:

 

• Mix 1 tsp each of ginger powder, turmeric and black pepper and take ½ tsp of this mixture with warm water twice a day.
• Mix ½ tbsp ginger, black pepper, cardamom, clove, cinnamon and turmeric. Ad 3tsps of raw sugar. Mix ½ or 1 tsp of this mixture with warm water and take twice a day.
• Mix ½ tsp fresh ginger juice with ½ tsp agave syrup and take three times a day.
• Soak 2 parts fresh ginger root, 3 parts cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Add ½ tsp of agave syrup once its cool down a little. Drink a glass of this tea several times a day.
• Crush ¼ tsp fresh ginger root with 8 fresh basil leaves, 2 peppercorns, 2 cardamom seeds, 1 cup of water, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 2 cloves, & 5 mint leaves. Boil, filter, add 1 tsp agave syrup. Drink 3 times a day.
   
  Ayurvedic Healing Curry – Serves 4
   
  1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
  4 teaspoons curry powder
  14.5oz diced tomatoes ((410 grams))
  1 cup light coconut milk ((235 ml))
  1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  6 cups fresh spinach
  15.5oz canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained ((440 grams))
  1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  4.5oz brown rice (120 grams)
  How To –

• Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant (about one minute).
• Add the tomatoes, curry powder, coconut milk, brown sugar and vinegar. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 4 minutes).
• Add chickpeas and cook until heated through, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the fresh cilantro just before removing the skillet from heat.
• Serve with brown rice. Enjoy in your PJ's!