Author: Valerie

Why You Should Dry-Brush Today

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

Spring is here and today I wanted to bring you a quick and simple guide to body brushing. Spring is THE perfect time to start a self-care practice like body brushing, and this blog post will explain why.

Using a stiff-bristled, natural fiber brush to gently stimulate the lymphatic system is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that I have been doing for over five years. Here is the link to the dry brush I use.

Let’s first discuss the lymphatic system in a little more detail.  This system operates along side the circulatory system. It is the network of vessels through which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood.  But unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart as its pump, the lymphatic system lacks an automated pump.

What does this mean?

We have to find ways to activate this system manually.

How can we care for the function of this very important system? Here are a few strategies we can use to improve lymphatic function:

  1. Any exercise that involves jumping
    1. Jump Squats
    2. Jump Roping
    3. Trampoline Time
  2. Dry Brushing
  3. Take time to reduce stress
    1. Yoga
    2. Pilates
    3. Deep Breathing
  4. Herbs and Ancient Remedies
    1. Milk Thistle
    2. Essiac Tea
    3. Manjistha Powder or Tea
  5. Perspiration
    1. Exercise
    2. Sauna
    3. Steam Room
    4. Hot Vinyasa Yoga
  6. Proper Hydration

Today I am focusing on body brushing in particular because it has the added benefit of getting your skin warm-weather ready through the method of topical exfoliation.

Other benefits of body brushing include:

  1. Reduced cellulite. Those lumps and bumps are the accumulation of strangled fascia and toxins. Gently stimulating blood flow across these areas will increase the drainage of unwanted build-up.
  2. Softer, exfoliated skin. Dry and flaky skin doesn’t stand a chance against your dry brush. This is something you can see immediately, the skin is instantly more smooth.
  3. Stimulating the nervous system. That’s right, not just the lymphatic system gets spoiled! You will  be able to feel the little bristles of the brush stimulating the nerve endings on the skin. You definitely feel it working.

How and when to body brush:

  1. I do it right before a shower, when skin is dry.
  2. I do it every day.  
  3. Move the brush across your limbs in the direction of your heart. Helping to move the lymph and blood towards your heart is a main component as to why this is an effective practice.

A few more tips:

  1. Be gentle. This should be stimulating, but not uncomfortable.
  2. The bristles will soften over time with continued use. This is a good thing.
  3. Access the mind/body connection during this practice! Use this as a time to praise yourself for taking a step towards a positive body image. Don’t get down on yourself.
  4. Stay consistent.
  5. The best time to brush is right before a shower, follow up with a rich body cream for luxuriously soft skin.

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Hyper Focused Intuition

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

I have found that the focus of energy is the source of personal power. As humans, we have the capacity to focus our mental energy. We can train our minds. Our thought patterns can either bolster or deter our progress in all areas of life.

Through focused thought, we can engage the power that creates worlds. This is leverage. This is momentum.  This engagement results in a hyper accurate, better executed, easier to produce outcome. 

Notice the two voices that run inside your mind on a daily basis.  (If you’ve never considered this concept, the following may seem odd to you.) The first voice is the one that we interact with all day long. The first voice is the running stream of thoughts in our own minds. We are thinking about plans, observations, the future, the past, other people, etc.

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Now, Voice #2 is only noticeable when you make the effort to quiet Voice #1 by consciously deciding to focus on only the present. It may help to use the sound of your breath as a mental focal point.

Detracting focus from Voice #1 for a long enough to hear Voice #2 is the goal of meditation. This doesn’t take long, it only takes about 17 seconds of absolute focus to quiet Voice #1. The second voice is what you hear asking your thoughts to dissipate. It is the voice that you hear when your streaming thoughts are interrupted with a jolting “Oh yes, I am supposed to be focusing on my breath.”

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The second voice is our connection to Source Energy: The voice of intuition.

By the way, how do you know which voice is speaking? Your voice of intuition will be subtle, but it will always make absolute sense. It is typically emotionless (as emotion is usually connected to the ego). This is a voice of clarity, not confusion. Those moments when we know exactly what our next step should be and we cannot wait to take it – these are messages from Source translated by our intuition.

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Second Annual THIS VEGAN LIFE Gift Guide

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

This may be more of a “my favorite things” roundup versus an actual gift guide. But, if you have someone in your life (maybe even you personally) who is obsessed with yoga, all things vegan, reading, and metaphysical science – you have come to the right place.

Let’s see.

Lululemon Leggings: Don’t get lost in the many legging options, my all time favorite is the Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight in FULL ON LUXTREAM. I own three pairs of this particular legging, in different colors. The high waist is perfect for pairing with cropped work-out tops. Lululemon also makes this legging in a different fabric called Luon, but the Luxtream is far better for practicing yoga. There are no extra pockets on the legs or zippers, making it great for rolling around on the mat. Shop here.

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Gorjana Power Gemstone Bracelets: These beautiful bracelets are made with real crystals -everything from Aventurine to Onyx. Read through the description of each stone to find the specific bracelet that resonates with you. Maybe it’s Garnet for revitalizing your energy levels or Amethyst for tranquility. Shop here.

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DermaE Skincare: I feel like I’ve hacked the world with this little secret.  I have started mixing my body lotion with a serum. We take utmost care of the skin on our faces and necks, why stop there? After getting out of the shower, I will dispense a few pumps of the Vitamin C Concentrated Serum into my hand to combine with my body lotion. It is hard to choose a favorite DermaE product, because their line is so wonderfully inclusive. I advise navigating their website using the “Shop By” tab – from there you can shop by Key Ingredient or Skin Concern. Shop here.

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Books: Here is a list of links to my favorite books of 2017.

Sunbeam Velvet Plush Heated Throw: Imagine an incredibly soft blanket with the power to spread warmth across your entire body with the click of a button. Imagine yourself enjoying a morning cup of Golden Magick Mylk (recipe here) whilst cuddled into said blanket. Make these musings a reality with this perfect electric blanket (which comes in a variety of colors). Shop here. Screen Shot 2017-12-15 at 7.42.56 PMGovinda Premium Palo Santo Sticks: This particular brand sources their sticks directly from Peru. I prefer these sticks to other energy clearing mechanisms because they are outrageously easy to re-light. Unlike my experience with sage bundles, you can actually reuse Palo Santo multiple times. Shop here.

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Angela Roi Vegan Leather Handbags: I own the Grace Cross-Body in the color russet. Having owned and used other high end vegan bags, I can confidently say that Angela Roi is my favorite. Fashionable and ethical, the brand doesn’t support animal cruelty OR sweatshop labor. If you are looking for quality and style similar to Tory Burch, but cruelty free – look no further. Shop here.

Secret-In-A-Tube Lipgloss: Kiss with confidence, not toxins (I love their slogan!) – but truly, who wants to slather their lips with chemicals? These glosses are 100% vegan, cruelty free, gluten free and organic. My personal favorite color is called Lit. It is a rich blackberry color; perfect to wear into the new year.  Shop here.

Jade Yoga Harmony Mat: This has been my mat for the past two years of practicing. I have the teal color. Jade mats are made in a sustainable manner with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource. Unlike other mats, Jade mats contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber, and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. And, through our partnership with Trees for the Future, JADE PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY MAT SOLD – with over ONE MILLION trees planted so far. Shop here.

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Magical Moon Lamp: If you love the ambiance of a salt lamp, you may enjoy a similar feel from these moon lamps. Great to have on during a meditation session to set the mood. Shop here.

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Golden Magick Mylk

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

Smooth, creamy, delicious and warm. That’s how I like my winter beverages. If you agree, you owe it to yourself to try my recipe for Golden Magick Mylk. The ingredients are warming and healthy.

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The star of this drink, and the catalyst for its golden color: Turmeric. You might recognize this spice as a key ingredient in curry or vegan tofu scramble.

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Did you know that combining certain foods makes their nutrient content more easily absorbed by the body (increasing the bio availability)? This is the case for turmeric and black pepper, and that is why you should always grind some pepper into any dish using the yellow spice. That is also why I’ve included black pepper in this recipe.

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IMG_0378Enjoy Golden Magick Milk any time of day – it’s caffeine free.

Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:
  • 1 and 3/4 cups of dairy-free milk. I used almond.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger root
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (I added a few extra sprinkles to intensify the yellow color)
  • 5-8 turns freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (I like a quite sweet flavor, reduce amount if desired)

Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan. Warm and whisk until all spices have been dispersed.IMG_0387

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My Greatest Version

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

Dear Readers,

I am going to share with you the habits and lifestyle choices which I found (along my own personal journey) have led to the best version of myself.

Sleeping Regularly and Enough: Ladies and gentlemen, sleep is important. If you desire clear eyes, an agile mind, ambition, creativity, results from workouts, and ENERGY – you must rest. And you must rest at “normal” times. No, falling asleep at 1am and waking at 10am is NOT the same as being early to bed and early to rise. I did learn this the hard way and have no intentions of letting those habits creep back into my life. For my best life, I strive to be in bed by 10pm and awake before 8am.

Ben Franklin

Regular Yoga Sessions: For me, it is 5+ classes per week. This is my sweet spot. If I am doing yoga at this rate, I am likely doing everything else in life better and with more clarity. The practice of yoga can mean different things to different people. For me, that hour and a half during class represents meditation in movement; connecting with my body in a nonjudgmental way. The act of thinking of nothing beyond the asanas and my breath is truly what I strive for.

Positive Thought Patterns:  This year, I realized that the majority of my self-talk was negative. For example, while working out, my mind would race with uncertainty: Am I lifting enough weight? Doing enough reps? Is this going to give me the results I desire? I don’t look fit. This probably isn’t doing anything... Changing this mindset provided enormous relief. The point isn’t to be arrogant. The point is to soften these harmful thought patterns into a place of neutrality, and eventually our thoughts can be a voice of encouragement.

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Quality Over Quantity: I figured out my favorites. Favorite clothing brands and styles, favorite cosmetic brands, handbags, etc. I’ve stopped buying throw-away clothing because, in the moment, it was cute and inexpensive.  Instead, I’ve opted for pieces that may be higher priced, but will last longer and be more flexible within my wardrobe. How do you accomplish this? Try on all of the clothing you own and make three piles: Donate, Sell, and Keep. Learn what cuts/styles look best on your body. Learn what fabrics feel best against your skin. Next, become brand loyal to a handful of skincare/cosmetic lines and invest in your appearance without having an overwhelming amount of products that you never touch.

Reading: As in, actual books (not online articles). I made the promise to myself that I am going to read at least one page before bed.  If I’m tired, I can still convince myself to read only one page. Typically I end up reading about one chapter per night. It is important to me to always be learning, and making sure to read every night helps keep that goal in the forefront.

Meditation: I have two blog posts on this topic here and here. Seventeen minutes per day is what I require. Finding a quiet time of day to light incense or candles and listen to meditative music has become a regularly scheduled date with myself. Quieting our thoughts allows us to move on from momentum that is no longer serving us.

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Shower Secrets

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Today I wanted to share a few of my best tips for getting the most out of your showering experience.

Dry Brushing: This actually takes place PRIOR to showering. Dry-brushing is a fantastic way to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Use a brush like this one. On dry skin, use steady and solid pressure, always brushing towards your heart. Dry brushing not only physically exfoliates the skin, but also internally stimulates the lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system is comprised of spider-web like lymphatic vessels carrying a clear liquid called ‘lymph.’ Unlike the circulatory system which has the heart, the lymphatic system does not have a self-pumping mechanism.  For optimal health, we must make an effort to stimulate the lymphatic system on a daily basis.  In addition to exercising, dry brushing is one of the ways we can accomplish this.

Exfoliating Gloves: Soft skin is healthy exfoliated skin. Putting a small amount of body wash onto the gloves and then scrubbing with a gentle yet firm pressure is a great way to remove the dead skin cells which are preventing you from being your glowy self. Here is the pair that I use.

Shower Meditation: Alter your mood in the shower! As you wash and rinse, visualize any negative energies rinsing down the drain. Focus on positive thoughts and consciously let go of negativity. Do this during every shower for 15 days and watch your world improve in mysterious ways.

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Açaí Bowl Recipe

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

 

bowl - final another view

As the weather gets warmer, I gravitate towards more fruit-based meals. I love starting my day off on the right track with berries. Full of fiber and antioxidants, berries are an anti-aging powerhouse.  Eating fruit is also extremely hydrating for the body. With fruit, you are getting micronutrients, fiber PLUS water. The perfect combination really.

For this dairy free, vegan acai bowl you will need:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Run the acai packet under hot water to gently break apart the frozen juice.
  • Place the contents of the acai packet, frozen berries, spinach, yogurt and flax milk in blender
  • Pulse blend until smooth. Over-blending may result in too thin of consistency.


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  • Scoop blended mixture into a bowlbowl - bowl
  • Top with granola, coconut and fresh fruit
  • Enjoy!

bowl - final

 

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March 2017 Favorites

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

March is here! It’s time to shake off winter for good. Snow, sun or a combination of both: Hopefully my curated list of current favorites below will brighten your day. Brace yourselves for a comprehensive list, it has been a wonderful past month.

  1. Green Juice: I adopted my current recipe from the Moon Juice Cookbook by Amanda Chantal Bacon. It is her ‘Goodness Greens’ recipe minus the kale. I’ve been juicing this little concoction every single morning. Notice I do not include any fruit, simply the most potent greens/herbs you can find. The taste is also surprisingly mild.
    1. 2 cups of spinach
    2. 1 cup of Italian parsley
    3. 10-12 stalks of celery
    4. 1 cup of dandelion greensFullSizeRender 5
  2. Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen App: I’ve been using this free app to keep track of my nutrient intake. Michael Greger is a doctor who turned vegan after researching the affect plants have on the body. His book, How Not To Die, is a must-read for any person either suffering from chronic illness or looking to avoid sickness altogether. This app is a user-friendly guide to making sure you are eating the proper amounts of fruit/vegetables/whole grains/etc. per day. It’s so easy. Check out his YouTube Channel here. Use the search bar to find videos answering virtually any food-related question using scientific data. 
  3. Ageless Body Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra: Did you know that aging is a learned behavior our cells can evade? Did you know that you can rapidly decrease the rate at which you age or even halt it altogether? Chopra explains how in this book. Ross and I have been reading a few chapters every weekend.  The information presented in this book is unlike anything I’ve ever been exposed to.Screen Shot 2017-03-11 at 10.58.55 AM
  4. Rose Quartz Crystals: For those of you who don’t follow astrology, you may not know that the planet Venus is currently in retrograde (approximately March 4th – April 15th). This means that Venus will appear to spin backwards on its orbit for about 40-43 days. Unlike other planets, such as Mercury, Venus seldomly retrogrades. In fact, it only happens every 18 months. This time period will allow for deep interaction with our higher selves. Meaning, self-esteem may take a hit or we may feel unusually vulnerable to our feelings of love or attraction. Venus typically epitomizes all things love, beauty, and creative expression. During a time of retrograde, these feelings could be stifled leading to creative blocks, dips in self-love, and/or feelings of unworthiness. Fear not, because Rose Quartz will help defend you. Rose quartz is the love stone of this age. Meaning, it resonates all things that the retrograde is dampening: Love, beauty, and creativity. I keep two stones in the most trafficked areas of my home and wear one bracelet of rose quartz as often as possible. 
  5. Bubble Masks: I had never tried a bubble mask before, but I enjoyed the Oxygenating Bubble Mask by Miss Spa. This particular one is a sheet mask which bubbles up and creates a foam-like texture on your face. We are using these masks once every two weeks. Product description below:

    The Ultimate in Recovery: Delivers refreshing oxygenating effect to revitalize dull, tired looking skin with white tea and pineapple extracts Give skin a breath of fresh air with miss spa® Oxygenating Bubble Mask. Infused with antioxidant-rich white tea extract, this self-activating crème mask turns into a refreshing, bubbly foam when applied to skin to reinvigorate and reenergize. Pineapple fruit extract and vitamin B3 work to gently help exfoliate and even skin tone, revealing optimum clarity and radiance. Skin is left looking and feeling hydrated, revitalized and healthier than ever.

  6. Adore: This 2013 film starring Naomi Watts, Robin Wright and Xavier Samuel is so delicious. The subject matter is taboo, however the beautiful scenery + beautiful cast + incredible acting is reason enough to seek out this film. The fact that it is shot entirely in 35mm Cinemascope also lends to the otherworldly, no rules observed sort of feelings this film will undoubtedly evoke.Screen Shot 2017-03-11 at 10.25.57 AM
  7. Sticky Fingers Restaurant (Washington D.C.): Located in our nation’s capital, this restaurant is all things vegan goodness. Cupcakes topped with an inch of vegan buttercream frosting, mac and cheese, burgers, burritos, and doughnuts …While I am decidedly happy that this mecca is over four hours from where I live, I am also excited to be traveling back there this month. After first sampling the vegan delights in August of 2015, we’ve chosen this destination as the celebration venue for our THREE YEAR VEGAN ANNIVERSARY quickly approaching on March 19th.
  8.  Ginger Tea: Herbal tea is caffeine free. For this reason, I have been enjoying this particular brew about an hour before bedtime. Ginger is wonderful for this time of year because it warms the body, helping to transition from the cold winter to the more vibrant spring. Not to mention the incredible affects this tea has on digestion. Want to increase your odds of waking up with a flat stomach? Drink ginger tea. But make sure to wait an hour+ after eating your last meal of the day. I am currently mixing freshly grated turmeric and freshly ground black pepper into my tea for added benefits. Turmeric is the root spice which gives curry dishes their bright yellow coloring. Because of turmeric’s high levels of the antioxidant curcumin, it is also recommended by the Daily Dozen App to have 1/4 teaspoon per day. Screen Shot 2017-03-11 at 12.14.56 PM

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Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip

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Today I bring you another gluten free, dairy free, vegan recipe. Follow the instructions below to enjoy all of the creamy, flavorful heartiness of the traditional recipe without the dairy.

For this recipe you will need:

{Fits a 26 cm dish} Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup of vegan mayo {I used Just Mayo from the Hampton Creek brand}
  • 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese {I used Tofutti brand}
  • 1 cup vegan parmesan cheese {I used Follow Your Heart brand}
  • 8.5 oz can of artichoke hearts
  • 10 oz of frozen spinach {1 bag, thawed}
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic {optional}

Ingredients for Topping/Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup of vegan parmesan cheese
  • Dash of paprika
  • Sprig of fresh parsley

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Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
  2. In a medium sized bowl – combine the mayo, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese.

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3.  Add the fresh spinach to the mixture.

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4. Squeeze any excess moisture from the frozen spinach; chop and add to bowl.

5. Drain the artichoke hearts; chop and add to bowl.

6. Add the garlic, to preferred taste.

7. Transfer the well-combined mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.

8. Top with additional parmesan cheese + paprika.

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9.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.

10.  Garnish with parsley + serve with pita s-done-2

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Vegan Salted Caramel Brownies

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By Valerie A. Cody

Valerie

Today I wanted to share a recipe for a crowd favorite: My vegan salted caramel brownies. These vegan brownies are topped with a three-ingredient homemade (dairy-free!) caramel, what’s not to love?  This recipe is decadent. It is moist. It is rich. Please enjoy 🙂

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Ingredients For Brownies:

  • 2 cups flour (may use a gluten free option)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (secret ingredient!)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder (I used cacao)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons sea salt

Instructions:

(Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F) 

1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and regular

2. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended.

3. Spread evenly in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 28-35 minutes. You will know it is done when the surface of the brownies no longer appears shiny.batter-in-dishThe brownies will look like this when finished baking:

brownies

Ingredients For Date Caramel:

  • 8 whole dates
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • About 1.5 cups water

Instructions:

1. Pit the dates and place in a small bowl.

2. Cover the dates in boiling water. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.3. Strain the water from the dates, leaving a small amount of liquid amongst the dates. Squeeze about 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice into the bowl.

4.  Blend on high until the mixture has formed a thick paste.  Spoon this paste onto the brownies and sprinkle a small amount of sea salt on top.

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