bee :: conscious

[beeconscious-blog]

Whipped body butter + apple cider vinegar facial toner

I've always had trouble with my skin as far as finding the right products. Well...I still haven't found one but my skin has been a lot less irritated using the products above.

First, we have a whipped coconut oil based body butter. I use it to clean + moisturize. I tried it this time around with tea tree oil though. It's so fluffy and smooth! Whipped Body Butter

3/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup almond oil

1 tsp tea tree oil (or any other essential oils/vitamin E (it's an antioxidant)

Portion the hard coconut oil out and let it melt in a pot on very VERY low heat. Stir it periodically to help all the hard pieces dissolve. You don't want to allow the oil to boil but just warm enough to melt.

Set it aside for about 5 minutes to let it cool down.

Add the almond oil + other oils

Place it in the freezer checking on it every 5 minutes until it hardened but still soft to the touch

I used my hand mixer and whipped the mixture while scraping the sides for about 5 minutes. 

Voila! Airy, soft, fluffy body butter~ ACV Facial Toner I am in LOVE with this concoction! My skin is a combination of dry and oily - apple cider vinegar helps restore your face's natural pH and equalizes your skin. 

It also helps with acne as it fosters cell production and minimizes pores!

2/1 ratio of water to ACV - this is the measurement that works best for me but everyone's skin is different so you may need a little more or less!

[beeconscious-blog]

spinach & kale salad with red/orange glory grape tomatoes, cucumber, sprouts, coriander sesame tofu fried with jalapeños, olive oil, fresh basil, & a fig balsamic glaze!

For the tofu:

cube about 1/4 of a block of extra firm tofu - make sure you've soaked up all the extra water inside! blend 1/8 tsp sesame seeds, 1/8 tsp cracked black pepper, a pinch of paprika, 1/8 tsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a dash of water in a bowl and coat the tofu well. let it sit for about 10 minutes and then pan fry it on medium heat. I placed a plate on top of the tofu just to add some pressure. 

[beeconscious-blog]

Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

So, I’ve toyed around with some different combinations of alternative flours and starches. Here is a recipe for an all purpose flour that I’ve used primarily in baking.

1/2 cup brown rice flour 1/4 cup white rice flour 1/2 cup sorghum flour 2/3 cup corn starch 1/3 cup tapioca starch 1/8 cup water chestnut flour 2 tsp xanthan gum

The water chestnut flour is used primarily in Asian dishes to add a more crispy texture and it acts as sturdy component for this mixture. Honestly, you can add as many different starches and flours as you want or keep it simple. It’s all about experimentation!

IMPORTANT: you must remember that most GF all purpose flours are based on a 40/60 ratio. 40% whole grain flours & 60%white flours/starches

Good luck!

[beeconscious-blog]

Mango Sage Smoothie

This is by far one of my favorite smoothies. Mango & sage make such a lovely combination. Sage acts as a blood purifier & in combination with all the vitamin C mango possesses this will add as a great detox to your dietary regimen. 

1 ripe mango 1 cup of ice 1 cup vanilla almond milk 1 small banana 1 TBSP chia seed 2 TBSP hemp seed 4-5 sage leaves **add a small amount of water if the consistency is still too thick

[beeconscious-blog]

Lil Debbie Cakes

As long as I can remember, I've always loved these dang things. So one day after talking about them with my roommate I decided to create my own that were vegan AND clean! Here's the recipe

Brownies

-1 cup whole wheat white flour  -1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

-1/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder -1/2 tsp baking powder

-1/2 cup agave

-1/2 cup coconut sugar 

-1/2 teaspoon sea salt -1/2 cup diced firm tofu -1/2 cup applesauce -1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon oil (of your choice, I used almond) -1/8 cup almond milk

-1/8 cup coconut milk (full fat) -2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Ganache

-8 oz vegan chocolate chips -1/2 cup coconut milk (full fat) -1/2 tbsp vegan butter -1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract -3 tbsp agave  -Pinch sea salt

Topping

-1/8 cup minced pecans or walnuts

Combine all of the ingredients for the brownie in a blender and blend for 2 minutes on medium or until evenly mixed

Grease an 8x8 pan with coconut oil and bake at 350 degrees for 17-20 minutes

Bring a pot of 2 cups of water to a boil and place a heat safe metal or glass bowl over the steam. 

Add everything for the ganache and wait for everything to melt evenly.

(You do not want to over stir because the oil will separate from the chocolate!)

Wait for the brownie to cool and then cut them into small rectangles, dip the top of them in the ganache and place on wax paper to cool. You can even take a butter knife and add a small line in the middle along with the walnuts for it to match it aesthetically. Enjoy!

[beeconscious-blog]

Hey, Hi, Hello!!

Welcome to my foodie blog. My name is Bee & it's a pleasure to know that you're taking the time to read this. Over the past few years I've struggled with many body image issues strewn together with a plethora of self-esteem struggles. As long as I can remember I always thought that losing weight was going to be the key to my happiness; to finally set me free! Granted, I have lost almost 110lbs it was through a way I would never wish upon my worst enemy. I've struggled with bulimia and anorexia for many years & this is my time to make sure I stay on track with the progress I've made.

Along with personal posts the main focus of this blog is to share my recipes & tips with all of you beautiful people! I've tried many diet plans from raw vegan to gluten free & I've come to terms with the fact that what works for me is a mostly vegan/gluten free diet but also that everything in moderation really is key. I hope to build a network of new friends & to make connections whether it's through personal goals/achievements or shared interests! I want to meet & speak to every one of you so please don't be shy - drop me a line sometime! 

we're all a work in progress & I am so excited to share my journey with you. <3