Dr. Tara's "Fave Five": Old, New, Borrowed & Blue

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I’ve been thinking about all things love and marriage.  I was reminded of that old English rhyme naming the four good-luck objects a bride was traditionally told to include in her wedding outfit, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”.  So of course I had to use it as the theme for my February Fave Five! 

1. Something Old 

This one was hard to narrow down since I have so many oldie-but-goodies that I’d like to share!  In keeping with the Valentine’s Day vibe, it’s the perfect time to revisit Speak Your Partner’s Language, my blog about love languages, communication, and avoiding assumptions (honestly, we are not nearly as good at discerning what’s going on in our partners’ minds as we think we are!).

Given my long-standing love of breakfast, I also thought I’d share a couple of my tried-tested-and-true favourites.  Both my Salted Caramel Overnight Oats and Chocolate Almond Maca Chia Pudding have been hits with all of my taste testers, kids and picky husbands included!  Better still, they are easy to make and loaded with micronutrients, fibre, healthy fats, and protein.

2. Something New

As a relatively new Beautycounter Consultant, I am still discovering some of our amazing safer cosmetic and skincare products.  One of my recently-discovered favourites is the Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel (suitable for women and men).  I have been using it every other night for the past month and my skin seems smoother, softer, and brighter.  This is a big deal for me since I have ridiculously sensitive skin with severe rosacea and have had to avoid all things “peel” in the past.  Fortunately, Beautycounter products are luxurious, effective, and non-irritating! Please contact me to learn more.

There are lots of new recipes up on the website Food Joy page.  Savoury food lovers should check out my Winter Squash and Fennel Salad and Edamame Guacamole.  If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, the Spiced Apricot Protein Balls, Fluffy Vegan Buckwheat Pancakes, and Maple Pecan Fudge will NOT disappoint!

3. Something Borrowed 

Ever thought about renting your clothes?  This is a good one for those of us striving to curb our consumerism, embrace minimalism, and be more environmentally-friendly.  Truth is, most of us wear less than half of the clothes we own. Vast quantities of non-renewable resources are used to manufacture clothes that are worn for a short period of time and then sent to landfill.  Furthermore, according to a report from the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, the carbon footprint from textiles production is greater than that from international flights and shipping combined!

Here in Toronto, the rental market is exploding.  Online companies such as dresst offer Canadian subscribers 3 items per month for $99 — anything from office wear to “daytime chic” and night out pieces.  Others, such as The Fitzroy, focus on special event dresses.  I’m planning to rent a gown for the next hospital gala I go to.  I’d love to hear about the rental options in your city.  

4. Something Blue

Back to food with this one — and blueberries are always a favourite!

Not only are blueberries delicious, but they are bursting with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and powerful disease and inflammation-fighting phytochemicals.  In fact, blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich foods on the planet! Studies suggest that blueberry consumption may help to combat the signs of aging; promote heart, skin and gut health; reduce the risk of cancer; boost brain function; and support healthy weight loss.

There are lots of blueberry recipes on the blog, but one of my easy favourites is the The Blue-Z Smoothie with frozen blueberries and zucchini.

5. Quote of the Day

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

— Lao Tzu