Something Fun

Sometimes I worry that I spend too much time passing along negative articles about food and other products, so today I'm taking time to do the exact opposite: give you guys some links to books that have fantastic recipes or positive messages for those on the road to healthier living.

First up is Culinary Intelligence: The Art of Eating Healthy (and Really Well) by Peter Kaminsky, a food writer who was forced to change his eating habits after coming too close to obesity and diabetes. He has managed to lose 45 pounds and keep them off, while eating foods that are rarely in diet cookbooks (think prosciutto and olives and cheese). In his opinion, maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle is not only about making healthy choices but also about not sacrificing flavor, which too many diet cookbooks promote. This book is definitely worth a read for all food lovers who aren't crazy about the typical diet foods!

The second is one that I've mentioned before, but its merits are worth repeating. The Happiness Diet by Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey is what began my own quest for healthier cooking--easy to do when you realize how many currently stigmatized foods are actually good for you!

Next is the secret to all my bread-making. I hate to give this one up because now people won't need me to make bread for them any more, but it's too good not to share. Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois is a must-have for all bread lovers. They have tricks and tips for creating homemade bread that doesn't take hours and hours of work. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. I also highly recommend their follow-up cookbook, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: 100 New Recipes Featuring Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Gluten-Free Ingredients, which offers healthier options than the original volume.

That should be enough to get you started, but I plan to post more helpful links in the future. Gotta share the love!

Exciting News

Wow, I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted. Sorry about the delay, but I've had quite a bit going on lately. I'm also about to be working out of town for three weeks, so additional delays are probable until June but I hope you'll bear with me and be patient.

In the meantime, I have some very exciting news to share. I am now officially a suki representative through alex+von!! As you may know, a+v hosts several independent brands, and suki is one of my favorites. They specialize in clinically-proven skin care, which is excellent for those who may need a little extra help. This includes me, as my skin tends to be very dry most of the year no matter how healthy I eat or how much water I drink. I've been using the suki nourishing line for three months now, and it has made a HUGE difference. I will be up front and let you know the products are quite a bit more expensive than 100% Pure, but they're concentrated and last a long time. Depending on your skin's needs, a set of products will run $75-150 initially, but if you use them as directed (only a tiny amount at a time is needed) they will last six months or more. I upgraded to full size bottles two months ago, which I use once a day, and only a fraction of the product is gone so far. The suki balancing line has also been a tremendous help for J's acne-prone teenage skin, despite the fact that he only remembers to use it about three days a week. If you'd like to try this brand out and want more information, feel free to email or call me!

Alex+von has also introduced two new brands, which are available now. Original Moxie is a line of hair care products for all hair types, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids. Episencial is specifically designed for baby's sensitive skin and includes everything from bubble bath to shampoo to sunscreen. As with all a+v brands, these products are all-natural and chemical-free. I plan to focus more on these brands later, so I don't want to give away too much here, but I did want everyone to know that a+v is growing fast and adding new products and brands all the time. If you haven't checked out the website lately, take time to do so today!