The beauty industry has a great secret to keeping lips kissable and soft during the winter months: COCOA BUTTER! The high fat content of cocoa fills in surgace cracks and creates a protective layer that locks in natural moisture and blocks out drying wind and cold. Lips stay silky soft.
Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
In a microwave safe bowl combine:
1 1/2 tsp cocoa butter, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and 3 mini chocolate chips. Microwave 30 seconds or until the mix is melted. Stir well, and pour into a small container. Let cool and apply!
The Compounds that make Every Day Pleasurable
Cocoa beans contain unique particles that mimic the action of the neurotransmitter anandamide, which means "bliss" in Sanskrit. Cocoa stimulates anandamide receptors that activate the nucleaus accumbens, the brain's pleasure center. This brings about a mild euphoric state.
Mood Boosting Delights
In a bowl, combine 4oz chopped bittersweet chocolate, and 1 TBS Light Corn Syrup. In a pot, bring 1/2 cup Heavy Cream and 4 tsp chopped Ginger to a boil. Pour over the chocolate mixture, let sit for 3 minutes. Stir until chocolate melts, and dip in strawberries or other fruit.
Jasmine is another of tropical Asia's most sweet smelling flowers. In Thailand, it is a symbol of friendship, and if often strung into garlands and offered to peoople as a welcome goft and to Buddha as a sign of gratitude. This tiny bud is woven into hair for wedding ceremonies in Java.
