Sunday was day One of Walking Softly

Day one of my month of being a Vegetarian that is. For those closest to me, you know that the month of June is my month to be Vegetarian. For those of you reading this who do not know me......well now you know!

So why June as opposed to any other month? June is the month of the Summer Solstice when tribes of The People gather to celebrate Mother Earth and offer prayers of gratitude and for her healing in the form of the Buffalo Dance. My sister and I have been invited to return to a gathering in Ohio, to participate again in this sacred tradition. We went last year but were only able to stay for part of one day and we really had no time to prepare ahead of time. However, even in our unprepared state, it had a profound impact on the both of us and we vowed, if they invited us, we would return the next year for the entire dance and fully participate in all of the practices.

Last year, the leader had said something in one of the gatherings that really struck a chord in me and has reverberated all year long. I can't remember what he said exactly, but what I heard was that we should all walk softly on Mother Earth whenever and however we can. Each step should be with thought and consideration, leaving little to no impact in our wake.

One of the ways we Walk Softly during the dance is in fasting. Drinking only water and eating no meat. For those of you who are Vegetarian and Vegan, this is your everyday life right! Well, for those who rely on meat as their source of protein and essential fats, this is a big deal.  

So I decided, as soon as I knew we could arrange it in our schedules (between my sister and I this is an amazing feat) and we were in, I wanted to Walk Softly for the entire month of June.

How you begin an adventure is, to me, one of the most important steps you make. So I started my month of Walking Softly at the Farmers Market in Campbell (very fitting) and I packed my "to go" breakfast with plenty to share. Why? Because I wanted to. We are, after all a community and what one person does has a direct (or indirect) impact on those around them.

So what did I fix? I am inspired by the Vegan Raw foodies. As far as Walking Softly in the food they eat, I think they lead the pack. So here is what I prepared: Fresh berries from the market topped with Cashew Cream and sprinkled with coconut and mixed nuts (I added the Flax seeds after the picture).

And here are two of the Farmers Market friends enjoying their Vegan Raw breakfast!

Anastasia is the CEO and founder of Dharma Love. (pictured on the left standing in front of some of her fantastic  messenger bags) You can find her wonderful creations here: http://www.dharmalove.com/

and Patty (sporting the striped scarf) who makes marvelous hats and I will add her Etsy site once I get that from her. 

The nut that isn't really a nut: Coconut

The amazing Cocos nucifera, versatile and life supporting, this amazing fruit/seed/nut offers so much.

Much more than most of us really think about. Virtually every part of the plant can be used for some purpose. Everyone is familiar with the culinary uses of the shredded meat. The use of Coconut milk and water is growing in use as people look for alternatives to dairy. But did you that the rest of the plant can be used all the way down to the very root of the plant. Roots are used for dye, mouthwash, and medicine for curing dysentery. And when all of that has been extracted out, the fibrous roots can be used as a natural toothbrush.  The trunks are used to build small bridges and homes.

Not one part of the plant is wasted making it one of our top plants for an eco responsible world. Unfortunately it does have natural predators and it is particularly susceptible to a rather nasty phytoplasma disease (Sandalwood is susceptible to the same bacteria).  This, and because this key active ingredient makes up a large portion of any product we at Très Spa create with it,  is why at Très Spa we are careful to use certified Organic Coconut oil. Unfortunately, the fractionation process (which requires heating and separating the chains) means that the Fractionated Coconut is not considered Organic, but it is Vegan certified as well as Kosher certified.

But what about skin care? Oh my but the fruit does offer a great deal for skin care. the Virgin (cold pressed "oil) has both Lauric and Caprylic/Capric fatty acids. Lauric acid is in the virgin pressed coconut oil and is credited for its antimicrobial properties that fights both fungi and bacteria. Caprylic acid is also found in the virgin oil, but it is the only acid to make it over to the fractionated oil. Caprylic acid is also a strong antimicrobial but because it is a short chain tryglyceride, it is more readily absorbed into the skin, making it an excellent carrier. To help emphasize the rarity of these two fantastic fatty acids, the only other place in nature where you can find a significant amount of these fatty acids is in mother's milk of various mammals.

 With the fantastic antimicrobial properties, it is easy to see  why this oil is preferred in soap making!   We love it so much that you can find it in  every single bar of soap we make, including all of the Très Spa Conditioning Shampoo bars. One bar in particular, Vanilla Coconut Spice, is a tropical delight and an homage to the wonderful coconut plant. It contains the meat from the fruit, the virgin organic oil and even coconut milk!  Of course there is the devastatingly fantastic body scrub to go with that, called Vanilla Coconut Spice. A truly delectable treat for the senses. We have even recently introduced the fractionated coconut oil to several other products; Hair oil, Body Oil, and Body Butter. 

Give your skin the treatment it deserves with Très Spa, personal care in harmony with nature! Our webstore is open 24/7 so shop any time from where-ever you are and we'll deliver it to your door!

Why would anyone want to be a Vegetarian?

This is the question I was asked when I decided that I was going to be vegetarian for the month of June. I think his question was an  interesting, and very innocent, one.

His first concern was that I would try to convert him to be a vegetarian. I had a big laugh at that and told him there is no recruitment strategy and I wasn't trying to earn a toaster (but I do have my eye on a nice dehydrator). He can still eat meat and I wasn't going to poke at him in any way. In fact, I was only planning on practicing a vegetarian diet for the month of June.  But his concern got me to thinking, why was he feeling like he needed to protect his way of life.

Interesting really, when you think about it. Diet is a hot topic and one that sparks a good deal of debate. Beliefs swing from diets chocked full of red meat to no meat vegans who will not even touch honey. So why so much passion? Diet is often times an extension of our religious belief. For many, feeding the body equals feeding the soul likewise fasting is also a practice of showing honor or respect from sacrifice. Perhaps this is why there are varying classifications for vegetarians varying from those who may eat fish from time to time  or eggs or even chicken to those who will eat dairy and possibly eggs to those who will eat honey and only certain kinds of cheese. Like religions, the variations are plentiful.

My personal motivation for the month of June is sparked by the Buffalo Dance that I will be attending with one of my sisters in Ohio. It is the only dance I have ever attended so I can't speak for other  Nations and what they do. All I know is from what Rainbow Eagle had said from last year's dance. I can't remember his exact words now, but his explanation stuck with me.  The four day dance is to honor Mother Earth. To give thanks and to pray for healing so we walk barefoot in sacred spaces and we fast so that we may walk softly and show our respect. The "walk softly" stuck in my mind and has been whispering in my ear ever since.

Vegetarian is nothing new for me, in fact I was Vegan many years ago. So what was my motivation then? Because it felt like the right thing at the time. Which takes us to the other reason some people choose to be vegetarian, because it feels right to them.  There is a percentage of the population that really has no taste for meat, fish, or foul. Personally, the simple thought of red meat sets my tummy on edge. I am okay with the occasional steak from grass fed beef raised by local ranchers but that is about it. It just doesn't agree with me and I feel better if I have leaner protein. So why do people choose a Vegetarian lifestyle?

Two reasons really, either religious belief and convictions or simply because it feels better on their tummy.  

So if you want to give the planet a rest and walk softly on Mother Earth or if you would like to give your tummy a rest, here is a good resource for you: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/ and here for some really fun dishes crazypantscookin.com 

Powerhouse Pesto

First, lets get to the point! Here is the recipe

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Toss them all into a blender and pulse to your desired consistency. 

1. 2 cp Basil and 2cp Kale
2. 4Tbl Avocado Oil
3. 2Tbl Garlic
4. Dash Amino Acid, Splash of Apple cider vinegar, Pinch of Cayenne pepper

*Measurements are an approximation, use your own judgment and adjust to taste. If I want a wetter pesto - I may increase the splashes of vinegar or the amount of oil.

So what do you do with it once you made it? Most people toss it in warm pasta but I say, why limit this luscious treat?! Use it as a spread, dollop on your salad, use it as a dip, feeling hungry - eat it by the spoonful!

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So now for the story.........

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What the heck! Food on a Skin Care blog?! Are you serious?! What does that have to do with skin care? Food is Skincare from the inside out! It's true, I came to skin care from the opposite approach, spending great amounts of time carefully researching oils and blends and what is best to solve what when topically applied. In formulating for personal care, I am extremely selective and particular. Yet, what you eat is just as important (if not more important) than what you put on your skin. What we eat is Skin care from the inside out. But when it comes to food to eat, I more often than not make the wrong food choices.Why? Well the answer to that is complex and besides, does it really matter here? No.In life, there is nothing as important as your next decision.  

Recently.something hit me. Maybe it's more like a series of events hit me all making a perfect convergence to get me to the "Oh, I get it!" point. Whatever it is, I very recently started changing my relationship with foods. Finally! So as I get these little "Aha" moments and try new food blends I'll happily share with you my new favorite food blends.

Here is how (and why) to build your own Power House Pesto to taste!

Pesto is not meant to be heated. It is a raw food served cold and it is best to make what you will eat in the next few days. Trust me it is very easy to make so whipping up a batch on demand is very easy to do.

1. Greens! For the foundation you need greens- Basil is a mainstay of any pesto but how about adding another green or two? Arugula, Kale, Spinach, Chard....... Why these dark green leafy veggies? Vitamin A, C, K and Iron. I use a 1 to 1 ratio of Basil with any one of these. Pick what's fresh and what is interesting to you at the time. Gather enough green to make what you will be eating over the next 3-4 days.
2. Fats you need! Yes, you should all know this already. Fatty acids are our friend. A cold dish is the perfect time we can take advantage of those wonderful fats that should never see heat. Some are easier to get at your local store so here are some of my favs - Avocado, Hemp seed and Flax seed. Of course you can pick other monounsaturated fats, but these three are delicate and wither in any kind of heat so I like to find ways to get them into my diet and pesto is the perfect medium!  ** A little side note here. Only buy what you will eat in fairly short time. These oils are cold pressed and like any living thing, they will deteriorate over time. Some oils, like these three, age faster than others. I use all three of these in formulating Tres Spa Personal care and the same rule applies there. This is why we make small batches.
3. Cleanser. OK there are two cleansers/detoxifiers I love and any excuse to use them, I am totally on board. Onions and Garlic.  Raw or roasted use either or both.
4. Spice is nice - and can also boost the power of all of the rest of the nutrients. Think of them like your little "essential blend" that can completely change the dish you serve. When I formulate for Tres Spa I use Essential oils to do the same thing - add power to your skin care. Add what you like but I like to keep it simple a dash of cayenne pepper, a splash of  Amino acids and a splash of Apple cider vinegar.**Every kitchen should have these three ingredients and you should use them any chance you get! 
5. Optional: Folic Acid booster! Zest it up and add some citrus to the party! You could substitute the vinegar for citrus and or it's juice. How about tossing in a few strawberries? Go ahead, it won't hurt. In fact those lovely Vit B boosters are sure to give your cells a burst to help them regenerate and grow healthy and strong. Trust me, you want to finf foods rich in folic acid and add them into your eating regime.
6. Optional:  Feeling a little nutty? Try adding a few of these as an option: almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews. They can add protein and other nutrients not to mention some mighty fine oils. 

Diets are nothing new to me, having spent a lifetime on and off of restrictive diets. There are so many diets out there to choose from it's enough to make your head spin. Having spent my life on the plus side of the scale, there are all of those guilt associations with food as well. But, no matter how many times I have tried and failed in my lifetime, I have never given up on me and I am always willing to listen to new ideas and concepts. However, I am always leery of "experts".

So here I was one day, playing Hulu on my headset, getting work done, and listening to Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show. His star guest for the evening was Cameron Diaz. Jimmy mentioned Cameron's new book - The BodyBook: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love YourAmazing Body. I figured why not? I like Cameron and respect her as an artist and from the glimpses I have seen of her in interviews, she seems like a person you would want in your corner. She is no expert nor is she claiming to be. A fact I find incredibly refreshing! So...... I hooped over to Amazon and purchased. I'm still chewing through it, but it did not take long for it to hit me - We eat food for a reason. If the food you are feeding yourself is not filling that reason then you will live in deprivation. Profs to Cameron for writing a non diet diet book that is easy to read and makes perfect sense! She is calling attention to why you would eat one item verses another one and asking you to look at the science of food. Not what you should or shouldn't have but what nutrition do you need. In fact, she doesn't give you recipes, she gives you ingrediants. Except one thing - her Shallot Gold which I have not tried yet but is on my list for next week. Thanks Cameron for being an inspiration!

Then like a perfect convergence, it all came together and this is why I feel a skin care blog spot is the perfect place for food- What we eat is skin care from the inside out. In fact, a good deal of ingredients we eat go into Tres Spa skin care formulations as well. 

What do you know about chemical peels?

Not a great deal. 

In fact I don't believe I have ever had one myself. I know I had a "professional" facial one time many many many years ago and there may have been a light chemical peel with that. From that experience, I decided to never do that again. I just didn't see the reward for the discomfort.  My skin was soft afterwards, but I can do that myself with a good natural exfoliate.

The purpose of a chemical peel is to exfoliate the skin. To remove layers so the newest skin is exposed thereby improving the skins luster and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and minor scars. There are varying levels of intensity from a superficial to a deep peel. They all perform the same way, a chemical is applied to the skin which causes it to "blister" and peel away. And this is where they lose me. The thought of painting a chemical on my skin to make it blister and peel is just not worth it for me.

So I stick with the natural stuff.

But no matter which you choose or even if you choose both, it is very important that you care for your face afterwards.  

Here is my personal natural path

I enjoy the entire process of making a facial scrub and I can take as long or as little time in planning, preparing, and executing a facial as I want. If I don't have much time, I may just toss a few quick items together, when I have more time I create a facial scrub that is more elaborate.

Some of my favorite things to make your own fresh facial scrub:

Hemp, calendula petals, fresh lavender buds, rose hips

• Seeds, grains, or oats finely ground ( I grab whatever is fresh in my cupboard but my favorite is hemp nut meat) for their natural scrubbing action.
• Puree fruit or fruit juice (pineapple, orange, grapefruit, melon, lemon, lime, papaya........ ) for their natural acids and enzymes.
• Then you can add any one or more of the following: local organic honey, yogurt, buttermilk, aloe leaf juice (best to get it right from the leaf)
• Toss in my favorite botanicals and the possibilities are endless! Rose petals, lavender buds, rosemary leaves, sage leaves, calendula petals....... on and on the list goes.

You are truly only limited by your own creativity and what is locally fresh. Of course you can use dried herbs and essential oils, but for a facial scrub, I really prefer to keep it all fresh and as local as possible.  I only make enough to be used immediately so that what I use to exfoliate my face is fresh and pure.

Once you have exfoliated that top layer of skin, it is very important that you seize the opportunity to seal it with natural toners and moisturizers. The skin is freshest after a scrub and mask so it is also very vulnerable to external influencers that may cause harm. Like the sun. So take care that you protect the face, neck, and décolleté after facial treatments of any kind!

These are the steps I go through when I give myself a Très Spa facial at home;

1. Cleanse/Exfoliate. This may be one part or two parts depending.  If I have used makeup, I need to use a bit of soap and water to wash this away. If I have no makeup on then I skip right to exfoliation. 
2. Mask I'll use any one of the three masks made by Très Spa. 
3. Tone - always seal the pores with a gentle yet effective toner. 
4. Moisturize I'll use any one of these three choices from Très Spa: Defiance! , Meadow, Sahara.  

When I travel, it's pretty much the same except, I use a Très Spa soap with exfoliates in it to exfoliate my face. My favorite one is Grazinin the grass. It smells like the dickens to me (some people tell me they love the scent)but I like what it does for my face.
Maybe some day I may overcome my apprehension of blistering my face to the point that the skin falls off and be bold enough to try a chemical peel. Then again.....

Très Spa's Nickel Back Program

What the heck is this?

We decided to start our own recycle program. It started as a reconciliation for customers who had become such strong fans of our old handcrafted paper wrappers we used to package the soaps. They, like we at Très Spa, believe strongly in recycling reusing and re-purposing.

I was very careful in designing  our custom packaging, focusing on eco-responsibility first.  The boxes are made in the USA, contain at least 30% post consumer recycled material, and are printed with soy ink. The "sneeze guard" insert used to protect the soap is made from wood cellulose fibers sourced with sustainable forestry principles. Certified biodegradable, compostable and made carbon zero.  

So how do we make it even more eco-friendly? We offer our own recycling program! In fact, we extended the program to all of the Très Spa boxes: Defiance!, Organic Conditioning Shampoo, Face Oil, and of course the Organic Soap boxes!

You return any of the boxes and we will give you 5 cents for each one. Simple! You return a box and we pay you a nickel.

You can bring the boxes to any event Très Spa will be at (find events here) or you can mail them in to Très Spa PO Box 62468 Sunnyvale CA 94088