Zarina's Mbaazi wa Nazi Curry Bowl

        In celebration of this cool and crisp month, I welcome the
month of October, accompanied by Zarina's Mbaazi wa Nazi
Curry full of vibrant spices, colour and life. This curry bowl acts
as a blanket, except for your insides, as we approach the 

cooler days and crisper mornings.  Let the fresh ginger 

and garlic work its magic by boosting your immune system, 

among many other benefits.  This deeply nourishing 

and re-energizing curry bowl is a beautiful way to start October. 

Your body will thank you later.  This curry is simply, everything. 

My advice? Grab an oversized sweater, sit on a cozy chair and 
look out at autumn while the colourful leaves collapse to the 
ground.  Take you're first comforting bite, and the rest is history.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. of canola or olive oil.

1 can of coconut milk.

6 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled.

1-2 cans of 2% skim milk or almond milk.(use the empty coconut milk can)

8 cloves garlic, puréed or finely chopped.

½ tsp. of finely chopped fresh ginger.

3 long green/red chillies, finely chopped.

½ bunch of cilantro, finely chopped; remove leaves from 

stalks if you're feeling keen.

1 bunch spinach.  Remove stalks with one big twist. 

 Rinse and clean thoroughly in colander.

2 tomatoes, medium sized, chopped. (Use three if using Roma tomatoes)

½ white onion, medium sized, finely chopped.
1 lemon, quartered.
1 can pigeon peas, thoroughly rinsed.
Himalayan salt, to taste. (typically ½ to 1 teaspoon)
Tablespoon of cumin seeds, finely ground using mortar/pestle.

¼  teaspoon of cinnamon,
1 teaspoon of turmeric (add slightly more if desired.)
½ teaspoon of paprika.
½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Instructions:
1.  Hard boil the eggs; ten minutes of boiling ought to do it.
2. Make your jasmine rice.  The dish you'll make below should take around 
40-60 minutes, so time it right.
3. 1 exceedingly large pot.  Add oil.  Medium heat. 
Add garlic and onions.  Hear the sizzle?
4.  Add chillies, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika and cayenne. 
You should be stirring all these vibrant ingredients with a wooden spoon. 
Let the spices cook a little.  It should be sort of dry, soaking up the oil. 
Note:  If your eyes are burning due to the chillies cooking,
you're doing things right. If you're not coughing, something is wrong.
5.  Add tomatoes, they add moisture.  Nice gentle steady mixing. 
That's what the base of good curry looks like.

6.  Add coconut milk and the milk to the pot.  Still on medium heat.
7.  Add salt.
8.  Add the rinsed pigeon peas, straight from the strainer to the pot, no problem.
9.  Add spinach.  I know, the leaves look a little ridiculous 
taking up all that space.  Talk to me in ten minutes.
10.  Add the hard boiled eggs.
11.  Drop the heat to a little below medium heat. 
Let this simmer for 40-60 minutes.  Might be a little less if 
you're cooking with gas/flame.   Stir gently every few minutes. 
Do not over-boil.  Hang out by the stove while you 
stir and talk with your tipsy, hungry friends.
12.  Stir gently from time to time.  That quarter wedge of lemon 
(to be served on edge of bowl) is the last fresh 
thing that you'll see; at this point things can, and will get ugly.

-- This recipe of deliciousness could not have been accomplished 
without the lovely, Zarina.  A simple "thank you" is not enough 
for passing this Tanzanian curry recipe with me. Thank you 
so much  for sharing this comforting bowl of pure love with us.  

Relish, Consume & Enjoy.

Organic Argan oil and organic Tamanu oil are two oils that are used in my daily
beauty regime.  There are multiple reasons why I choose to avoid commercial soaps

and creams which are loaded with fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, tryclosan and
other toxic chemicals which are absorbed through the skin.  Making the switch
to natural beauty and skin products is vital if you want to rid your body of harmful
chemicals and toxins.  Here are two oils that can simplify and improve
the quality of your skin and hair.

100% Pure Organic Argan Oil (Morocco)
- Derived from Southwestern Morocco from the Argan tree.
- Filled with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
- Due to its antioxidant properties, Argan oil improves skin healing.
- Use as a daily moisturiser or a night moisturiser.  (Argan oil
is a dry oil and is absorbed rapidly through the skin.)
- Can be used as a leave-on conditioner applied to the wet ends of your hair.
- Overnight hair oil treatment to improve quality of the hair and split ends.
- Cuticle and heel softener and is soothing for dry skin.
- Improves ageing skin by restoring the skin's elasticity and firmness.
- Rich in vitamin E content.
- Apply under foundation to give your skin a youthful glow.

Tamanu Oil (cold pressed & unrefined)
- Origin: Tamanu Tree in Vietnam.
- Minimizes scarring and can promote formation of new tissue
when applied topically to wounds.
- Promotes the speed growth of healthy new cells.
- Known for it's ability to heal wounds, scars, rashes, stretch marks and more.
- Tamanu oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
due to it's 10 types of active molecules.
- Used to restore elasticity and hydration to the skin.
- Contains super potent antioxidants such as xanthones and coumarins.
- Tamanu oil has regenerative effects and hinders the breakdown .
of cell membranes from free radicals.
- Anti-septic, anti-acne and hypo-allergenic.

- Nourishes and repairs the cells of dry and damaged skin.
- Contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, palmitic, stearic and oleic acid.

Revitalize and re-energize!

Glowing Turmeric Mask

Ingredients:
1. Turmeric
2. Lemon
3. Raw Honey

Turmeric is vibrant in colour and very dynamic in terms of it's uses and effects on the body internally and externally.  This natural turmeric facial can be done once a week to gain the antioxidant properties that turmeric contains as well as reduce acne.  The yellowish orange pigment comes from curcumin which can stain anything it touches, so be aware of that when you are applying the turmeric mask. It is a rich source of iron and manganese and can be eaten raw or cooked. 

Method:
1. Add one tablespoon of turmeric into a small bowl.
2. Squeeze less than half of the lemon juice into the turmeric powder.
3. Add ½  of a teaspoon of raw honey.4.  Mix all ingredients until it is a thick paste.
5. Apply to the face and neck.
6.  Let it dry and rinse with warm water to wash off.
7.  To get rid of the turmeric stain, massage the face with
organic virgin coconut oil.  Then take a cotton pad with lemon
juice and rub all over the face until the yellow tint is completely removed.

Benefits of Turmeric:
- It promotes liver detoxification , anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
- A bioactive compound in turmeric called curcumin contains high quantities of
antioxidants and medical properties. 
- Antimicrobial and wound healing if applied topically.
- Helps to promote a strong immune system and fight free radicals
- Can be used in raw or cooked form.
- Helps to reduce chronic pain.
- It can help reduce acne and give your skin an overall healthy glow.

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

This may be the most simplest pancake to make.  It is just as delicious as a regular pancake, however it doesn't leave you with that heavy feeling after devouring it.
What I love about the elements of this dish is that the bananas provide a high level of potassium, fiber, vitamins, minerals and sustainable energy. Organic eggs contain high-quality protein, all B vitamins, essential minerals such as selenium and iodine, as well as omega-3 essential fatty acids.  Lastly, cinnamon is anti-microbial and has significant amounts of manganese, fiber and calcium.  This pancake is gluten free, nutrient packed and will provide you with necessary vitamins, minerals, protein and fat which I believe makes this a healthy breakfast option!

Ingredients:
Organic bananas
Organic eggs
Cinnamon
Optional: Coconut flour
Organic virgin coconut oil
Maple syrup
Optional: Organic blueberries

Directions:
1.  Start by peeling a slightly overripe banana and smashing it with a
fork until it's completely smooth with no lumps.
2.  Add two eggs into the smooth banana mixture.
3. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon,
4.  Add 1 tbsp of coconut flour.
5.  Mix all ingredients together
6.  Heat up one tsp. of extra virgin coconut oil in a frying pan on medium-low heat.
7.  Pour banana pancake mixture into the pan and cook until
the pancake is golden brown.
8.  Heat up organic blueberries in a sauce pan for a few minutes.
Pour blueberries and maple syrup over the pancakes to finish.

Enjoy!

Home-made Organic Breakfast Granola

Ingredients:
3 cups of Organic oats
3 tbsp. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Almonds
3-4 tbsp. cinnamon
3 tsp. raw honey
Optional:  Goji berries, Walnuts, Pecans, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Flax Seeds.

Directions:  
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF
2. Boil water and combine boiled water and oats into a bowl.  Let it sit until
the oats have fully cooked and then drain the water.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked oats, almonds, sunflower seeds,
pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, coconut oil and honey.
4. Stir all ingredients until oats are evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking pan.
Optional: I usually coat the top with a little extra raw honey and cinnamon.
6. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour.  Mix the granola every 30 minutes to make
sure all sides are evenly baked.  Upon completion, the granola should be golden
brown in colour with a slightly crunch texture.
7.  Let the granola cool.
8.  Add almond milk to the home-made granola.

Bonne Appetit !!

- - -

Matcha Green Tea Powder Facial

Matcha Powder Facial:
1 tbsp. matcha green tea powder
1-2 tbsp. of water
Optional:  Organic virgin coconut oil
OR Raw honey.

Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder purchased from:  Whole Foods Market

Directions:
Mix until it creates a thick paste and apply it  all over the face.  Let the mask sit on your
face until it is completely dried.  I prefer to leave my mask on for 45 minutes to an
hour to really let my skin absorb the benefits. Wash your face off in a gentle motion and
pat dry with a clean towel.  You will notice that your skin will be slightly green after washing
off the mask, however this is easily removed with organic virgin coconut oil.

- Matcha Green Tea Powder Benefits -
- Rich in L-theanine:  An amino acid that is found in green tea and
enhances serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain which
improves your overall mood, memory and concentration.
- Matcha is the highest quality of green tea available loaded with
nutrients, minerals and antioxidants.
- It contains high amounts of Catechin which contain organic compounds.
  One Catechin in particular is Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCg) which
is a potent antioxidant and is said to prevent cancer.
- Increases energy levels without the side effects of stimulants
and has a calming effect on the body.
- It contains powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, and has approximately
100 milligrams of antioxidants per gram.
- Improves overall metabolic rate and helps to decrease body fat.
- Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and decreases LDL cholesterol.
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels and rids the body of dioxins, heavy metals,
and hormone disruptor's due to the chlorophyll in Matcha.

Recommendations for Matcha:
-- Add one teaspoon of Organic Matcha to your smoothies or juices.-- Use it as a facial mask and let your skin absorb all the nutrients and antioxidants.-- Matcha powder tea.  
~ I would recommend using organic Matcha to get the full  benefits of this
potent green tea and it will not contain any artificial fertilizers or herbicides.

Extreme Green Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 tsp. spirulina powder
1 tsp. matcha powder
2 cups of organic kale
1 cup of organic blueberries
1/2 frozen organic banana
1 tbsp. ground flax seed
1/2 cup Kaizen whey protein
from grass fed cows.

This extreme green smoothie is of rich protein content and packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids,phytonutrients, and fiber.  Amongst this myriad of benefits, this smoothie will provide you with sustainable energy throughout your day, burn calories, and is highly detoxifying which will cleanse the body of heavy metals and toxins.  Try substituting your morning coffee for a smoothie and gain all the nutritional benefits in which your body will love you for!

Hope you enjoy! 

Rainbow Salad & Lemon Garlic Dressing

Salads are a form of art and they have become a staple in my nourishment regime.
The raw elements in a salad provide the body with enzymes, vitamins, water, fats and
energy.  Whereas cooking food depletes the vitamins, enzymes and natural life energy.  I
believe that adding raw food to your diet everyday is the natural way to optimize
your health and eliminate acidic toxins.  Eating salads daily offers enzymes which are
responsible for aiding digestion and all chemical reactions in the body.  Here is my
version of a simple green salad with a home-made lemon based dressing!

 Salad Ingredients:
1. Green Chard
2. Carrots
3. Red Bell Pepper
4. Tomatoes
5. Cucumbers
6. Curly Kale

Dressing Ingredients:
1. Lemons
2. Garlic
3. Raw Honey

To make the lemon garlic dressing, start by squeezing two full lemons
into a bowl.  Finely grate two garlic cloves and add to the freshly
squeezed lemon juice.  The last step is to add one tablespoon of
raw honey to the mixture and stir until blended.

Happy Raw Eating!