Skin healing face mask

I know what you're thinking... that looks gross. I agree with you, however it is a miracle worker when it comes to your skin. No, you don't eat it - it goes on your face. It has three very simple but effective ingredients for making your skin soft and smooth.

1. Avocado - they are full of goodness and are mother natures skin moisturiser. Avocados contain good fats and vitamin E, which are important for healthy skin.

2. Manuka honey - comes from bees that pollinate the Manuka tree which is found exclusively in New Zealand. Manuka honey is quite rare, which makes it a bit expensive. This honey has a reputation as a "healing honey" because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can eat it when you feel sickness approaching or you can use it on your skin for antibacterial and healing purposes.

3. Wheatgrass - has detoxifying properties and will make your skin feel super smooth. I use it in a powdered form (available from most health food shops)

To make a face mask out of these three ingredients, you basically mash a quarter of an avocado with a fork, mix in a teaspoon of Manuka honey and a teaspoon of wheatgrass powder.

Before applying the mask, you will first have to cleanse your face. Then soak a small face towel in warm water and pat on your face for a minute to open up your pores. After you have done that, you can apply the face mask for 5 minutes and wash off with warm water and your done! If you want to make this into a face scrub then add some raw sugar crystals to the mixture and rub on your face.

Gluten-free vegetarian spaghetti

I'm finally back in action after a crippling month of uni assignments and exams. I thought a delicious and nutritious vegetarian gluten-free spaghetti recipe would be the perfect way to make a comeback. This recipe is packed full of so much goodness, I don't even know where to begin. It contains carrot, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, chilli, garlic, onion and oregano. So it covers almost all bases except for protein. Give it a go, it's pretty easy to make and is a definite crowd pleaser. If you're worried about not liking the vegetable component of it, don't worry because the carrot and zucchini are finely grated and you won't even notice them! It's such a great way to add vegetables to your day.

Gluten-free Vegetarian Spaghetti

Ingredients:

(serves 4)
1 packet gluten-free spaghetti
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
150g spinach
200g mushrooms
1 carrot, finely grated
1 zucchini, finely grated
2 400g cans diced-tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine (optional, but it makes a world of difference in flavour)

1 tsp ground chilli flakes

1 tsp oregano

Method:

Heat a little bit of olive oil in a non-stick pan on medium heat. Finely dice the onion, mushrooms and garlic then cook them in the pan until golden. Add the spinach to the pan and allow it to wilt. Toss through the grated carrot and zucchini for about 30 seconds until all ingredients are combined. Add the tomatoes and stir through. Add in the red wine, chilli and oregano and reduce heat to a low temperature. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 30-40mins until it has thickened. 

Fill a medium-sized pot 3/4 full with water and put it on a stove with high heat. Allow the water to come to the boil then add in the spaghetti. Cook for about 10 minutes.

Serve the spaghetti topped with the sauce.