Archive | 9:08 AM

Flu BE~GONE: Ginger/Lemongrass Soup

17 Jan

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Get-Better-Soon ~or~ Never-Get-Sick

Lemongrass/Ginger Soup Recipe

So, I am seeing so many of you are sick L. This makes me sad, especially since AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!  I am going to give you my go to recipe for getting over that flu quick, or trying to ward it away from your homestead.  I will say that I got the idea for this recipe from a dear friend and client, but hers is probably much better and involves a lot more time as she makes her stock from scratch, but I say again, when you’re sick AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT! 

This is so simple to make, that I have literally dragged my near-lifeless zombie-fied body to the kitchen and created a bubbling cauldron of healing goodness.  I ALWAYS have the ingredients on hand in the winter and I believe you should too! It’s even delicious with a  BLT or Grilled Cheese!

Here’s what you need!

  • Ginger, peeled and smashed, cut into 2ish inch cubes (I use a lot or a little depending on how serious I am, more is better! Sometimes you can even use the immersion blender at the end if you want it in the soup… but the soup isn’t as yummy then, ginger is NO JOKE!)
  • Lemongrass (2 sticks, I rinse them, take off the outermost layer after cutting into 2.5 inch pieces)
  • ½ White Onion, chopped
  • 1-3 Cloves of smashed or chopped Garlic (depending on what you can take!)
  • 2-4Tblsp of white vinegar
  • Juice of one Lime
  • 1 Carton of Chicken Stock 32 OZ
  • 2Tblsp of one of my FAVORITE ingredients, Better Than Bouillon (BTB) CHICKEN *
  • 1 Can of White Meat Chicken, rinsed (I know, canned chicken, but actually it’s not bad and when you are sick it’s perfect. Just rinse it first… or throw last nights chicken breast in)
  • 1 Serrano Pepper (Optional, I literally just cut the tips off and float it in the broth for the tiniest bit of heat)
  • Oil for pan
  • Cut Spaghetti Noodles, as few or as much as you want, I caution not to use too much.

Directions:

  1. Prep your ingredients, you’re sick! Just rough chop all that crap up! Put those bad boys on the cutting board and put your pot on the stove at Medium with just a little twist of olive oil to coat.
  2. Drop the white onion in and let it cook, about 1 minute, coating in the fat, add garlic and cook one more minute.  I like to keep everything in this fresh and white.
  3. Add chicken stock and 2Tblsp of BTB, sir until dissolved.
  4. Drop in Lemongrass and Ginger, bring to a boil; then, reduce to simmer.
    1. (Drop in option pepper here too if you want a little heat)
    2. Add rinsed chicken as well as salt if needed and pepper if you want, and desired amount of vinegar and a hand full of noodles.
    3. Let simmer for 10 minutes to an hour, remove ginger and lemongrass or if you’re too exhausted eat around it… Sometimes I need the soup right then and there, and it’s perfect! You don’t have to let it simmer forever!

This seems involved, but once I developed it, I can make it in a snap and my hubby swears it’s a cure-all!

*Note: Better Than Bouillon is something I have in all three flavors at all times in my kitchen: beef, chicken, and veggie. They make it in a variety of styles including gluten free and organic.  I can’t tell you how often I add it to a soup or sauce, or even as a little something salty and warm in the evening if I’m craving it! Enjoy!

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Chapped Lip Fix!

17 Jan

Chapped Lip Fix!

Favorite Chapped Lip Remedies

I was just talking to a client today about the fact that I don’t think I have gone more than 5 times since junior high without some form of lip balm on. Because of this, I rarely suffer from chapped lips, and I know that I am a very lucky girl!

Day in and day out clients and friends ask how best to combat their dry lips! Wintertime is an especially difficult time for those little guys. I have a couple of tricks and a few solutions for getting, and keeping those kissers soft hydrated!

1. You MUST, ALWAYS wear something on your lips! I mean it people! That balm won’t work if you don’t keep it on your lips. Coat those bad boys till they look like a pair of rubber kissers!
2. Choose a balm WITHOUT medication. I have never seen a pair of lips that does well with medication. If your doctor prescribes it, fine, I’ll let it slide, but try to avoid mentholated, even peppermint or anything with the word MEDICATED.
3. Choose petroleum based (I know some people don’t like this, but it really works and doesn’t irritate the majority of the public) or shea butter based balms instead, and buy a few of them so there is no excuse not to have it on… I have mine in my car, my handbag, next to where I sit on the couch and next to my bed. There is NO defense for not to follow #1… Oh yeah, and get one for your travel bag too! There’s nothing worse than being in paradise with chapped lips but get one with sunscreen for the beach!
4. Exfoliate. If you are already experiencing dryness, there are lots of things you can do to GENTLY (notice I capitalized this, it’s important) exfoliate. I have OVER EXFOLIATED my lips into a very strange and painful state. You can use one of the cute and effective lip scrubs on the market, a disposable mascara wand (everyone should have a package of these), a baby toothbrush, or even a washcloth.
a. How to: When lips are clean and dry, gently employ one of these methods; sometimes I like to use the mascara wand WITH a scrub since the scrub alone can be messy. Use a moist washcloth to remove said scrub then go right back to step #1!

I’m including some links, and pictures of my favorites. These, for me, are tried and true but I would love for you to comment on what some of your favorite basic hydrators are for the lips. When I tell you I have just about used everything, trust me, I have. Inexpensive and expensive, I’ve tried it!

1. Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh
2. By TERRY: OR DE ROSE ~Just like the balm but with really fine shimmer, this was given as a gift for my birthday, and it is by far one of the best gifts I’ve received, one of my handbag musts!
3. By TERRY: BAUME DE ROSE ~If I had to choose one this is it. I have kept mine in the car and it’s lasted a year, just the LOVLIEST! High price tag, but I only need the one for an entire year!
4. VASELINE lip therapy ~ This is the one I used for years and the only one I’ll let my hubby use.
5. LaNatura Shea Butter Lip Balm ~My personal all-over-the-house favorite is Cocovanilla but they have about a billion incredible flavors. I buy at least 4 at a time and stash them in all the places mentioned. This is what I put on before bed at night! It’s super hydrating and luxurious!
6. The lip scrub: by Sara Happ: This little set packs a big punch! The scrub is awesome, I’ve used it for years and the lip-slip is a second runner up to my much beloved Baume De Rose. This is a great set to meet all your parched lips needs!

http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-polish-P274001

http://www.dermstore.com/profile_sara+happ_502125.htm?gclid=CLnYl6bx7rQCFWaCQgodAh0ApQ

http://www.barneys.com/By-Terry-Rose-Balm/00469504002253,default,pd.html
http://www.lanatura.com/shea-butter-lip-balms/

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