Great Gazpacho

This cold soup is a summertime classic!

Hit up your local farmer's market for the freshest organic ingredients.

Tip: freezes great! Double or triple the recipe and freeze several batches to eat throughout the summer.

You'll need:

• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1 pint fresh mild salsa
• 2 red bell peppers, seeded, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
• 1 cup onion-and garlic-seasoned croutons
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

To make the soup:

1. Working in batches, blend all ingredients except hot sauce in processor to coarse puree.
2. Transfer gazpacho to large bowl.
   
3. Season to taste with hot sauce, salt and pepper.
   
4. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.) Ladle into bowls and serve. Best if eaten outdoors with friends and loved ones.

Make an Easy Yogurt Face Mask for Dry Skin

Another simple idea from the crafty kitchen!

Why spend tons of money on expensive face masks when you probably have the ingredients for a great one in your very own kitchen? Home made masks are easy and fun, and they don't require expert knowledge of cooking or recipes.

You'll need:

• 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. uncooked oatmeal
• A drizzle of honey

To prepare and apply the mask:

1. Mix together the yogurt and oatmeal in a bowl. For a more refreshing mask, use yogurt straight from the fridge. For a more soothing mask, use room-temperature yogurt. Do not heat the yogurt.
2. Drizzle honey over the mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Apply with fingers using a gentle, circular motion to clean, dry skin, until skin is covered. Avoid the eye area.
4. Leave mask on for up to 10 minutes while you make coffee, read the paper, or run a bath.
5. Rinse with warm water, gently massaging your skin for extra glow.
   

May your days be filled with softness.

Avocados for Skin and Hair Care

Avocados are not only rich in potassium, B vitamins, and vitamins E and K, they also have the highest fiber content of any fruit.

Vitamin E helps keep your skin clear and glowing, and potassium and B vitamins keep your hair strong and shiny. But avocados can also be great for your skin and hair when placed directly on them!

Some crafty tips from the kitchen spa for using avocados in your regular beauty regimen:

• Scoop the flesh of an avocado and mix with one ripe banana. Apply to your freshly washed face and leave on for as long as you want. Great for regular to dry skin.
• For oily skin, mix ripe avocado with egg yolk, honey, and lemon juice. Apply to your skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.
• Mix a ripe avocado with honey and coconut milk and apply to the ends of your hair as a masque. Leave on for 5-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Add an egg yolk for extra strengthening power!

May your days be delicious and beautiful.

Violet Delight

This vibrant purple smoothie is loaded with antioxidants to help keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Great for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up alternative to a fat-heavy latte.

Tip: peel and freeze ripe bananas to use in smoothies - no need to add ice!

1 ripe, frozen banana
1 cup blueberries
1 cup blackberries
1 cup soy milk

Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds for heart-helping Omega-3s, wheat germ for essential fiber, or protein powder if you need the extra boost.

Blend and enjoy!

The beautiful color may help activate your third eye - be aware of any new insights.