Allergic Solution, Muffin Mix

I love muffins.  Like, really love muffins.

Unfortunately, healthy muffins are very hard to come-by.  Hello, a typical Starbucks or Second Cup muffin packs about 350+ calories, 30 grams+ of sugar, 10 grams+ of fat!

So what’s a muffin lover like me to do?  Besides enjoying the occasional Delica Superfood muffin, or my sister’s fantastic creations…. make my own, right?! 

Unfortunately, I’m not much of a healthy baker, nor do I have a a pantry featuring almond flour, coconut oil, flax, etc.

Enter Allergic Solution, a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free (everything-free) brand of mixes, designed for those with special food allergies (or not) and want great-tasting muffins, cake, bread, etc. without the hassle of buying multiple ingredients.

For muffins, simply add olive oil, almond milk, your preferred sweetener plus some water (you can also add coconut oil, berries, currants, cinnamon - anything you want really) and bake for about 25 minutes. 

Besides being WAY less in calories, fat, bad carbs and next to no sugar, muffins turn-out plump and tasty!  (I like to top mine with peanut butter/hemp butter, and spread with a touch of jam.)

Now that I’m using my muffin pan more often, I think I’m ready to try Allergic Solution’s carob cake mix for some healthy cupcakes .

Look for Allergic Solution mixes at Noah’s and other health food stores.

To learn more, visit: www.allergicsolution.com

From Farm to Table: Kettle Corn Popcorn

I don’t eat popcorn too often, but when I do, I tend to like the homemade stuff best: A bit of oil, organic kernels, lots of salt. 

Unfortunately, corn doesn’t exactly have the greatest reputation.  It’s highly sprayed with toxic chemicals, genetically modified, and hidden in a ton of foods. 

So when I recently found From Farm to Table’s popcorn made from local, Ontario corn that’s GMO- and pesticide-free, I knew I had to try it. 

Their snack-sized bag of kettle corn also caught my attention due to its added Omega-3s derived from fish oils.  (Fish oils and popcorn? )  Not to mention its rather kind nutritional info: Just 90 calories per bag, 4 grams of fat, 14 grams of carbs and 6 grams of sugar. 

A few handfuls in, I was hooked! This popcorn is slightly sweet and salty, with no trace of fish – NONE.  It’s light and crunchy, and definitely hits the snack-spot.

According to the company’s website, they also make dill, butter & salt, white cheddar flavours - though I’ve yet to see on store shelves (here’s hoping soon!).

In the meantime, check out The Health Shoppe (on Yonge St.) to find the Kettle Corn.

Alma Natural Quick Spa

I’m all for maintaining a beauty regime, including regular manicures and pedicures. 

I’m also aware of the harsh chemicals many nail polishes contain, not to mention the risk I take each time I go to the cheap & convenient shops…Are the foot tubs really clean?  Were the tools sanitized? Am I going to pay for this pedicure later??

So when I was introduced to Alma Natural Quick Spa, a recently opened spot offering eco-clean esthetic services in the most pristine environment, I was curious to try it out.

One Citrus Bliss Manicure ($35) later, and I can confidently say this place is worth the extra few dollars for a truly enjoyable experience. 

Clean doesn’t describe its interior – the place is spotless.  Not to mention every product they use (from polishes to removers, creams to soy-based wax) are natural and organic-based, with zero harsh chemicals. 

My manicure was as good as any hi-end Spa I’ve been to.  The highlight was the intensely relaxing hand/arm massage I received featuring their homemade citrus hand cream.   Heaven!

Added touches also included - complimentary tea from their loose tea menu featuring Steep and Infused teas, the latest mags, cool and new eco products for purchase, a complimentary neck massage, plus a take-home nail file and buffer.

Not to mention the lovely email I received from my nail technician (Peggy) just after, checking-in to make sure I was happy with her service, and to give me the name of the polish colour I chose for future visits.

Needless to say, if you’re ready to make a clean, very worthy, beauty change this 2012, this is the place for you. 

To learn more, visit: www.almanaturalspa.com

Pop Phone

For years, I’ve longed for a radiation-reducing device for my cell phone.  Well, I found my answer – and hello callers! It’s pretty sweet.

Made by Native Union, the Pop Phone is essentially the old handset many of us grew-up using, and can now use again – thanks to its easy application.  Simply plug the cord into your cell phone, iPad, etc., hit a button and talk-away!

I’ve been using mine for days now, and love it.  The sound quality is perfect, much better than any ear piece I’ve tried. Not to mention it comes in a variety of fun colours including  gold, red, pink and orange.  (I bought black, but I’m already itching for pink!)

And wouldn’t you know the celebs are on to it too -including Daniel Craig, Sarah Jessica Parker and Demi Moore – all spotted using a Pop Phone.

I bought mine ($45) at The Bay (on Queen), however you can order the Pop Phone online too.

No adaptor required for most phones – including the Blackberry Torch and iPhone.

Now if only the Pop Phone could cut my cell phone bills too…!

Until next time.