Macrobiotics Of New England

My favorite skincare products

Many women have asked me  or Warren which products I use on my skin. The skin is the largest organ and it is a major detox organ too. So making sure we put the right thing on it is very important, but first and foremost, the key to having great skin is what we eat !

For someone who already has a good diet, you probably wonder what products to use. Here are my favorites:

• Weleda - website: www.weleda.com

I have used this brand a lot, for some time now, starting when I was living in France (that's where I'm from, mais oui!). I love the Wild Rose Body Oil, the rose smell is just magical. I just love this brand, their philosophy and mission are very special "We see beauty everywhere". For our son, who just turned 2 this week, we are mainly using Baby Weleda products, they feel amazing on his baby skin and he loves getting massages every night, after his bath, with the Calendula Oil and/or the Baby Tummy Oil. While pregnant, my favorite oil was Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil, I had so much compliments from our midwife on how great the skin of my belly looked, very toned, and soft. I think it is mainly because of the oil ! and my diet too ...

• Jurlique - website: www.jurlique.com

Warren and our dear friend Marsha from Atlanta (atlantamacrobiotics.com) introduced me to Jurlique products. I have to say that as soon as I started using them, my skin felt more soft and had more elasticity too. I love their products, they are just on the high price range. But again, like food, a little goes a long way. If you can afford them, it is a good "investment". I know Warren used to love their shaving cream, but they discontinued it.

•  Dr Hauschka - website: www.drhauschka.com

I did use this brand in France too, they are on the pricey side. Our friend Natasha got me hooked up on the Rose Day Cream. It feels very nurishing and moisturizing on these cold winter days.

• Evan Healy - website: www.evanhealy.com

I love this brand. I found out about it at Whole Foods and I was right away attracted to try some of her products. I just love her philosophy too " The less you interfere with the skin's own ability to achieve balance, the better."  She also empowers us to use our own intuition to choose the right product " trust your own sense of smell and intuition when deciding which product is appropriate for your skin's current condition". Isn't this awesome ? So, that's what I did, some products didn't "smell" right for me, and some, right away, I knew they would be the perfect fit for me. So, please try them, and let me know what you think.

• Suki - website: www.sukipure.com

Love all of her products, a little pricey too ... But very good quality.

• Rejuva Organics - products can be ordered through the Kushi Institute Store website: www.kushistore.com

Last, but not least, I love the Rejuva Organics Wild Rosehip Seed Oil. Mirea Ellis, Kushi Institute Assistant Director, is the founder of Rejuva Organics. Rosehip Seed Oil is well-known for its healing properties. This is the only brand that I use for this oil. I need to try more of Mirea's products. 

Have you used any products I mentioned ? and  what's your favorite natural skincare product ?

Warming dish for the Winter: squash, azuki & kombu

Ingredients for 3-4 servings:

• 1 cup Hokkaido azuki beans, rinsed and soaked 3-5hours
• 2 cups sweet, winter squash cut in 2-3'' cubes
• 2-3 inches piece seaweed kombu, soaked and slcied into squares
• Sea salt

 In a deep heavy pot (Le Creuset works really well!), layer kombu, the chunks of squash and then the beans. Pour the bean soaking water into the pot. Bring the water level equal with the squash and bring to a boil over a low flame. Cover the pot. If neccessary, add fresh water to jsut cover the beans. Cook over a low flame for about 1 hour or until the beans and squash become soft. Open the pot and season lightly with sea salt. Let salt cook in 10-15min. If extra liquid remains, leave the pot uncovered and simmer off liquid. Remove from flame and let sit several minutes before serving.

We made it last night for cooking class (Delicious Bean Cuisine), it was yummy !!

Variations:

• use regular azuki beans if you can't get the Hokkaido one (which are the best quality, they're from Japan)
• use carrots instead of squash

It's a Fresh Start !

Happy New Year !!

I have always been excited about the start of a new year. For me, it is a time to start fresh. I am always inspired to make positive changes in my home environment, clean up the clutter, eat well and get active. Here in Boston, there is nothing more invigorating than a brisk walk outside. I love cooking warming, savory dishes this time of year. They keep me nourished and satisfied when the weather is cold. Many years ago I created the "Fresh Start Program". It is a half-day workshop (cooking class, lunch and a lecture) to inspire people to get on track with their health. We have one this saturday in Boston. Join us!

Warren