RBN Interview: David Brooke of Skin Essence Organics (Natural Skincare)

Happy Freakin' New Year Everyone - I hope everyone had a joyful and safe holiday with friends and family.

We haven't done an interview in awhile and really wanted to re-instate that feature - WE love supporting brands and companies that align with our brand values.  My readers know how much I love natural skincare and this company has been one of my favorite's for years:  Skin Essence Organics.

 I was first introduced to SEO by a close friend and IHN Alum Stephanie, we were on a road trip to Ottawa for a week long skin-care co-op (coincidental!) with a group of us 4 – which meant sharing our beauty regimes!  Occular was my first love and slowly went through the line.  One of my favorite (there’s so many) things about Skin Essence is their dedication to pure, organic and beautiful products without the use of marketing schemes or #buzzwords.  Every product is derived solely from organic fruits, plants, flowers, oils and minerals – which if you’ve seen our social media accounts run right in-line with our MO of keeping things organic, natural and as related to its original state as possible. 

 

RBN: Let’s start easy – how long has SEO been around? What was your number one reason for launching it?

DB:

20 years – Long before it was trendy and WE had all the buzzwords; organic, holistic etc – The previous owner studied Naturopathy/Herbalism & was an esthetician: Would only use products on her clients that she felt safe using on her own. Fast track to 10 years and they had produced this amazing line of eco, safe, clean and organic skincare that everyone can use.  David himself bought has used for 14 years –  a firm believer in healthy skincare in conjunction with diet.  Possibly their most loyal client having it shipped all around the world to use – whilst modeling.  Bought company – tested and true and the rest they say is history.  Great message. Eco, GF, no GMO,

RBN: How many products are in your current line & what are the best sellers base women & men?

DB:

Because there are different lines and no filler products – they truly are all popular from anti-aging to acne to moisturizing/hydrating! Cleansers are a go-to and very popular as well as rose hip –adds that nice glow and super hydrating for your skin – an RBN reco.

RBN:  Has being a model and in fashion had an influence on you in regards to natural skincare, wellness & health?

DB:

Absolutely, being overseas and always in the makeup chair – you end up noticing what is going on your skin.  Products started to disagree (listen to your bod people), if it doesn’t  agree change it,  When you can’t read ingredients in food or skincare its time to make a swap! The sad truth is that many larger companies opt for profit margins (translation cheap ingredients + increased profits) and they don’t want to rely on natural products to produce.

RBN: What is your favourite and least favourite thing about owning your company?

Favourite: When I go to bed, knowing that I’m putting my energy into safer, cleaner products and promoting a healthier lifestyle – I just LOVE that. Close second: consumers feedback – respect, love, loyalty for SEO (the thought makes me tear up (real men are sensitive)!

Least Fav – Perfectionist : Micro managing at times is demanding and others – exhausting and worth it, so actually still one of my favourites.  Ha.  Oh and working with great people in the industry (obviously he’s talking about us).

RBN: What advice can you offer any of us getting into entrepreneur life and business?

DB:

Getting to know yourself and what makes you unique will bring successes, in turn use that.  If you use what others aren’t then the competition lessons - making you something unique and of great value (not financially).

Advice: biz – have to truly love it and believe it + success = LIFE gain as opposed to purely financial gain. TIP: You will never know all the answers which brings learning every day.

RBN:What is your fridge? What is your favourite skin food? Favourite comfort food?

Sounds similar to our breakfasts.

DB:

I eat uber healthy focusing on quality: Water purification system, endless fruits and veg, and I’m know for eating 2 soft boiled eggs every day? Red meat is minimal and always grass-fed, ethically raised and sourced properly.

DBtip: Organic lettuce and all things soft skinned; When you peel you’re able to reduce chemicals and such. Lots of fish too – I’m a Vancouver boy at heart so lots of wild salmon and rainbow trout (nom).

RBN:Can you tell us your go-to smoothie recipe – WE love new smoothies!

DB:

Organic raspberries, blueberries, coconut oil, avocado, pineapple, yogurt and some hemp hearts,  lets call it a BERRY GOOD SMOOTHIE!

**Typically breakfast: Oats GF obvi …coconut oil, frozen rasp, blue, bananas, 2-3 soft boiled eggs (we approve – balanced and simple)

RBN: Can you tell our readers your best winter skin survival advice – changing your skincare routine? Extra hydration?

DB:

1. Cleanser Fresh (no alcohol), Exfoliate/ facial masks x 2 week, Blend Neroli/Rosehip (beta carotene) which promotes a warm healthy glow.  BONUS: Ecream over top – acts as a sunscreen which we still need in the winter and offset redness!  YOU’RE welcome!

RBN: Any new announcements or products we should keep our eyes open for next year?

DB:

We’re launching a new Sunscreen using cocao butters, zinc and no water. We also recently passed our ECOCERT certification (huge accomplishment!) with flying colours!

RBN: How do you motivate clients to take care of their skin and follow a great skin regime?

DB:

We all have skin (largest organ btw) and we eat well to treat our bods well BUT we also need to use real,ingredients on our skin!  Always spend a little more for quality rather than quantitiy/bulk items.  Truthfully our products sell themselves!

BONUS: Use their online store and our code: RBNholiday for 20% your next order!  Whoa!

xoxrbn

PRODUCT REVIEW: JOLLIFICATION by Julia Morisset (All Natural Skin Food)

Natural skincare at its finest...

I'm currently on summer holidays with my oh so wonderful boyfriend and we're spending lazy days of sun, sand, cooking (of course) and dreamy naps.  It's now day three and I'm ready to do some work (albeit outdoors and taking many breaks to play with the dogs),  first up JOLLIFICATION by Julia Morisset!

As far as I can remember, I was always interested in natural skincare and products, it always seemed like a "no-brainer" that if nature was providing all these great resources, it only made sense to choose over a manufactured & chemical version...it wasn't until I went back to school for Applied Nutrition and heavily immersed myself into a lifestyle detox (switching cleaners, skin/hair care, kitchen staples) that I realized the importance of being aware of what we put ON our skin/bodies is just as important as what we put INTO our bodies. 

Jollification founder, Julia Morisset has been making her own skin care items since she was 10 years old and decided as an adult to make it into a full fledged business.  She was tired of always shopping around and never being able to find natural products free of parabens, sulfates, chemical fragrances etc..  Jollification was born.  I met Julia over social media and was honoured to be a new member of her blogging team, sample her products and write a review..first impression ~>  Super cute packaging and smells so yumm!

Treats made in Dominican Republic & sent with LOVE from Ottawa, ON

Here's what I tested & fell madly in love with!

Oats & White Chocolate Soap

Oats & White Chocolate Soap

(100% natural & handmade)

Dreamy and silky.  Smells like heaven and chocolate.  Because the base is olive oil & Dominican cacao butter, leaves your skin hydrated and soft hours après shower even in the winter!  Love and a must try!

Cold Pressed Cocoa Butter & Lavender Deodorant

 Cold Pressed Cocoa Butter

Smells like dark raw cacao + applies like butter (hard but melts with body temperature) = sure to be every women's (and men's) favourite cream.  Tip: Great under eyes & helps to regulate blood flow.

Lavender Deodorant

I've tried many natural deodorants and this one works oh so well.  Very gentle (even after shave/wax) and lasts all day long.  In the warmer days, apply twice!   
 

                                                                                                                                                                        

Hibiscus Rose & Organic Honey Shampoo Bar

Shampoo Bar

I've never used a shampoo bar and was a tad skeptical at first; I have so much hair, and its dry so I need a fair amount of shampoo.  The shampoo bar lathered really well and coated my bountiful hair quite easily.  Rinsed out quick and left my hair soft, bouncy and shiny! Tip: Great for travel.

Calm & Hydrate Bar w/ Organic Honey

 Face Bar

(for dry & reactive skin)

This little treat is made up off olive, cacao, shea and grapeseed oil which protects and re-hydrates your skin!  The addition of chamomile and vitamin E, helps soothe and minor skin irritations or acne.  All around a great product.  Tip: Great for travel.

 

Currently you can order  order online or check for the nearest store!  I'd like to thank Julia Morisset for all the divine treats and urge you to try some as soon as possible!  They have different versions for all different skin types (mine was for dry skin) & email them with any questions!  Another bonus is that this line is super affordable ranging from $6-$14 dollars!  Follow Jollification, by Julia on: 
Instagram
Twitter 
& Facebook!

For more questions about natural skincare or nutrition, feel free to email me! 

xox
rbn

SAUCES: Avocado, Basil & Parsley Pesto (GF, Vegan & Raw)

Happy almost summer!

Eating seasonal and eating local (when possible) are two very important things to me, especially when the heat goes up!  You should be fueling your bod up with #cooling foods; cucumbers, melons, citrus waters, gazpacho and lovely raw items!  Today's recipe is a lovely raw and pretty pesto that takes seconds to make, is fierce with nutrients and lasts up to 5 days in the fridge...

Avocado, Basil & Parsley Pesto
 

fresh herbs make vibrant sauces and dips.

  

Here's what you'll need: 

1/2 Haas avocado (large)

1 bunch fresh parsley

1 bunch fresh basil
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 c. organic, cold-pressed olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 c. walnuts, raw (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds)
Sea salt & Peppers

Here's what to do:

Throw everything (minus EVOO) into blender/bullet/vitamix.  Pulse until a course texture.  Pour in EVOO at once OR gradually if using food processor.  Taste and season to your taste.  Also for a thinner pesto- add some water, zesty- add more lemon, spicy- add chili peppers!  Use with your favorite gluten-free organic pasta, stuff into mushrooms and bake @375, use in your next egg/frittata dish or use as a base on your next cauliflower crust pizza (email me for recipe).  Will last up to 5 days in fridge and freezes well in ice cube trays!

Avocado, Basil & Parsley Pesto

Bon appetite xoxo

e: rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com

 
 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Life Choices Foods & Yamba Yogurt

One of my most favorite parts of being a Culinary Nutritionist is having great companies approach me to develop recipes, review products & assist with their marketing.  It gives me the chance to get into my kitchen, feel out the product & create some approachable recipes.

Last week I was approached by Life Choices Foods & Yamba Yogurt, two great Canadian companies to develop new recipes and review some of their top selling products.  Last Sunday ended up so nice that a barbeque with some friends seem to be the best option to trial some new recipes and grab some feedback from my fellow foodies!

Some of their TOP Products

LIFE CHOICES FOOD:
 Gluten Free Organic Chicken Burgers, Gluten Free Organic Angus Beef Burgers, Hormone & Antibiotic Free Beef Sausages, Bare & Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets, Sustainable, Wild & Multigrain Fish Sticks & Hormone & Antibiotic Free All Beef Sausages

YAMBA YOGURT:
Plain, Blueberry & Strawberry Yogurt (All Natural)

Here's what I made, included are all the recipes when applicable! Yay!

The Lovely Michelle Rivard (@queenwestgirl) reaching for the Beef Sausages!

Accompanying dips:

Honey Mustard

Equal parts:
Raw Organic Honey (lightly menteld down)
Organic Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
Mix together and let cool.

We also used plain Dijon and a Sweet Chili sauce which paired well too!

The Sustainable Multigrain Fish Sticks (baked)

I made a Tartar Sauce with The Yamba Yogurt and Homemade Mayonaise

 

Tartar Sauce 

1/4 c Yamba Plain Yogurt
1/4 c Mayonaise
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
4 small Organic Dills (minced)
1/2 Lemon (juice only)
Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper to season
Mix together and enjoy.  Dill is a great herb to use as a variation.

Mini Fish Taco w/ Sprouts and Tomato

Getting hungry yet?

BBQ'd Nude Chicken Nuggets

We decided to barbeque the nuggets to give off a great lightly grilled flavour.  Baking them would be just as DELICIOUS! 

100% Angus Beef & Chicken Burgers doing their stuff on the barbeque!

Had to put this shot in.  Mmmmmmm.

There were a few gluten free guests (as I am) and I must note it was a great having many quality options for myself and them.  We did a variation of Collard Green Burger Wraps & Local Onion Buns for the Gluten Lovin' Men :)

Greek Salad, Two Slaws and Organic Potato Salad kept the Vintage BBQ theme going.

Greek Salad

1 Cucumber (roughly chopped)
2 Tomatoes (diced)
2 Red Peppers (roughly chopped)
1 Red Onion (diced)
1/2 c Feta (sub out cheese for Vegan option)

Easy Greek Dressing

1 part Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil

2 parts While Wine Vinegar (experiment with others?)

1 tsp Dried Oregano

Sea Salt and Pepper

Mix and dress salad.

Potato Salad

1 lbs Organic Potatoes (boiled and roughly chopped)

3 Eggs (boiled and roughly chopped)

1/2 c Yamba Plain Yogurt (more if desired)

3 tbsp Fresh Parsley (rough chop)

1 tbsp Whole Grain Dijon Mustard

2-3 tbsps Red Onion (minced)

Sea Salt & Pepper

Mix and Enjoy!  Other options could include adding Jerk Spice, Curry Powder or Dill.

Asian Slaw

1 Granny Smith Apple (Julienned)

1 c Radishes (julienned)

Handful of Pea Shoots

Dressing

1 part EVOO

1 part Sesame Oil

2 parts Rice Wine Vinegar

1 tbsp Raw Honey

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

Mix and Dress Salad.

Chicken and Collard Wrap W/ Salad Trio!

I would like to send a big THANKS to Life Choices Food & Yamba for all the treats and loved every minute of it!

As well as Thanks to Michelle Rivard Joshua Linde , Katie Gregory , Carolyn Weston

and Michael Brown for being such great help and the best Tasters a gal could ask for!

XOXO

Rachel Bies

CURRIES: Cashew and Coconut Thai Curry (Vegetarian/Vegan)

Happy almost Spring!

I must admit I've been very busy the last few months, which as a result made me very neglectful of my poor little food blog.  In keeping with my new year & spring resolutions (better late than never, right?), I will be feeding life back into & rejuvenating my blog! 

Last night I was craving some spicy Thai flavours so decided to make a quick & nutritious Cashew & Coconut Curry, which within moments of posting an image my Instagram (thehealthybies) I had friends/people asking for the recipe which is what inspired this fresh new post.  Hope you enjoy

.Cashew and Coconut Curry.

Here's what you'll need:

1 can or organic coconut milk or cream
1 sprig of lemon grass (chopped into large pieces-only to infuse flavour)
1 bunch of fresh basil (thai basil if you can get your hands on it)
1/2 large red onion (diced)
1 handful of green beans (whole or cut in half)
1 large sweet potato or yam (chopped)
1 handful of fresh peas
1 red/orange pepper (chopped)
2 tbsp organic, all natural cashew butter (and one more for eating!)
2 tbsp organic red curry paste (I'll post a homemade one soon)
1 tsp dried chilis (optional)
2 tbsp organic coconut oil

Here's what to do:

.The Final Product.

Sauté onion in coconut oil, until translucent.  Add in sweet potatoes and sauté until they begin to soften.  Add peppers, beans and peppers.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Add in curry paste and let heat for 1 min.  Slowly add in coconut cream and cashew butter, gently stirring.  Add lemongrass.  Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 10-15 mins until begins to thicken (spoon test~sauce should easily coat the back of a spoon).  I prepared this vegetarian last night, but adding shrimp or chicken would be equally delicious.  Finish off by removing lemongrass and topping with fresh basil leaves.  Great on its own, paired with brown/wild rice or rice noodles. 

***Shout-out to Fresh City Farms for my weekly organic vegetable delivery!

Here's ours from last night --->


Happy Cooking,

Rachel xox