The Health Benefits Of Shiitake Mushrooms + A Bonus Recipe

GOOD LIVING IS GLAM FOR ECO DIVA BEAUTY– Have you ever asked a person if they like mushrooms, only to have them wrinkle their nose with distaste? Mentioning mushrooms can have a polarizing effect on a conversation–people either love them or dislike them... intensely. If you belong to the Can't Stand Them Camp, you might want to reconsider how you feel about them, especially Shiitake. These mysteriously exotic and hearty mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese for thousands of years, and offer a wealth of health benefits you might not want to miss out on.

Nutrition, Recipes, HealthGina Jessica SmithJanuary 16, 2015Shiitake, Mushrooms, HealthyComment

VIDEO: How To Seed A Pomegranate

I absolutely love pomegranates, but have you tried scooping out seeds with a spoon only to make a mess, release a few seeds at a time, and get a mouthful of the bitter pith? Frustrating, right? This video will show you a simple method to removing the seeds and making a refreshing sparkling pear cocktail.

DIY, Entertaining, Food, How-To, Lifestyle, RecipesGina Jessica SmithDecember 26, 2014Pomegranate, Healthy, Mocktail, DIY, How-To, Recipes, FoodComment

Poached Pears With Muesli, Lavender & Almond Milk

Right now everyone is in pumpkin, squash and gourd mode, but let's not forget about one of fall's most amazing offerings: aromatic, sweet and juicy pears. Bosc, Bartlett, Comice, Seckel, Anjou–take your pick! In addition to pies, sauces and salads, pears are also a great way to avoid what I call Green Juice Boredom aka GJB, which is a syndrome caused by using the same ingredients for the ubiquitous morning elixir typically made with green apples.

Nutrition, Recipes, Food, EntertainingGina Jessica SmithOctober 30, 2014Pears, Autumn, Recipe, Vegetarian, FruitComment

Apple Care For Every Skin Type

Dice them, slice them, juice them, smash them. Any way you prepare apples, your body gets a boost from their amazing health properties. Obviously the internal benefits of apples are widely known and documented, but what about using apples applied directly to your skin?

Skincare, Recipes, Lifestyle, Health, DIYGina Jessica SmithSeptember 8, 2014luckymag, skincare, apples, facials, greenbeauty, greenbbloggers, health, healthyComment

Fig, Grape & Blueberry Preserves with Lavender & Ginger

Lushly sweet, fresh figs are culinary gold during their main season, which runs from later summer to early fall. Their beautiful watermelon-pink inner flesh coupled with that unique chewy, crunchy texture inspired me to explore ways to enjoy figs throughout the year, and what better way than with a aromatic ginger and lavender infused fig preserve.

Food, RecipesGina Jessica SmithSeptember 1, 2014Figs, Blueberries, Grapes, Preserves, Jam, Organic, Gluten Free Comment

Fragrant Vegan Garlic Scapes Pesto

What is that tangle of green curlicued shoots? Before the bulbs mature, garlic plants produce flower stems know as garlic scapes. Farmers usually remove the scapes to direct the plants energy toward bigger bulbs, but rather than compost these cuttings, smart growers harvest the scapes while they are still young and tender so they can imbue chosen dishes with their sweet, mild garlic flavor.

Limited Edition Delicacy: Young Green Almonds

Green almond season is here! These young, unripe almonds are a delicacy, only available in early spring for a brief 8 week period between April and June. Easily identified by their fuzzy, pale green shell, green almonds are a crisp, tart, fruity treat enjoyed on their own, accompanied by a light Prosecco or as a delightful addition to a simple salad.

RecipesGina Jessica SmithMay 14, 2014Green Almonds, SaladComment

How To Make A Gentle Spring Detox Tea

Are you ready to embark on a spring detox? Do you want to try something different from the ubiquitous juice cleanse? The Vernal Equinox has taken place, reassuring us that the time of renewal, reawakening and vitality is here. To help welcome the season associated with fresh beginnings, I wanted to share one of my go-to detoxifying teas rooted in the tradition of Ayurveda.

Health, Lifestyle, RecipesGina KamburowskiMarch 26, 2014Detox, Cleanse, Tea, Wellbeing, Health, Ayurveda, Herbs, TurmericComment

Guacamole Royale

Warning: Guacamole purists, look away! Avert your eyes! I know for many of you, daring to innovate the classic Mexican recipe is essentially a culinary crime. In the past, I've also wrinkled my nose and looked on disapprovingly as friends attempted to serve me variations of this beloved avocado side dish, so I understand if you're concerned. I assure you this recipe is worth trying once for the sheer surprise of how beautifully the subtly sweet and crunchy pomegranate and nutty pistachio partner with the chunky, yet smooth avocado. Besides, it's a visually fun and festive addition to your entertaining table that's certain to start an interesting foodie conversation.

Food, Health, Entertaining, RecipesGina KamburowskiJanuary 22, 2014Avocado, Pomegranate, GuacamoleComment

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