This is my BADASS coffee!

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badass, chaga, chinese medicine, foti, he shou wu, ho shou wu, non dairy creamer, Organic coffee, reishi, sea salt

Yes, you read that right!  Okay, so you might be wondering what coffee has to do with luxury, let alone what a badass coffee has to do with luxury… but if you’re a coffee lover, then a reaaaally good cup of coffee IS a luxury, and one you don’t want to do without.

So, I’ve been hearing and seeing the word “badass” used a lot lately.  It’s a good word.  It has a certain “can’t be ignored” kind of quality.  After seeing it used while enjoying my coffee recently, it got me thinking…  you know, my coffee IS pretty badass – decadently delicious, while at the same time, packed full of powerful medicinal nutrients.  I dare you to find anything at Starbucks that even comes close (which by the way used to be my absolute favorite, along with a little organic half and half cream)…

Want to know what makes my coffee so badass?

First, the Urban Dictionary has something to say about what a Badass is: “Unspoken Rules of Being a Badass”

1. First rule of being a badass: a badass does not talk about being a badass. Period. (By the way my coffee is not the one referring to itself as a badass,.  That’s all me!)
2. Second rule of being a badass, a badass does not try to be a badass or look tough.  A badass simply IS (emphasis mine) a badass.
3. (Third) a badass stays true to themselves  always. This means being themselves for themselves, and not being fake to impress others. (My badass coffee’s not trying to impress anyone)
4. (Fourth) a badass does not give up. Badasses will always push themselves for the better, no matter how hard it gets.
5. (Fifth) A badass knows his/her limits. Don’t be stupid, you’re not Superman, you’ll die if you jump off a building. (i.e. ONE cup of badass coffee will not cure the plague …)

The urban dictionary also has a few definitions for badass:

• Ultra-cool motherf***er.
• The badass carves his own path. He wears, drives, drinks, watches, and listens to what he chooses, when he chooses, where he chooses, uninfluenced by fads or advertising campaigns…
• Used to describe one who totally owns who he/she is, is uninhibited in who they are and doesn’t let what other people think affect his/her actions/decisions.  (My badass coffee knows what it is and doesn’t care what others think)…
• Oh, and one more definition of a badass – Infinitely cool, über awesome, hardcore to the extreme.  (Yup! That’s about right)

Thanks urban dictionary!

So here’s how my coffee is so Badass:

First it begins with organic and fair traded coffee beans.  Organic is important because coffee is sprayed with more pesticides than any other agricultural crop.  And fair trade means the farmers are getting paid a fair price.  Plus, if it’s organic, farmers are also not getting exposed to the harmful chemical pesticides, so you’re helping to save farmers’ lives too   (Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have found that farmers have elevated rates of several types of cancer that are associated with chemical exposure, including pesticides)

Second, the water used for my coffee is chaga mushroom tea.  Chaga mushroom is one of the top medicinal mushrooms and has some major immune building properties, among other amazing health benefits too numerous to mention here (see below).  Chaga has a fairly neutral taste, so it doesn’t interfere with the true coffee flavor but provides soooo much more…

Once brewed, I add a pinch of sea salt.  And that’s SEA salt.  The regular salt won’t do here, since all of its trace minerals have been removed.  Pink Himalayan Salt is also a good one to use because it hasn’t been refined and still has all of its trace minerals.  The salt is intended it to help minimize any potential negative effects the caffeine could pose ie. adrenals.

I then add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of Reishi powder.  Reishi is one of the top medicinal mushrooms used in Chinese medicine, with a 2000 year history of recorded use and benefits.  Reishi has a legendary status in the Orient because of its ability to profoundly affect so many aspects of your life in a positive manner. Reishi mushroom is also known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”.  It has immune enhancing properties, anti-aging properties, promotes calmness and balance, improves focus, and then some.  See more below.  Reishi powder has a slightly bitter flavor, similar to the bitterness in coffee, so it blends in nicely.

I then add ½ teaspoon of Ho Shou Wu, aka He Shou Wu, aka Fo Ti, a tonic herb used in Chinese medicine that is anti-aging, helps the adremals, calms the nervous system, provides antioxidants and increases energy, is anti-inflammatory, immune and adrenal enhancing and tonifying to the organs.  It also has a 2000 year history of recorded use and benefits.  Similar to the Reishi, Ho Shou Wu has a slight   bitterness that blends in well with the bitterness of the coffee.

And finally, my non-dairy creamer, which is as rich and creamy as the half in half I used to put in my coffee, but again, without any of the negative effects of dairy.

All real flavor.  All real food.   All real nutrients.

Easy right?  Indulgence that’s good for you…  now that’s the good life!

What has your coffee done for you lately?

Learn more about Chaga

Learn more about Reishi – buy reishi

Learn more about Ho Shou Wu – buy FITT extracted He Shou Wu

About Sea Salt

My Non-Dairy Creamer recipe

dedicated to Mikey, the original Badass

Champagne House Louis Roederer goes Biodynamic! Could Cristal be the first high-end champagne to be 100% biodynamic??? An Organic Champagne Toast for 2013

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2013, biodynamic, champagne, cristal, Louis Roederer, New Years, organic, viticulture

Cristal has become synonymous with the more indulgent lifestyles of the rich and famous and has even been featured in rap and hip hop music and videos.

Although its quality is unquestionable, I’m going to assume that its notoriety among the celebrity set is due more to the high-end image associated with Cristal (which began in the 1840′s when Tsar Nicholas II declared the house as the official wine supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia) than to the fact that part of its makeup now includes biodynamically grown grapes.  According to our latest information, 50% of the grapes used in the Cristal blend are from the House’s biodynamic plots.  In fact, I would bet that that little piece of information has not even crossed their radar screens.  This is however, a very momentous occurrence.

If you’re not familiar with the term biodynamic, it’s essentially a step above an organic designation.  It’s a method that views the farm as a self sustaining eco system with a heavy focus on the soil’s fertility and its interrelationship with the plants, animals and planetary influences.  In wine making, this method seeks to extract the area’s terroir to its fullest potential.   See more detailed info on biodynamic agriculture.

Despite common sense, as well as proclamations by some of the world’s top chefs regarding the superiority of organic foods over conventionally grown foods, there are still far too many who consider organic and biodynamic foods to be nothing more than a hoax by organic farmers in order to charge more for their produce.  So, the fact that such a well and long established House of Champagne, known for its dedication to superior quality, is finding great benefits in biodynamic agriculture is very significant.

The Louis Roederer Champagne House began experimenting with biodynamic grapes in 2000.  Currently, 60 hectares out of a total of 230 are dedicated to biodynamic viticulture, or about 26%, with the remainder being managed sustainably.  None of the House’s grapes are grown using conventional methods.  The House has found that biodynamic and organic grapes are sweeter, which results in grapes with a higher potential for alcohol that can also be picked earlier.

Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, the house’s Deputy CEO, and Chief of cellars confirms the benefits of biodynamic viticulture, “far from being irrational, biodynamics is to return to the traditional, common sense, along with of course acting more environmentally friendly, to be even closer to Nature.”  And adds that  “Ultimately, with biodynamics, the road we are driving on is very easy and simple.  It’s about getting the highest expression of terroir we can, while practicing a viticulture more respectful towards Nature. Respect more, to get better!”

Although there are currently a number of truly excellent biodynamic and organic champagnes in the marketplace, a few of which we’ve looked at previously, such as Champagne R. Pouillon et Fils and Champagne Larmandier-Bernier, they are not yet as widely known as Roederer’s Cristal.  The Champagne House Louis Roederer is perfectly positioned to take a leading role in raising awareness of the benefits of biodynamic and organic viticulture and agriculture within the mainstream.

Our New Years wish for everyone is for much love, great health, lots of happiness, and prosperity, but also for a greater sense of clarity as to what a true luxury really is, something that provides pleasure, while at the same time being respectful of and learning from the amazing and complex ecosystem in which live.

Happy 2013!  And may we soon see a Cristal vintage made with 100% biodynamic grapes!

An Eco Cottage With a View

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cottage, cottage country, eco, sustainable

Summer is starting to wind down, but there are still several weeks to enjoy cottage life, and what better place than Ontario’s cottage country, (also referred to by the New York Times as Malibu North because of the number of Hollywood celebrities who have become part-time residents).  I haven’t heard any news that any of these cottages were constructed in an environmentally sustainable way, but maybe this one, placed on the market recently, will start a trend.

Only a hop, skip and a jump from Muskoka, this cottage is located on one of the Great Lakes, Lake Huron, on the Bruce Peninsula (in Georgian Bay, to be specific) and provides a majestic view that is surely the envy of all of Malibu North, along with the numerous other features this cottage offers.

Originally built as a eco-lodge, there is plenty of room for family and friends without any worry of overcrowding.  All this space can be especially handy for those guests who just won’t leave.  This 8 bedroom (including 2 – 2 story suites), 9 bathroom, sustainable cottage features recycled douglas fir pillars that soar over the main entry as well as systems that provide radiant heating, natural cooling, rainwater harvesting and the biofiltration of grey water.

Other features include a two story library, three fireplaces, a salt water infinity  swimming pool and proximity to a scuba diving haven with pristine waters and shipwrecks to explore.  A great place to spend the summer!  Can be yours for $6.5 million.  See more pics here

Giorgio Armani teams up with Livia Firth to take on the Green Carpet Challenge

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Giorgio Armani, Golden Globes, Green Carpet Challenge, Livia Firth, Newlife fibers, recycled plastic bottles, sustainable fashion, sustainable style

Livia Firth in Sustainable Giorgio Armani Gown and Alberto Parada Ring

The idea that recycled plastic bottles would be mentioned in a story about haute couture seems unlikely at best, but leave it to Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani to create magic in the most unlikely places.

Sunday’s Golden Globes marked the start of Livia Firth’s 3rd annual Green Carpet Challenge.  The purpose of this challenge is to promote the idea that sustainable fashion can be as stylish and beautiful as conventional fashion and takes place during Awards Season where all eyes are on Hollywood and fashion is, at least in some respects, the main event.

The designer chosen to launch this year’s Challenge at the Golden Globes was none other than Giorgio Armani, a name synonymous with exquisite style and impeccable craftsmanship.  The end result, as seen on Sunday’s red carpet, was a stunning creation, a classic black strapless column gown with a touch of white, featuring a contemporary twist

Ice Pressed Olive Oil, the final step to perfection?

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green gifts, Ice pressed, Organic Olive Oil, Rallis Olive Oil

In its 6,000 year history, Olive oil has been recognized as both a culinary and a medicinal treasure.  In fact, it was referred to by various civilizations as “Liquid Gold” and a “Gift from God” and was viewed as a magical substance that was the “fountain of great wealth and power”.

Olive oil generally requires minimal processing and throughout time, various versions of presses were used to extract the oil.  In more recent times, however the manufacturing of olive oil, for the most part, has taken on industrial proportions from the harvesting of the olives to the processing of the oil.  These new highly mechanized processes have led to a poorer quality oil and has eliminated much of its healing properties.

Questions have also been raised in recent years about the quality of the “so called” extra virgin olive oils, considered to be the gold standard for premium olive oil.  A 2007 report by Tom Mueller pointing to allegations that some of Italy’s biggest producers had been diluting their olive oil with cheap (hazelnut oil) imported from Turkey led to an investigation and arrests by EU authorities.  As well, various reports including one by researchers at the University of California have found quality problems with premium olive oils.  There are various discussions now underway among industry officials on how to establish better guidelines to ensure quality olive oil.

Fortunately for us, there still remains a number of smaller artisanal producers who are dedicated to preserving the time honored traditional harvesting and extraction methods, and as such, have been able to  maintain the superb flavor quality and high level of medicinal nutrients found in pure olive oil.  One such producer, however has taken this one step further to elevate its olive oil to another level.

Rallis Olive Oil comes from a family owned, centuries old olive grove in Greece where the art of producing a superior olive oil has been passed down from generation to generation.  The resulting oil is a single estate premium olive oil produced from Koroneiki olives.  These olives have been described as “very low yield”, but with “an incredible well balanced flavor with grassy notes and a hint of spice”.   The olives are grown organically, are harvested by hand and the oil is extracted within hours of harvesting.

Driven by a desire to maintain the oil’s medicinal properties however, Rallis brothers Theo and Steve worked to develop a new extraction technique that would ensure the maximum level of nutrients while maintaining the olive oil’s superior flavor.  This method was called “ice pressed” and is the first of its kind in the world.  It differs from the cold pressed technique, which does involve some heat, by extracting the oil without any heat at all.  Though more costly to produce than the cold pressed method, it does maintain the oil’s integrity and produces an olive oil with qualities that more closely resembles that which was so revered in ancient times.

Organic Ice Pressed Rallis Olive Oil had been produced for only four short years now and has already won international awards.  With a near flawless acidity of .1% this olive oil is fast becoming a favorite among the world’s best chefs and food lovers alike.

A true luxury!  Indulgent authentic flavors AND life enhancing nutrients.

Who knew living well could taste so good!

Rallis Olive Oil is now available at Fresh Unlimited or can also be purchased by contacting Rallis Olive Oil directly.
See here and here for information about the health benefits of pure olive oil.

You can have your Champagne and drink it too! (if it’s Organic that is)… A Champagne Toast for 2012

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2012 toast, 2Xoz, biodynamic, Champagne R. Pouillon & Fils, organic champagne, sustainable

We like to begin a new year with a champagne toast because champagne is, after all, synonymous with luxury.  For most people however, that’s where it stops, with the image or perception of luxury.  There are still too many that just don’t seem to realize that this luxury beverage they’re consuming is filled with toxic chemical residues from the pesticides and herbicides that were used to grow the grapes.  Now that doesn’t sound very luxurious anymore does it?

It doesn’t have to be this way, however.  It is possible to enjoy champagne without those nasty toxins that create unknown or future havoc with our health.  And that, is what we believe the definition of a “true luxury” is, or at least should be.  A TRUE luxury should be one that not only provides a pleasure, but does so without causing harm to our health or to the planet.

The bad news is, there are still those who refuse to see or accept the detrimental effects toxic chemicals cause to the soil, to the foods we consume and to our health, and they appear determined to hold on to what may seem to them to be an “easier”, “less costly” and/or  “less time consuming ” way of doing things.

The good news on the other hand is we are seeing more and more winemakers who are passionate about every aspect of winemaking starting with the soil that feeds the grapes, to the additives and right on to the creation of the final product.   These vintners are willing to make the extra effort to ensure an end product that is superior in every way.

It all begins with the grapes and the terroir…

One such wine maker is family owned Champagne R. Pouillon et Fils, located about 2 hours east of Paris in the village of Mareuil in the Champagne region.  The winery is now run by Fabrice and Elodie Pouillon, the third generation.  When he joined the family business, Fabrice introduced sustainable agriculture to the family brand.  Since then, the family has been practicing what is referred to as “culture raisonnée” or “reasoned agriculture/sustainable agriculture”.

This approach is similar to Organic as it rejects the use of chemical fertilizers, defoliants and fungicides in favor of certified organic products and herbal infusions.  Grass is also allowed to grow between the grapes and the earth is turned to ensure the soil is alive with vital micro-organisms.  Fabrice has also begun experimenting with biodynamic farming methods on some of his parcels.

The Champagne R. Pouillon & Fils brand includes several champagne options but most notable is 2Xoz.   Fabrice and Elodie wanted to create an exceptional and limited edition champagne that honored a traditional recipe that used only the grapes’ natural sugars (as is reflected in its name).  This required that the grapes be allowed to mature longer to ensure a higher sugar content in the grapes.  Only the best pinot noir grapes, that have had the highest sun exposure on the family’s oldest parcels are selected for 2Xoz.

Though it falls into the rose category, its color is a surprising and intense red.  It has been described as “voluptuous, rich, showing orange peel aromas intertwined with waxy notes and complex ginger/nutmeg spices”.  It is considered by those who have tried it as more than a champagne and an adventure for the palate.

The 2004 harvest, cuvee blanc de noirs resulted in 2,547 bottles and is available for purchase.  The 2007 vintage, a rose is sold out, and the 2009 vintage, a lighter red cuvee is available for purchase by reservation only.  To reserve your bottle or for purchase information,  you can contact the winery directly.

The Toast!
Our hope for the New Year is an increased awareness for all about the true state of our food supply, an awareness of the toxic chemicals that are actually getting into our foods and beverages that we then ingest.  It is only once we have this awareness that we will start demanding the toxin-free, authentic and flavorful foods and beverages we have a right to expect.

So, may 2012 be filled with love, laughter and a little of life’s TRUE luxuries for all!
Happy New Year!
Bonne Année!

A rare find: Swans Island Blankets, Handcrafted Organic Merino Wool Blankets – Just in Time for the cold weather…

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organic baby blankets, Organic merino wool, organic scarves, organic throws, organic wraps, Swans Island

Swans Island Blankets has been providing hand loomed blankets since the early 1990′s.
With a desire to preserve the art of handlooming and an increasingly rare focus on superior craftsmanship, Swans Island Blankets had been creating beautiful heirloom quality blankets since the early 1990′s. It has even been awarded the Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft.

Swans Island Blankets is also committed to earth friendly methods. It has developed its own natural dyes and sources its wool from sustainable sheep farms. Included among its offerings are items made using soft and durable Organic Merino Wool. These include throws, baby blankets, wraps and men’s scarves as well as women’s scarves.

Beautiful items that are authentic, functional and timeless that will last for generations to come.

Heading to Toronto for TIFF? … here are some Green spots you might want to check out !

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chocolate, GMO-Free, hotels, organic, organic beer, organic flowers, organic spa, organic wine, restaurants, TIFF, Toronto

Well it’s on!  The 2011 Edition of  Toronto’s International Film Festival gets underway today.  Though we’ve still got a way to go, Toronto’s green side has evolved nicely and led us to some real treasures.   So if you’re in town for the festival, here are some of Toronto’s best green spots:

Hotels
The Fairmont Royal York hotel appears to be the best bet when it comes to sustainable luxury hotels in the city.  The Fairmont company as a whole has, for quite some time, taken a special interest in greening its overall operations but the Royal York in particular has been recognized for its environmental initiatives including its rooftop organic herb garden and beehive.   Its menu features dishes created with local, organic and sustainable ingredients and meats.  Organic and biodynamic wines are also available.

As well, the Royal York’s Library Bar has created 3 special drinks in honor of TIFF featuring ingredients from its rooftop organic garden and beehive: The Breakaway, Festival Buzz-Tini and the Raj Kapoor.   Cheers!

Restaurants
Restaurants can be a little difficult.  There are a fair number of them that are serving dishes made with local ingredients, natural meats but many don’t specify whether these are organic or not.  Others however are fully committed to using 100% organic ingredients while still others give themselves some leeway by specifying that they  make every effort to use organic ingredients where ever possible – here are a few you might want to check out:

Live and Organic
Live Food Bar   Casual dining – menu includes some cooked items – organic wines, beer and spirits available
Rawlicious   Casual dining – menu includes some cooked items – organic wines and beer available

Organic                                                                                                                  The Beet Organic Café   Casual dining – organic beer and wine available     Camros Organic Eatery   Casual Persian cuisine

Organic where possible
Auberge du Pommier  Fine Dining – Organic ingredients as much as possible, ingredients sourced from boutique farmers, naturally raised meat, sustainably sourced seafood, organic and biodynamic wines available
Banu  Casual/Chic – Traditional Iranian cuisine and vodka bar – organic meats available – organic vodka available
Pangaea  Fine Dining – Seasonal menu organic ingredients where possible – organic wines not available                                                                                              Niagara Street Café   Casual/Cozy dining – bistro french/mediteranean options – natural raised meat, organic dairy, artisan products                                                                                                              Magic Oven  Casual dining – Pizza, pasta – use local ingredients and organic ingredients where possible, no preservatives or additives

If you’re just looking for a quick coffee and snack:                                                                                                                  Cafes, coffee bakeries and amazing chocolates
Alternative Grounds  Fair trade and organic coffees
Soma Chocolate  Chocolate bar and café – in historic distillery district – organic where possible
Organic Oven  Cafe – gluten-free baked goods, desserts, breads and sandwiches, organic coffee and teas
Mercury Espresso Bar  Coffee Bar – Organic specialty coffee

Wines and Spirits
Because of the restrictive laws of the province of Ontario, wines and spirits are only allowed through the producer or the LCBO.  Many of the LCBO outlets throughout the city do carry a selection of organic wines and spirits.

Spas
Bloor West Organic Spa   Facials, body treatments, manicure, pedicure, waxing
Urb Organic Spa  Facials, peels, waxing, tinting, special treatments including LED therapy, oxygen…
Elixir Organic Spa  Facials, massage, manicure, pedicure, waxing
Pure and Simple   Specialized facials, hair removal, tinting
Organic Spa ‘N Lounge   Facials, body treatments, massage, manicure, pedicure, hair removal

Flowers
Eco Flora   Fair trade, organic and wild crafted flowers

Fresh Unlimited has accumulated quite a database during our years in the green gifts industry.  If there is something specific you are looking for in an organic, gmo-free or sustainable version, let us know, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!

Enjoy the festival!

George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Toronto for TIFF… and our green gifts???

Tags

Brad Pitt, Canadian Film Center, George Clooney, GMO-Free, green gifts, Moneyball, Norman Jewison, organic, The Descendants, The Ides of March, TIFF, Toronto International Film Festival

It’s been confirmed, George Clooney and Brad Pitt will be among the list of celebrities attending this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  I wonder if they decided to take part to get an invite to Norman Jewison’s annual TIFF BBQ and auction so they can bid on our Fresh Unlimited green celebration package.  Both are, after all, known to lean towards the green side, George Clooney with his electric Tesla Roadster and Brad Pitt’s involvement with environmental architecture and design.  Our green gift would be an excellent souvenir of their TIFF experience and, all funds raised help out the Canadian Film Center, which promotes Canadian film talent. What better incentive for any film maker!

Regardless of whether or not they’re able to make it to the auction, we look forward to their film screenings. George Clooney has two films showing at TIFF, the North American premier of The Ides of March and the world premier of The Descendants, while Brad Pitt’s Moneyball will be making its world premier here.

… and if you want a peek at our green gifts selections just click the link!

Leather iPad Case: A Tale of 2 Cases

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dewdrop designs, Fresh Unlimited, green gifts, iPad, Leather iPad Case, sustainable leather, upcycled leather

Could you tell the difference between these two iPad Cases?  Both are made of high quality Italian leather, both are grey, both would protect an iPad or reader from scratches and smudges, and both have a sleek and polished look and would be suitable for anyone on the move but only one of these is sustainable.  Can you guess which one?  Okay, maybe the fish design is a dead give away but yes, the one with the screen printed fish on it is the one that is also sustainable.

It was created by Dewdrop Designs and comes in a variety of colors and screen printed designs as well as one in a faux snake skin embossed finish.   The high quality Italian leather used to create these iPad cases however is upcycled, meaning it comes from remnants of other industries that would be thrown away and end up in landfills if it were not given another use.  This leather is then dyed using natural dyes, which once again minimizing it’s environmental impact.   Each leather iPad case  is hand stitched in the USA, making each one a truly unique find!