January, 2010

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Blissoma Skincare: 100% Natural

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Blissoma is a line of skincare solutions that is 100% natural.  It describes itself as “a compact range of bio-conscious skincare focused on raw, organic, unprocessed, and nutrient dense ingredients.”

The full line includes 4 moisturizers, 2 toners, a brown rice cream cleanser, creamy Rhassoul clay mask, and an antioxidant sprayable lotion (used for the prevention and healing of UV damage).

Thanks to Julie, I was lucky to have the opportunity to try the cleanser, one of the moisturizers, and one of the toners (images above).

The mild rice cleanser is exactly how it sounds: mild and white, with a medium thickness, and a touch of oil.

The toner is very light and refreshing.  It comes in a mist bottle which can be sprayed onto the skin or onto a facial pad.

The evening facial creme is pea-green in color with a thin consistency.  It’s mildness makes it well suited for a thin application before bed.

I found all three products to live up to Blissoma’s claim of being just one step away from original plant materials.  They’re earthy, fresh and mild.   I wouldn’t prescribe them for a teenage boy with an acne problem, but for anyone with all-around healthy skin looking for upkeep with ingredients they can feel good about, I would recommend this line.

Take a closer look and purchase at Blissoma online or at select Whole Foods stores.


The Spife: To cut and eat kiwifruit

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

We’ve all heard of sporks (spoon + fork), but how about spifes?

As Alanis Morissette mourns, “Isn’t it ironic?  It’s like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife…”

Not a problem anymore, Alanis!  The spife (by Zespri) is a spoon + knife.  It’s perfect for eating kiwifruit: the knife slices the fruit in half, and the spoon scoops the flesh for eating.

Plus, how cool is the yellow kiwi above, compared to the more common green?

Apparently kiwis pack more nutrients per bite than the 27 most popular fruits.  And, a Rutgers University study concluded that the kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits on earth. Kiwis are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, and have low glycemic levels.

So now we really don’t have as many excuses for not eating as much kiwifruit as we should.

Thanks to Cynthia and the Zespri team for the samples.

Happy Hour Recipe using Leblon Cachaca de Brasil

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

When I was in seventh grade my dad went on a business trip to Brazil and brought me back a t-shirt that said, “BRASIL.”  Kids at school pointed to it and said, “Your shirt is spelled wrong.  You’re supposed to spell it with a z, not an s.”  Oh, the worldly intelligence of Midwestern preteens.

Anyhow, it’s happy hour!  Leblon Cachaca is a delicious liquor that will help you forget all of your disturbing junior high memories.  Cachaca (pronounced ca-SHA-sa) is a spirit distilled from sugar cane juice, made in Brasil as it’s spelled on its beautiful glass bottle.  It is the third most consumed spirit in the world behind only vodka and soju/shochu.

Where has it been all my life?  (…And what is soju/shochu…?)

Here’s a recipe for a delicious, classic caipirinha.  (Step-by-step photo instructions here.)

The Leblon Caipirinha

  • 2 oz Leblon Cachaca
  • 1/2 Lime
  • 2 tsp Superfine sugar or 1 oz Simple Syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
  • Glass-Rocks

Cut the lime into four wedges. Muddle the lime and sugar in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and add Leblon Cachaça. Shake vigorously. Serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

The Leblon website has dozens of other recipes (mixed drinks, party drinks, frozen drinks) and some cool videos, too.  Thanks to Matthew and Miranda for the sample and viva Brasil!

Zukay Life Foods Vegetable and Herb Salad Dressings

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Zukay Live Foods has a really exciting line of salad dressings that I have been looking forward to posting about since before I even tried them.  I first heard about them from the product blog of the Park Slope Food Coop where, like much of the NYC metropolitan area’s population, I was at one time a member.

As the brad name implies, Zukay Live Foods’ salad dressings are made from, well, live ingredients.  100% raw and vegan, they’re a mixture of fermented vegetables and herbs without added fats or sugars.  They are only about 5 calories per serving.  So, they’re wonderful alone or for mixing with your desired amount of olive oil (or other variety of oil).

Another use I discovered was mixing them with hummus to make a dip.  Delicious!

Let’s get on to the flavors. There are six:

Carrot Ginger

Tomato Provencal (with kalamata olives and herbs de Provence)

Sweet Onion Basil

Cucumber Mint

Tomato Pepper Pesto

Red Pepper Cilantro

I have sampled the first four (thanks, Scott!) and can vouch for the freshness, vibrancy and wonderfulness of each.  I have no doubt the last two are delicious as well.  The bottles “hiss” a bit when you open them- proof of their “life”!- and they have very herby, lively aromas.

Learn more at Zukay Live Foods, where you can also place an order.

ME Beverages: Fruity and fun, like… ME!

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Some fun, fruity, sexy beverages have hit the neighborhood: ME Beverages!

Caffeine-free, low-cal, free of added sugars, all-natural, and in cute slim 10.5 oz cans, how can you help but love ME?

They’re curious, uninhibited, vivacious and unavailable.

No really… they’re:

  • Curious: Blueberry-Lime.  The curious individual is inquisitive, careful, and eager to know and learn. They are considerate, highly intelligent, understanding, and generally mindful of others.
  • Uninhibited: Pink Grapefruit.  The uninhibited individual is not constrained by societal norms or peer pressure. They are free spirited, open-minded, and eager to experience the unknown. The uninhibited person carves their own path in life.
  • Vivacious: Tangerine Pineapple.  The vivacious individual is animated, energetic, and full of life. This person exudes passion and exhilaration, offering a contagious energy that lifts the spirits of everyone around them.
  • Unavailable: Dragonfruit Blackberry.  The unavailable individual has a strong personality, confident in their position and inner strength. They are a bit intimidating, perceived to be unapproachable, yet they offer a great deal of beauty and insight.

If flavor preferences speak to personality, I guess that means I’m unavailable and uninhibited.

What is your ME horoscope?

Thanks to Camilla for the delicious samples.





Matcha Source Green Tea Powder

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Most of us have had green tea, but how about green tea powder?

I had been noticing all sorts of recipes that called for the stuff, but couldn’t locate it at any grocery stores.  I even popped into some tea/spice shops in Chinatown to no avail.

Matcha Source to the rescue!  They sell a powdered green tea that is made of Japanese whole leaves, picked in the springtime and then ground into a fine dust.

I used a sample Wendy sent me to whip up some delicious hot green tea lattes.  The green tea flavor, as expected, is pronounced–but not overpowering, and not bitter at all.

The website has myriad other recipes using powdered green tea, too, ranging from butternut squash and flavored salt to ice cream and truffles.  And remember, anything made with green tea is healthy!

Lifeway Kefir: For those of us who drank Yo-J and then grew up

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

There is a generation of us who grew up in the 1980s who happened to be the right age when Yo-J came out and was extremely popular for a brief time.  It was like milk and juice mixed together, yet somehow all of the flavors turned out extremely vibrantly hued… hot pink, blueish purple… and we loved it.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we now have an option to enjoy dairy and fruit fusion in a beverage- conveniently available at Whole Foods and Target, but with roots 2,000 years old from the Caucasus Mountains.

Kefir!  Lifeway has a delicious line of lowfat kefir which it describes as “cultured fruit smoothies.”  They have 10 strains of live probiotic cultures, known to enhance the immune system and aid in nutrient absorption.  I sampled the plain, vanilla and strawberry flavors.  They have pretty colors, but in comfortingly subdued hues.   I enjoyed them particularly mixed with granola and other cereals.  They have a sweet but tangy zip (but taste nothing like Miracle Whip, promise).

Thanks to Erin for sending me some to try, and be sure to check out Lifeway Kefir.

Jamar Labs natural wipes for Hands, Faces and Feet

Monday, January 4th, 2010

As much as I like to ignore it, life in New York City can get pretty dirty.  I’ve often wished for something I could tuck in my purse for when a sticky situation arises (literally).  I was never comfortable with the idea of baby wipes, though – isn’t one of the benefits of being childless not having to lug those Huggies tubs around?

So, I was intrigued by Jamar Labs natural wipes.  They’re the only 100% natural cotton foot wipes and one of the only 100% natural cotton hand and face wipes that are powered with natural cleansing and moisturizing ingredients. Jamar wipes don’t contain Paraben and phthalate and they are biodegradable.

They come in separate, cute little pouches for hands, faces and feet and each has a unique scent.  I kept to the rules but someone more daring than I might use a hand wipe on their feet and see what happens – or the feet wipe on the face, egad!  Joking.

I really enjoyed these wipes and felt noticeably fresher as I pranced around town.  Thanks to Genea for passing some along to me to try!