A Look at Squalane as a Solvent for Extracting Oil-Soluble Plant Constituents

This post is the result of a burning question I had about squalane’s effectiveness as a menstruum. Try as I might, squalane herbal infusions rarely had anywhere near the vibrance of color I would get from my other infusions using oils like olive oil or tallow. Sometimes they stubbornly remained crystal clear, begging the question(s): Is the squalane actually extracting anything? Can it be infused with plant constituents for use in skincare formulations? Inquiring minds want to know!

Chili Crisp Vinaigrette

Love Fly By Jing Chili Crisp Vinaigrette but put off by the canola oil? Try this easy-to-make copycat recipe that captures the complex, savory umami, tangy acidity and spicy heat of the original. This stuff is good on ALL the things.

Spicy Szechuan Chili Crisp

Calling all spicy food lovers! I adore spicy foods. There’s something about it that makes me feel vital and alive. Besides being positively addicting, capsaicin — the constituent in chili peppers that makes them spicy — confers a number of health benefits.

Allow me to introduce you to your new culinary best friend: Spicy Chili Crisp.

Scent-sational Science: Using Aromatherapy for Better Sleep

Judging by the ever-increasing size of the sleep aid section at the grocery store, getting enough sleep is a challenge for many of us. Adequate, quality sleep is crucial to our physical, mental and emotional well-being and our overall health.

Fortunately, there are many non-pharmaceutical things we can do to help our minds and bodies wind down and prepare for sleep, such as avoiding artificial light and stimulating activities before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Another thing to consider trying is aromatherapy.

Easter ‘Peeps’ with Real Marshmallow Root

It was bound to happen. Once I got the bunny cookie cutters, homemade marshmallow root ‘Peeps’ were sure to follow.

Refer to *Real* Marshmallow Root Marshmallows for step-by-step instructions on how to make marshmallows from scratch!

Do You Practice Good Sleep Hygiene?

Cultivating practices that prioritize and promote quality sleep are essential for optimal health and well-being. What does good sleep hygiene look like?

Rendering Your Own Purified Tallow for Skincare

Given my obsession with tallow-based skincare, it kinda feels like a huge oversight not to have talked about rendering tallow yet.

It’s a simple process that can be done at home with just a few basic tools.

‘Winter Kiss’ Overnight Lip Rescue with Lanolin

Winter skin happens to everyone. Months of cold, dry air take their toll.

This time of year calls for a little extra TLC to help lock in precious moisture and add a protective barrier against the elements. A deeply hydrating overnight therapy can restore our lips natural moisture balance and help to smooth, soften and nourish the skin.

Honey-Mint Lip Butter

I’m one of those weird people who insists on having about 47 chapsticks or lip balms in strategic places around the house. And in the car, in my desk, in multiple purses, my gym bag, my pocket, melted in the dryer (oops)…

Tips & Tricks for Doing GAPS with Kids

My family decided to embark on a healthier eating journey starting January 1. We committed to healthy homemade dinners every single night, no fast food at all and very minimal eating out. The style of eating we decided on is called the GAPS diet, a gut healing nutritional protocol designed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. Keep reading for some tips and tricks that helped us get the most out of our GAPS diet experience.