Interesting in aromatherapy? Have some basic knowledge of it? Are you an expert who would like to carry a handy guide as a reminder? Or are you an expert with a friend who keeps asking for your help? Home Spa Aromatherapy by Glenda Jackson is a good gift to have. It’s a box set of 40 4″x4″ cards that starts with a quick update on the basics of aromatherapy and essentials oils. Ten cards give basic information about some easy to obtain essential oils such as tea tree oil, geranium, sandalwood and black pepper. Compresses, massage and aromatic bathing are three of the techniques. Most of the remainder of the cards contain remedies include home helper with scented clothes sachets, general ailments like headaches, insomnia, respiratory ailments, detox, stretch marks and hangover cures. This is a handy basic set to carry around. Oh, perhaps the author will update the set as it would make for an excellent app.

Coconut Secret introduces Coconut Aminos a raw seasoning sauce that is an excellent alternative to soy sauce.

Some of you are unable to use soy sauce for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have an allergy or you take medication that forbids the use of soy. Could it be that you simply prefer not use anything that is soy-based? Are you like me wanting to try something new? About a month ago, I purchased Coconut Aminos, and it’s a great low glycemic substitute for soy sauce.

Coconut Aminos only contains coconut sap and sea salt.  Keep in mind that you will spend more money however, there are some advantages such as it’s: low sodium, gluten-free, 100% organic, dairy-free, vegan and it contains 17 amino acids.  Seems like this product has a lot of pluses right?  Yes, it does and the best thing of all is the taste.  I actually prefer the taste to soy sauce – it’s sweeter, lighter and milder without the sharp taste.  If you are a diabetic or you need to reduce your sodium intake and want a tasty sauce for marinades, sautés or seasoning, be sure to try this.

February will focus on food and a few of the finer things in life. Why? With so many celebrations occurring this month, why not? Chocolate is definitely one of my guilty pleasures: Is it one for you too? If not, you may change your mind after this. Find out about the health benefits of dark chocolate with Mary Engler, a professor in the School of Nursing at the University of California San Francisco. Follow Timothy Childs of TCHO chocolates in San Francisco as he shares the process of making chocolate from the cacao fruit to the cocoa bean and finally to the finished product. Afterward, there are two delicious chocolate recipes for your enjoyment.

I used to love S’mores a child and remember making lots of them over the stove. S’mores are great with vegan marshmallows. Chocolate plus gingersnaps! Both treats are healthier with dark chocolate. Can’t wait to try them? Check out the recipes below.

The end of the month is here, and it’s time for some rest and relaxation. A facial and detox is a great way to unwind. You can go to your favorite spa or you stay at home. Take a few tips from Remede Spa in San Francisco. Next month I will return with more posts and ideas. Until then, relax and enjoy.

So healthy and tasty as well. This recipe is from chef, Terry Walters. She has a new book out titled Clean Food, “The cleaner we eat, the clearer we think, and the better we can embrace good health and nutrition.” Now I know that this seems contradictory after that killer chocolate pecan cake. Well it’s all about balance – something decadent, something healthy. Right? Anyway, no packaged food here. Terry’s approach

“is not about denying ourselves the foods we love. Rather, it is about looking at the big picture, delving into our imbalances and incorporating the nutrients and life practices that we are missing in order to be healthy – mind, body and soul.”

Some may be allergic to soy and nuts or gluten so, use your own judgment. She recommends eating more of the following foods:

* Whole Grains
* Vegetables (especially dark leafy greens!)
* Legumes
* Soy
* Nuts and seeds
* Fruit
* Sea vegetables
* Herbs

Sounds good to me.

Bryant Terry’s philosophy:

Now for a recipe.