Homemade Chocolate!

Homemade chocolate is super easy to make and tastier then a lot of the chocolate bars you’ll find in the stores. The way this refrigerated chocolate melts in your mouth is divine.

February is the perfect month to try this simple recipe!

Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or simple syrup (try subbing stevia to taste for a sugar free version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

(Try adding sugar-free dried cherries, cinnamon, cayenne, matcha powder, or whatever favorite goodies you have laying around for a variation of this recipe)

Instructions:
  1. Heat coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
  2. Once the coconut oil melts add the remaining ingredients.
  3. Stir and pour mix over a silicon mold
  4. Refrigerator for 2-4 hours, or until it is set.
  5. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ashley Steffensen L.Ac

Photo by Kaffee Meister on Unsplash Read More

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Everyday Feng Shui for the New Year and more

Happy 2022!

It has been another year around the sun and we are so grateful to have spent it with you all.

For many this year has a time of change, challenges, and contrasts. An old Chinese principle states that Yin and Yang, although opposite, always seek balance and harmony.  Read more to find out about upcoming classes, increased hours and the results of our pajama drive!

Bonsai tree on table with tea cups

Everyday Feng Shui Webinar

The new year doesn’t just mean the arrival of 2022, it’s also almost the Year of the Tiger! Chinese New Year falls on 2/1/22 this year. Come learn some Feng Shui basics with Molly to call good energy into your home and office for the year to come!
When: Wednesday Jan 19th, 12:30 – 1:30pm
Cost:  Free.
Register here

 

Pajamas and books

Thanks for the PJ’s and Books!
Thanks to you we were able to collect over 28 pairs of pajamas, and 30 new books for the Pajama Program.  Your generosity amazes us.  We want to thank everyone who donated this year, and a special thanks to those who went above and beyond with their donations.  It feels good to do good!

 

Expanded Hours in Edina
We hear you, those Read More

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I tried Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Facial Acupuncture Treatment

Alright, confession time, I had never done facial acupuncture prior to this fall.  I had always wanted to, but between a busy schedule and a feeling that I should just accept my aging as natural and beautiful, I had always put it off and decided that facial rejuvenation acupuncture wasn’t for me. Working with both Katie and Kathy who practice facial rejuvenation acupuncture, and seeing what they were doing for their clients, inspired me to give it a go.

Spoiler alert, there were improvements. Zoom in for yourself and check it out (before is on the top and the after on the bottom).

So first off, I am being real vulnerable here and letting you all see my face without any makeup and without touch ups.  I haven’t looked at my face this closely ever, and it was a bit challenging to see the way it has changed as I have gotten older. Fair skin combined with the love of being in the sun I inherited from my father, the idea that ‘getting a good solid burn to build your tan base’  I embraced as a teen, and the cigarettes that I thought made me look cool in the early Read More

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Post Holiday Detox with Golden Milk

Golden Milk Mug with Ginger Root

Golden Milk Turmeric Tea

This lightly spiced drink is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thanks to a dose of turmeric – perfect for detoxing after the holidays. A touch of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the ginger and black pepper add a little heat to the earthiness of the turmeric.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk, preferably coconut milk beverage or almond milk
  • 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
  • 1 (1-inch) piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric
  • 1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • Ground cinnamon (for serving)

Whisk coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut oil, peppercorns, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors have melded, about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs and top with a dash of cinnamon. Golden Milk Turmeric Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.

Note:

Using fresh turmeric adds a clean, bright flavor to this drink, but dried turmeric can be substituted when fresh is not Read More

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