And We're BACK!

My heart has stayed with Open Door Magazine, but my work schedule was not, shall we say, sustainable? I left my big fancy law firm (and I did love many of the people I worked with, I will admit) to pursue life challenges that have a much broader and likely more important focus. The worlds of sustainability, social justice, localism, and eco-friendliness have exploded since the start of this magazine. Well done people! However, there is much yet to be done and a remaining need to encourage and support those who are still out there doing good works. My husband and I have moved to Portland, Oregon. As such, my reviews, comments and suggestions will likely highlight the west coast.

For now, I will leave you with this, support your local coffee shop and when you can, bring your own mug! One to try if you are in Portland: Fresh Pot. Cheers.

Product Review: Jose's Vanilla Nut Coffee

Here at Open Door Magazine, we encourage you to delight in sustainable coffee when brewing up your morning joe. We will soon be doing a post on sustainable coffee, but in a nutshell (get it?) sustainable coffee is supposed to be good for the earth and a good deal for the farmers who grow the coffee. Another buzz word is "fair trade" which means exactly what it sounds like.

On the coasts, it is much easier to get sustainable coffee products because the market is stronger. It is a little trickier in the heartland and in the south. However, Open Door Magazine seeks to find retailers that may sell the same products all over the nation. Now, hold your little buy local britches for just a moment... we are not leaving our soap box about buying local. However, here at Open Door, we are trying to give people as many options and solutions as possible.

Today's review:
Product: Jose's Whole Bean Vanilla Nut Coffee
Purchase Point: Costco
Descriptions: 100% Arabica Coffee, Medium Roast

This coffee is delicious! You can taste the vanilla (which I like), but some people like the flavor only on the bag not really in the coffee. I enjoy the coffee for a great morning treat... it tastes great and smells just as amazing. This coffee, however, would also be perfect for a post-dinner party treat. I would recommend pairing it with something like chocolate or any other "tart" dessert. This coffee with something sweet would be too much and your guests may start seeking a salty fix.

The bag states:
At Jose's Coffee we are proud to be involved in several sustainable projects that benefit the farmers that supply our coffee. If you have any questions or comments about Jose's Gourmet Coffee, please call 1.800.428.JOSE (Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., PST)

I remember that there were other flavors and brews on the shelf next to this one at Costco, but I'll have to get back to you on what those are...

I was not able to find a website for ordering direct from Jose's Gourmet Coffee. If you have further contact information or reviews of the product / company, please post below!

Overall: Good Buy

Home Spa: Lemon Lips

LEMON LIP GLOSS
1 tsp Honey
1 T Vitamin E Oil
1 tsp. of Aloe Vera
2 tsp of grated beeswax
1 T pure almond extract
6 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil

Melt beeswax, remove from heat and while constantly stirring - Add honey, Aloe Vera, Almond extract, Vitamin E. Add the Lemon essential oil last.

Kiss someone you love...

Recipie Credit: http://www.spaindex.com/

Home Spa: Coffee Scrub

We all have heard over and over that coffee grounds can be great for your garden... Well, for those of us who live the condo or city life, what can we do to reuse coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds make an excellent natural skin scrub. Move your morning coffee grounds to a shower friendly container and get ready to rumble, rumble away dead skin! Coffee creates a gritty skin rub that is both invigorating and refreshing. Many beauty products have caffeine as an added ingredient to help skin elasticity. You can simulate the products, with more caffeine intensity by using your coffee grounds as a shower scrub.

Some people use coffee grounds on their scalp as a skin prep before shampoo. This is especially helpful for those in dry climates that fight a flaky scalp. Others use coffee grounds as a great scrub for animals because it helps to diffuse odor.

Never heard of coffee products for skin? See this article: http://coffeetea.about.com/od/whimsy/a/bodycoffee.htm

Want to take your coffee scrub to the next level? Try this recipe:

COFFEE BODY SCRUB
2 cups of coarsely ground coffee 1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt 2-3 T massage oil
Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry, and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion.
Recipe Credit: http://www.spaindex.com

Home Spa: Lemon Manicure

Once you remove all of your nail polish, try rubbing nails with a lemon slice until any remaining stains lift. The acidity of the lemon helps to break down nail polish pigments and the lemon's antioxidants are thought to brighten nails.

To remove any lingering odor on your hands after cooking or cleaning, create your own odor erasing scrub with a gritty mix of lemon juice and sugar.