Can I get a Round of Mocktails Please!

This seems to be the year of babies! I am 15 weeks into my first-time pregnancy and noticing the lack of non-alcoholic drink options in restaurants. I enjoy our time dining out, but I have been to several eateries and there will be a whole drink menu all alcoholic, and no options for Mocktails. When you ask what your choices are for alcohol-free drinks you are given options of juice, milk, tea, coffee, water, and pop. Some places I have been to don't even have those drinks listed on the menu. When I question what types of tea or juice it's almost as if you are inconveniencing your waitress. I have gotten responses "Well what kind of tea do you usually have?" To which I answer "It depends what is available!" Just list your choices on the menu then I don't have to pestor you with my questions to make an informed decision.

Why do non-alcoholic drinks have to be so boring? 

Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I don't want to feel part of the crowd and drink something divine and extraordinary. My starter drink of choice has been a virgin caesar, which I love. I find myself wanting an increased quality of culinary experience, by having a superior Mocktail, paired with my meal. Not everyone drinks alcohol for a variety of reasons.

I challenge restaurants to step up their game and think about the population that are prohibited to drink alcohol. Show us your creativity and make up a menu full of concoctions bursting with flavour. I have had some mock mimosa's or fruit juice with soda, which was fine but very basic. Not to mention I was charged almost the same price as an alcoholic beverage for that simplicity. I don't mind spending $6 on a mocktail, but the standards need to be high for that price.

NASH is the best establishment for Mocktails I have been to located in Calgary, Alberta! 

I told my waitress "I'm pregnant and cannot consume alcohol can you make me an exciting drink?" Without hesitation, and a couple more questions of preference, I was brought the most exquisite Mocktails with fancy garnishes. As an outsider looking in, you would not be able to tell I was not drinking booze based on the appearance of my amazing Mocktails. My guests were even surprised by the taste and appearance. Kudos to Nash for knowing exactly how to serve your clientele. Other establishments should be coming to you for education and advice on how to make Mocktails. On a side note, everything at Nash is outstanding; we go there at least once to eat when we are visiting Calgary!

Pinterest is loaded with fun non-alcoholic beverage ideas! So hostesses don't forget to check out some of these pins for your expectant mothers attending your party.  It will make her feel appreciated and special that such detail was taken into consideration. Not to mention other people will benefit too. Designated drivers, children or underage guests, maybe someone battling alcoholism can all enjoy your non-alcoholic concoction you have created and still feel a part of the celebration.

My advice to all eatery establishments is to take a look at your menu and see how you can improve beverage choice without the alcohol consumption. Accept my challenge and help increase the cultural change of Mocktail's to our society. I still have another five months of pregnancy and wish to have more enjoyable dining experiences!

Basic Hair Care 101

I am probably the most hair impaired women out there. I will go to a salon to have a hair-updo for special occasions, because no matter how many times I try to work a bobby pin I fail. I can do two styles basically which consist of either a ponytail or curls. French braids, or attempts to any DIY Pinterest styles, all end up unsuccessful and a last minute ponytail.

 

What I find most interesting is learning about how to care and maintain healthy hair. I used to wash my hair daily in extremely hot showers. Shampoo my hair from roots to ends with tons of shampoo, followed by conditioner. As I educate myself I find out all my habits are detrimental to the health of my hair.

Shampooing Basics:

Start off with washing your hair in lukewarm water. Hot water weakens the hair roots making it easier to damage your hair. If you have a vibrant colour, such as red, you should consider cold water for washing your hair to preserve the colour. Cleansing your scalp is the only reason for shampooing. So don't bother wasting a ton of shampoo to create foaming suds all over your head of hair. Your scalp produces oil that naturally cleanses and moisturizes your hair. When you use shampoo it rinses out the built up oil and gives your scalp a reset. Having said that, daily washing of the hair can interrupt the process of natural cleansing. It is recommended to wash your hair every second day. This too will help maintain coloured and treated hair to grow stronger.


Conditioner Basics:

Some people miss the step of conditioner when cleaning their hair. I would assume in most cases it's because conditioner can leave your hair feeling "heavy" or "greasy". Lets go back to the anatomy of the hair. The outermost layer of the hair is called the cuticle. When you shampoo your hair the cuticle is lifted allowing the oil and dirt to be removed. But you don't want the cuticle to remain lifted. The results of a slightly lifted hair cuticle is dull and lifeless hair. It will not feel smooth or healthy. The only way to seal the cuticle is to condition the hair. A reason conditioner might feel heavy is improper technique. As shampoo is meant only for the scalp and roots, conditioner is meant only for the ends of the hair. If conditioner is applied to the entire head of hair this can result in the hair feeling weighed down and greasy.

Now lets get into the heated debate of what type of hair products should I use?

Well lets start of with asking yourself do you get your hair professionally coloured or treated?

If you answered yes to the above question,  my next question is why would you not use professional products? I find it funny when people don't take the advice of professional hairstylists. They are trained to care for your hair. I work in the health industry and I don't see patients going to the doctors, finding out their diagnosis, and then picking their choice of treatment or antibiotics. You pay top dollar and invest in your hair when your get a colour or hairstyle why not protect your investment?

Some people believe that hair professionals selling hair products are all financial incentive and sale based. In some cases maybe that is true. It all starts off with trusting your hair stylist. Once trust is established they can provide you on advice to specific products for your hair needs. The bigger pay off for your hair stylist is the ultimate health of your hair and successful styling.

You might not notice the difference between salon products versus drugstore products just by comparing the ingredient labels. When you buy professional products you are getting a more concentrated and better quality ingredients to protect your hair. More concentrated means you require less to do the same job.  Cheap brands are typically watered down, hence why they are not as concentrated. The surfactants (cleansers) in professional brands are gentler than drugstore brands and produce true results.

Buyer beware of Salon name products being sold in drugstores and grocery stores. These products are not guaranteed and not authorized by the professional distributors. Sure it looks like a good deal right? Half the price and the packaging looks the same. It's a diversion and more than likely the product is defective.  In fact some of these products have been known to have bacteria contamination from them being tampered with. The Professional distributors are constantly battling this matter. This is a Grey-market industry that deals with counterfeit, out-dated or stolen merchandise. If you want to ensure you are getting the guaranteed professional quality product you need to ensure you are purchasing from an authorized retailer.

Number one reason to invest in your local hair salon: you are supporting a small business and when purchasing products directly from the salon you are helping them to maintain their supplies, tools and continuing education. If you love your stylist and local salon your continued  support will boost your local economy in return.

I still haven't mastered any hair updo's but I am successful at maintaining and managing healthy hair. I hope reading this blog has at least given you something insightful and knowledgeable information. There is so much more to shampoo/conditioner products that I haven't discussed but I have provided the bare basics. Food for thought on a daily or every other day routine.

Safe Simple Sugars in the Shower

I just recently tried Simple Sugar body Scrubs and needed to write a blog on this amazing product. I was bad to my skin and went unprotected in the sun, on one of the hottest Sunday's this summer. In return I got sunburnt. I decided to wait a couple days till the pain from the sunburn stopped. Then I started using the Sugar 'N Spice Simple Sugars body scrub. I attribute this product to saving my skin from the regular "peeling" process that accompanies a sun burn.

What is Simple Sugars? Lani Lazzari, in December 2005, started formulating a sugar scrub for homemade Christmas gifts. Being a sufferer from sensitive skin and eczema she focused on creating a scrub that would be all natural and safe for sensitive skin. Her theory is "if you wouldn't eat it, then you probably have no business putting it on your skin." In March 2013 her product was featured on the "Shark Tank" and invested by a billionaire. Their products are PEG, paraben, sulphate, phthalates, artificial preservatives, color, and additive free.

Why Should you Consider Using this Product? 

Did you know that the biggest organ in the human body is your skin? This is why it is so important to not be putting harsh chemicals on the skin. Chemicals and artificial preservatives applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream. Spreading these bad ingredients throughout our body. There is research linking preservatives playing a huge role in cancer causing agents. I one hundred percent agree with not putting ingredients on your skin that you couldn't eat. When I used that Sugar 'N Spice scrub it smelled so good I contemplated trying a spoonful.

They have three types of scrubs: Facial, Body, and Foot. Each scrub has a different concentration of sugar. The facial scrubs have the lowest concentration to provide gentle exfoliation. The Facial scrub can be used for body and feet, but the foot and body is not recommended to use on the face. The facial scrubs are so gentle they state it can be used twice a day. The best part about these scrubs is their "GO NOLO" concept. Meaning go without lotion. These scrubs are designed to provide exfoliation, cleansing and moisturizer all in one step. The natural oils contribute to leaving your skin smooth and soft till your next shower.

Check out their website for a full list of scrub flavours, how to determine which facial scrub is best for your skin type, and the smooth for Men line of scrubs. 

http://www.simplesugarsscrub.com

For more interesting facts Click on the link provide below.
http://www.simplesugarsscrub.com/pages/faq#facial

I got my Simple Sugar scrub from a unique shop called "All About Flowers" located in Edmonton, Alberta. This store is one of two Retailers in Canada that carries this fantastic product. Take advantage if you live in this area to stop in and get some scrubs to try out. They would make fantastic gifts for all ages. The product is also safe for infants and children. They recommend you use the Avocado Facial scrub (with or without emu oil) for babies under one year. My recommendation would be purchase their "Flip-top" lids. I think the lid is genius!

Here is the link to "All about Flowers" website below:
http://www.allaboutflowers.ca

Green Sustainable Beauty

Located in a small town called New Sarepta, Salon Sareptacious is taking your hair experience in the right direction considering the environmental consequences and effects to our planet.  Kristina, owner of Salon Sareptacious, has become a member of Green Circle Salons and part of the positive green change.  

What does it mean to be a  Certified Green Circle Salon member? 

This means salons are becoming consciously aware and linking our actions and consequences in relation to our planet. Combined, Canadian salons produce 20,355 tonnes of waste annually. When a Salon joins Green Circle they are enforcing the philosophy to help increase efficiency while redirecting, recycling and repurposing materials that were once destined to pile up in our landfill's. Working together to keep people and the planet beautiful. Hair, paper, plastic, metal and chemicals are all recycled through this eco-friendly company. The hair clippings are collected and made into oil booms which are used to clean up oil spills.  

Kristina has a charismatic personality that all her clients enjoy! She offers the community and surrounding area her professional hair expertise at affordable prices. Whether your looking for a traditional or trendy hairstyle/colour, Kristina is capable and enthusiastic about achieving that specific look for you. 

Salon Sareptacious Shabby Chic theme is enhanced throughout the salon. This theme also contributes to an eco-friendly environment. I love how Kristina up-cycled already existing furniture giving them a make-over. In such a wasteful society it is easy to just get brand new furniture, but it takes a creative mind to see how an old item can be transformed into modern use. This same creativity exists in all of Kristina's work. She takes the time to truly understand what style you want and make it unique. 

Davines is the product line chosen by Salon Sareptacious. Another environmentally friendly choice for this Green Circle Salon. Davines was founded in Parma, Italy in 1983 by the Bollatie Family. They provide quality products with respect for the environment using high grade natural ingredients. They strive to balance between substance and style, nature and science, people and spirit. 

I tried a huge variety of Davines hair products and it would be safe to say I hoard these amazing products. Another great concept is the packaging. You can choose to recycle or re-use the empties. The containers can be re-used for other items. I think they make excellent plant pots making them extremely Green! 

Have you ever considered choosing a salon based on environmental consequences? If no, why not? If we want to change the future of our children we need to protect our planet. There can be a plan B, but there is no Planet B.

Call and book your appointment with Kristina at 780-941-3900
Follow Salon Sareptacious on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sareptacious
Follow on Instagram @sareptacious 

Eat Green

Have you heard of the Green Pantry? It was created in 2011 and somehow I am just finding out about this business now!! Why am I wasting my time and money in the big grocery stores when I could be taking advantage of our wonderful locally grown food in Central Alberta?

So what is the Green Pantry? Well these lovely ladies have taken the time to scope out all the delicious and nutritious food that can be found at the local farmer's markets and brought it all together online. They currently have 8 locations for pick-up, which include, Lacombe, Sylvan Lake, Red Deer, Blackfalds, Stettler, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, and now CAMROSE!!!!!

This business offers a wide variety of products available all year long. You would not think Alberta would be able to have year round vegetables, but they are grown in local greenhouses. The meat offered is elk, bison, rabbit, beef, pork, poultry, and lamb. The dairy offers ice-cream, milk, cream, yogurt, cheese and sour cream. The other subcategories available are soaps and lotions, meals-in-minutes, gluten-free, baked goods, fruit, grains and cereals, salts, herbs,spices, and oils, peas, beans and lentils, prepared food, honey, and beverages.

How it works: First you sign up with your profile information and payment information, then add items you want to order (orders need to be in by 11PM Tuesday before delivery on the Thursday). Then you go to the location designated to your city, at specified times, on the Thursday to pick up your order (unless it is Blackfalds or Rocky Mountain House which states Friday's).

I just received my first order this Thursday and was amazed by the quality of food!

Visit their website and browse all there wonderful products!

http://greenpantry.ca/home.php

Reasons to Buy Local

• Local food looks and tastes better. 

• Local foods are better for you. Less time transporting the food from the farm to the table ensuring nutrients are maintained and not lost. 

• Local foods support local economy. Farmers are a vanishing breed. Buying local foods and eliminating the middle man helps local farm families grow. 

• It builds your local community. 

• Local foods benefits the environment and wildlife.

• It promotes a safer food supply.

• The producers can tell you how the food is grown. 

• It keeps taxes in check. Farms contribute more in taxes than services, where as suburban developed areas cost more than generating taxes.

• Local food is our future. Supporting local foods ensures are community tomorrow and for future generations. 

Chocolate at it's Finest

Did you know we have the most fabulous Chocolate couture, with cocoanista designs just minutes away. If there were fashion awards for chocolates, Jacek would win hands down. Their chocolates are so pretty you almost don't want to eat them. When you take a bite your tastebuds explode into a whole other dimension.

I purchased the Mad Hatter's Spring Collection this past Thursday. Brought them home for my husband and I to enjoy. I thought since we get six each I would savour them and have one a day. Unfortunately I ate all six of mine in one sitting, and wished I had more.

The Mad Hatter's Collection 

The flavours from left to right:

Raspberry Hibiscus: Creamy Hibiscus infuse ganache topped with raspberry caramel.

EAT ME: Apricot & Ginger: Ginger and apricot infused dark chocolate.

Earl Grey Tea: Milk chocolate infused with Earl Grey tea.

Lavender, Lemon & 'Time': Dark chocolate infused lavender, lemon & thyme.

Sage & Smoked Chanterelle: Caramelized white chocolate with sage topped with smoked chanterelle (from untamed Feast) ganache.

Unbirthday Cake: Milk chocolate layer over vanilla bean ganache, enrobed in dark chocolate.

Going to the Jacek store is like walking into a fresh deli of extravagent chocolates. The staff are excellent at suggesting pairings for the chocolates. 

The Petite Bar Collection

Flavours from left to right:

Petite Jackie: 36% caramelized milk chocolate with Fleur de Sel

Petite Cocoa: 39% milk chocolate drizzled with white chocolate.

Petite Frank: 40% milk chocolate with cocoa nib brittle.

Petite Audrey: 64% dark chocolate from Madagascar with tart cherry & toasted pistachio.

Petite Marguerite: 70% dark chocolate from Honduras.

Petite Stella: 85% dark chocolate with cocoa nibs and tropical green tea. 

Now these are chocolates that make great gift ideas. It supports a local company, it's fresh, delectable, and highly attractive. Who wouldn't want to get a box of these chocolates? Just add a bottle of wine and you have a gift to win a woman's heart!  

Although I have had these chocolates before in the past, and I am aware of the markets they attend this was my first time visiting their shop. They have two locations. One downtown Edmonton and the other in Sherwood Park. I ventured to the Sherwood Park location. They are also sold in multiple stores in Edmonton. 

I wish there was a retailer in Camrose that carried their creations! But I can always order online and have the chocolates delivered directly to my house. 

Please check out their website for more information and explore the Cocoanista world of Jacek! 

http://jacekchocolate.com

Here is their Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/jacekchocolatecouture

Uplifting Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Wellness

Camrose established a new place of serenity March 2, 2015, on Main Street. Have you been to Sacred Art's yet? If not make it your next stop. Ravidass and Lisa, husband and wife, share a powerful vision of inspiring a healthy and natural lifestyle.

 

What do they have to offer our community? For one they have great hours open Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM and Sunday's from 10 AM - 5 PM. Yoga classes and drop in passes. Yoga apparel and supplies, artwork, natural body care products and much more. They also have a great Vegan menu. The staff working are knowledgable and very kind.

I was informed their coffee is Beyond Fair Trade. It's a way to ensure sustainability and prosperity of Doi Chaang Coffee and all involved. That means 50% of the profits earned by the Canadian company are returned to the farmers. There is local artists featured monthly. Their yogi tea is crushed and made by hand in store. They use cacao, which is a rawer form of cocoa, and they use no sugar but dates as a sweetener.

I have eaten there twice this week. Stopped there before my evening shift Wednesday night. Went back again Friday night but took my husband. I had the spicy lime avocado soup, Mexican quinoa salad, a piece of fudge and a green tea latte with a fabulous coconut milk froth on top. My husband needed a cold and flu tea latte, which was absolutely delicious, and also frothed to perfection. To take home for the weekend we also purchased two post yoga energy balls, two coconut macaroons, and a cinnamon bun.



Here are some of their delectable food photo's:

For more information visit Sacred Art's website:

 http://www.sacredarts.ca

Also you can visit their Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/sacredarts.ca