HERE'S INSTANT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FOR YOU

Merry Christmas to you and yours.  Enjoy the music!!!

PROBLEM SOLVED!? STAY SOFT COCONUT OIL

It’s winter, it’s a trifle chilly in the bathroom and you want nothing more than to slather on a little coconut oil first thing after your shower.  But the coconut oil is rock hard, like a brick. So you get out your ice pick and hammer… Nooo… stop that ritual. Here’s a softer, simple solution from “the little red house” Blog with their HOMEMADE COCONUT BUTTER via Shutterbean’s “I Love Lists, Friday".

COCONUT CAKE, THE PERFUME



MIX AND MATCH COCONUT FLAVOR



Coconut perfumes are the perfect choice, if you’re like me and not into floral, green, spicy or musky scents at the moment.  Sometimes coconut oil seem a little plain though, so I often mix and match other fragrance notes with the coconut for a change of pace.

Here are

TOP 5 SCENTS TO LAYER WITH COCONUT PERFUMES

1. Gardenia
2. Sandalwood
3. Chocolate
4. Vanilla
5. Orange

Sometimes I layer all of the last three scents together to mix-up a "coconut cake" flavored fragrance that’s so yummy that it’s almost eatable.

HARVESTING SUNLIGHT IN CHICAGO



Always thinking about coconut



Sunshine, not corn, is the most valuable commodity in Illinois. From September through May, or 9 months of the year, Chicago is usually shrouded in a thick layer of clouds blocking the sun. This is why I always have semi-tropical latitudes,  palm trees and coconuts on my brain.

WHY I (AND YOU) NEED FULL SUNSHINE

Of course, we get light through the cloud layer but for weeks on end, we never get full sunshine.  Sometimes, when the sun occasionally breaks through the clouds, the sunshine momentarily hurts my eyes.

It’s becoming torturous to live in Chicago in more than a few ways. If I don’t take Vitamin D capsules or cod liver oil, my vitamin D level laboratory test results are low.

Full sunshine for several hours a day is the best way to acquire adequate levels of Vitamin D for optimal health.

FIND-OUT ULTRAVIOLET LEVELS

I actually bought an app from itunes that measures the amount of ultraviolet light that is available on a daily basis.  When the morning level is high, I know to get outside right away before the cloud cover comes over the city.

 I had to buy the app because weather reports and weather maps inaccurately portray the actual annual amount of sunshine.  An hour or so of sunny weather at noon does not constitute a sunny day in my opinion.

What's really scary is that I don't remember Chicago always being like this, it seems that the lack of winter sunshine is a recent problem.

SUNSHINE ON WEATHER MAPS

Luckily there is an aeronautical expert in our family, whose degree courses included meteorology classes. So, I asked the expert “how come the Weather Channel’s maps never show all the clouds over the city”.  His answer was that Weather Channel’s maps measure precipitation, from either rain or snow producing clouds.  If the clouds aren’t producing precipitation, the area over the city will look clear of clouds on the maps.

Of course the entire state has been in varying degrees of drought conditions for a few years now. There’s no full sunshine and no snow.

Cloudy winter days with no snow on the ground are particularly dreary.

And, because it’s icy cold outside from September to May, I spend a lot of time inside (more than I’d like to admit).  The concepts “icy” cold vs. “regular” cold will be discussed in a separate blog post.

ONE WAY TO HARVEST SUNLIGHT

Until I move, I have now decided to tackle this problem frontally. I’m going to get started on using a Scandinavian décor tactic of adding some bright white surfaces to reflect more light throughout the house.  I won’t add too much white though, because I love color.

Otherwise I will have to move to a tropical latitude soon and hang-out under a palm tree.

5 STOCKING STUFFERS FOR COCONUT LOVERS



SIMPLE GIFTS TO HANG NEAR THE TREE (PALM)



These simple gifts plus PEACE are all  this Coconut Lover wants for Christmas:

1. Fannie Mae, TRINIDADS…it’s  great-tasting coconut candy.
2. Pacifica, SOLID PERFUMES… these are light, true scents.  All flavors are formulated with coconut oil, they are almost eatable. Strike that--read “almost”, they’re not actually eatable, meaning uneatable.
3. Tropical Traditions, LIP MOISTURIZER... it's unscented, the best for overnight treatment and includes palm oil in the formulation.
4. Walgreens Details Bath & Body, COCONUT COAST MOISTURIZING BODY MIST… this is an amazingly simple and cheap spritz with the pure smell of  coconut aroma (contains benzophenone-4).
5. Adrienne Arpel, COCONUT MELTDOWN…it’s been around for decades and this make-up remover works without drying.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO

EMERGENCY CARE OF WINTER SCALP ITCH



QUICKLY TREAT WINTER SCALP ITCH AT HOME



Uh-oh, pain and irritation from winter scalp itch has reached critical levels causing  you to scratch like a mad dog. That opens the door to potential hair loss from scalp trauma.  Coconut oil can really help, but there's an even quicker solution.

Either you got caught outside hatless during icy weather, sat beneath a heating vent in a van or wore a colorful but scratchy 100% virgin wool hat.  Whatever the cause, you have been scratching hard.

Emergency Scalp Treatment:  Extra Virgin Organic (EVO) Olive Oil

• Massage your scalp with a teeny amount about 1/2 teaspoon and let it sit for at least 1/2 a day.
• Turns-out, that oil contains ingredients that provides almost immediate scalp relief from inflammation because it contains anti-inflammatory substances.
• Here’s a link to the research study results that confirm that EVO Olive Oil contains 2 anti-inflammatory ingredients that act like ibuprofen:  Monell Center Olive Oil Study Results. 
• The olive oil you use has to be top quality.

 Monthly Ritual to Avoid Winter Scalp Itch

• Massage 2 dabs of EVO Coconut Oil into your scalp before shampooing with a sulfate-free cleanser. 
• Afterwards massage in another tiny dab before drying your hair.
• Finally, avoid petroleum jelly which keeps your hair and scalp on the dry side in winter, just the opposite of coconut oil’s true moisturizing benefits. Lastly, wear a winter hat that friendly to your scalp and hair.

I've used this coconut oil ritual for my scalp for several years now after I moved to a new office which was heated from a ceiling vent.  My scalp itched like mad and then my hair started shedding severely. The coconut oil ritual was  the only real solution for an annual winter problem.

TOP 10 HASSLE-FREE WAYS TO USE COCONUT QUICK, EVERYDAY



Grate Your Own  Coconut or Buy Bagged Coconut

Here's how to get all the benefits of coconut, fast, in 10 different ways:

1. Dip coconut flakes from a bag and sprinkle over your hot or cold cereal as sweetener.
2. Use a coconut oil cooking spray instead of soy based cooking sprays for your dishes.
3. Quickly stir fry or sauté shrimp or vegetables in coconut oil with a dash of lime juice.
4. Cut calories by using coconut whipped cream from canned coconut milk .  Whip with a small hand blender and serve over yogurt, ice cream or desserts.
5. Gulp a shot glass or two of coconut water from a re-closable container.  Refrigerate the leftover to use later.
6. Do a warm coconut oil scalp massage before shampooing to eliminate winter itch and flaking scalp skin
7. Use coconut oil as a soap-less cleanser in the morning. Wipe the excess off with a warm, wet facial tissue.
8. Massage your body with coconut oil before bathing to prevent soap from over-drying  your skin. Save time and only massage areas prone to drying like arms and legs.
9. Use coconut oil as an overnight hand and lip moisturizer for round-the-clock smoothness throughout the next day.
10. Use a caprylic acid, coconut oil derivative, spray product to quickly eliminate dry skin on your  feet, elbows or knees year-round.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

INEBRIATED THEN COCONUT WATER???



Got Drunk, Now What, Coconut Water?

 

I have 2 rules about drinking alcohol:  Don’t get drunk and don’t get a hangover.  That said, I’ve heard the rumors that say coconut water alleviates hangovers. Cocofina, a coconut water manufacturer, claims that it’s not a rumor and states that coconut water does indeed remedy hangovers. 

In fact, the company has put this information on their website:  Coconut Water Cocofina Hangover Remedy. 

Hmmm…

ALCHOLIC DEHYDRATION

It’s true that any alcoholic drink will cause dehydration. But the type of dehydration that’s caused by drinking alcohol occurs at the cellular level. Fluid passes-out of individual cells throughout the brain and the rest of the body.  This is one part of the hangover syndrome (only part).

 Billions of human cells must be rehydrated for a serious drinker to be fully hydrated again, IF EVER. That takes time, lots of time, so much so that even intravenously administering fluids can’t “beat a hangover”.

MAKE COCONUT WATER YOUR DRINK

I try to enjoy  holiday libations responsibly and then  substitute coconut water when I reach my limit.  That’s the best way to beat a hangover.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

NEW DRIVE STYLE - 2013 CHEVY SPARK



CHEVY SPARK ON THE STREET



Chevy Spark invokes an immediate  "What is that Car?!" comment.  It looks like a spunky Italian Fiat or a ride designed for living in tropical latitudes.  And now  It's Electric for 2013! It's fast-0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds!  It saves gas! And it comes in 8 shades!  Chevy Spark is a great way to update your style. Here's the link to Chevy:  GM Chevy Spark


Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time...

CHIA SEEDS, REAL FOOD ENERGY SHOT

The New York Times reported last Saturday that teeny tiny Chia seeds have gone mainstream:  30 Years After Chia Pets, Seeds Hit Food Aisles  Like coconut products, chia seed cultural cuisine was  fairly limited to  semi-tropical, albeit desert-like locales.

Making a Chia Smoothie is easy, but better tasting once the multi-colored seeds have expanded in liquid, even plain water, overnight.

Chia ENERGY SHOT SMOOTHIE

Prepare the night before going to bed

• Add 1 teaspoon to a glass of your choice of juice.
• Or add  to pureed fruit (like apple sauce).
• Let the seeds soak in the juice or puree overnight.

In the morning

• Stir the juice and the expanded seeds
• Drink the juice and seeds

CHIA'S REAL STORY

I first read about the real story of Chia seeds in the bestseller “Born to Run” by Chris McDougall.  Had it not been for all those years of quirky TV commercials for  Chia Pets, I would not have given McDougall’s research on Chia seeds a second thought-It just seemed like too much hype.

But Chia Seeds were once an important Native Peoples food commodity throughout the Western Hemisphere. In fact, I think that the seeds were so much a part of the Native Peoples consciousness, that Chia Pets almost seemed to have been divinely designed to keep them at the forefront of all of humanity’s consciousness.  That’s just my theory!

THE 411 ON CHIA NUTRITION

Chia seeds are chock full of protein and essential fatty acids. One tablespoon provides 20% of the daily requirement for carbohydrates.

Also, Chia seeds can be used to prepare baked goods. There are a tremendous number of Chia seed recipes online all over the internet.

 Here is the link to the USDA Report on Chia Seed

IN THE EVENT OF A DISASTER

Chia seeds also make a good long-term storage food product for your disaster survival pack. The small seeds are easily packed.  Dried coconut flakes and Chia seeds are part of my own disaster survival pack.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

GET IN A THANKFUL MOOD WITH COCONUT



COCONUT SCENT  FOR DINING

 
I like to enhance the mood of graditude during Holiday meals with the warm scent of tea lights for food warmers or table settings. Coconut scented tea lights and candles are widely available. 

 A coconut scented room makes a delicious change of pace from tried and true subtle vanilla or spicy pumpkin pie scented candles. Then again,  I think I will try a combination of all three aromas.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

COCONUT FLAVOR OOMPH! FOR YOUR FOOD

 

SUMPTUOUS-TASTING  ONIONS SAUTEED IN COCONUT OIL

 

What exactly does coconut flavor really taste like?  To me it tastes like a subtle combination of rain, wood and the sea, very slightly sweetened. Brazil nuts are the only other food I’ve eaten that remotely taste like coconut.

How can you get more of it in your main dishes and desserts?  Here how--

TOP WAYS TO GET REAL COCONUT TASTE

1. Use extra virgin organic coconut oil.
2. Make coconut whipped cream from canned coconut milk (don’t use low-fat).
3. Grate coconut flakes from younger seeds that contain lots of water.
4. Use coconut gel from green coconuts.
5. Use artificial coconut flavorings (buyer beware).

Brazilian coconut flavor seems smoother than bolder-tasting Thai coconut .The strength of the aroma definitely depends on the coconut’s age and the country it was grown in.

Depending on your dish or dessert, you would still want to use your own preferred flavorings like vanilla or spices like saffron along with the coconut.

Onions sautéed in coconut oil are incredibly tasty and beyond yummy.  Coconut’s flavor will not overpower any of your Holiday food dishes or desserts even though “Coconutty” is a taste sensation in a class by itself.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

GET CLEANER FLOORS WITH COCONUT



A REAL WELCOME TO MY HOME



It was like stepping into a Black Hole as I approached my front door. The big black rectangle laying there was not inviting or welcoming. I so hated looking at that recycled black plastic outdoor mat.  So I’m going back to an old-school coconut coir welcome mat to catch outdoor dirt before it gets inside.

 Coconut coir mats now have fresh, new colorful designs that are much more welcoming and more appealing.  And they still do the job of collecting outdoor dirt before it gets on the carpet.

Granted the recycled plastic mat was very functional …ice melting salt, ordinary dirt and leaf debris easily came off shoes and fell into the depths of the mat’s black hole. When it blew down the street during last year’s blizzard, I retrieved it but never put it back at the front door.

COCONUT WITH LIME WELCOME MAT

Newer coconut coir floor mats are now made with brighter colors that are more decorative.  Some are available with Christmas themes.  Basic mats still come with the “WELCOME” message.

So when guests come to visit this holiday season, my carpet will stay cleaner because of a coconut coir floor mat.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

REVERSE COCONUT WATER?!

CLEAN WATER FOR ALL OUR FUTURES

Get cleaner, purer regular water from your fridge thanks to coconut. A Canadian Company has invented a new water filtration material made with dried coconut shells to purify regular H²0.  Swift Green Filters of Canada converts the shells into carbon replacement water filters for refrigerators and ice dispensers.

The company produces the coconut carbon filters for home and commercial use.

The company’s product joins the long list of recycled coconut by-products utilized by individuals throughout the tropical latitudes such as barbeque charcoal made from coconut shells.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

RELAXXXING COCONUT SONG

Massage your scalp with coconut oil while listening to this spa music I found on You Tube.  After your massage,  cleanse-away all of your worries...

The tune is "The Coconut You Gave Me".  In some African cultures,  giving the gift of a coconut is symbolic of giving one's love.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time...

A NEW ASTI FOR HOLIDAY MEALS

A New Asti for Pouring

Drinking Moscato from Gallo Family Vineyards is like eating fruit. The family vineyard just keeps on pleasantly surprising me with their wine selections.

 I just tried their Moscato today.  It’s a great Asti-sweet, juicy and very boldly tart! It’s produced in Argentina but tastes very Italian. It might be a tad too sweet but  I think it will be excellent to serve with  my Holiday meals.

And at about $5 for a 4 pack of little bottles, this sparkling wine will make great stocking stuffers for Christmas.

But at the moment, all I can think about is how good summer Sangria will be next year made with Gallo’s Moscato. Hmmm…I’m wondering…maybe I can go ahead and make that Sangria now.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

HOW-TO CALM DOWN AFTER THE STORM

East Coast victims of Hurricane Sandy have all of my love and empathy.  I find that I'm feeling so unsafe and unsettled because of the  storm's shocking death and destruction. 

The aroma of coconut oil is extremely relaxing.  I did a hand massage with Extra Virgin Organic coconut oil and inhaled the relaxing fragrance to calm down somewhat.

You can also massage lavender, Turkish rose or chamomile essential oil drops into your hands for  quick relaxation.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO...love until next time.

READY…SET…HOLIDAY COOKING



Easy Coconut and Chocolate Holiday Dessert



Salt can’t be the only flavor in my food dishes this holiday season. So I’m starting my grocery list now to stockpile my favorite spices, flavorings and ingredients. 

I try to shop early so I won’t see an empty space where my  favorite spice was displayed before it sold out.

 Many ingredients are on sale now.

So I have to clip coupons and review sale papers for basic cooking needs soon.

I stockpile nonperishables like chocolate and coconut products.  Lots of spices and flavorings can be ordered online from grocery stores.  It’s worth it to avoid the frenzy in the baking aisles.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

5 NON-IRRITATING LIP GLOSSES



DON'T SETTLE FOR STINGING LIPS!



Just because it’s windy and cold outside doesn’t mean that I have to put up with burning or chapped lips.  When I don’t use plain coconut oil, I use a pretty lip gloss. One lip gloss I recently purchased irritated my lips badly.

It was the perfect shade of lip gloss.  I had been searching a long time for that shade.  I paid $34 and I bought 2.  My lips started burning an hour after I applied the gloss.  I will return the unused tube.

I put the opened tube in the back of a drawer and went back to my stash of the protective lip glosses I use in fall and winter.

Here are 5 lip glosses and moisturizers that I found won’t irritate my lips with stinging ingredients or strong scents. None need numerous reapplications.

1. Burt’s Bee Tinted Lip Balm
2. REVLON Super Lustrous Lip Gloss
3. NIVEA A Kiss of Moisture SPF 4
4. MARY KAY NouriShine Plus
5. TROPICAL TRADITIONS lip moisturizer, coconut oil, unscented, no color

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time.

COCONUT MILK NOW ON WALL STREET



Palms trees almost sprouted dollars in New York City. The maker of Silk Pure Coconut  brand of coconut milk, WhiteWave Foods , became a publicly traded company on Friday October 26, 2012.

The ending share stock price was $16.75 on the New York Stock Exchange, according to the Wall Street Journal.  Here’s a link to the WSJ Market Watch Report for WhiteWave Foods.

I’ve got to say that  WhiteWave’s decision to go public confirms that there is a strong American consumer market for coconut products.  Coconut milk is no longer an alternative food in the Western Hemisphere's northern latitudes!

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

DRENCH YOURSELF IN WATER-BASED FRAGRANCES

Ever feel nearly tipsy at an office meeting from the effects of a morning spritz of alcohol-based fragrance? 

Water-based fragrances don’t have the mind-numbing effects of the strong alcohol in some EDT perfume brands and are kinder to delicate skin.

Maybe you just can’t handle heavy perfumes anymore.

Water-based perfumes are an option.

3 water-based fragrances to consider--

NAUTICA OCEANS by Nautica is marketed for men as a sea-smelling fragrance. Actually, it’s has a unisex aroma of subtle white musk, greens and light florals.  The scent is very pleasant, perfect for daytime use. The American-made blend uses French perfumer Coty’s “long-lasting biodegradable water-based formula.”

The fragrance seems to last about 4 hours.

Oceans is discontinued but the Eau de Toilette Spray 1.7 oz., is still available online, deeply discounted.

Pink Sugar, Roll-on Shimmering Perfume by Aquolina is a youthful, candy-like fragrance that’s ultra-feminine with soap notes.  The aroma is intensive, clean-smelling and leaves my skin pretty with a shimmery glow.

Water is the first ingredient on the label which includes a tremendous number of ingredients. The Italian-made fragrance lasts about 3 hours. 

The roll-on, 1.69 oz. is available in stores and online for approximately $29.00.

caribbean therapy FLOWER WATER by AVEDA is marketed as a citrus-based fragrance with neroli, mandarin and orange that’s supposed to be “uplifting”. It’s refreshing as a mid-day spritz on arms, legs or the back of the neck. The product is very cooling.

Water is the first ingredient on the label.

Actually I had trouble smelling anything at first but I then I experienced a light, stimulating citrusy note after a few moments. This product is weakly scented and might disappoint orange scent lovers. It won’t compete with other fragrances you might be wearing.

All Aveda fragrances tend to be on the very light, feminine side.  Interestingly, their hair products tend to smell extremely strong, persistent and somewhat masculine.

The 6.7 oz. spray sells for $21 and is available at Aveda stores and salon counters.

. 

OTHER OPTIONS BESIDES ALCOHOL

I actively search for water-based scents. Crow and CB I Hate Perfume are 2 brands that I plan to try-out soon.

Perfumed bath powders and lotions are also excellent alternatives to alcohol-blended fragrance formulas. Perfumed oils are the best choice for longer-lasting staying power.

SOFTEN EDT PERFUMES WITH COCONUT OIL

 For fragrances that have a heavy alcohol presence, I protect my skin from the alcohol’s drying effects with a dab or two of coconut oil and a spritz of soft spring water.  I do this with all alcohol-based fragrances, especially EDT perfume spray versions. 

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

COCONUT WATER FOR AUTUMN

Fall's temperatures may be cooler but you can still get overheated and sweaty. Coconut water is for year-round refreshment and hydration.

You can work-up a real sweat raking leaves, performing garden clean-up, and doing outside home maintenance.  Add-in blustery winds, and it’s easy to get dehydrated.

Coconut water is not just for surviving the heat during summer days in northern latitudes or while performing aerobic activities in the gym. Coconut water benefits can keep you hydrated, in-shape and energized for everyday activities, throughout the seasons.

Performing everyday activities in the cooler weather can leave you very dry and thirsty.  For example, my car’s heater dries-out my skin and hair so I usually chug more water while driving in autumn.

Searching through a pumpkin patch with the family is big fun, but it can be exhaustive.  So have some coconut water ready in the car for the ride home.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

BE LIKE A WELL-WATERED GARDEN

LAVENDER FIELD  WITH FULL, FRAGRANT BLOOMS

Here are some ways I use essential oils with pure, plain water for a refreshing aromatherapy change of pace. I frequently switch-up and dissolve fragrant oils in water instead of  carriers  like coconut oil.


TIPS FOR USING AROMATHERAPY OILS WITH WATER

1. Put any blossoms, but especially rose or lavender petals in muslin tea bags.  Soak the bagged petals (available at online stores) in a hot bath and enjoy the relaxing water while inhaling the lovely flower fragrance.
2. Place a few drops of bottled essential oil like chamomile in your bath water.
3. Add essential oils to your lotion and massage into your skin while you are still wet from bathing.
4. Use aromatherapy oils in a steam vaporizer.
5. Wet your hands or spray water onto your wrists, then massage-in a drop of lavender or other essential oil. Use gentle essential oils, like chamomile, in this manner on other parts of your body that need attention.
6. At midday, I spritz my face with refreshing mineral water  scented with rose oil. I keep the bottle of hydrosol in the refrigerator to get an instant cooling sensation.
7. Use fragrant water to revive your body, to freshen sheets or cleanse the surrounding air. Save money and simply add 10 drops of calming lavender, balancing rose or invigorating pine oil to a large spray bottle of distilled water or any restorative mineral water.
8. Add 5 drops each of eucalyptus oil and lemon oil to wash water, especially if you are using non-perfumed laundry detergent.
9. Add 5 drops of cedar oil to a wet cloth and throw it in the dryer to freshen just washed clothes.
10. Add 1 or 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the steam tank of your iron to freshen gently worn, but clean clothes.
11. Save money on household cleaning supplies by adding a few pine, lemon or lavender oil drops in a spray bottle of water. You can eliminate using heavy chemicals with artificial-smelling perfumes on light-duty cleaning jobs.

Pat Thomas for the COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

QUICK GOOD EATING WITH SPICE MIXES

Micronutrients in spices enhance my well-being and overall vigor. At the same time, spices minimize the need to use more salt and sugar to flavor foods.

Spice mixes are more convenient and easier for me to get to the good eating part. Nowadays, the blends are more authentically flavored than in the past.

SAMPLE Ethnic Blends include:

• French Herbs de Provence-great for beef and pork dishes
• Thai Spice Mix-excellent with shrimps
• Moroccan Spice medley-great to season rustic breads
• Italian Spice Blends-a pasta tradition
• Jerk Chicken Spices-great for the best chicken ever

Some American mixes include:

• New Orleans Gumbo Mix-try this with beans
• Pumpkin Pie Mix-great with fruit or chocolate
• Seafood spices bags-a necessity for crab and lobster
• Lemon pepper mix-blends with everything

SPICE MIXES FOR QUICK, EASY FLAVOR

The above are just some very basic blends that are generally available everywhere.  The good thing about these basics is that they can flavor a wide variety of dishes. 

For example, Pumpkin Pie Mix can be used to flavor everything from morning oatmeal, a sweet potato casserole for lunch and apple pie for dessert after dinner.  Lemon pepper can be used in dressing on green salads and to flavor baked chicken.

The key is to experiment 2 or 3 times weekly for literally more spice in your life.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

NOT WEARING BAD BODY ODOR ARE YOU?

Got BO but you're NOT SWEATING and you're FULLY-CLOTHED?

A stinky smell may be coming from your body, but it may not be your body odor.  New clothes and household fabric items, like sheets, can sometimes emit a smelly odor even before you wear them or sleep on them.

The fabrics’ foul odor is unnatural but animal-like at the same time. The smell is almost like human feces but not exactly.

Once, after I washed and dried a cotton skirt, I noticed a faint foul smell. The odor became much stronger after I pressed it with a hot iron, but just for a moment until the heat cooled-off.

I threw the skirt away because I figured that my body heat would also activate the bad smell. I thought that I just made an unlucky purchase. But later, I noticed the same odor on another garment purchased from a different store.

I did a search on the internet and discovered that other people had also noticed very bad smells on new clothes. One writer commented that an entire clothing store reeked of a foul odor.

Frankly, I don’t care about the theories on the smell’s origins. Bad odors are just unacceptable. 

As a result, I buy organic clothing and fabric items with certified dyes when I can. I frequently test for a foul odor on new purchases with a hot iron.

 I immediately return garments that stink.

Transforming your lifestyle means being vigilant about the fragrances you bring into your home. The distinctive natural fragrances of coconut, leather, silk, or woolens like cashmere can be as pleasing as a well-blended perfume.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

COCONUT EASY TO GO




PROBLEM PLUGGED! TRAVELING WITH COCONUT OIL

 

Leaking coconut oil won't drench the bottom of my cosmetics case while I’m on vacation ever again.  Kelapo Coconut has just debuted small, convenient packets of coconut oil.

 The 1/2 oz. travel packets contain 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.  That’s just enough to carry in my suitcase, lunchbox, beach tote or stash in my bedroom. 

This is just the latest in a line of conveniently packaged coconut oil products from Kelapo Coconut.  Their other products include cooking spray and baking sticks.

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…

NEW SCARY GM CORN SAFETY DEBATE

GM CORN SAFETY CONTROVERSY SEPT. 2012

The Russians are not coming. That is, not coming to get American corn products. Now would be about the right time to seriously think about switching to coconut oil for your main cooking oil.

According to numerous news reports, Rospotrebandzor, Russia’s consumer protection agency, recently suspended importation of American corn while their scientists examine and validate a French study linking genetically modified (GM) corn products to cancer.  Apparently other European agencies are also reviewing the study.

If you are concerned about your cooking oil, there are alternative products.

ALTERNATIVE COOKING OILS

1. Coconut oil for high temperature frying, sautéing and baking
2. Olive oil for sautéing
3. Palm oil for baking and stir frying
4. Sesame seed oil for sautéing
5. Butter for baking and sautéing (note, many cows are fed GM corn)
6. Lard for baking and high temperature cooking (note, most hogs are fed GM corn)

Literally billions of people in the world safely use one or another of the above oils.  All of these cooking oils have an history of human use going back at least 2 millennia.

They are all yummy-tasting too.

Recent News Reports about Corn products

In September 2012 numerous news outlets reported that a French university study linked genetically modified corn to tumors and cancer in rats.  Virtually all corn grown in the United States is genetically modified or GM. The study results and methodology have been contested by American agroindustrial giant Monsanto.

American farmers are the most productive in the world.  I do not believe that American farmers and agribusiness industry would knowingly produce and distribute a harmful food commodity.

This is not a scientific blog and I am not an agriculture expert, but from what I’ve read, consuming corn and corn products, GM or NON-GM, can have unintended consequences on human health.

That said, remember that native Mesoamerican farmers and homemakers were the first culture to successfully select corn varieties and modify finished grain with lime to make the grain suitable for human consumption.

News Source: Daily Mail Sept, 25,2012, online:  Russia Suspends Import and Use of American GM Corn

Pat Thomas for THE COCONUT LOVERS MOJO until next time…