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My Favorite Tomato Soup Recipe

October 13, 2022 by Natalie

Resharing this recipe from Nov. 2014… still a fave even 8 years later!

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I’m pretty sure most people would agree, there’s nothing quite like a tasty tomato soup. Best of all, to make a good one, you really don’t need to get complicated.  It’s best, I find, when kept nice and simple.  I’ve been playing around for years with variations… this is by far my favorite yet.  I’m actually enjoying some right now as I write this post.  😉

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I’ve made this same recipe three times this week.  Crazy, I know.  I never make the same thing back to back, but we really liked this one.  It seemed liked each time I’d make a new batch, it’d get gobbled up within minutes and then we’d just be left staring at each other, an empty pot, wishing we had more.  The mister said it was his fave soup I’ve made in a while… and was in total disbelief that there was no cream in this bad boy.  It’s so creamy tasting, without any dairy whatsoever.  Bonus for y’all who don’t eat dairy but love yo’self a good creamy soup!

Beyond simply wanting more, there was actually a method to my tomato-making madness.  I was determined to make sure that this recipe was spot-on before posting it.  With something like a tomato soup, where the main ingredient- the tomato- comes in so many varieties, I felt like I had to test it with different tomatoes to make sure it’d work consistently regardless of the type of tomatoes used.  I worried that if I made it with cherry tomatoes and then you bought Romas, it might not work the same.  So I tested it three different times, each with a different type of tomato.  I like playing kitchen chemist. 😉

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My friend Caroline has a plethora of amazing cherry tomatoes growing in her garden… still, in November.  Lucky gal.  Thing is, she doesn’t like tomatoes.  Crazy, I know.  So when I’d popped by her house the house day for a quick hello, I unexpectedly got to leave with pounds and pounds of perfectly ripe cherry tomatoes.  It felt like Christmas had come early.

I snacked on a bunch, made salads galore, and then made this…  so we can all thank Caroline for this recipe I suppose, for it was her little tomatoes that started this whole craze.  I made the first batch and was thrilled.  It was my fave tomato soup recipe yet.  Then I got my hands on some large classic cluster tomatoes and decided to try again, jus to make sure it wasn’t a fluke.  Again, it was a hit.  It occurred to me though- what about those folks who just want to get what’s least expensive, or maybe don’t have any other options at the store besides Romas, what about them?  So I bought a couple of pounds of Romas and tried again.  It made no difference; time and time again, this recipe was on point.

I’m convinced it’s the roasting.  Roasting the tomatoes first allows their flavors to be enhanced, creating a delicious tart sweetness.  That flavor doesn’t exist raw, but once roasted, it shines.  Adding the balsamic vinegar was key, I’m convinced… often, people add sugar to tomatoes when roasting them.  It helps them to caramelize.  I didn’t want to add sugar though, so I opted for vinegar.  I knew it would have the same effect, while adding a little zing to it too.  I love when I make good decisions.  😉

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So we’ve been eating tomato soup all week.  We had a soup and salad night, we had it with some crispy herbed- chicken, we had it with some crab, and of course, we had it with a grilled cheese, too.  I couldn’t resist; that marriage is unavoidable, undeniably delicious.  I’m been trying to minimize my intake of grains and dairy lately, so I made a grilled cheese for the man only- this his lunch yesterday.  But then, it stared at me.  It stared me down fierce.  Look at that cheese… I just had to have a bite.  There’s a reason that partnership is so classic- grilled cheese and tomato soup is an unbeatable pairing, there’s just no denying it.  (For those who follow my Instagram, you’ve likely seen the tomato soup marathon lately… been going crazy HERE.)

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The soup itself is made totally dairy-free… but just for fun, I made some little parmesan crisps for the top.  They add little crunch and fun.  I’m a fan.  🙂

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makes four servings

INGREDIENTS

to roast tomatoes…

2 lbs fresh tomatoes (any variety)

3 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

 
for the soup…

2 carrots, approx 1/2 cup chopped

2 celery stalks, approx 1/2 cup chopped

1 yellow onion, approx 2 cups chopped

3 garlic cloves, approx 1 tbsp minced

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1 bay leaf

1 cup chicken broth (homemade or good quality store-bought, use veggie if preferred)

1/2 tsp herbs de Provence

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp ghee, butter or olive oil

 

Garnish: fresh basil and parmesan crisps (see below)

Note: I use an immersion blender for this soup- makes life soo much easier!  I have THIS one.

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My many tomato experimentations…

Caroline’s glorious little guys above, some clusters and Romas below.

Use whatever you have, or mix and match- it simply won’t matter 🙂

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DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Slice tomatoes in half or quarters (small guys in half, larger ones in quarters)

Lay tomatoes on a large baking sheet- add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper

Toss to coat

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Flip tomatoes face down, skin side up

Roast in the oven for 15 minutes

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Meanwhile, begin preparing the remaining ingredients…

Chop carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and basil

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Add the ghee/butter/oil to a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat

Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper

Saute for about 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally

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When tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven…

they should look a little wrinkly and be sitting in lots of juice

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Add the tomatoes along with all of the juice from the baking sheet into the pot with the veggies

(That juice is full of flavor!)

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Add the basil and chicken broth

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Cover, lower heat and simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, until everything is cooked and soft

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Once done, remove the bay leaf

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If using a hand-mixer, blend right in the pot until smooth and creamy

If using a blender, pour the soup into the blender and blend away

(You may need to do this in batches)

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I love immersion blenders… makes everything so much easier 🙂

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That’s it!

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired 🙂

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If you’d like to make parmesan crisps, it’s super easy…

Just grate some cheese (any hard cheese will do if you don’t have parm)

Use the smallest grater you have- a fine shred is best for this

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On a baking sheet, make small piles of grated cheese

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Bake on a high heat for just a few minutes, until melted and golden brown

(I do 450 for 3-4 mins or so)

That’s it!

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Ladle soup into bowls…

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Top with fresh basil and a few parmesan crisps…

Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Comfort Food, Fall & Winter, Gluten Free, My Personal Faves!, Paleo & Primal, Recipe Archives, Soups & Stews, Spring & Summer, Vegetarian, Whole30 Options Tagged With: autumn, holiday, paleo, soup, tomato

My Holiday Gift Guide… Gift Ideas with Sustainability in Mind!

November 14, 2021 by Natalie

It’s that time again!!

I’m actually pretty excited about the holidays this year. Maybe it’s because the past year and a half has been a bit dismal and I’m ready for cheer, maybe it’s because I now have a kiddo and see the holidays through his excited eyes, or maybe it’s because I’ll take any reason to be extra festive. I suspect it’s all three!

This year, I refuse to let the holiday season be anything but fun. So I’m getting my gifting done early and then just sitting back to enjoy it all… decorate the tree, sip a toddy or few, cook up some cozy soups + watch alllll the dorky xmas movies with my fam.

Over the past few years, I’ve really made an effort to shop more sustainably + mindfully. I try to choose small local shops and companies whose values align with my own. Of course the truest form of sustainable is to not consume at all…. but we all know that’s not going to happen. But we can at least shop thoughtfully- with those who do good!

Buy less + buy well! My motto this year.

Here’s a list of some of my current fave gifting ideas… a couple of them are companies I’ve chosen to be an affiliate with (which means I like them so much that I chose to partner with them so I can share discount codes with you), and some are not. But all have missions I admire + products I love. 🙂

(Want to see more? I’ve created a video highlight on my Instagram page showing tons of my fave gift ideas for the season- see it at the bottom of this page or go here!)

For Home

Vitruvi Diffuser

I LOVE these diffusers! They’re stone + simply beautiful. If you’re going to diffuse oils, why not make it look pretty too! They come in several colors, and they make oils too.

Click here for $15 off your purchase!

Psst: they have a fun holiday bundle this year- see it here.

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Bee’s Wrap

Why use plastic wrap when you can use reusable plastic-free wrap instead?! We love these.

Made in the USA with certified organic cotton, responsibly-sourced beeswax, certified organic plant oils, and tree resin.

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Finex Cookware

Beautiful cookware for any cook in your fam. I’m a huge cast iron fan- it’s nontoxic and makes for even cooking too.

Get $25 when you join their newsletter!

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Stasher Bags

We love these little reusable baggies- they come in tons of colors + sizes… and will help you live more plastic-free!

Get 15% when you sign up for their newsletter!

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Stainless Steel French Press

We’ve had our stainless steel french press for over three years and will never go back! It’s easy to use, makes great coffee, cleans in a jiffy and is plastic-free too!

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Artifact Custom Calendar

These are super cute little wooden photo calendars- share your memories in a stylish eco-friendly way.

Click here for $20 off your order!

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Botanic & Luxe

This is a Santa Cruz shop owned by two lovely friends who has literally a little bit of everything I love!

From plants to earrings to home decor to foodie fun, this shop has such cute stuff.

Sign up for their newsletter to receive discounts (there are sales happening throughout the holiday season).

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Alpaca Throw by Avocado

These are so soft + cozy, and made ethically too!

See Avocado’s Black Friday sale here.

Rebel Green House Cleaning Gift Box

Love me a good green cleaner! If someone in your life is looking to clean up their cleaning, try this!

Another B Corp that’s women-owned! (We also love Branch Basics for green house cleaning.)

Use code FREESHIP21 for free shipping on this item!

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For Health + Self

Beautycounter

It’s no surprise to see Beautycounter on here- my favorite clean beauty brand! A certified B Corp and fabulous company all around. (To see all the reasons I love working with this company, peep my post here!)

Their holiday gift sets this year are so cute! A few of my personal faves are:

–Soulmates Exfoliating Duo: Helllo, self care! A volcanic exfoliating stone + foot scrub in one.

–Good Glitz Duo: A mini gold lip gloss + eye shadow palette.

–Best in Clean Heroes: A little bit of the bests in one!

–Mini Bath Oils: Break them up + have three gifts in one!

New customers use code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off + all can take advantage of my personal promo!

Plus get 15% off their site November 15th-29th + free shipping on orders over $50!!

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Pique Tea

I love their teas + wellness products!

The liposomal vitamin c/elderberry packets are fab for immune + skin support, and their matcha tea is the best I’ve ever had. They’re have very strict screening for heavy metals and other contaminants, which most tea companies do not do… so you know you’re doing right by your body while sipping away!

Use code HONEYGHEEME for 5% your order!

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Inessecents CBD Bath Salt

Another B Corp making clean products for your self care needs!

Get free shipping on orders over $50.

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Green Enough Book

This book was written by Leah Segedie from Mamavation and offers a ton of information for those wanting to live life less toxic in an unstressful approach.

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Phlur

I’m not a huge perfumer-lover, to be honest, but I really like Phlur! They make cleaner scents- without the toxic ingredient list that many fragrance companies have. My personal favorite scents are Hanami and Añoranza. My husband seems to like S.C. 59.

Get a sample set of three scents for $15- they have curated sets or you can customize your own!

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For Wear

Jetty Apparel

I love this company! They’re a B Corp, which means they do good for people + planet, but they also make really amazingly soft and stylish clothing for men, women + kids. My husband has a button up and it’s literally the softest fabric I’ve ever felt…. AND it’s made out of recycled oyster shells + recycled polyester. Eco-minded + awesome.

Join their newsletter for 15% off your order!

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Pact

This company creates clothing for men, women + the whole family with sustainability in mind!

Get 20% off your order here!!

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Able

An ethical fashion brand that helps empower women across the globe. They have tons of cute stuff, from boots to jewelry to leather bags and more!

Use code ABLE15 for 15% off your first order!

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Lotus & Luna

Lotus & Luna makes the most comfortable harem pants- I pretty much live in them haha- and they strive to bring fair + ethical work practices to women in Northern Thailand.

Use code HONEYGHEEME for 20% off!

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Rothys

Rothys takes single use plastic bottles and transforms them into thread, which then makes their shoes + apparel. Plus, they’re comfy + cute!

Click here for $20 your order!

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Baabushka Wool Slippers

This is a company local to Santa Cruz that makes super cozy wool slippers that are handmade in Nepal with New Zealand wool and Nepalese buffalo leather.

Sign up for their newsletter for 10% off!

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For Kids

Eco Dough

Kids sculpting dough made with fruits + veggies… no toxic yuckiness!

See their items on sale here.

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Pact Kiddo Clothing

Everything is organic cotton made in a fair trade factory. They’re cute + comfy too! We love their chones for kiddos!

Get 20% your order here!

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Kids + Baby: Package Free Shop

Get 10$ off here. (And get 40% off certain kids sets with code HEADSTART.)

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Finn + Emma

We love their toys, their clothes, their muslin blankies, etc- they make great gifts for any babe/kiddo in your life.

Gunnar the rattle viking was C’s very first toy ever- when he was just one month old- and he still has it!

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For Any + Everything

Uncommon Goods A collective of artisans with sustainability in mind.

Nisolo’s Ethical Marketplace: They have a little of everything!

Package Free Shop: Great options for living more eco-minded + plastic-free.

United By Blue Stocking Stuffers: Another B Corp with sustainability in mind and lots of cute adds + ends.

The Earthling Co: Lots of cute stuff for eco-minded living.

Want more ideas? Here’s a story I created on my IG to show some of my fave gift ideas for the season! (If this video is slow to play, see it HERE.)





Filed Under: Recipe Archives

Simple Ways to Live Lower Tox That Won’t Break the Bank!

November 12, 2021 by Natalie

It can sometimes feel overwhelming when trying to make the switch to cleaner living. Here are a few simple tips to help you live a lower-tox life that won’t break the bank!

– Take your shoes off at home: those little soles track in not only dirt, but all those environmental toxins we encounter each day from pesticides to motor oil, heavy metals + more. (Especially important for those little kiddos crawling around on the floor!)


– Put your phone on airplane mode at night: 8ish hours of that thing off is 1/3 of your life with less EMFs! It simply can’t hurt. 


– Switch from plastic to glass food containers: better for you AND our earth.


– Ditch that nonstick cookware: cast iron + stainless steel are my personal faves.


– Switch to an aluminum-free deo: if you’ve tried a “natural” deo and didn’t like it, keep trying- there are some great ones out there. Psst: a little charcoal in those pits may help too!


– Choose safe sunscreens: mineral/physical sunscreens, which sit on the surface of your skin (often made with zinc), are safer than chemical  sunscreens, which penetrate the skin. look for benzene-free + reef-safe. 


– Opt organic, when possible: use EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) Dirty Dozen + Clean Fifteen lists to help you!

– Avoid the word fragrance: all those “parfums” “perfumes” and “fragrances” that sneak into our personal care products, scented candles, air fresheners, laundry detergents, etc. are chock-full of phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. your nose may like them, but your body does not. 


If you’d like help with any of these, I’m here for you! ♡

XO,

Natalie

Filed Under: Recipe Archives

When I’m Asked Why I Choose Beautycounter, This Is My Honest Reply…

November 9, 2021 by Natalie

By now, y’ll know I love and wear Beautycounter products. But WHY? The reason is quite simple.

Because I trust them.

I’m a loyalist at heart- with people, places and things. When I travel some place new, I often become enamored and will return again and again. When I meet a friend I adore, I will forever stand by their side. And when I find a company whose principals and values match my own, I will support them for years to come.

Beautycounter came into my life at a time when I needed them. As you may or may not know, they aren’t just a company that makes products- they strive to educate. The knowledge I’ve gained from them far outweighs the power of any product.

It was 2015. I was already eating clean- I knew that what I put IN my body mattered. But I wasn’t totally aware of what I was putting ON my body. I thought I was choosing clean- dooped by strategic marketing- I bought things that said “natural” and looked safe. But then I stumbled into Beautycounter through a friend and my entire perspective changed.

What I learned couldn’t be unlearned- I was forever changed. And from there, I’ve completely cleaned up everything from what I wear on my skin to what I clean my home with. The wellness of my family has forever been improved.

Let’s have a quick glance at some simple beauty industry facts, shall we?

Did you know?

The last time the United States passed a major law regulating the beauty industry was in 1938? Yes, 1938- that’s over 80 years ago!

Did you know?

We only have safety data on approx 10-15% of the ingredients currently used in the beauty industry?  Most have never even been tested!

Did you know?

The European Union has banned approx. 1400 ingredients from their personal care industry.  Canada has banned near 700.  The United States has banned 30 ingredients.  Yes, 30!  

Did you know?

Many of the ingredients used in personal care products are known endocrine disruptors, with links to cancer, infertility and other health concerns? Even though we know ingredients like phthlates, parabens, SLS and others are known to cause health issues, they’re still allowed in our products. Legally.

And for some happier news… did you know?!

Things are slowly but surely starting to change? Clean beauty is becoming the popular choice!

We live in a consumer-led market… and just like we saw with the organic food movement, consumers are demanding better safer products. A great improvement! However with that, of course, comes the greenwashing and hype… companies claiming they’re clean knowing it’ll sell more, when in reality they are not.

Which means it’s now more important than ever to read ingredients and evaluate company integrity.

There are a handful of companies I trust. Beautycounter is one of them, and the one I’ve been using the longest. They’re shaking things up + creating waves- advocating on Capitol Hill demanding safer regulations- sharing the truths of the industry the public hasn’t been shown before- paving the way for truly clean product development with their intensive screening and strict sourcing guidelines. (I mean, check THIS out.) They’re the leaders of the clean beauty movement, without a doubt.

Okay so now you want to switch to clean, BUT WHERE DO YOU START?

I know, it can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t fret… you got this!

What you can do to start cleaning up your routine today…

1- Use EWG as a resource.

The Environmental Working Group is a wealth of information! They’re a nonprofit organization that has been working for nearly 30 years to protect our health. They have a website called Skin Deep where you can look up any product or ingredient to check for safety. Bear in mind that as a nonprofit, they don’t yet have the resources to have every single product in the world in their system, but they do have about 80,000!

Hot Tip: They have a free app called Healthy Living, where you can look up products or scan them right onto your phone with a bar code- it’s for both food and cosmetics, and it’s wonderfully helpful!

2- Use the Never List.

The Never list is a short list of ingredients to avoid, whenever possible.

See all of the ingredients on the list- as well s why they’re important to aboide and what they’re commonly in- HERE.

You can also print your own mini pocket-size Never List to keep in your wallet while you’re shopping out n about.

3- Vote With Your Dollars

When you find a company you trust, stick with them!

It’s easy to get duped by marketing these days. But there are companies out there doing it right!  When you find one you like- that you know is being honest, transparent, and ethical about the things that matter to you- support them.  This is a consumer run marketplace, after all!

4- Make Changes Little By Little- stress isn’t healthy either! 😉

It’s not realistic to dump your entire bathroom cabinet and start fresh.  This is about progress, not perfection.  Maybe wait until something runs out and you need to replenish anyways- go one or two products at a time.  I personally advise people start with the things that either cover the largest area of their bodies or touch the most sensitive zones (mouth, eyes, etc). 

Little by little, you can rebuild your cabinet with safer products you love!

While I don’t expect that anyone can make all of these changes overnight, we can make improvements little by little.

If you make just one change today, try to AVOID THE WORD FRAGRANCE.

Fragrances are considered trade secrets, which means companies don’t have to disclose what’s in them. There can be up to hundreds of ingredients in a fragrance that you don’t see listed. Furthermore, to make a fragrance stick, companies often use phthalates- known endocrine disruptors that wreak havoc on our systems.

To be safe, it’s best just to avoid them- and their aliases parfum, perfume, scents, etc.

To read more, peep this.

If you’d ever like support switching out to cleaner products- or you’d like help figuring out what’s best for your personal needs- I would love to help you. Helping people find ways to live healthier happier lives is one of the aspects of all this that brings me the greatest joy!!

Please reach out any time!

XO,

Natalie

Email me! honeygheeme@gmail.com

 
 

Filed Under: Recipe Archives

Ch-Ch-Changes!

May 26, 2021 by Natalie

It is with so much joy that I share some exciting news with you!!

But first, let me fill you in on the backstory a tad…

As many of you know, I’ve been a teacher for what feels like eons. 15 years to be exact. I got my BA in Education, taught elementary school, got my Master’s in School Counseling, worked as counselor at a middle and high school, then began working at a Homeschool Charter School and have done it since. Working with children is what I love… and very much wrapped up in who I am. It’s an identity I’ve built: Natalie-the-teacher.

But some years ago- 9 I think – I started this food blog as a side hobby too. A friend suggested I do it as a way to share my love for cooking and recipe crafting. So I did! It became a passion… which led me to a community of like-minded wellness-oriented food-lovin folk. I began learning more about food as medicine and wellness as a whole… which led me to caring more about all aspects of wellness, particularly cleaning up the junk in my everyday products and household goods.

I was stunned as I began learning more about all of the toxins in the things I used daily- from shampoo to laundry detergent to my mattress, lipstick, deodorant, sunscreen and more. Quickly, I swapped them all out for cleaner versions… which led me to discover Beautycounter. At the time, the company was pretty new- a small grassroots mission with just a handful of products. I had no interest in becoming a consultant or adding more to my plate, but I signed up to get a discount on the products I loved. Since it’s an education-based company, I began learning even more about the lack of regulation in the beauty industry, and quite frankly became appalled at the number of toxins us consumers were (and still are) slathering all of our bodies- without even realizing it- every day of our lives. I was shocked that there weren’t more safety guidelines or laws in place to protect us- and I couldn’t help but share it.

From there, something happened that I never expected. Friends starting asking me to get involved. Family wanted products. Paychecks started coming in- it was weird. I didn’t understand it- and oddly kind of fought it. I mean, I didn’t envision myself as a “seller” or a person who would ever do “this type of thing” at all. But as my passion for helping others learn about ingredient awareness grew, this business just naturally formed.

Then I had my child- my sweet wonderful wild boy. And everything changed. I found myself having to let go of something. So I stopped tending to this blog space. With the ability to share cooking videos and other life happenings on Instagram stories, I turned to that more. It was fun and simple. Less editing- less writing… just realtime this-is-how-you-make-it recipe videos and silliness. It totally matches my “MacGyver Meal” wing-it style of cooking!

However, I’ve missed this space… this creative outlet here.

For the past 4 years, I’ve been momming, recipe-making, sharing my love for cleaner products and teaching through the homeschoool charter. And it’s all been wonderful. BUT, it’s felt like a lot.

As I’ve reflected this past year- on both myself and the life I’ve created- I have so much to be grateful for. But there are things I want to change. And in order for them to evolve, I must create the space for them.

I want to make more room for the things I love.

So… I am!

After much deliberation, I’ve decided it’s time to let go of Natalie-the-teacher. For now anyway… who knows what the future will hold. 😉 But this passion project of mine has turned into more, and I want to see what I can do with it when I have more to invest in it. My Beautycounter business has grown to support my family financially, and it allows me to be more present and available for my son. In just one year he’ll be ready to start kinder- time is flying and I don’t want to miss a thing! While it’s hard to let go of my role as a teacher, I’m excited for this change. It’s a risk- but sometimes in life we must take risks to find the rewards!

I don’t know exactly how this will all unfold, but I do know I’ll be able to create more here- I’ll be able to give it more love. More recipes, more clean living tips, more of whatever it grows into! I’m so excited to explore the world of working for myself- doing more of what I love!! Hello, Natalie-the-entrepreneur!

And I’m so friggen excited to take you on the journey with me!!

Thank you for all of your support over the years- I am so thankful for this community.

See you all soon!!!

XO,

Natalie

Filed Under: Recipe Archives

Let’s Talk Skin Care Routines!

May 4, 2021 by Natalie

It’s no surprise that I opt for clean when it comes to my skin care products. Y’all know I became a Beautycounter consultant over 6 years ago to *get the discount* but it really is what I wear pretty much from head to toe! Why?

My reasons are simple. And I wrote a whole post about it for you here!!

But I’m often asked what my personal favorite products are. So here’s a post to show you my day-to-day routine…

And more importantly, information to help you decide which products might be best for YOUR skincare routine!

Choosing the products for YOUR skin…

When creating a routine for your skin, you can follow this simple four-step guide:

Cleanse, Prep, Treat, Moisturize.

Of course there will be some times when you may just wash + moisturize, but in general, that’s the order to follow. It’s important, in my opinion anyways, to always cleanse + hydrate at least. It wasn’t until I was about 30 that I started to take night creams seriously…. but oh man are they important if you want to wake up with happy hydrated skin!

Here’s a general guide to help you select the right Beautycounter products for your skin.

(You may also find this brief guide by Beautycounter helpful!)

That being said, all of our bodies are different, and therefore so our needs- if you have sensitive skin or a circumstance you’d like additional support with, I’d be happy to help you figure out what would best for you!

Fill out my personalized beautycounter skin care consultation form here!

For Maturing & Aging Skin

Countertime Collection (you can get individual products, or a set at a discounted price)

Counterstart Cleanser (if you prefer a lathering wash versus the cleansing oil in the Countertime line)

Face Oil #2

Resurfacing Peel

Vitamin C Serum

For Dry Skin

Face Oil #2

Countertime Supreme Cream

Vitamin C Serum

Counterstart Cleanser, Countermatch Cleanser, or Countertime Cleansing Oil

For Sensitive Skin

Counterstart Cleanser or Countermatch Cleanser (both similar in texture to Cetaphil, but with nontoxic ingredients)

Counterstart Moisturizer

Face Oil #2 or #3

Cleansing Balm

Oily + Acne-Prone Skin

Countercontrol Collection (again you don’t need the whole collection- you could start with just the cleanser and matte cream or the cleanser, all over treatment and cream)

Charcoal Face Mask

Want to see MY PERSONAL ROUTINE + favorite products?!

I am a mix + matcher! I use a little of this + a little of that… and vary it day-to-day depending on how I’m feeling!

In general, I use this:

Morning Routine

– Counterstart Foaming Cleanser
– Countertime Mineral Boost Essence
– All Bright C Serum
– Countermatch Adaptive Face Lotion (if dry I’ll add face oil to it, or use Countertime Soft Cream)
– Dew Skin SPF everyday!

Nighttime Routine


– Countermatch Foaming Cleanser (or occasionally the cleansing balm)
– A couple times a week, Overnight Resurfacing Peel or a serum
– Countertime Supreme Cream (the queen of night creams!)

You can watch this (pretty silly… in classic awkward Natalie form lol) video I recently did below. (You may need to follow my Clean Beauty Please IG account to view it.)

Filed Under: Recipe Archives

Holiday Gift Ideas + Sales!

November 29, 2020 by Natalie

This year is weird, ain’t no doubt about it! I think it’s fair to say we could all use a bit of CHILL + JOY this holiday season. ♥

To help, I’ve created a simple list of some of my fave mindful companies out there… that are all HAVING SALES right now!!

So you can SHOP SMALL, SHOP GREEN + SHOP INTENTIONALLY while also saving you $ and the stress of sifting through a gazzzzillion emails and sites.

Here we go!! Surely I missed some.. if there are any you’d like to add, share them in the comments below!

For your friends… and maybe yourself too 😉

Pursoma– get 40% all of their bath soaks + salts.

Phlur– purty smelling nontoxic perfumes… i personally like hanami + añoranza. try their sample sets first to see which you like most!

Beautycounter– skincare and cosmetics that are rigorously tested so they’re safe for you + the planet! (15% off today, plus free shipping on orders over $50 AND get an additional 15% off from me too- just send me a quick email at honeygheeme@gmail.com to snag the bonus discount!!)

Psst, the new limited edition Skin Stars Set, which is a mini pack of my three fave skin care products (the all bright c serum, the resurfacing peel + the brightening face oil) launched today for Cyber Monday!

Insitu Jewelry – a local jewelry maker with a great sale today- i have a few of her pieces and love them.

Primally Pure Candle– a naturally-made candle you’ll love… no nasty ingredients, lotsa cozy holiday vibes. i’m a little obsessed. (use code NATALIEG10 for 10% off!)

Quick Prep Paleo– a new cookbook from my friend Mary over at Mary’s Whole Life… it’s beautiful!

For your home…

Branch Basics– clean house cleaning products… and they’re all 20% off!

Botanic + Luxe– this is a local shop with a stellar online sale today. i love everything about this store- the plants, the trinkets and the girls who own it too! use code “shopsmall” for 20% off.

Vitruvi– this is my favorite diffuser ever… and it’s on sale today!

Coyuchi– sustainable wear for your home and self.

Citizenry– their alpaca throws are on sale and oh so soft + cuddly.

Bees Wrap– ’cause it’s so smart!

Stasher Bags– the best way to bag… gifts, leftover food, lunch, you name it!

Lunch Bots– stainless steel bento boxes for kids’ snacks, lunches, etc.

Avocado Pillows– 20% off all pillows right now!

Finex Cookware– beautiful cast iron pans.

For your family + kids…

Pact– sustainable comfy clothing for the whole fam.

Baabushka Slippers– a local company with sustainably-made fairtrade wool slippers! we love ours.

Wooden Hanging Toys for Babes– i ordered one of these when my son was born 3.5 years ago… it has the cutest little animals and cactus on it. it’s one thing i just can’t get myself to let go of… i love it.

Kickee PJs– the softest kids/baby pajamas ever. and their designs are so cute!

For extra stuff that’s fun…

Custom Photo Gifts– your standard calendars and such… but made from recycled materials.

Stocking Stuffers– some random odds and ends that make cute gifts!

Yeti– they’re water bottles are so durable… like everything they make.

Four Sigmatic– ’cause I love mushrooms in my coffee! #brainfood

Who Gives a Crap– another B Corp, making TP that’s good for the planet + your bum! you gotta laugh… 😉

I better stop there or I could go on and on and on… I hope that helps!!

Please reach out if I can answer any questions or be of help in any way!

Natalie

Email me at honeygheeme@gmail.com to get in touch!!

Filed Under: Recipe Archives

No~Bake Pumpkin, Maple Caramel, & Pecan~Coconut Crust Desserts {Paleo~Style}

November 5, 2020 by Natalie

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A few weeks back, I tried some super tasty pumpkin spiced dates rolled in crushed pecans.  They’re totally unrelated to this, but it was while eating them that the vision came for this came about.  So they must get proper credit.  😉

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In awe of those little treats, I became determined to create a pumpkin dessert sweetened with dates… a tasty little something with pure wholesome real foods.  I imagined up all the things I could make… a panna cotta, a flan, a pudding, a custard.  Undecided, I just started crafting away.  I ended up with what I would describe as an overly gingery pumpkin pie type filling with a super tasty but thick maple caramel sauce and crushed walnut brittle.  It was close to what I’d envisioned, but wasn’t quite IT.  I knew I had to try again.

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So the next week, I went back at it, this time knowing exactly what I was going for.  Dead set on perfecting this one, I came up with a pecan~coconut~date crust, a lighter version of the maple caramel sauce, and a fluffy pumpkin filling- with less ginger and more creamy goodness- layered into little glasses.  I like clear dishes for layered treats.  It sometimes takes a few tries, but with perseverance- and a very determined sweet tooth- one can get exactly what they want in the kitchen. 😉

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Since this is a no-bake treat and uses pretty minimal ingredients, it’s an easy dessert to throw together the day of, or the day before, any holiday event.  It just needs time to chill- a few hours at least.  Make ahead, then when you’re ready to griz, it’ll be ready to go!  Perfect for your day of Thanks, Christmas, or any fun fall festivity in between.

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Like all of my favorite recipes, this one uses all fresh, real foods.  No junk.  No crap.  All whole foods in their most natural and clean state.  I suppose technically the pumpkin puree is an exception… while you can easily make your own puree fresh at home, let’s be real, a ready-made is much preferred. 😉

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makes six individual portions

INGREDIENTS

for pumpkin filling…

1 cup pumpkin puree

3/4 cup coconut cream

1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat)

5 Medjool dates

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

for maple caramel…

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp salt

optional: up to 1/2 cup coconut cream, for a creamier version

for pecan~coconut crust…

1 cup pecans

1/4 cup coconut flakes

3-4 Medjool dates

1/8 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp salt

optional garnish: whole pecans

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DIRECTIONS

To make the pumpkin filling…

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Add all ingredients to NutriBullet or food processor

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Blend until smooth

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Taste and adjust flavors as desired

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To make the maple caramel…

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Add maple syrup and coconut oil to a small pot over medium heat

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Stir once to blend, then let it heat up and come to a light boil without stirring for approx 5 minutes

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Give it a few good whisks, then let it do its thing for 10-15 minutes more

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There’s no solid rule about when to whisk- just give it a whirl every so often as needed

You’ll know it’s done when the sauce sticks to the back of a spoon… it’ll thicken more as it cools

You shouldn’t need more than 15 minutes total cooking time for this guy 🙂

Optional: remove from heat and stir in coconut cream to give it a creamier texture… up to 1/2 cup, depending on preference

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Let it cool…

After about 10 minutes, it’ll start to thicken + look like this… 😉

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For the pecan~coconut crust…

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Lightly toast pecans and coconut flakes in a pan over medium heat… toasting helps to bring out the flavors

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Add all ingredients to NutriBullet or food processor

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Blend until a crumbly sticky crust has formed… come chunks are totally okay

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Now you’re ready to assemble!

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Grab any jars, cups, ramekins, or bowls you like

Nothing matches in my house, so I use a random mix of glasses…

it’s kinda fun to have varied sized and shapes for people to choose from

And as with all layered treats, clear glass makes it all pop

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Scoop some pecan~coconut crust into the bottom of each glass, then press it down with your fingers until firm

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Spoon a little maple caramel sauce over the crust

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If you have the time, let those cool a bit before adding the pumpkin… so it all stays in layers

If not, just start spooning the pumpkin filling right in there

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Smaller glasses will have less pumpkin filling… and therefore have a larger ratio of caramel to filling

For those who prefer less sweet treats, balance the ratio by adding less caramel and more pumpkin

Refrigerate desserts for at least 30 minutes before adding caramel to the tops

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Once cool (and thicker) add a drizzle of caramel to the top of each treat

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Refrigerate until ready to serve… can be may up to a day in advance

If chilling overnight, cover each with plastic wrap

The longer they chill, the more they will set, making them thicker and creamier too…

I suggest at least a few hours 🙂

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Plop a little pecan in there if wanted, serve, and enjoy!

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Filed Under: Recipe Archives

Instant Pot Whole Chicken & Gravy {Whole30 Optional}

April 20, 2017 by Natalie

If you follow my Instagram, FB, or posts, you’ve probably noticed that I am a huge whole chicken fan. AND Instant Pot obsessed (dinner in minutes, yes please!).  So the marriage was bound to happen sooner than later.  Here’s my take on a Whole Roast Chicken & Gravy, InstaPot style.

(Want other whole chicken recipes that aren’t Instant Pot-based?  HERE‘s my oven version… and over HERE is a slow-cooker one for ya!)

But wait wait, before I go on…

A gravy takes on whatever flavor the chicken creates, right?  Since this chicken is stuffed with a lot of lemon and garlic, the grazy has a lemon and garlic vibe.  If you don’t like the way that sounds, lessen the lemon to about half or even one-third.  Then you’ll get a simple gravy you can play with and make your own. 🙂

If you’re thinking to yourself, “There’s no way an Instant Pot chicken would get crispy skin” right now, you are right.  I do saute it first, to make it pretty and golden and flavorful, but once steamed, it does lose it’s crunch.  That isn’t necessarily a terrible thing though… it’s quite tasty actually!  If you prefer an extra crispy skin, you could always stick with an oven-roast chicken (like this one HERE) or take the time to crisp this one up in the oven after it’s cooked.  I personally find the soft, tender, juiciness of this method quite lovely though… especially for those who want a whole chicken in a half an hour!

Yes, 30 MINUTES AND THE WHOLE THING IS DONE!  Reason #547 why I LOVE my Instant Pot!!
(Want to know which one I have and love?  It’s this puppy right HERE!)

INGREDIENTS

1 whole chicken, approx 4.5 lbs

1 lemon

5 garlic cloves

1/2 onion, chopped, any color

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil, butter, or ghee, for rub

1 tbsp butter or ghee, for sauteeing

1 cup chicken broth, homemade or good quality low sodium

1 fresh rosemary sprig, 3-4 inches in length

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for gravy: 2 tbsp potato starch, for gravy (I use this one)

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You’ll need an Instant Pot for this… if you prefer an oven-roasted or slow-cooked version,
see the options mentioned in the intro above!

DIRECTIONS

Note: it’s always a good idea to let chicken and meat come to room temp before cooking

Slice lemon, chop onion, peel garlic, and measure out spices/herbs

Mix spices/herbs along with 1 tbsp oil or melted butter/ghee

Pat chicken dry…

I know, ain’t nothing pretty about this, but it helps those seasonings stick

Make sure the cavity is empty

Place sliced lemon, whole garlic cloves, and onion in there

Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken- front, back, sides, and all

Turn the Instant Pot on SAUTE mode

Add 1 tbsp butter or ghee

Lay the chicken in there breast-side down

Let it sit for a couple of minutes without moving

Using prongs, a spatula, or whatever works best for you, flip that bad boy over once nicely golden brown

It may be a tight squeeze, but that’s totally okay

Pour chicken broth in there and add a sprig of rosemary…

Turn the Instant Pot to the POULTRY setting for 25 minutes

Cover, close steam valve, and let it do it’s thing

Once done, let it naturally release steam, then transfer chicken to a cutting board

Let the chicken rest for approx 10 minutes…

Meanwhile, if you’d like to whip up some gravy, turn the pot back to SAUTE mode

Add potato starch in slowly while whisking

Let it boil for approx 5 minutes to thicken, stirring periodically, then turn off

Strain the gravy to remove any chunks (potato starch can do that)

Taste and adjust seasonings as wanted


That’s it!!

Serve that guy up with whatever sides you like… and of course some gravy on the side!

Devour. 🙂

Wanna Pin It for another time?

Filed Under: Chicken & Turkey, Comfort Food, Fall & Winter, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Paleo & Primal, Recipe Archives, Whole30 Options

My Safer Beauty Picks! From Head to Toe…

March 24, 2017 by Natalie

Finally, the post I’ve been working on for months!  It’s been in process for a while, as you’ll learn below… and is probably the longest post to date to ever be written on my site, wowza.  But, if you follow my Instagram or Facebook pages, you know I’ve been getting even more involved with the safer beauty movement the last few months… beyond Beautycounter.  Here’s what I’ve been up to.

The story.

In January, I was approached by Whole Foods to participate in a beauty event they wanted to host in March (maybe you saw the posts I shared online).  They wanted three bloggers- a beauty blogger, and lifestyle blogger, and a blogger to represent the more holistic side of beauty-  the ‘what you put in and on your body matters‘ side.  That gal would be me.  I was so honored… I mean, how cool, right?!  I would get to help people select safer non-toxic products as they shop, and help promote awareness too.  I loved all of this!

One thing occurred to me though.  I’ve been using all Beautycounter products from head to toe for the last year and a half straight.  I dunno, I guess I’m more a creature of habit than I realized, but when I like and trust something, I roll with it.  Two summers ago I started using their skin creams, then face oils, sun blocks, lip colors, and suddenly my whole routine was Beautycounter-based.  It was working for me- I liked the company’s values and trusted their safety screening methods too.

This presented a slight problem though- I realized I wouldn’t be much help when it came to suggesting other companies out there on the shelves… not how I wanted to be anyway.  Which led me to a place I’d be longing to go for a while…

Supporting the Safer Beauty Movement does not mean just supporting Beautycounter- it means supporting any and all who want to do better, be better, and make change for the better.

I want to be a resource for all out there who are hunting for safer products, no matter what brand they may want to use.

I heavily focus on the education and awareness aspect as it is, since that’s where my passion lies (and what the Beautycounter mission is all about anyway), however when it comes to products, what I know best is Beautycounter.  It dawned on me that I both wanted and needed to know more if I was going to serve as an advocate for safer beauty all around.  ‘Cause let’s face it, sometimes people just want to walk into a store and find something right then and there.

So I decided to go on a mission.  A mission within the greater mission of safer beauty.  I was going to learn as much as I possibly could about other companies in the beauty industry and examine them, try them, and wear them myself to see what else I could recommend to folks on the hunt.

I’ll be honest- I still primarily wear my Beautycounter goods- it would be wasteful and silly of me to not use what I love for the sake of research haha- but I’ve now added in a few new faves to the rotation, and more importantly can offer some genuine suggestions to those on the search for safer beauty lines.

So I’m finally sharing what I use… my updated 2017 list of products with some new companies thrown in.  Of course there are endless options out there to choose from… but here’s what I personally wear, from my head down to my toes!

The bottom line.

We all deserve to be safe, but until we start demanding better, the trends aren’t going to change.  We have the power as consumers to support companies that are doing it right… those being mindful of our health.  Just like with the organic food movement, we as shoppers can little by little create change.  A decade ago, organic food was limited to select health food stores and specialty shops- today it’s everywhere because that’s what consumers wanted and bought.  Isn’t it great!?  As we show a preference for safer personal care products, the norms will inevitably change with products too.  One day we’ll be able to walk through a drug store and see all non-toxic goods on the shelves… our regulations will improve and all will all have access to safer.  Until then, here are some options to help you on your search. ❤


The process.

I needed to educate myself well before I could take this project on.  

Unfortunately, it’s not very easy to figure out if a product is safe.  This is part of the problem- the very reason the Safer Beauty movement exists.  There are almost zero regulations out there in the personal care industry.  Companies can more or less use whatever they’d like, they don’t need to disclose much of it, and there is no power to recall products that are deemed harmful.  It’s pretty absurd really.

Did you know… it’s a law that companies do not have to disclose what’s in their “fragrance”.  It’s considered proprietary information- like a secret recipe.  By law, a “fragrance” can contain up to hundreds of ingredients in it- without disclosure!  This is why all “fragrances” are avoided in the quest for safer beauty.  Furthermore, nearly all “fragrances” contain phthalates- known endocrine disruptors that are problematic to human health- they’re what make the smells stick.  I always suggest people do their health a favor and just avoid all things labeled “fragrance” or “parfum” if they can.  (If you’re interested in learning more about these statistics, peep my page about the Safer Beauty movement HERE.)

But back to the process.  It is VERY hard to know if a product is safe for our health simply by looking at the package.  It may say “natural”, but let’s be real, lead is natural.  (Little known fact- approx. 95% of lipsticks in department and drug stores have lead in them.)  You have to be an informed consumer to truly know what you’re buying anymore.  Even someone like me- who is totally obsessed with this stuff and cares immensely about using clean things- can’t always look at a product and know how clean or toxic it is.  It takes resources and a whole lot of research.  Which is exactly why I’ve been more or less stuck in my ways with my routine- when I find a company I trust, I stick with them- I can buy what I like knowing they’ve done the homework for me.  So much easier!

I knew right away this project would require research. I’m no Liz Wolfe- I try my best to be knowledgable, but I’m a pretty regular girl just doing the best I can (man I love her- what a wealth of knowledge!).  So I started with exactly that, research.

Since part of my goal was to find products that were fairly accessible to people, I focused on some of the more ‘mainstream’ brands that fit into the “health-minded” beauty category.  I went on a store searching craze to see what was selling on the shelves.  I brought my notebook everywhere I went, and jotted down everything I saw.  I paid special attention to marketing, as that always fascinates me- those words of trickery so many use. 😉 #greenwashing

I also researched which products were most popular online.  I then put my notes together and narrowed my list down to the top thirty or so popular products for the health-minded shopper.

From there, the real research began.

You can usually tell what a company’s ethics are with just a little poking around, so I started there.  Then I went to individual products so see if what they were doing indeed matched their mission.

I hunted down the ingredients lists for every single product on my list.  I used an array of resources- I find EWG’s Skin Deep site the most handy, but used several resources to cross-check information.

Rule #1: If anything had the word “fragrance” or “parfum” in it, it had to go.  (Some companies make some products that are really great and some that aren’t- as a general rule, I try to support those who are doing well all the way around, so if a company had quite a few products with the key deterrents, I omitted the company from my list all together.)

Rule #2: Look for any and all signs of parabens and other nasty junk.  ‘Cause they sadly sneak their way into a lot.

Rule #3: Lookup any ingredient that I am not familiar with to see what it’s all about.  This was great- I learned a ton of new information during this step!  I am particularly weary of minerals in makeup, as they often contain heavy metals.  Figuring out this aspect of the ingredient hunt took the most time… and is consequently why you’ll not find many makeup companies in my collection.  It’s not that there aren’t great cosmetic lines out there, but I am picky about this aspect, especially being six months pregnant right now.  I know Beautycounter screens for heavy metals three times per batch… and I just wasn’t able to find out a whole lot about some of the other companies.  It doesn’t mean they’re doing anything wrong, I just didn’t have sufficient data to feel comfortable switching over myself. 🙂

Rule #4: Once my list was plucked through, double-check safety data sites to see that safety ratings matched my findings.

Alright, safety research done… now it was time to try things for performance!

My local Whole Foods marketing manager is very kind and offered to help me on my quest to further explore safer products.  She generously offered to sponsor some of the products on my list that Whole Foods carries in store.  I was so appreciative, as this project could’ve potentially added up mighty quickly!

I got my hands on all the things on my list over the next week, and began wearing away.  I knew it would take more than just a few days of trying things to know how they’d affect my skin.  I also knew that making tons of changes at once would hinder my ability to gauge how much I liked each one on its own.  I wanted to have a couple of months at least to try things out before the March event.

Overall, some worked better for me than others, but overall, I had a ton of fun learning and exploring all of these new products I found!  I was really pleased with several, and they’ve now become regulars in my rotation!  I know there are SO many more products and companies out there to explore- ones I’d surely love- but for now, I wanted to share with you what I’ve added into my collection so far.

If you have something to share- a product you love, maybe a fact to add, or something you feel I’ve misjudged here, please do!  I am forever learning, and love gaining insight from others!! ❤

Finally, my very last step… how to share this all with others?  

I pondered this question for weeks.  Did I want to make the products look beautiful for you by using images from their sites?  Did I want to just post a roundup of products, listing them in a listed sequence for you to sift through?  Did I want to highlight only a few faves as to not overwhelm you?  I wasn’t sure, so one day just brought out everything of my bathroom and dumped it on the living room floor.  I split it into categories to see what I was working with.  Then it hit me… the most authentic and true way for me to share with you would be to simply to take pictures of what I had.  Yep, all piled up on the floor.

Nothing fancy, nothing strategically designed, just my products all gathered into heaps.  This is it- this is really what I use.  My whole personal care life, scattered on my floor.  Of course this is not all used every day… it’s all on rotation, depending on my mood, needs, and desires at the time.  Maybe you like and use some of these same products yourself…?! 🙂

Here we go!

(Note: the products I have and use are great recommendations for those looking for high-performing products that are free from the many toxins and chemicals known to present dangers to our health.  Of course the most clean and simple approach is to make your products from scratch right in your home- I love and respect that some women choose that route- however I prefer to use pre-made products that I know work well for my needs.  I’m a mid-30-something looking for anti-aging benefits, fun colors, and the pizzazz of pretty products, but that are made with the health and safety precautions I want.  Products are not a one-size-fits-all thing… but this is what works for me.❤)

Let’s start with hair…

Hair do care!  I have long, fine hair that needs love.  I like products that won’t weigh it down, and that leave it nice and soft… ’cause man it’s a pain to get through knots in this nest!

Andalou, EO, and Acure are brands that you can find at many stores, including Whole Foods.  I tend to rotate my shampoos and conditioners (my hair likes change), so have those all on the shelf along with my Beautycounter ones.  I like the Leave-In Conditioning spray from Acure and use the Sea Salt Spray from Beautycounter as my hair spray, de-frizzer, and volumizer.  

I get asked about dry shampoo a lot!  I am a minimalist when it comes to my hair- I don’t dry, iron, or curl often, and I really don’t use many products other then the occasional spritz of sea salt spray or conditioner as mentioned above, but I do LOVE a good dry shampoo!  Fine hair like mine can get greasy easily… this stuff is a savior in those times.

Sun protection…

I was never a BB cream or foundation wearer in my day, but I have fallen IN LOVE with Beautycounter’s Dew Skin.  It’s a light tinted moisturizer with SPF 20.  I can wear both tint #2 or #3, ’cause they’re so sheer it doesn’t make a huge difference.  I put this on every single morning and my sun needs are met for the day, no matter what adventure comes my way.

Since I am so in love with BC’s, I thought I’d better try some more products like this out!  Andalou’s BB Cream is also super great.  It has SPF 30, and comes in one “sheer” tint.  You can’t go wrong either way!

When in need of a body sunblock- of the lotion sort- I go for my Beautycounter SPF 30, but really love the mini Stick Sunscreen for my life on the go.  I keep one in my purse at all times, so I can just bust it out when a sudden sunny need calls.

Teeth and pits…

Weird to put together in one category, I know, but it happened.

I tried- no joke- ten deodorant brands in 2016.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that every woman’s body is different.  Hormonally, we all have varying things happening.  What works for one may not for another.  There are some amazing brands out there (I’ve heard great things about Piperwai by the way), but for whatever reason, many didn’t work well for me.  They made me sweaty feeling… eck.  Lavanilla’s has been working.  I like the vanilla lemon one personally… it’s worked for some friends and hasn’t for others.  As a prego lady, I feel like my hormones are all whonky, but for the most part, this stuff has been holding up!  You can find a travel size one at Whole Foods to give it a whirl before going in full-size, if you’d like.

I am a big fan of Jason toothpastes- no fluoride, no junk, but super great minty goodness.  I also am SUPER into Primal Life’s Dirty Mouth tooth powder.  I was skeptical at first that a tooth powder could work, but I love it.  Also dig their gum serum.

And had to throw in another pic to show my fave charcoal capsules too!  HUGE activated charcoal fan here.  I wear charcoal masks and have even used it in my pits for a good cleanse too.  For my teeth though, it’s worked super well as a whitener.  I just break the little capsule, pour some onto my brush, and scrub away.  It looks crazy- but in a fabulously entertaining way.  I will warn you that your gum line may be a touch grey for a bit after the brushing, but it goes away.  And it does make a little mess if you’re not careful- do it all over the sink and you should be fine. 😉


Face washes and cleansers…

Okay, this one’s pretty Beautycounter heavy.  I don’t use these each every day- they’re all on rotation.

I love both Juice Beauty’s Cleansing Milk and Beautycounter’s Cream and Exfoliating Cleansers.  They are all creamy, smooth, gentle, and remove makeup well.  The main difference is that the exfoliator has jojoba beads in it to well, exfoliate the skin.  Juice Beauty is Gwyneth Paltrow’s baby… she’s creative director of makeup over there.  Fun stuff!

Lastly, I have the Charcoal Cleansing Bar by Beautycounter pictured here.  It’s my go-to for cleansing temperamental skin issues- I keep it in the shower for use on my face, chest, and back every so often.  Just remember to keep it on a holey well-draining dish so it stays happy and lasts a long time for you (I use THIS one).

Night creams…

Acure’s Argon Night Cream is probably one of the most affordable out there.  It’s what I used before I discovered Beautycouter, and I still like it today.  It’s super moisturizing.  Andalou’s Coconut Youth Firm Night Cream smells great- like coconutty heaven.  I was actually worried there may be fake fragrances happening here because the smell was that deliciously strong, but nope.  It’s a light moisturizer- good for those who like lightweight creams.  Speaking of lightweight, Beautycounter’s Nourishing Day and Night Creams are both super light- made with coconut oil and fab for sensitive skin. I often add a drop or two of face oil right in mine for a little extra kick.  My fave has got to be Beautycounter’s Rejuvenating Night Cream though.  It’s more expensive than the rest, but it leaves my skin SO soft and silky, and has the “aging gracefully” properties I like too. 😉  Over there on the far right is Beautycounter’s Rejuvenating Eye Cream– a little goes a long way with that one- my go-to for any puffy raccoon-eye needs. 😉

The bombest balm…

But,  can’t move beyond this category without mentioning my absolute favorite product in the entire skin care universe.  Yes, that’s a thing.  You Insta followers have likely seen a handful of videos where I’ve referred to my Cleansing Balm by that name before… it’s truly my favorite.  It’s a versatile multi-use balm that I’m convinced doesn’t have a single thing that it could do better.  I’ve asked my Beautycounter consultant group if anyone has EVER had a single complaint about this thing- from any customer out there throughout the US or Canada and the answer still to this day is no.  It’s truly a customer fave!

I’m asked most often how I use this guy.  It’s quite simple actually.  While it serves as a deep cleanser and night balm both, I personally use it as a night mask most.  A few nights a week, I’ll wash as usual, then apply a dime-sized amount of the balm to my face and rub in.  I’ll go to sleep with it on, then wake up with happy and hydrated skin the next morn.  I find it helps with moisture balancing, breakouts, burns, everything!  Once in a while, I’ll also use the cleansing benefits too… for that, you just take a small amount and rub it on, then wipe it off with a warm towel or cloth (it comes with some for you to use).  It’s the most oily feeling we have, but anyone who’s ever oil cleansed won’t find that strange at all!

Face oils…

Ahh, face oils, my jam!  I actually wrote a little post some time ago about why face oils are so great for skin- check it out HERE, if you want!  In short, despite popular belief, our skin needs to stay hydrated and loves good quality plant-based oils.  They mimic it’s natural sebum, and help it stay balanced, happy, and healthy.  Dry skin, breakouts, uneven tones… face oils can help with it all!

Two of my faves are Evan Healy’s Argan Intensive Serum, with Frankincense in it which I love, and Beautycounter’s #1 Brightening Face Oil, with Vitamin C in it (formerly called the “Soothing” oil).  I add a couple of drops to my face cream, or just rub them on straight for an extra boost of moisture in the morn or night!

Mask, masks, and more masks!

I LOVE face masks!  These days I feel like a hoarder of masks.. agh, I just can’t stop.

There are plenty of fun options out there.  I’d say my main two faves are Beautycounter’s Charcoal Mask, with activated charcoal, kaolin clay, peppermint, ginger, and more… and Evan Healy’s French Rose Clay Mask.  They’re really different.

The charcoal mask is a paste-like mask- pre-mixed, so you just squeeze it out, spread it on, and let it dry.  Evan Healy’s is a powdery clay… because well, it’s just clay.  Pretty cool right?  You mix it with water or tonic to make a paste, then spread it on and let it dry.  I love both- obviously Evan Healy’s is a lot simpler in nature… and Beautycounter’s has a little more going on (I use it as a blemish spot treatment too).  Acure makes a Red Clay Mask too- sometimes I spot it on super sale at Whole Foods- it’s a little less exciting in my opinion, but does turn you a rather unique shade I like to call “Donald Trump”. 😉

You can see in this little snap the texture of the Evan Healy mask.. pure powdery clay.

Speaking of masks, Beautycounter just came out with a few brand new collections this month.  Each one contains a mist, mask, and face oil to boost your regular routine.  They come in mini spa collections, full-size collections, or as individual products too.  I wrote a post about them all HERE.  I’m diggin’ the #1 Vitamin C line… brightens me up!

Toners and tonics…

So many options… it really comes down to what texture you like.  Pads, a serum, or  mist?  Evan Healy’s Lavender Facial Tonic HydroSoul is straight-forward and simple- just floral water (it has a lovely sweet honey-like scent).  I also like Beautycounter’s Rose Water.  Floral waters help tone, awaken, and refreshen our skin.  Tip: keep them in the fridge for an extra refreshing spritz!  It’s said that floral water can set makeup too.

The Rejuvenating Toner Pads have Vitamin C to help brighten skin and even out tone and discolorations.  The Rejuvenating Radiance Serum also has a little C in it, and is geared to help with minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pores.

Whichever I choose… I wash, then use one of these, then moisturize once skin is dry. 🙂

And onto body oils and cream!

Being prego makes me want to oil up more than ever before… this growing belly needs some heavy moisture and lovin!  I’ve been using Beautycounter’s Body Butter and Baby Oil pretty much every day.  The baby oil is less expensive than the “adult” body oil and is scent-free too.  The fun golden oil on the left is the Lustro Shimmer Oil– fun for those special occasions where you want a little bronzy glow and shine!

Makeup!  All the fun colors to add vibrance and glow…

I gotta be real, this too is pretty much all Beautycounter.  I know what I like, and when it works I keep with it.  Plus, as I mentioned in the process section of the intro above, I’m real picky about heavy metals in my makeup.  I’ve tried some new things lately and added in a few to offer other options, but I really like and trust what I use.  Sorry I don’t have more to show you… but Beautycounter has all my makeup needs met!


Eyes and brows…

I love Beautycounter’s dark brow pencil– it has a brush on one end and the pencil on the other.  The golden brown eye liner is great for a natuarl look- black for a bolder one- and navy or violet for a fun twist!  (I recently found some fun Mineral Fusion liners that looked pretty too… hope to learn more soon!)  I use Beautycounter’s Lengthening Mascara every day.  I’ll be honest with you, it’s prob BC’s most controversial product- most love it, but some have complained that it’s tough to get off.  I find an oil works great- whether coconut oil, an oily balm, or something else of the sort.  In my view, better that than the opposite problem, which I’ve had a lot of in the past with other safer brands.  It goes on and stays on… but if you like easy to wash off, this one is not for you.  I recently tried Pacifica’s 7-in-1 mascara… it doesn’t make my lashes as long or bold, but it is easy to wash off. 🙂

Skin coverage…

Well we already know that Dew Skin is my fave… my morning must-have.  I love the glow, the sun protection, and the moisturizing element too.  The Touchup Skin Concealer Pen is great for under eye coverage and blemish and spot coverups.  The Tint Skin Foundation is a heavier coverage foundation, but is still light relative to most foundations.  I’ll be honest, I don’t wear it much… I’m more of a lightweight gal with my face, but nearly all of my friends and fam love the Tint.  For special occasions, I’ll mix the Tint and Dew for the nest of both worlds. 🙂

Lip love…

I recently found Eco Lips lip scrub… have been on the hunt for a lip exfoliator for days!  It’s tasty, sugary, and made clean. 🙂

I was never a lip gloss wearer in the past, but love Beautycounter’s because they’re light and smooth, not goopy or thick.  My latest fave colors are the Coralbell and Fig.  The Lip Sheers here are Twig and Plum… a nude natural tone and a fun springy one!

The rest…

I’d say my fave thing here is the Caramel Cream Blush.  It’s a cream-based blush in a neutral golden tone. I never in my life thought I’d wear something like it- I always liked powder blush- like the Tawny/Whisper duo pictured below- but the Caramel cream guy has quickly taken over.  It’s great for dry or aging skin, and allows you to control the amount of color that goes on easily, since you’re rubbing it in by hand.  The Caramel color leaves a faint sun-kissed golden glow.  When I want a little more oomph, I add a little brush of powder blush over it.

Gabriel makes an array of nice colors… like the Rose Blush pictured here.  Gabriel’s sister company, Zuzu Deluxe, makes some fun eye shadows too.  I like neutral shimmery tones for my base…. to brighten the eyes.  I have Beautycounter’s Pearl/Champagne, Peach/Bronze, and Fawn/Night shadow duos pictured here.   Duos are fun, ’cause you get two in one.  Lastly, the Mattify Finishing Powder… it’s a translucent powder that mattes up your look and keeps makeup in place for the day.  I often use it around my eyes.  Christy Coleman, celebrity makeup artist and Beautycounter’s head of creative design, recommends that powder not be colored- not only do colored powders often enhance lines as they set into wrinkles, but the mix of the powder and whatever other makeup is on (foundation, let’s say) can chemically react and create undesirable results as they mix.  Makes sense to me!


Every once in a blue moon, Beautycounter will come out with a palette that changes my whole game… like this Desert Collection that released in February.  The palettes usually have a few new colors- this one has highly pigmented tones in the natural golden, green, and purple shades… super fun stuff.  Keep your eyes peeled for more!

Nails and toesies…

There are some great non-toxic nail polish companies out there.  Some are super clean- I’ve heard wonderful things about Acquarella as a super safey, Piggy Paint for kiddos, and Base Coat too.  This little handful below shows just a few of the companies I’ve found that strive to make cleaner less toxic colors that stay on.  That means they may not be the absolute cleanest out there, but they do a good job at actually staying on your nails.  I find everything works better with a base and top coat, so use Cote’s base no matter which polish I’m putting on.

I have Gabriel’s nail polish remover.  It takes a bit longer to get polishes off than your standard one, but that’s because it doesn’t have all the same junk.  It actually feels almost oily in nature… moisturizing for the nails, which I like. 🙂

Lastly, the product for all…

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is like the one-in-all everything product.  It can clean anything it seems… from body to clothes to house!  I keep one in the shower, one under the bathroom sink, and one in the kitchen too.  It’s a great clean and safe multi-purpose buddy to keep around!

Whew, we made it!!  My collection on display!  Would love to hear from you… what are your fave safer beauty and personal care products?!  

A peek at the Whole Foods Beauty Event in March…

Fun FYI: from March 22nd-28th, all skin care and cosmetics will be 25% off all all regional stores!  That’s Capitola, Silicon Valley, Monterey, and Santa Cruz area stores!  You just may even see my little face poking around mentioning some of my fave safer beauty picks!! ♥

I couldn’t help but both laugh and blush when I saw these beautiful charcoal drawings of our faces!
And below here is my good friend Arsy of Rubies & Radishes…
she came along with me for a fun little brunch WF put on that morning!

How fun is this?!  My little face is scattered around stores telling folks what I recommend…
thanks to Whole Foods for asking me to be part of such a great event!
I love that this movement is becoming more mainstream!! ❤

Filed Under: Recipe Archives, Safer Beauty

Taco Taters! {Sweet Potatoes or Russets Stuffed w/all the Goods}

March 11, 2017 by Natalie

Food stuffed inside food has got to be one of my favorite things ever.  I mean, it just doesn’t get any better.

One of my fave things to stuff… potatoes.  They’re so comforting, easy, and they take on whatever flavor you want them to.  They’re the perfect vessel for carrying, well other foods.  (You’ve probably seen me post dozens of food-stuffed-inside-food recipes in the past… like these taco meat tapas, a similar-but-mini concept!)

I think we can also agree tacos are one of the world’s best creations… and that it’s the garnishes that make them so to-die-for.  So the notion of a taco and stuffed potato really hits home.  Take all those tasty things you love to put in tacos and slather them into baked potatoes.  Sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, whatever potatoes you like.  It’s comforting yet refreshing all at the same time.

Okay, enough trying to describe these bay boys… you’ll just have to make ’em and see. 😉


fills approx four large potatoes

INGREDIENTS

for the taco meat…

1 lb ground beef (or turkey if preferred)

1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1 small or 1/2 large)

1 tsp minced garlic (approx 2 cloves)

1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (2 Romas)

1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder blend

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt, plus more as desired

1/4 tsp black pepper

dash crushed red pepper flakes

.

4 large sweet or russet potatoes

.

optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cabbage, microgreens or sprouts, sour cream, grated cheese, sliced jalapeño pepper, chopped green onion, crush red pepper flakes, and whatever else your imagination comes up with!

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Begin by baking potatoes…

I give ’em a good wash, then poke some holes in them and bake them right on the rack plain…

if preferred, you can rub some olive oil and salt on first

They’ll need about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on size

Meanwhile, begin prepping the taco meat mixture…

Add oil to a pan over medium heat

Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and all spices

Stir and cook for a few minutes, until softened and fragrant

Add parsley and meat

Increase heat to medium-high, stirring often to avoid burning

I like this higher heat to help cook off some of the liquids, but if needed, keep it at medium instead

Once done, taste and adjust seasonings as desired

Once potatoes and meat are both done, scoop some of the potato from the centers…

leave enough along the sides to act as a wall to keep them upright

Gently mix the potato and meat mixture together

Scoop the potato-meat mixture into the taters until nice and full

If wanted, top with some grated cheese…

Then toss them back into the oven for a few minutes until melted

Then top with all the garnishes you love!

Same goes for sweet potatoes…

I personally love the crunch of fresh cabbage and microgreens…

Whatever you smother ’em with, dig in and enjoy!

Want to Pin this for another day?

Filed Under: Beef, Pork, Bison, & Lamb, Comfort Food, Fall & Winter, Gluten Free, Paleo & Primal, Recipe Archives, Whole30 Options

Beautycounter+ {New Skin Regimens You’ll Love!}

March 7, 2017 by Natalie

Update!  I just posted a sample giveaway on my Instagram page…
from March 10th to the 12th, you can win a cute little sample set!  Check it out HERE. 🙂

I’ve been waiting sooo long for this!  A collection that’s regimen-driven…
made for your personal skin needs!

We all know I’m into my Beautycounter goods… to have a go-to source that’s reliable, morally in line with what I believe, and that I can trust for my health and safety is invaluable.  Since I began using them 1 1/2 to 2 years ago, I haven’t stopped.  But, as we know, everyone’s skin is different, and therefor everyone’s skin needs different things.  Some of us require a bit more moisture, while others have spots they want to conceal or breakouts they want to clean up.
It’s simply not one-size-fits-all when it comes to skin care.

Which is exactly why these Beautycounter+ collections are so freaking exciting!!

Three mist-mask-oil collections for three skin needs.
All collections are suitable for all skin types- if you have a particular concern you’d like help addressing, please reach out at beautycounterbynatalie@gmail.com…
happy to help you find what’s best for you!

You can absolutely mix and match too!
All products are sold individually, as collections, and in mini ‘spa’ collections too…
perfect for trying things out or for travels on the go!  See all options HERE. ♥

We all know I’m obsessed with everything charcoal.  Have you seen the alien-face pics scattering my Instagram page?  Or maybe the charcoal-smothered teeth of my morning routine?  I’m super into the stuff.  And face oils…  ah, so obsessed.  Maybe you saw my post about why faces loves oils here, or have heard me rave about them in the past.  I’ve become quite enamored with the changes my skin has gone through since using these.  I think you’re going to love them too!

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1- The Brightening Collection
Infused with antioxidant-rich Vitamin C to help even skin tones and diminish discoloration and age spots… for a brighter radiant look.

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2- The Plumping Collection
The collection for those wanting plumper, firmer, more hydrated skin… infused with peony and jasmine to help with hydration, inflammation, elasticity, and microcirculation.

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3- The Balancing Collection
Infused with activated charcoal and ylang ylang, this collection helps balance out oily or combination skin and even out skin textures and tones.

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The Mists

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The Face Oils

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The Masks

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How to use your mask…

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If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out- I’d love to help!! ♥

Filed Under: Misc. & Other, Recipe Archives

Broiled Grapefruit {w/Coconut Sugar & Cinnamon}

March 1, 2017 by Natalie

Nothing fancy here, but it’s too good to not share…

I’ve always been a huge grapefruit fan.  But never in my life did I think I’d crave a grapefruit warm.

That all changed last week.

I’ve been really into grilling fruits the last few years- maybe you’ve seen my grilled peaches, grilled figs, grilled apricot, and grilled blueberry endeavors.  I sometimes even grill lemons and limes for salsas and guac… but what I’d never done was a grill a grapefruit.

With the weather grey and a hankering to try, I decided I’d give some broiled grapefruit a try instead… there has been no grilling around these parts for quite some time (whoa torrential rains).  A quick glance online revealed this was no new idea… turns out others like cooked grapefruit too- with good reason!  It’s surprisingly delicious.  Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on that bad boy and you’ve got yourself a mighty tasty breakfast or dessert.  Cinnamon makes everything in life better. ♥

Why I love it:

1- It takes a naturally delicious fruit and turns it into a decadent feeling treat.

2- The sugars caramelize over the top… need I say more?

3- It’s so comforting with the warm cinnamon vibes, yet light and summery still.

4- I get to use my grapefruit spoon, which I’ll take any excuse to bust out.

5- It take five minutes.  Have a simple breakfast treat or spruce it up with a little ice cream and mint leaf for a fancy-feeling and impressionable dessert in an easy jiffy.

6- It’s pretty… and pretty food makes me smile.  😉


per grapefruit…

INGREDIENTS

1 grapefruit

1 tsp coconut sugar (1/2 tsp per half)

optional: a sprinkle of ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat broiler

Slice grapefruit in half and prep it as you usually would…

I typically give it a good slice around the edge, then a quick cut along each wedge

Alternatively, you could skip cutting and just use a grapefruit spoon to eat (which has serrated edges to help move things long) or use a grapefruit knife to cut wedges in a jiffy)

Tip: if they’re wobbly guys, give the bottoms a teeny trim to create a stable standing base

Sprinkle each grapefruit half with 1/2 tsp coconut sugar (or other sugar you like- I use this one)

Totally optional, but highly recommend- sprinkle each half with a little ground cinnamon…

adds the perfect happy oomph to the final product!

Lay grapefruit halves on a baking sheet

Broil for approx 5 minutes, until golden brown around the edges

That’s it!

Dig in, devour, and enjoy!!

Want to pin it for another day? ♥

Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts & Sweet Treats, Gluten Free, Paleo & Primal, Recipe Archives

Asian~Style Salad Dressing {Paleo}

February 25, 2017 by Natalie

We all know that classic “Chinese Chicken Salad” flavor… that sesame-ginger-honey sauce that’s oh so good.  But I have two qualms.

1- I’ve never been to China -some day- but I have this sneaking suspicion that there is no such beast there.  What we know to be the “Chinese Chicken Salad” we all love in the States is thanks to… Costco, Applebee’s, maybe P.F. Chang’s?  I love that Americanized classic as much as the next gal, but since I get a lot of comments when I post recipes pertaining to a certain region or ethnicity, I’ll just say it now.  No, I do not believe this is authentic Chinese in any way. 😉

2- That classic dressing, while I love it so, is usually filled with quite the hunk of crap.  I try not to let such thoughts take my joy away when it comes to food, but dudes, have you ever seen what’s in the typical dressing you there these days?  Makes me grateful I grew up on homemades.  So I figure, why have junk-sauce when you can have a totally delicious one that’s made with simple clean real food?

So earlier this week when I busted out a little Asian-inspired chicken salad- with marinated chicken thighs, mandarins, cucumber, carrots, red onion, avocado, red bells, cilantro, and some slivered almonds- I knew just what I had to do.  Come up with a clean version of that “Chinese Chicken Salad” dressing we all love.  I make a lot of dressings, but I have to say, this one pleased me more than most. ♥

Here’s how it goes down…

  1. Make salad with all the goodies you like.  I used iceburg this time, ’cause I wanted that extra refreshing crisp crunch.  My chicken thighs were marinated in a ginger-garlic-coconut aminos sauce.  (I like coconut aminos because it’s slightly less salty and more sweet than regular tamari or soy sauce.)  I tossed my sliced cukes in a little rice vinegar beforehand too… but that’s totally unnecessary, unless you’re bored and love pickled tasting things like I do. 😉
    Oh and psst, a little sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top makes for a beauteous touch.

2.  Decide if you want crunch.  We’re huge fans of crunch around here- my hubs loves toasted ramen noodles (if that’s not your thing just skip right along) and I love toasted sliced or slivered almonds.  You could also add green onions, sliced cabbage, or other nuts you like- like toasted cashews.  Love me some toasted cashews.  Anything for crunch.

3.  Whip up your dressing by adding all the ingredients together, blending until smooth, then making sure it’s to your liking.  I like a little spice, so add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper- you may want to start with just 1/8 instead.  Get it however you like it. 🙂

4.  Pour that stuff all over your ginormous crisp salad.

5.  Toss and dig in!  If you think they’ll be leftovers, I’d dress in small portions instead (who likes soggy salad the next day?), but we never have leftovers when we make things like this. 😉

That’s it!  I’d love to hear how you like it if you try!! ♥

makes 4 oz dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger

1 tsp chopped garlic, 1-2 cloves

1 tbsp chopped green onion

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 tbsp avocado oil (or subtle tasting olive oil)

1/4 cup rice vinegar (see note below)

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp coconut aminos

1/8 to 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, to taste

.

*I prefer rice vinegar for this, but you can use ACV instead.. start with 1/8 cup and work your way up, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients together in a blender until smooth (I use my NutriBullet)

Taste and adjust flavors as desired

Pour over your fave salad, toss, and gobble!

Save Print
Asian~Style Salad Dressing {Paleo}
Author: Honey, Ghee, & Me
Recipe type: Condiment
Prep time:  2 mins
Cook time:  1 min
Total time:  3 mins
Serves: 4 oz
 
If you're looking for that classic "Asian-Chicken Salad Dressing" flavor, this is a great no-junk option you can make right at home!
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp chopped garlic, approx 2 cloves
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onion
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or subtle tasting olive oil)
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos (if using tamari, use half since it's saltier)
  • ⅛ to ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.
  3. Enjoy!
3.5.3226

Filed Under: Asian Flavors, Condiments, Dips, & Sauces, Gluten Free, Paleo & Primal, Salads

Coconut Brownies {Paleo, GF}

February 6, 2017 by Natalie

My sis-in-law makes these brownies… these really amazing decadent brownies.  Crazy thing is, they’re made with super clean ingredients.  Completely real non-junk food.  I was stunned when she told me this.  So I asked her for the recipe so I could further indulge in this new brownie obsession.  She sent me to to Pinterest, where I found what was a simple and delightful recipe (here) for some mighty guiltless-looking chocolate treats.

The first time I made them I was so pleased- dangerously so- couldn’t keep my hands off the things!  Unlike the recipe, I used coconut flakes, because that’s what I happened to have on hand.  My “coconut butter” didn’t turn out quite as smooth and creamy as the one pictured on Pinterest, but they were crazy delicious still, so I didn’t care.  Second time I tried the shredded route, which turned out more buttery, but no less wonderful except for the fact that they were a smidgen more fudge-like in texture.  Then I began playing around- making brownies every week it seemed haha- no longer following a recipe but just using whatever I had on hand, experimenting with flavors and cooking times.  In the end, here’s what I came up with- it’s much like the original, with just a couple of tiny little tweaks.  You could easily use this as a base recipe to play and modify from… maybe add chipotle one time, ginger another, or possibly even some coffee grounds to give it a little kick.

No matter how you play, I think you’re going to love them… it’s so hard to believe something so rich and indulgent can be made from such simple clean ingredients, but ’tis so.  They’re more dense than a typical brownie, but moist, sweet, rich, and if you go with the sea salt recommendation, a tad salty too.  Oh, and they’re best when cool in my little opinion… like little squares of fudge. 😉

makes approx 9 squares

INGREDIENTS

3 cups unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut, like this one (see note below)

1 cup chopped dark chocolate- 70% or more, approx 4 oz ounces (check ingredients for a good qual one)

10 medjool dates (pits removed)

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

ghee, butter, or oil to grease dish, like this one

.

optional: sea salt flakes for the top, like this one

*shreds tend to turn creamier than flakes, but either will work!

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Add shredded or flaked coconut to a food processor

Blend for approx 7-10 minutes, until a pasty buttery-like consistency has formed

As noted above, shreds tend to cream up quicker than flakes do

Add dates, with pits removed of course 😉

Blend a smidgen more

Add chocolate

Blend some more

Add eggs, vanilla, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon

Give that bad boy one more mix, until smooth and creamy

Grease a baking dish with your fave oil (I like coconut or avo), butter, or ghee… an 8×8 works well

Pour the batter into the dish, gently smoothening with a spatula or spoon

Optional but high recommended, sprinkle a little flaked or course sea salt over the top

Bake on the middle rack, uncovered, for approx 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted

in the middle comes out clean (cooking time may vary depending on altitude, size of eggs, etc)

Be careful not to overdo it… no one likes dry brownies 😉

Let cool for as long as you can stand… up to an hour is ideal,

but if you’re anything like me, you simply just can’t wait that long 😉

Store in an airtight container in the fridge

Save Print
Coconut Brownies
Author: Honey, Ghee, & Me
Recipe type: Paleo
Cuisine: Dessert
Prep time:  5 mins
Cook time:  20 mins
Total time:  25 mins
Serves: approx 9 squares
 
Simple moist brownies made with simple real foods.
Ingredients
  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut (see note below)
  • approx 4 oz ounces 70% dark chocolate (or darker), or 1 cup chopped
  • 10 medjool dates (pits removed)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • optional: sea salt flakes for the top
Instructions
  1. Add coconut to a food processor and blend for 7-10 minutes, until smooth and buttery.
  2. Add pitted dates, then blend for approx 1 minute.
  3. Add chopped chocolate, then blend until smooth.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt... bland a bit more.
  5. Transfer batter to a greased 8x8 baking dish and smooth with a spatula.
  6. Bake at 350 for approx 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  7. Let cool approx 1 hour before serving, then devour!
3.5.3226

Filed Under: Recipe Archives

Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala {Simplified}

January 22, 2017 by Natalie

Calling all Tikka Masala fans!!

This is a foolproof recipe that requires no fancy prep, marinating, or skills whatsoever.  It’s the simplest of the simple… the version that anyone, yes anyone, can make!

Now of course if you’d like to get proper with it and marinate your chicken in yogurt ahead of time and sauté up your onions and garlic beforehand, you go right ahead, but if you’re like me and sometimes just need a super simple, easy, do-nothing-to-prep meal, this is your guy.  It has so much flavor, despite having minimal steps.  I think you’re gonna like it. ❤

The key to tikka masala is garam masala– a blend of spices that gives it that classic flavor we all know and love.  It’s usually a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, fennel, cumin, black pepper, and cloves… good combo, right?  You can find it at most grocery stores, or on Amazon here.

Aside from that, all of the ingredients in this bad boy are pretty simple and straight-forward household staples.  Diced tomatoes, chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk.  Speaking of coconut milk, if you prefer cream, you could absolutely use that instead… whichever floats your boat.

What to serve with your meal?  I’m personally a huge fan of rice with this, and as a self-proclaimed Condiment Queen, love a good array of chutneys too.  I happened to have this chutney already on hand, and then threw together a quick raita with whole milk grass-fed yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, chives, coriander, and cumin.

If you’re Whole-30 ing, this recipe is 100% legit!  Just stick to the coconut milk and ghee, use cauli rice, and use coconut yogurt for your raita instead!! 

I also happened to have some tasty pre-made papadums on-hand, which you just throw in a pan to fry up quickly for a couple of seconds and they’re done… fun and yum, but not necessary at all.  (I use this avocado oil, which you can find online or get at a super snazzy deal at Costco too- $9.99 for a giganto one.)

makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1.5 – 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless

1 large yellow onion, approx 2 cups

1.5 tbsp pressed or finely minced garlic, approx 5-6 large cloves

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

1 tbsp garam masala

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 15-oz jar or can diced tomatoes

1/3 cup coconut milk (or coconut cream, regular cream, half and half, etc)

.

*optional: 1-2 tbsp ghee or butter and fresh cilantro to garnish

**this dish is 100% Whole30 if you stick with the coconut milk/cream and ghee!

DIRECTIONS

Chop chicken into medium-large strips or cubes

Press garlic, grate ginger, chop onion, and measure out spices

(I press garlic because it makes a more packed tablespoon than a mince, meaning more tasty garlic flavor!)

Add all ingredients to Crock Pot, except chicken and coconut milk

Stir it all up, then add chopped chicken breast

Mix well, cover, and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, or low for approx 7

Once done, gently stir… otherwise that chicken will fall apart and shred right there on the spot!

Time to add some creamy fatty goodness…

I scoop the cream right off the top of the coconut milk- that’s the best stuff!

Add coconut milk/cream and if wanted, a couple of tbsp of ghee or butter for good measure…

All Indian food- forget that- all food– is better with a little butta 😉

That’s it!  Adjust seasonings if wanted…

Serve, top with fresh cilantro, and get ready to devour

Serve up with your fave rice, chutneys, salad, papadums, naan, or whatever else your heart and belly desire ♥

——————————————————————————————————————–

Save Print
Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala {Simplified}
Author: Honey, Ghee, & Me
Recipe type: Whole30, Crock Pot, Simple
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time:  5 mins
Cook time:  4 hours
Total time:  4 hours 5 mins
Serves: 4 servings
 
A simple take on Chicken Tikka Masala!
Ingredients
  • 1.5 - 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless
  • 1 large yellow onion, approx 2 cups
  • 1.5 tbsp pressed or finely minced garlic, approx 5-6 large cloves
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 15-oz jar or can diced tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup coconut milk (or coconut cream, regular cream, half and half, etc)
  • .
  • *optional: 1-2 tbsp ghee or butter and fresh cilantro to garnish
  • **this dish is 100% Whole30 if you stick with the coconut milk/cream and ghee!
Instructions
  1. - Chop chicken into medium-large pieces, press garlic, grate ginger, and chop onion.
  2. - Add all ingredients into Crock Pot, except chicken and coconut milk.
  3. - Stir, add chicken, mix, then cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours or low for 7.
  4. - Once done, add coconut milk/cream and if wanted, ghee or butter.
  5. - Serve, top with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!
3.5.3226

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Want to Pin It for another time?  I’d love to see you again!

Filed Under: Chicken & Turkey, Comfort Food, Fall & Winter, Gluten Free, Paleo & Primal, Recipe Archives, Slow-Cooker & Crock Pot, Whole30 Options

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    Hi, I’m Natalie!  I’m a fan of all things food, spontaneous adventures and witty humor. I like my food colorful and my products made clean! (Find me on Instagram @honeygheeme for more!)

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