Easy eye make-up remover

There is a lot of talk out there about "greening up" your make-up routine. The idea is to eliminate unnecessary exposure to the array of chemicals found in many available cosmetics. 

Here is an easy (and inexpensive) first step for you:

Coconut oil not only smells great, but it also works as a very effective make-up remover. Simply take a little bit on your fingers or a cotton pad and rub in gentle circles over your closed eyes. Wipe the coconut oil off with a fresh cotton pad. Finally rinse your face with water and Viola! Make-up free and gorgeous.

Coconut oil is also a great natural moisturizer too, so the delicate skin around your eyes gets a double dose of TLC!

Spicy Peanut Chocolate Cookies

No flour in this quick-to-make cookie recipe! Chili powder gives these cookies an unexpected (but delicious) flavor twist. Chili powder, when added to the diet regularly, can help to ease digestion, reduce headaches and arthritis pain, as well as help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
2. Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a food processor until smooth. Add chocolate chips and pulse to distribute. 
3. Form 1 1/2 inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press each ball in a crisscross pattern with a fork. 
4. Bake for 10 minutes, cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely. 

Makes approximately 15 cookies.

Stressed? Eat these fabulous 5.

1. Almonds: filled with vitamin B2, zinc and magnesium, a small handful will help keep stress under control. Both B vitamins and zinc help are involved in the production of serotonin, which helps regulate mood and relieve stress. Zinc has also been shown to help combat some of the signs of stress.
2. Asparagus: an excellent source of folic acid, which helps stabilize your mood. 
3. Blueberries: full of vitamin C and antioxidants, which are both powerful stress busters.
4. Broccoli: another source of many B vitamins, broccoli also contains folic acid. Folic acid helps relieve stress, anxiety, panic and depression.
5. Fish: many fish contain B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, which are often referred to as the stress-relief vitamins.