Healthy Hair | Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo + Conditioner

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
Hippocrates

We've been hearing about the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for some time now and it turns out this trend it not new. Vinegar has been used medicinally for centuries and during biblical times, vinegar was used to flavor foods, as a preservative and for medicinal purposes, plus it is mentioned in both the old and new testaments. In ancient Greece, around 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed apple cider vinegar mixed with honey for a variety of ailments. Throughout history, there are numerous references to ACV both for medical purposes and beauty intentions. Today, we still reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar and can easily incorporate this healthy aid into our daily routines.

Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin, Hair and Health
Hair:
1. It has properties that balance your scalp and hair pH levels.
2. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties help combating scalp dryness, itchiness and dandruff.
3. Applying apple cider vinegar, with its acidic properties, may improve the condition or appearance of hair.

Body:
+ It can prevent premature aging with its powerful antioxidant abilities.
+ It balances the pH level of your skin and is best to use it as a daily toner.
+ It is great for treating warts, sunburn, age spots and acne.
+ Vinegar is well-known for its antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective against many strains of harmful bacteria.
+ Soak a washcloth or cotton ball with ACV and water and apply to the face as a toner or apply to sun spots for 30 mins and rinse.
+ Add one cup apple cider vinegar to your bath.

Health:
+ Some evidence suggests that taking apple cider vinegar could help lower both total cholesterol and triglycerides.
+ ACV works to detoxify your liver for better overall health and bodily functions.
+ Drinking apple cider vinegar may help provide relief from acid reflux symptoms by introducing more acid into the digestive tract to prevent acid back flow.
+ ACV adds a healthy dose of beneficial bacteria into your diet and improves the health of your digestive system.
+ Dilute one to two tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and drink, do not exceed 16 ounces in one day.
+ Note, its high acidity can damage tooth enamel so make sure to dilute with water and use a paper straw to drink.

One thing I am striving to pass on to my children is how to take care of our bodies and I want them to understand it goes beyond what we eat. The products we use on our skin, the body's largest organ, have a direct impact on our health. We strive to use clean products that are free from parabens and phthalates and are eco-friendly and cruelty-free. We recently had the chance to partner with Phillip Adam and sample their apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner. Phillip Adam prides themselves in producing nature infused hair and body care products with carefully chosen plant-based ingredients. Their products contain vital nutrients derived from botanical extracts which are proven to have favorable effects on hair and skin.

Gentle and nourishing, their ACV shampoos are suitable for fine to normal hair types including colored hair, making their products the perfect fit for my hair type and my children. They add natural shine and help maintain a healthy pH balanced scalp and are family and pet friendly! They are available in several different scents such as Green Apple, Verbena Sage, Orange Vanilla or Unscented. I can't wait to try their Curly Hair Shampoo formula, I don't show my natural curls too often, but when I do wear my hair curly I like to embrace its natural state and use products designed for curly hair.

Phillip Adams hair products are the perfect fit for our eco-conscious, clean living family and I highly encourage you to check them out.

Phillip Adams | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

*This post was created in partnership with Phillip Adams.
**The adorable earrings pictured here were purchased in Mexico, but you can buy similar ones HERE.
***Jessica's dress is courtesy of Tea Collection .

Memories of Paris, Jim Morrison, and A Healthy Frappuccino | SCD, Paleo, Vegan

"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons."
T.S. Eliot

I can vividly remember my very first taste of coffee; my sophomore year of high school my mom and I escaped to Paris for an experience of a lifetime. Well, at least an experience of a lifetime for a high school student. I can remember sitting in the quaint hotel eating some of the richest food I had ever indulged in for breakfast; puff pastries, thick baguettes, delicate slices of aged cheese, cured meats. And I can remember that first sip of coffee, rich and dark, thick as molasses. It was bitter to my young palette, but there was something that drew me in. A sophistication I yearned to attain, even at the young age of fifteen.

My trip to Paris with my mom will forever be embedded in my mind. Just thinking back to those days brings a smile to my face and a silent laugh to the air. I remember strolling the streets of old Paris, wearing a vintage fur coat of my mothers, my hair cut short in a bob and thick black eye liner that made me feel like Twiggy. I remember dragging my mom through Père Lachaise's cemetery, because surely my heart would break if I didn't stop to visit Jim Morrison's grave. At an age of naivety, I felt that moment was the greatest moment in my life. To visit the resting place of Jim Morrison, the iconic lead singer of the band The Doors, a self-taught poet, and legendary rock star, would be a conquest that I would never forget. It was during this time my mother introduced me to more sophisticated creatives like Colette, Molière, Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, and Gertrude Stein. These iconic novelists and playwrights fed my passion for the written word and creativity and the thought of visiting their tombstones as well opened my mind to a new world.

But at the time, music was rich to my bohemian soul and fed my blossoming vision. As we made our way towards Jim Morrison’s grave, the air was filled with heaviness and an eerie perception loomed around us. The cobble stone paths that led the way were slightly uneven and covered in a trace of moss, hinting to the rich history of this Parisian park and cemetery that surrounded us. On most days, his resting site is so crowded with visitors it is difficult to truly embrace the nostalgic moment. But yet, mysteriously, our visit brought us to an empty grave filled with stillness. In the air, a spiritual feeling lingered and if I closed my eyes and listened hard enough to the silence, I could hear the subtle sounds of Jim Morrison’s raspy, raw voice whispering his poetic, dark lyrics across the cemetery.

I was surprised to see his grave was modest and sensible, tucked into a small space between several other enclosures. The bust that once adorned the site was sadly stolen in 1988 and the neighboring graves were wrapped in layers of graffiti that built up over years. At the time of our visit, there were no barricades and we were free to roam as we liked. But today, due to the consistent defacing, officials have put up metal barricades to surround the site, forever changing the feel and atmosphere.

I have so many fond memories from that trip, memories to last a lifetime, memories that perhaps one day I will share with my own children over a strong cup of coffee or cappuccino. And maybe, just maybe, The Doors will be softly playing in the background. I have yet to introduce them to the band that captivated my mind for so many years of my youth.

Some of the finest moments in life are rooted in simplicity. For me, coffee and music have always invoked a sense of emotion and remembrance. There are times when I can smell the slightest aroma of savory coffee and I am instantly whisked back to Paris, sitting in that quaint hotel with my mother, sipping cappuccino and nibbling on puff pastries all while dreaming of strolling down the cobble stone paths of Père Lachaise.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes.”
Marcel Proust

VANILLA FRAPPUCCINO
SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan
yield: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS
2 shots espresso
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup coconut milk
2 cups ice
2 Tbs. almond butter
10 dates
1 tsp. MCT oil or coconut oil

DIRECTIONS
1. Blend all ingredients together in a blender or Vitamix.
2. Divide among two glasses and enjoy.
2. You can add an optional cacao drizzle by mixing together 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 1 tablespoon cacao powder and 1 tablespoon honey. You can also add a dollop of chilled coconut milk, the thick cream on top.

Baked Green Pea Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce | SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free

"Luck is believing you're lucky."
Tennessee Williams

We decided this weekend is the perfect time to embrace the warmer weather and hints of spring so we've added a little green into our day and into our food. I have been working on a recipe for veggie bites for some time now, but I haven't been able to narrow down a taste and texture that my whole family agrees on. My youngest has a serious passion for green peas and eagerly suggested I use them in my recipe. And you know what, she is on to something! Peas are the perfect texture for these veggie fritters and they are one hundred percent kid approved. Since peas are naturally sweeter in flavor, they balance well with the other veggies and healthy herbs. Add a side of homemade tzatziki sauce and dinner is covered!

Health Benefits of Peas
1. Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which plays a significant role in in the production of collagen. Collagen helps keep the skin firm and glowing. Vitamin C also protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. The insoluble fibre content present in peas helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. The lutein and vitamin A in peas also protects your eyes. Lutein, a natural plant pigment, is concentrated in the eye, and its antioxidant activity can protect you from both cataracts and macular degeneration by preventing oxidation. Vitamin A helps keep the surface of your eyes healthy.
4. Green peas offer a myriad of potent antioxidants. One of its powerful antioxidants includes coumestrol, a polyphenol that may lower your risk of stomach cancer.
5. Green peas contain an impressive amount of fiber, which has been shown to provide many benefits for digestive health.

Baked Green Pea Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce
SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
yield: about one dozen fritters

INGREDIENTS
2 cups frozen peas, ¼ cup reserved
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup chopped parsley and cilantro, mixed together
1 cup riced cauliflower (broccoli will work too)
2 eggs
salt & pepper
olive oil or coconut oil

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease with olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Place all ingredients, with the exception of the ¼ cup peas, in a food processer and pulse until combined. Make sure not to over mix.
3. Stir in the reserved peas.
4. Using a tablespoon, roll into balls and press into round patties that are about ¼ inch thick. Place on the parchment.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip over and bake for another 10 minutes.
6. Allow to cool and serve with tzatziki sauce.

Tzatziki Sauce
SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Yield: ½ cup

INGREDIENTS
½ cup plain yogurt
¼ cup finely chopped cucumbers
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1 garlic clove (optional, I omit due to an allergy)
salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Whisk all ingredients together until combined and creamy.
2. Serve immediately.
3. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.

**This recipe was created for Babiekins Magazine and originally published HERE.

Chicken a la King | SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Just when I thought spring was around the corner, a sudden surge of snow makes its way back into Ohio. I have officially reached that point in winter where I long for warmer days, I long for the sight of green grass and budding blooms and I long for the sound of birds chirping and children playing. I'm also eager to pack away the heavy coats, the bulky boots and the endless piles of miss-matched gloves and wool socks. I am ready to shed our layers, de-clutter our home and toss open the windows.

But, considering it is 15 degrees out and a flurry of snow dances across our yard, I do not see myself opening the windows in the near future. So instead, we light the fire and turn to comfort foods to warm our souls.

I've been making this Chicken a la King dish for about a year now and have made it several times. I love this recipe because it is quick and easy, yet adaptable to the ingredients you have on hand. My daughter loves green peas, and I mean LOVES, so the first time I made it I added them for her, but sometimes I omit them. We had this last night for dinner and I didn't have any mushrooms on hand so we simply left them out and it still tasted rich and creamy. And sometimes, when I am pressed for time, I use a pre-cooked chicken that I cut into half-inch pieces. Simply add the chicken at the end, simmer and serve.

Chicken a la King
SCD, Paleo, Refined Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs chicken, cubed
1 small onion, diced
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery diced
1 1/2 cups white mushrooms, sliced
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 Tbs coconut oil
1 1/2 cans coconut milk
2 Tbs bone broth
1 tsp paprika
salt & pepper

DIRECTIONS:
1. Melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a large skillet over med-high heat, add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned on all sides. Transfer chicken to a plate and reserve for later.
2. Add the other tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan and sauté the onion, pepper, celery and mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the coconut milk, bone broth, paprika and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the frozen peas and chicken and cook another 5 minutes.
5. Serve over SCD friendly biscuits, bread or cauliflower rice.

Basic Biscuits
SCD, Paleo, Refined Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free
*This recipe is from Paleo Comfort Foods cookbook

INGREDIENTS:
6 large egg whites
¼ cup coconut flour
¾ cup blanched almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ TBSP grass-fed butter or coconut oil
dash of salt (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are very frothy.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the two flours and baking powder, and then with a pastry cutter (knife and fork work too), cut in the cold butter (or coconut oil) and add salt if using. You want to make a crumbly mixture. Let this sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F.
4. Remove flour/butter mixture from refrigerator, and gently fold in the egg whites, stirring to combine.
5. Spoon the biscuit batter onto a sheet pan lined with parchment.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cashew Butter Cookies | SCD + Paleo

Cashew butter may be by far one of my favorite foods. It makes the perfect snack for a mid-afternoon pickup, especially when it is paired with apples. I love to add a spoonful to my morning smoothie and when it comes to baking, it is a great ingredient to have on hand. And if you don't have a jar of cashew butter it is the easiest to make! Just toss your raw cashews into a food processor or blender and let it go until it is thick and creamy.

Health Benefits of Cashews
+ Cashew nuts have a lower fat content and a higher protein and carbohydrate content than most other nuts. The fat that they do contain is mostly derived from oleic acid, a monounsaturated oil with known benefits in protecting against heart disease and cancer.
+ They are a good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc.
+ Cashews contain a class of compounds called phytosterols, compounds similar in structure to cholesterol that can reduce the absorption sites for dietary cholesterol in the gut and thus inhibit the body’s absorption of LDL.
+ The copper in cashews helps to manufacture various enzymes involved in hemoglobin and collagen formation. Collagen is the main structural protein found in hair and skin that gives it elasticity.

I was experimenting with cashew butter and wanted to bake a cookie that was similar to a peanut butter cookie because unfortunately my son is not crazy about peanut butter. The first batch I made was gone in under an hour and all the kids, including my husband, said this recipe was a keeper. For the second batch I decided to add a cacao drizzle on half of the cookies and it was the perfect combination with the cashew butter and rich honey flavor. Please note, cacao is not SCD compliant, but we have been able to tolerate it well. For more info on cacao you can read THIS post.

Cashew Butter Cookies
SCD, Paleo, Refined Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free
yield: about one dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/4 ts salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup cashew butter
1/2 cup honey
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
chopped nuts or almond slivers (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the cashew butter, honey, egg and vanilla for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
4. Reduce the speed and add the flour mixture until combined.
5. Using a tablespoon, drop the dough, 2 inches apart, onto prepared baking trays. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or almond slivers if desired. Bake until lightly brown, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool and enjoy.