Ylang Ylang Sugar Scrub

Homemade sugar scrubs are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, a friend’s birthday, or even fun to make just for your self! As the coarse sugar exfoliates, the fragrant coconut oil moisturizes, with the gentle scent of Ylang Ylang that creates a therapeutic relaxing effect out of this world. Toss in some green tea for antioxidants and you've got it made.

If you haven't heard of Ylang Ylang oil before, it is derived from star-shaped flowers on the tropical Ylang Ylang tree and has a sweet, rich, spicy fragrance. 

In aromatherapy, Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress, balance hormones, and promote a positive outlook. Topically, it is known for its nourishing and protective properties in skin care. I also use Ylang Ylang oil for freshening up wax candles that have lost their scent or add a few drops to the hot tub to create a virtual tropical vacation.

Infused with the fragrant aroma of Ylang Ylang oil, this sugar scrub recipe will take you on a tropical aromatherapy escape, that will leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth all over.

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 green tea bags

1/2 cup coconut oil

10-20 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil 

Directions:

Step 1: Place the sugar in a small mixing bowl. (You can use coarse, raw sugar, but any plain white sugar will do.)

Step 2: Cut & empty the bags of tea bags into the sugar.

Step 3: Add the coconut oil. 

(Depending on the air temperature of your area, you may 

need to warm the oil up in the microwave a little so it becomes soft.) 

Step 4: Add 10-20 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil,

depending on the strength of aroma you prefer.

Step 5: Mix all of the ingredients together.

Step 6: Store in an airtight glass jar container.

To give as a gift, I used a small, scrap of brown paper bag for the labels and attached it with a piece of double stick tape on the back then, wrapped it with a piece of twine for a natural, homemade feel. It makes for a quick and easy gift!

To apply the sugar scrub just take a small scoop and massage it into any dry, cracked areas such as elbows, fingers, or heels, then rinse with warm water. Rub in any residual oil that remains on the surface of your skin. Enjoy soft, smooth skin ready for sandal weather. 

You can find Ylang Ylang essential oil here.

Smells Amazing and is Totally Edible!

Muscle Milk {Protein} Brownies

No need to worry about the proposed dessert tax that may accompany the new FDA dietary guidelines. These brownies are high in protein but, low in added sugar.

Muscle Milk {Protein} Brownies

Ingredients 

1/4 Cup Oats
3/4 Cup plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 Cup honey or Agave
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup chocolate Muscle Milk protein powder
1/4 Cup liquid egg whites
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla

Optional: ½ cup chopped almond pieces 

Frosting

2 Tbs chocolate Muscle Milk Protein Powder
3 Tbs honey or agave
1/2 Cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 Tbs cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbs natural peanut butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. In the blender, add oats first and grind into flour. Combine remaining brownie ingredients and blend well. Stir in the nuts if desired. Pour into a greased 8×8 baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Combine frosting ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Frost while still warm. Dust with Himalayan sea salt or espresso grounds if desired.

You can find the Muscle Milk Protein Powder here.

#myplate

These power bites taste more like a protein bar than a pan of brownies,
but without the aftermath of a sugar spike,
they energize and build lean muscle.

Homemade Muesli

While traveling through Europe this summer, we discovered muesli unlike anything sold here in the States.

The muesli here is mostly oats, and sells for about $7 a box, which explains why it is not a common commodity in America. European muesli leans more toward trail mix than oatmeal and is everywhere. We must have sampled at least a dozen brands as we passed through England, France, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. The sheer variety was amazing.

Whether you have a full day of sightseeing planned, or just a typical day ahead, muesli is power food. 

My family is now hooked, so we have begun creating our own muesli at home for a fraction of the box price. 

Here's a basic recipe, but feel free to improvise:

4 cups raw oatmeal
2 cups dried and diced pineapple/mango chunks
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/3 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dates (rolled in flour)
1 cup chopped dried apples
1 cup chopped nuts (macadamia, peanuts, almonds or walnuts)

Store in an airtight container.

Serve mixed with Greek yogurt or milk
topped with fresh fruit and honey if desired.