Coffee Scrub

We all know a good scrub does your skin good. It gets rid of the dead skin cells and improves circulation. But we also know body scrubs can be a bit expensive.

So here’s an idea- make your own scrub! When you make your own- it’s SOOOO much cheaper. Almost free actually :) And you know what you’re putting on your skin, which is always a plus. No chemicals! And even if it seems like it doesn’t really matter…I mean, you’re going to wash it away anyway, so why even think about the chemicals you put on your skin? It’s not like you’re eating it. But the wey I see it- IF YOU WOULDN’T BE WILING TO EAT IT- DON’T PUT IT ON YOUR SKIN, Because it actually does matter- Your skin absorbs way more than you think. So treat it well :)

Okay, so I’ve ben making my own sugar scrubs for a while- I use sugar and olive oil or coconut oil. Just mix it together and scrub scrub :) Sometimes I even add some lavender essential oil or mint. Makes it smell goooood :)

But I’ve recently started adding coffee to my scrubs. Why? 

I scrub my skin once or twice a week, just to get rid of the dead skin cells. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I use it everytime I shave my legs to prevent irritation and reddnes, it also helps you get smooooooth lovely legs :) 

But why the coffee? Because of the caffeine. The caffeine can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and give your skin a firmer appearance. Caffeine draws water from cells — making them smaller — and constricts blood vessels slightly to create a smooth, more even tone. Not bad right?

For a more gentle scrub just mix the coffee with olive oil or coconut oil. I use this on my face or if I feel my skin is irritated. Id I want a really good scrub, I add sugar to the coffee and oil mixture. 

Last night I wanted to exfoliate my skin really really well, but didn’t feel it could take the roughness of sugar- so I added some uncooked amaranth to my coconut oil and coffee mixture. Did the job well :)  So basically just experiment with the things from the pantry, They work magic!

Vegan Raw Chocolate Raspberry Cake

I made this a while back, but have been dreaming about it for the last few weeks…I need to make it again SOON. And being the kind soul that I am, I’m sharing the deliciousness with you, so you can enjoy it too :P

Ingredients fot the base:

- 1 cup hazelnuts

- 1 cup almonds

- 1 1/2 cup dates 

- 1/2 cup raw cocoa

- 2 tbs coconut oil

- 2 tbs water

- seeds of 1 vanilla pod

Filling:

- 250g raspberries

Chocolate mousse:

- 2 cups dates

- 1 1/2 cup water

- 1/2 cup raw cocoa

- 1/2 cup coconut oil

Base:

Mix together hazelnuts and almonds in a blender until they are finely ground. Add the dates. Once they are all mixed together add the other ingredients and mix until they are all incorporated.

Filling:

Defrost your raspberries and roughly mash them with a fork. Add the appropriate amount of raw gelatine. Spread the raspberries on the base and put it in the fridge until it sets. 

Chocolate mousse:

Grind the dates untill they form a ball ot they are very finely chopped. Add the water and blend untill you get to a fine paste-like consistency. Add in the raw cocoa and coconut oil and continue to blend untill it is all finely incorporated.

Now spread the chocolate mousse on top of the cake and put it in the fridge to set - aproximately 30min

Decorate with coconut and fruit and viola

Bon Apetit

Red pepper hummus

I have been talking about making hummus for weeks, but just couldn't find the time. Yes, I know how lame this sounds, since hummus literally takes about 5 minutes to make. But now that I made it...I can't wait to make it again, since this one is already gone...It lasted less than 24 hours. And honestly, I'm not surprised.

I love hummus, any kind of it. But I think this is now my new favourite. The red pepper makes it taste soo light and fresh, put it on freshly baked bread- yuuumm.

It is so easy to make, so healthy and so delicious that I don't know why it took me so long to make it.

Ingredients.

• 1 can of chickpeas - drained, but hold on to the liquid from the can
• 3-5 tbs of lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbs olive oil- if needed to get the right consistency
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1/2 tsp of chili powder

How to.

1. Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from the can. Combine the remaining ingredients and add about 1/4 cup of the drained liquid. Put in a food processor and blend on low until smooth and thoroughly mixed. 
2. Add the olive oil if you feel the consistency is too thick.

This is very mild, for some people not spicy at all. If you want a spicier version add more chili powder.

The hummus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

What is hummus and why it's good for you?

Hummus is a popular dish that originated in the Middle East. It is a spread, usually served with pita bread of flat bread. 

• It is loaded with nutrients such as: 

- Omega-3-fatty acids are necessary for out body  function properly. Studies show that they boost heart health and lower triglycerides. They help prevent cardiovascular disease, depression, bipolar disorders, Alzheimer's and dementia...Read more about the 61 health benefits 

- Iron

- Vitamin B6 - is a vitamin needed for proper function of about 60 enzymes in out body. It contributes in the manufacturing of serotonin, which is a naturally occurring chemical in out brain that makes us feel happy and promotes feelings of well-being. Vitamin B6 also plays a major part in the production of hemoglobin and cells within our immune system.

- Copper

- Folic acid - also helps prevent cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and some forms of cancer. 

- Amino acids - tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine are among the AA that can promote good quality sleep and uplift your mood.

• Chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus. They are a favourite among vegetarians and sportsmen, because they are rich in protein. Another amazing thing about chickpeas is, that they don't contain any cholesterol of saturated fats- they can prevent build up of cholesterol in blood vessels and also help maintain blood sugar levels.