Natural Remedy for a Sore Throat

Well, hello there wellness lovers!

Can you imagine what life was like before Pinterest?!

I know I can't!

Something I've noticed lately (and love!):

Based on my own observations, it seems like the "Millenial" generation (in general), seems to be going 'back to the basics', per se, and using our grandparents' tried and true home remedies for common situations... for an array of things ranging from cleaning to gardening to natural health care.

Not only are many of our grandparents' tips + tricks generally more natural (and safer), they will also save you a ton of $$$!

I've had conversations with many friends about this, and from what I am seeing and hearing, it really does seem to be a trend. :)

Today I thought I'd share a new pin from my "Natural Health" pin board.

It's something I have yet to try, but have "pinned it away" for possible future use. And, one day when I have kids, I'm pretty sure I will be thankful to have this on hand.

Natural Remedy for a Sore Throat

Caption said:

"If you wake up with a sore throat, and begin to feel a cold coming on, mix hot water, 2-tablespoons honey, 2-tablespoons of vinegar, dash of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, mix well, and drink, you will feel better within the hour! Works every time!"

Just curious... has anyone tried this yet?

I hope you are having a wonderful week. :)

xoxo,
Ashley

Time for Juicing!

Happy Saturday! I hope you are having an amazing weekend! The weather in Palmdale is so perfect right now... all I want to do is spend time outside! :)

As I mentioned, it was an emotional week, and by the end of it I did not feel well at all... (nauseous, exhausted, migranes) However, I am feeling so much better!

I've been enjoying fresh juices every morning, eating mainly fruits & vegetables, walking every morning, gardening, relaxing, spending time with my family, doing yoga, practicing "health history consultations" with insightful IN students, and applying to new jobs! And, tomorrow... hiking with friends! ♥

Anyways, back to the juicing... I can't believe how amazing fresh juice can make you feel! And spring is a perfect time to start adding fresh juices to your diet! They are so light, cleansing, refreshing, and full of vitamins & enzymes!

More benefits of juicing can be found here!

I wanted to share some simple combinations I've enjoyed this week, and I hope they will inspire you to get your juicer out! (Or get one.) :)

Cucumber Lemon Ginger Juice

(serves 2)

• 2 cucumbers
• 3 stalks of celery
• 1" ginger root
• 1 lemon

Sweet Carrot Orange Ginger Juice

(serves 2)

• 5 carrots
• 1" ginger root
• 1 lemon
• 2 oranges

And now... for the more tolerant "advanced"~

Green Detox Juice!

(serves 2)

• 2 cups greens (I used a mix)
• 5 stalks celery
• 1 orange
• 1" ginger root
• 1 lemon

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower & Lemon Tahini Sauce

Happy Tuesday! I hope you are having a great week!

This morning I was definitely not feeling 100%... but after a nutritious breakfast of oatmeal, almonds, and a fruit smoothie... and then a 30 minute run, I felt much better! Healthy food and exercise can do amazing things! ♥

Anyways... tonight I finally got around to using the head of cauliflower that has been waiting patiently in the fridge.

Little did it know... it was about to get roasted with garlic, olive oil, and parsley!

And then dipped in Lemon Tahini Sauce! :)

And... guess what?! It was so easy to make!

How to Make:

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower & Lemon Tahini Sauce

(serves 4, as a side dish)

Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut cauliflower into florets. Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Toss cauliflower florets and minced garlic with the olive oil and parsley in a large bowl. Spread flavored cauliflower onto a pan (I used parchment paper, but it probably is not necessary). Roast for 25 minutes.

Lemon Tahini Sauce

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 5 tablespoons tahini

Mix lemon juice and tahini together in a blender. Serve as a dipping sauce, or drizzle over roasted cauliflower.

Even though I enjoy cooking... I have little patience when I am already hungry. So I am glad this was so quick & easy!

Do you have any favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower?

P.S. Has anyone ever made cauliflower "mashed potatoes?" I think that is going to be the fate of the next head of cauliflower that comes my way. :)

The day I made hummus...

Greetings! Do you like hummus? Have you ever made it yourself?

The other day... I had a hummus craving, so I bought the roasted garlic hummus from Trader Joe's. Even though it was quite delicious and addicting, I couldn't help but fantasize about freshly made hummus... mmmmmm.

I thought to myself... "Tomorrow I am going to make homemade, fresh, and custom hummus!"

For whatever reason, I've been wanting to find ways to use cumin. (Don't ask me why! Because I do not know...)

Anyways, I thought to myself "Is there such thing as cumin hummus, I mean, would that combination even work?" So I googled "cumin hummus"... and apparently there is such a thing. But even if there wasn't, I would probably try it anyways. :)

Here is what I came up with! It is purely delicious... and can obviously be customized in many ways.I am excited to experiment with variations of spices!

 Homemade Cumin Hummus

-1 c. chickpeas
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 clove garlic
-1 tablespoon tahini
-1/8 teaspoon sea salt
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1 tablespoon lemon juice

There is no comparison when it comes to hummus. Homemade wins in terms of taste, ingredients, freshness, and saving $! 

Do you enjoy store-bought or homemade?