Skin Cleanse: Book Giveaway

I’m really excited to share with you Adina Grigore’s new book, Skin Cleanse!

Now, I’m really not a products kind of person and make up and I have a very fleeting relationship, in that when I remember to wear it, it’s lipstick (red). Even mascara seems like too much to bother with more than a few times a year. I had an extensive skin care routine in high school and college, but since then I’ve floated around with products based on Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep assessment of toxins in our cosmetics and skin care products. I’ve been scolded for washing my face with my Dr. Bronner’s castile soap (too drying), for not using enough products (what, no toner ever, no moisturizer at times, how has your face not fallen off?!?!) I’ve been really stuck lately with trying to find something that’s not full of chemicals (that will slowly seep into my body via my skin) and liking what I end up with.

I know this isn’t a review of S.W. Basics’ line of products that you can purchase, but in giving them a whirl, for the first time I realized that I might actually be into making my own skin care needs from simple ingredients I have in my kitchen. As some of you might recall the great deodorant search I discussed at length here, wherein I finally found a deodorant concoction that I could make myself, that was effective and didn’t stain my clothes; this is about as far into the DIY beauty aisle I’ve stepped. I’ve been using the cleanser, toner and makeup remover (which doubles as a moisturizer!) on an almost daily basis (I still sometimes forget!) and I’m revolutionized by putting things like rosewater, glycerin, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil on my face. I feel like I’m feeding my face with all the best things I can muster. What a fun feeling to bring to an otherwise mundane task.

Well, Adina coaxed me off the DIY fence with this charming and friendly guide. She helps readers through the lifestyle change that is taking good care of your skin, which effectively (and literally) seeps into the rest of your body, seeing as your skin is your largest organ. Her advice is poignant and relevant and easy to adopt in small steps. In the same vein of my own non-judgmental approach, she will not make you feel bad about yourself for where you’re at now!

There are a number of things I love about this book, let me rattle a few of them off here. I love how she shares with you how to fix recurring skin issues by tackling the core of the matter, what you eat and some broader lifestyle choices. I love that she talks about who’s really in charge of/policing what goes into mainstream and green-washed beauty products (the manufacturers and chemical companies) and that no one is really making sure these products are truly safe for us to slather all over ourselves daily. I love that all the recipes she shares for making skin nourishing things of your own have 2-3 ingredients tops and most are either already in your kitchen or can be found at your local health food store. And lastly, I love the great illustrations and friendly feel of the book (eat like your great grandma!).

HarperCollins has kindly offered up a copy to one of my lucky readers. To enter, please use the widget below, and as a reminder HarperCollins has requested that all entrants please live anywhere in the US for shipping purposes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosures: I received a complimentary copy of the book and the products shown above; the giveaway recipient’s copy is complementary from HarperCollins. The book link in the above post magically deposits a tiny pittance in my bank account each month if you buy the book using that link.

Pancake griddle kitchen hack

As I teach classes and introduce myself to countless numbers of folks who have yet to learn about Hip Girl’s books, I try to summarize what my home and kitchen books are about, what I’m about, what you’ll find inside these treasures of time, effort and love.

Well, over the weekend I was making pancakes and snapped a shot that captures the essence of what it is I hope to inspire in readers: ingenuity, creativity and creating your own hacks based on your situation.

We haven’t had a microwave in years, by choice, and warming up the maple syrup via the toaster oven works just fine. But, we have a griddle (thanks to a wedding gift from Marisa of Food in Jars!) and said griddle is already hot, why not stick an oven-safe ramekin (glass, ceramic, metal) right on the griddle while the pancakes cook to warm it. No need to fire up another appliance. Alana mentioned via instagram that this is also a great place to dip the pancakes you are testing for quality assurance prior to serving. Mary (via Facebook) grants extra points for sticking your coffee mug on the griddle to keep it warm, too.

These are the types of things I send out in a once or twice monthly Hip Trick email. If you’d like to receive them directly, sign up here.

Best Mexican Food in Austin: AFBA City Guide

I don’t usually do restaurant reviews here on this blog, but so many people come to town and ask me for advice on where to eat. Since most of my suggestions are Mexican and the Austin Food Blogger Alliance, a group I’ve been a part of since it started, is launching their 2015 city guide, I thought I’d jump in with my suggestions on where to eat in the Mexican realm. See the full 2015 list for all cuisines here.

I moved to Austin 11 years ago and learned about eating my way through our fine city from a couple of native Austinites. I feel strongly about the Mexican food we consume. In fact, I have sparred with and agreed to disagree with a friend (another native Austinite) on the merits of Tex Mex. (You won’t find the Tex Mex genre in my list below, with the exception of Maria’s.)

I’m sharing with you the top spots I send people who visit from out of town, and where we visit periodically for a Mexican fix. My friend Hector chimed in with his favorites to round out the list. You can also hop over to Lisa’s city guide post on breakfast tacos over at Full & Content.

1. Curra’s Grill

I love Curra’s for the following reasons: avocado margaritas, avocado margaritas, avocado margaritas, enchiladas Chiapas, brunch tacos with Oaxaca coffee (cinnamon and vanilla infused), oh, did I mention they have AVOCADO MARGARITAS? This beverage is one part milkshake, one part delicious grown up beverage and one part health drink. Address: 614 E Oltorf St. Austin, Texas 78704 | Hours: 7:00am-10:00pm every day

2. Taco More

This is my go-to for real Mex (like from Mexico mex). Get the quesadilla with cabrito, but get it dorada-style. I know, you scoff at quesadillas, but trust me. We usually order 3 and split between the two of us, which is just about perfect after you’ve consumed a basket of chips with the delicious (and spicy!) salsa menagerie at the salsa bar. Address: 2015 E Riverside #3, Austin, TX 78741 | Hours: 7:00am-11:00pm every day 

3. Julio’s Cafe

Friendly, family-owned and run. I always get nachos with chicken (it’s rotisserie cooked in house), and I think these are the best nachos in town. I used to love the beef chalupa before flour tortillas left my diet. | Address: 4230 Duval St., Austin, TX 78751 | Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-9:00pm, Sun 8:30am-2:00pm

4. Polvos

I could bathe in the roasted salsa at the salsa bar (YOU GUYS, it’s so good) and the fresh red salsa is also tasty. My mainstays, enchiladas Dona Clara or the flautas, and, well portions in general, here are big and oozy, which edges this restaurant closer to Tex than Mex in my book, but the salsa makes up for any heaviness you probably shouldn’t have eaten. | Address: 2004 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 | Hours: 7:00am-11:00pm every day

5. Tacodeli

There’s a whole other city guide post about tacos (see link to Full & Content above), but I can’t not put Tacodeli on my list. They do a lot more than tacos, but I rarely get anything but tacos when we go. I’m a frontera fundido girl plus usually another 3-ingredient assemblage of taco. Do not let a breakfast go by that you have not consumed a taco containing their Mexican mashed potatoes. | Address: (multiple locations, see website) | Hours: Weekdays 7:00am-3:00pm (Breakfast  7–11am & Lunch 11am–3pm), Weekends 7:00am-3:00pm (Breakfast all day & Lunch 11am–3pm)

Another layer of opportunity for your chances of authentic Mexican fare in Austin has been made possible by my friend Hector. He’s legit (actually from Mexico City). Check out his recs below!

6. Rosita’s Al Pastor

Real Tacos al Pastor (capitalized) are hard to find in Austin, as they should ALWAYS be made with a tromp, which is like a shawarma but with achiote and pineapple marinated pork. Rosita’s has you covered. Order 5 tacos and enjoy with a good horchata. They have other traditional dishes like gringas, gorditas and tortas, which I recommend also. Don’t get fooled by the food truck in the street, the good Tacos al Pastor are inside the strip mall. | Address: 1911 E. Riverside Dr, Austin TX 78798 | Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm every day

7. La Fruta Feliz

This translates to “The Happy Fruit” and I’m not entirely certain if fruits have feelings but you’ll certainly be pleased when coming here. They have a good assortment of jugos (juices) freshly made that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Their tortillas are housemade and their salsas are really good. They have tacos with odd cuts (tripa, lengua) in case you want to explore. Their weekend menu includes delicious menudo and barbacoa de chivo, which are a must. This is a good place to cure a hangover. There. I said it! | Address: 3124 Manor Rd, Austin TX 78723 | Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am-8:00pm, Sat 6:30am-8pm, Sun 6:30am-6:00pm

8. El Naranjo

If you want to get something a bit more fancy and raise your pinky while eating, this is your place. Chef Iliana de la Vega cooks interior Oaxacan food with great quality and attention to detail. Her chiles rellenos are one of my favorites in the city and her mole selection is definitely something you must try. I might have a crush on her cooking abilities. | Address: 85 Rainey Street, Austin TX, 78701 | Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30-10:00pm, Sun 11:00am-2:00pm

About Hector: Hector Octavio is a nice guy that misses at times the traditional Mexican dishes he grew up with back in Mexico City. A self-professed recovering taco snob, he tries to find places where he can refill his Mexicanity.

Other honorable mentions (from Kate):

• Fonda San Miguel: Interior Mexican cuisine, pricier for entrees, but an Austin Mexican food scene stronghold no doubt | Address: 2330 W. North Loop, Austin TX | Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm, Sun 11:00am-2:00pm
• Maria’s Taco Express: MIGAS (tacos or just a plate) and Sunday hippie church (gospel brunch) are the exception to the Tex Mex ban in my book | Address: 2529 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704 | Hours: Mon 7:00am–3:00pm, Tues–Fri 7:00am–9:00pm, Sat 8:00am–9:00pm, Sun 9:00am–4:00pm

p.s. I’m still lamenting the loss of Las Manitas in 2008.