Summer Salad Bowls
I bet you’ve seen these massive salad bowls going viral on social media lately. I have to admit, I wasn’t too sure what was the purpose of making SO, MUCH, SALAD at once. It took me one try to fall in love with the idea. It is easy, quick and healthy. You can change it up depending on the veggies you have on hand. It is great on it’s own or when used as a “vessel” for your barbecued chicken or steamed fish AND you have leftovers. I don’t know about you but I love me some leftovers. It’s always tastier on day two and you didn’t have to cook that day. Winning all around! This recipe is delicious, creamy and vegan!
THE SALAD
It’s simple. Here are some suggestions of what to put in it.
As the base of your salad, you can use :
4 cups of cooked quinoa (1 cup on uncooked quinoa will grow into 4 cooked cups)
or 2 cups of cooked quinoa + 2 cups of chopped kale. Kale is perfect for these big salads since the leaves are thicker and won’t become wet and soggy.
or 4 cups of chopped kale (Superfood that contains more vit C than oranges! Don’t forget to “massage” your kale as it is harder to digest raw)
Pick 4-5 ingredients and add them to your salad base!
1 cup of chopped raw broccoli
1 cup of roasted sweet potato cubes (Superfood!)
1 cup of legume of choice. I personally love to rehydrate dry legumes. It’s extra work, but that way, you know that your food has less preservatives and less salt.
1 cup of diced cucumber
1 cup of diced celery
1 cup of cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 cup of corn
1 cup of grated carrots
1 cup of fresh, cubed mango
1 cubed avocado
1 cup of roasted mushrooms
1 cup of purple cabbage
1/2 cup of minced raw red onion. Soaking the minced onion in cold water with a little bit of vinegar will take the “bite” out of the onion.
1/2 cup of feta cheese (dairy, would make the recipe vegetarian and not vegan)
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
whatever you have in the fridge that needs to be eaten!
THE DRESSING
Now this is the best part! This is what makes this salad so darn delicious!
1/2 cup of raw, unsalted cashews. This is what makes your dressing '“creamy” and gives it some plant-based proteins.
1 full cup of fresh dill (the star of this dish!)
1/4 cup of lemon juice
the zest of that lemon
1 tsp of dijon mustard
2-3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of avocado oil or olive oil
3 tbsp of water
salt to taste
Put all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
* You can switch things up and use cilantro and lime instead of dill and lemon. You’ll have yourself a completely different salad that is just as amazing!
In the biggest bowl you can find in your kitchen, mix the salad with the dressing and enjoy!
Kim
xoxo
Adaptogenic Magic
Adaptogens… here’s a word you’ve most likely come across frequently on wellness blogs. A word that seems familiar yet maybe leaves you feeling like a deer in headlights? What the heck are adaptogens?! Well, simply put, adaptogens are plants and herbs that help your body adapt to modern life stressors. Let’s dig a little deeper!
“In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol.”
Adaptogens have an effect on the release of cortisol, the stress hormone that puts your body into fight or flight mode. Cortisol is very important in life or death situations, but when your body constantly feels threatened, your immune system starts to go down. In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol. This is where adaptogens intervene! There are two main types of adaptogens. The ones that calm you, help you relax after an intense work day and ease into a restful night. The ones that give you energy, help you focus and accomplish the tasks at hand.
“This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause!”
ENERGIZING
Ginseng is a root that has the wonderful ability to improve stamina as well as mental and emotional stress. Ginseng is one of the most famous Chinese herbs used as a tonic, a stimulant and even as a male aphrodisiac! Ginseng is a promoter of vitality!
Chaga, or “Diamond Of The Forest”, is a mushroom that, unlike most mushrooms, grows on living trees making it dense in nutrients. It is known to be rich in antioxidants, to support your immune system and your overall well-being. This superfood is a tonic, simulates brain functions and eases anxiety making it the perfect adaptogen to help you remain focused throughout the day.
Maca is a Peruvian root that provides sustained energy throughout the day. It is famously known to increase libido for both men and women. This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause! All around, it is a tonic, a hormone balancer and an aphrodisiac… SOLD!!
“It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress.”
CALMING
Ashwagandha is used a lot in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medical system) and is considered the “Indian ginseng”. Ashwagandha is a tonic, it strengthens the nerves and is a mild sedative promoting a restful night. It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress. Some studies show that ashwagandha may also play a role in male fertility.
Reishi is another mushroom, very similar to Chaga, but offers a more calming effect to the body. It helps you manage stress and anxiety and improves your mood and well-being. At the same time, Reishi nourishes the brain and helps you stay focused. It is packed with antioxidants and supports a healthy immune system.
“Three Spirit […] specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.”
Powders and supplements are the most common ways to add adaptogens to your lifestyle. Moon Juice has MANY different types of adaptogenic “DUST” and capsules to enhance your mood, your energy levels, your brain functions, your sleep, your libido and much more!
Teas and infusions are also a great way to incorportate adaptogens. *Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is one of my favorite. It also contains ginseng, has an earthy and sweet taste and is triple toxin screened for maximal purity! It provides a calm energy, helps with focus and supports your immune system. Coffee alternatives are also very popular. MUD\WTR keeps the brain fog and jitters away and replaces them with a focused energy. Many other adaptogenic beverages are on the market these days. Recess, for example, is an adaptogen infused sparkling water brand. You also have Three Spirit that specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.
“The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body.”
The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body. They calm inflamed and irritated skin, reduce redness and swelling and brighten your complexion with their antioxidants. Youth To The People's Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist and Biophile's Bio-Shroom Rejuvenating Serum are the perfect adaptogenic duo for the face. Your skin becomes smooth and radiant!
All in all, adaptogens are here to support you. Their purpose is to make your life easy and stress free. Whether your calming ritual is sipping on a cup of hot tea or applying your skincare routine, the results can be amplified with adaptogens. The options are plentiful! So enjoy!
Kim
xoxo
*Pique Life offers you 5% off sitewide with code “KIMKLEAN”. Enjoy!
Intimate Pleasures
We have been hydrating our face and our body, conditioning our hair, our lips, even our nails since we were teenagers. How have we been skipping the most sensitive area of our body this whole time!? Our intimacy. Here are some wonderful brands (and tips) focused on making you feel satisfied, solo or with a partner, for a sweet and pleasurable new year.
“Their products are meant to keep you happy and comfy “down there”.”
Lady Suite - intimate care.
Lady Suite is the first line of intimate skincare I was introduced to. And I can not live without it! Their products are meant to keep you happy and comfy “down there”. Their line showcases three products only and this is all you need! The Probiotic Refreshing Cleanser, meant to gently cleanse and support a healthy pH balance. The Glow Refiner, an exfoliating spray that helps keep your skin smooth and eliminates ingrown hair sometimes caused by shaving or waxing. And, finally, MY FAVORITE, the Rejuvenating Botanical Oil. This lightly, naturally scented oil moisturizes, soothes, softens and helps prevent ingrown hair.
#KimKLEANapproved #cleanbeauty
“Lioness is the first “intelligent” sex toy that collects data on your orgasms.”
Lioness - explore your body.
This is where technology meets sexuality! Lioness is the first “intelligent” sex toy that collects data on your orgasms. Yep! You read it right! Lioness connects to your phone after your sexy sessions and shows you a diagram of your pelvic pulsations and orgasms. When did you climax? How many times did you climax? How long did your orgasm(s) last for? What type of orgasm do you experience? Explosion? Avalanche? Why not experiment and really get to know your body? Lioness encourages you to take some notes in the app after each session. For example, how did you sleep today? Are you stressed? Did you go for a run? Did you just have a coffee, a glass of wine, eat chocolate? The more specific you are, the more you can understand what really makes YOU tick.
Lioness is offering you $20 off when using the code “KIMKLEAN” . Click here to redeem your offer.
“Designed for the adventurous ones, these gummies are made with a wee bit of THC to stimulate your libido and creativity!”
Flora + Bast - intensify your experience.
Here is a lovely full-spectrum CBD brand that offers remedies for the mind, skin, body and - you guessed it! - intimacy. Their oil, APHRODISIA, intensifies sensations, pleasure and sexual energy. It contains 300mg of CBD as well as 300mg of CBG and can be used topically as an arousing lubricant or orally to reduce stress and encourage a more satisfying experience.
Their gummies SEX & CANDY are made for everyone, but thought of for women. Designed for the adventurous ones, these gummies are made with a wee bit of THC to stimulate your libido and creativity!
SUGGESTION! Test the effect that your oil and your gummies really have on you by collecting data with your Lioness?! HOURS OF PLEASURE!!!
Flora + Bast is offering you 20% off the entire site with the code “KIMLOVE”. Click here to redeem your offer.
#KimKLEANapproved #cleanbeauty
“[…] Ohnut allows you to control the depth of penetration, without diminishing your partner’s pleasure […]”
Ohnut - when pleasure for two is sometimes painful.
For some of us, sex can sometimes feel uncomfortable, at times, even painful. OHNUT to the rescue! These colorful little “donuts” are stretchable and feel like skin to the touch. Placed at the base of your partner’s member, Ohnut allows you to control the depth of penetration, without diminishing your partner’s pleasure, resulting in an enjoyable intimate moment for the both of you.
“On top of being comfortable, they are a money saver that help us save our planet!”
Thinx - periods without rules.
Founded in Brooklyn by 3 young women, two of them being from Montreal (proud quebecois moment here!), THINX is THE period underwear that everyone talks about. Goodbye overflowing sanitary pads! The technology used in these revolutionary panties absorbs your flow and keeps you dry. Simply rinse out your undies at the end of the day and throw them in the wash! Did you know that, through a lifetime, each and everyone of us will create 400 pounds of pad and tampon waste? On top of being comfortable, they are a money saver that help us save our planet!
Here’s to feeling fresh and adventurous, dry (or wet!) and satisfied in every single way!
To pleasure, with love,
Kim
Holiday (sales!) Gift Guide.
November, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is packed with the best deals of the year! It’s the perfect time to shop for the holidays that are rapidly approaching . Oh do I have great ideas for you and your loved ones!
“[…] what if your tea could be the gift of radiant skin, clean energy and healthy immune support?!”
The holidays/winter rime with warm and cozy. There is nothing warmer and cozier than a delicious cup of hot tea! And what if your tea could be the gift of radiant skin, clean energy and healthy immune support?! Pique Tea has the most incredible teas, triple screened for toxins making them the purest and the tastiest teas! They are famous for their Organic Sun Goddess Matcha. Pique is having their ONLY sale of the year from 11/25 to 11/29. Enjoy 20% OFF SITE WIDE when using code BFCM20. For a limited amount of time, goodies also come with your purchase!
“It’s the gift that keeps on giving!”
If you are a fanatic of clean beauty - like me! -, The Detox Market has THE perfect gift for you! Every year, they curate a special box holding the top rated clean products and this year’s box does not disappoint! The 2021 Best of Green Beauty box, valued at $309 ($408 CAD), is going for $149 ($199 CAD) only and stars goodies from OSEA, Pai, Herbivore and so many more! Trust me when I say that anyone opening this box feels like a kid in a candy store! The Detox Market also has the best beauty subscription box, The Detox Box. Every month, you get to try new products and discover a new clean brand at a well discounted price. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! * click here to access The Detox Market Canada.
“Sakara is also celebrating with some fun holiday treats […]”
I am a fan of Sakara’s clean boutique products! Starting my day with the Water Drops and the Metabolism Super Powder has had an impact on my skin and my energy. Sakara is a nutrient rich plant-based meal delivery program. From now until 11/29, they are offering 25% OFF the ENTIRE site! Yes! Simply use the code XOKIMKLEAN-BF21 when checking out. This once-a-year event is the perfect opportunity to restock on your favs or to try Sakara for the 1st time. Sakara is also celebrating with some fun holiday treats like The Morning Ritual Collection, a special Coconut Praline Granola and a Manifestation Candle, all available for a limited time only!
“What a wonderful way to start the day, full of love, positivity, motivation and wisdom!”
One of the best gifts I’ve received was from my mom, the Q&A a Day-5 Year Journal. Everyday day, you answer a simple question about your thoughts, feelings, ambitions, things you like etc. Every year, you get the same question on that specific day and get to see how your answers change! It depicts the Law of Impermanence perfectly. 5 years seems like quite the commitment at first, but this book shows you how much you grow and evolve in a year. THIS year, I will treat myself to the Soulwork Planner by The Mantra Co. It is a “balanced mix of a planner and journal […] to guide and support personal transformation and growth.” What a wonderful way to start the day, full of love, positivity, motivation and wisdom!
I hope this list has inspired some great and unique ideas to surprise a loved one or to add to your own list. Wishing a happy, loving and joyful holiday season to you and those you cherish.
With much love,
Kim
Other sales you won’t want to miss during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Enjoy 20%-30% off True Botanicals, skincare loved by Brooke Shields, Olivia Wilde and Laura Dern now through 11/29.
Enjoy 50% off a year subscription to The Sculpt Society, the BEST at home workouts!
Enjoy 25% off Act + Acre and get a FREE scalp gua sha (on orders of $70+) now through 11/29.
The Detox Market offers $15 off orders of $100, $30 off orders of $200 plus a gift from Pai, $80 off orders of $400 plus two gifts from Pai. Enjoy this deal from 11/23 until 11/28. * click here to acess The Detox Market Canada.
Enjoy 30% off my favorite waterproof jewelry brand, Hey Harper, when using code “HEYKIM” now until Nov. 30th.
Top 5 Winter Essential Oils
I find essential oils to be magical! Not only do they brighten up a room with their enveloping aroma, but they also have properties that support the wellbeing of your body and your mind. This is the exact reason why I felt drawn to study aromatherapy and am now an essential oil specialist.
And so, in this video, I am sharing with you my top 5 essential oils to keep by your side during the winter months. They boost your immune system, support your respiratory system and and help keep your spirits up! I am also suggesting different ways to incorporate these oil so that you can fully enjoy their wonderful benefits!
Overnight Metabolism Boosting Superfood Chia Pudding
This chia seeds pudding is my new favorite breakfast! It is so easy to make and perfect for quick mornings on the go.
This brekkie will keep you feeling satiated until lunch and all its deliciousness are super nourishing to your body. The coconut water is full of natural electrolytes that keep you hydrated which is especially important in the morning. The Metabolism Super Powder tastes just like chocolate, activates your metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar and reduces sugar cravings. It also eliminates bloat, gives you energy and helps shed a couple extra pounds. I have a scoop of it every single day either in this pudding, my coffee or in a glass of almond milk. It is so good! Maca Powder is an adaptogen and a natural mood enhancer known for it’s fertility and sex drive properties. Chia Seeds are full of fibers and antioxidants and give you sustained energy making this recipe, your new morning bestie!
INGREDIENTS :
For The Pudding :
1 cup of Coconut Water
1 scoop of Sakara’s *Metabolism Super Powder
1 tsp of Maca Powder
2.5 tbsp of Chia Seeds
2 tbsp of Oats
1 tsp of Maple Syrup or Honey (optional)
For The Toppings :
1/2 a cup of Fresh Fruits. I personally enjoy mango, pineapples and any kind of berries!
Bee Pollen
Pumpkin Seeds or sliced Almonds
Cocoa Nibs
RECIPE :
Mix the Coconut Water, Metabolism Super Powder and the Maca Powder together well.
Add the Chia Seeds, Oats and natural sweetener, stir well and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or over night.
When ready to eat, add in all of your favorite toppings.
ENJOY!
* You can enjoy -20% off your 1st Sakara order (e.i. the Metabolism Super Powder) with my code “XOKIMKLEAN”
Lymphatic Drainage, The “Healthy” Massage
Beauty and health often seem to be two parallel worlds that have absolutely nothing in common. What if there was a beauty trend that not only helped your body to purify itself and stimulate your immune system but also to “debloat” and reduce the appearance of cellulite!? Here comes, the lymphatic drainage!!
“The lymph therefore plays a major role in your immune system.”
First things first, what is the lymphatic system? It is a system a vessels similar to your blood vessels that transports lymph from your tissues to your bloodstream. Lymph is simply plasma that left your blood vessels to feed your cells nutrients and grab your cells’ waste. The liquid then enters your lymphatic vessels, gets filtered by your lymph nodes where white blood cells attack viruses, bacterias, heavy metals and other cellular waste collected to finally go back into your bloodstream. The lymph therefore plays a major role in your immune system.
Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not rely on the heart to pump the lymph. Heavy legs sensation, cellulite and stretch marks are all signs of poor lymphatic circulation. Physical activity, aka muscle contraction, helps to prevent the lymph from being stagnant. Some massage techniques also help with lymph movement. Yep, relaxing while eliminating toxins! Sign. Me. Up!
Most spas offer the Lymphatic Drainage, a massage that consists in long, light movements. It’s nothing like a “deep tissue” that breaks down the knots. Here, it’s all about being gentle and the results can be quite impressive! Flavia Lanini is an expert and has developed her own technique mixing contouring and draining. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Kris Jenner and Hailey Beiber love her and frequent her spa, the Flavia Lanini - Beauty Institute, located in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. After a single session, your water retention has evaporated and your body is completely sculpted! Such treatments are definitely a treat and can cost a pretty penny. Thankfully, there are some techniques you can do at home.
“This technique is energizing and practiced in the morning before jumping in the shower.”
Dry brushing, for exemple, consists of - wait for it! - brushing your dry skin with a brush made of natural sisal fibers. This technique is energizing and practiced in the morning before jumping in the shower. It activates your circulation and helps reduce cellulite while gently exfoliating your skin. The drainage paddle is a little different. It massages your oiled skin, tones, detoxifies, sculpts and reduces inflammation.
In order to practice these techniques at home, you have to start by activating your lymph nodes by applying gently pressure 75 to 100 times over your armpits, collarbone and groin areas. The goal of this massage is to move the lymph towards your lymph nodes through movements going from your hands to your armpits, from your feet to your groin and from you torso down to your groin. Repeat these movements 5 to 10 times, applying moderate pressure and there you have it! A massage by you, FOR you! Take your time and indulge in this precious self-care moment.
A lymphatic drainage massage offers benefits far beyond aesthetics. It allows you to feel rested or invigorated, to have smooth skin, to get rid of water retention and puffiness, to boost your immune system while eliminating harmful toxins. This is what we call self-care at it’s finest.
Love & Light
Kim
