Preparing for the Spring Harvest?

Warmer weather is coming so it is once again that time of year when women in Canada prepare for the 'spring harvest'  after a winter of hiding our arms, legs and other bits in parkas its time to shed all the layers and harvest the forest of hair we've often let overgrown during that time! 

For myself, suffering from very sensitive skin and psoriasis on top, finding that perfect 'Spring Harvest and summer maintenance shaving ritual' has always been a challenge! 

As a teen I learned that part of the challenge with my type of psoriasis is that anywhere I injury my skin I will break out in a patch of psoriasis - so getting a nick while SHAVING has always been a nightmare for me and resulted in my shying away from 'shaving' at all!

However hair removal is a large part of our culture and I eventually have to yield to harvesting. As most other hair removal options require harsh chemicals that result in a reaction as well I found out the hard way they too were not options for me - tried waxing, tried sugaring, tried electrolysis, tried removal creams all with no success  :( 

So finally tried an Epilator  which gentle removes hair by the root and while it is gentle on the hardy skin of the LEGS there are a few areas of the body that require 'harvesting' this time of year that I so do not want to PULL the hair out by the ROOT so have to resort to shaving!

With my success at all the other Aloette products and my sensitive skin I am so excited to be able to try Aloette's new NICK'S Shaving Crème as part of my spring harvest regime this year!

All the reviews from testers have been coming back with no nicks here! People are loving the healing effect of the certified organic Aloe Vera and the amazing moisturizing benefits of coconut oil!

When you use Nick’s Shaving Crème for Men and Women you will enjoy a refreshing boost of hydration every time you shave. 

A Farm to Jar blend of coconut oil and aloe vera soothe and nourish skin, preventing redness and irritation. 

Reviewers have shared they have also noticed that they are no longer getting 'ingrown hairs' after shaving - which I am so excited to try for preparing for harvesting for BEACH LEVEL!

Nick’s Shaving Crème blend of beneficial ingredients is perfect for BOTH men and women so can help take up less room in your medicine cabinet! 

Just apply onto damp skin working up a lather, shave with your razor and rinse off with warm water.

 Follow with your regular skincare regime and away you go!

Have an amazing day!


Margaret
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
Be Totallyawake4-life

Elf on the Shelf ~ Santa's Favorite Hot Chocolate

Elf on the Shelf ~  shared Santa's BEST Hot Chocolate recipe!

It has been an amazing month of Holiday Cheer

Santa could not be any prouder of you my dear

You’ve done every task of which Santa could think

So now it is time to sit back and enjoy my favorite drink

A cup of homemade hot chocolate that is so tasty and fine

It is a very delicious and dairy free recipe of mine

I am happy to share it before I had back to the North Pole

I cannot believe the time has come again for me to have to roll!

I will be back again next year at the start of December

With lots of fun tasks and Acts of Kindness for you to remember! 

 The kids were very excited ~ they wanted to make it for lunch however I persuaded them to wait until AFTER nap cause even though it is low sugar I would still rather have it right before we can run it off outside! 

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate 

Serves 1

What You Need

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened pure cocoa powder
• 1.5 Tbsp dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate square chopped
• Sweetener of choice ~ we use either coconut palm sugar or organic Stevia
• 1/8th tsp peppermint extract or essential oil
• Optional: Whipped Coconut Cream 

Instructions

• Add almond milk to a saucepan over medium heat.
• Once milk is heated through add the cocoa powder, chocolate chips and sweetener and whisk to combine.
• Continue cooking on stove top until completely combined and has reached your preferred temperature.
• Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
• Lastly, add in your extract of choice – I think peppermint is truly unbeatable. 
• Stir, and top with whipped coconut cream

This has to be my new all time favorite drinks ~ going to have to make an encore tonight and add a splash of Baileys! 

Have an amazing day!

Margaret
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
Be Totallyawake4-life

Grain Free & Tasty Chocolate Chip Cookies

So this week Ian the Elf has sent us with the challenge to bake something tasty for a community helper ~ so we opted for some tasty Chocolate Chip Cookies. 

Ian the Elf ~ Share a Treat to Eat

Policeman, Firefighters and soldiers where no cape

But they work real hard to keep us safe

Protecting us for a better tomorrow

Our many unsung community heroes!

So this Christmas season is the perfect time

To let them know that they really are divine

They work long hours away from home

Often leaving their families home alone

So why not make them a special treat

Something ooey gooey and fun to eat?

Let them know they are appreciated

And for all their work they should be congratulated!

These cookies are just yummy ~ so easy to whip up. The recipe makes about a dozen which is perfect for the daycare group size but if you want more for leftovers you will need to double or triple it!

 

Grain Free and Tasty Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Makes 12 cookies

 

What You Need:

• 1/3 cup coconut flour ~ more if needed to get consistency correct
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 whole eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt - optional

What You Do:

• Preheat your oven to 350F.
• Mix the coconut flour, salt, eggs, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract together thoroughly with a whisk. Will start out runny but firm up as coconut flour soaks up your liquids. If it feels too runny add more coconut flour a tbsp at a time until it is a cookie dough thickness
• Add dark chocolate chips and mix to distribute evenly.
• Roll into balls and spread evenly on parchment lined or greased baking tray ~ makes about a dozen cookies should do the trick.
• Pat down with your hand as they do not really 'spread out' like a normal wheat based cookies
• Bake on the centre rack for around 10-15 minutes ~ depending on the texture you want ~ less for chewy and more for crisp. 

Have an amazing day!

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Be Totallyawake4-life