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Kocoon Chestnut Muffins Recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Recipe:
First mix Eggs and sugar, Then, ad the flour, the chestnuts and the baking powder.
Finally, put the preparation in muffin cakes.
Bake during 20 minutes at 180°C.
Ready to eat!
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Tranquil Tuesdays is a distinctly Chinese social enterprise devoted to distractingly good Chinese tea and beautifully authentic teaware.
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Beat the Autumn blues with a creative and fun experience making your own fabulous piece of jewelry. Fanny Grillon is a French jewelry designer, she will show you how to do it yourself! We provide all the material you need to crate your own necklace on Nov 5.
Fanny Grillon began creating jewelry ten years ago in France, and she has continued to pursue her passion in jewelry making after her move to Beijing six years ago. She is inspired by new objects and concepts daily, but her poetic style remains the same-sophisticated and elegant. During her travels across Europe and Asia, she has collected various beads and accessories, all of which contribute to her unique style. You can find Fanny Grillon's new collection call "La Douceur" at Kocoon Spa.
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5 Ways To Prevent Getting Sick
While the changing of the seasons might be all anyone can talk about right now, it’s fun to look back to the warm summer months, which were such a fantastic break from catching colds and flu. As the cool air arrives so does the onset of spreadable germs, causing sneezing, coughs, sore throats – you name it. It’s definitely exciting to break out our favorite fall gear – like rain boots and cozy sweaters – but catching a cold is no fun at all. Here’s a look at how to ride through fall looking and feeling your best with 5 ways to prevent getting sick.
Article written by David Zinczenko from The Huffington Post.
Spinach
It may be green and leafy, but spinach is no nutritional wallflower, and you know from reading Eat This, Not That!. This noted muscle builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the nether regions, helping to protect you against age-related sexual issues. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights macular degeneration (and may help your sex drive). Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.
SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce
FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.
PINCH HITTER: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale > Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 Tbsp. water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped). Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tsp. soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds.
Yogurt
Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food's health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body. That helps boost your immune system and helps provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic, though, so make sure the label says "live and active cultures." Aim for 1 cup of the calcium and protein-rich goop a day. And choose wisely: Use our Best and Worst Yogurts.
SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, soy yogurt
FIT IT IN: Yogurt topped with blueberries, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast -- or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.
HOME RUN: Power Smoothie > Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup carrot juice, and 1 cup fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-rich blast.
Tomatoes
There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they're packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studiesshow that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice. For the best picks in the produce aisle, click here.
SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava
FIT IT IN: Pile on the ketchup and Ragú; guzzle low-sodium V8 and gazpacho; double the amount of tomato paste called for in a recipe.
PINCH HITTER: Red and Pink Fruit Bowl > Chop 1 small watermelon, 2 grapefruits, and 1 papaya. Garnish with mint.
Carrots
Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids -- fat-soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis -- but none are as easy to prepare, or have as low a caloric density, as carrots. Aim for 1/2 cup a day.
SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango
FIT IT IN: Raw baby carrots, sliced raw yellow pepper, butternut squash soup, baked sweet potato, pumpkin pie, mango sorbet, carrot cake
PINCH HITTER: Baked Sweet Potato Fries > Scrub and dry 2 sweet potatoes. Cut each into 8 slices, and then toss with olive oil and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Turn and bake for 10 minutes more.
Blueberries
Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries can help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname "brain berry"). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 cup frozen or dried. Try this amazing blueberry smoothie!
SUBSTITUTES: Acai berries, purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries
FIT IT IN: Blueberries maintain most of their power in dried, frozen, or jam form.
PINCH HITTER: Acai, an Amazonian berry, has even more antioxidants than the blueberry. Try acai juice from Sambazon or add 2 Tbsp. of acai pulp to cereal, yogurt, or a smoothie.
Black Beans
All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That's because they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily 1/2-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber. It's also low in calories and free of saturated fat.
SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans
FIT IT IN: Wrap black beans in a breakfast burrito; use both black beans and kidney beans in your chili; puree 1 cup black beans with 1/4 cup olive oil and roasted garlic for a healthy dip; add favas, limas, or peas to pasta dishes.
HOME RUN: Black Bean and Tomato Salsa > Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapeños, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 2 limes.
Walnuts
Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatorypolyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts -- about 1 ounce, or 7 nuts -- is good anytime, but especially as a post-workout recovery snack.
SUBSTITUTES: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts
FIT IT IN: Sprinkle on top of salads; chop and add to pancake batter; spoon peanut butter into curries; grind and mix with olive oil to make a marinade for grilled fish or chicken.
HOME RUN: Mix 1 cup walnuts with 1/2 cup dried blueberries and 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks.
Oats
The éminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA's first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per 1/2-cup serving, they deliver steady, muscle-friendly energy. Or have a sandwich, from our list of the Best and Worst Breakfast Sandwiches.
SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, wild rice
FIT IT IN: Eat granolas and cereals that have a fiber content of at least 5 grams per serving. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed on cereals, salads, and yogurt.
PINCH HITTER: Quinoa Salad > Quinoa has twice the protein of most cereals, and fewer carbs. Boil 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups of water. Let cool. In a large bowl, toss it with 2 diced apples, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1 cup plain fat-free yogurt.
With Autumn finally arriving, there is nothing nicer than sitting outside on my porch in the cool breeze with a cup of hot tea in hand. Hot tea is the perfect complement to the cool weather, and there are so many ways to spice it up. Here is one of my favorite hot tea recipe for sipping on a cool autumn morning.
This is a fantastic apple based tea. You won’t need tea bags for this recipe as the apple is the core of the tea.
Directions: Dice the apples and mash lightly with a fork in the bottom of a mug. Add the rest of the dry ingredients on top. Pour the 1 cup of boiling water over the apples and spices and stir. Allow to simmer in the boiling water for about 5 minutes then top with whipped cream and enjoy.
Cinnamon is more than the brown powder that seasons morning toast. If steeped as a tea, it is said to have several medicinal and health benefits. This spicy, highly fragrant tree bark is native to south Asia and the Middle East. According to Home Remedies Web, the most common types are Ceylon and Cassia. When infused with hot water, these cinnamon varieties aid both the body and mind.
A boiled combination of cinnamon and water boost the body's immune system and speed recovery. Taken in regular doses, cinnamon tea may help to reduce inflammation from arthritis. Cinnamon contains cinnaldehyde, an anti-clumping and anti-coagulant that can help keep circulation going to reduce swelling. A common ingredient in hot toddies and mulled cider, cinnamon is one of the go-to ingredients for warming comfort during cold winter months. Cinnamon tea is a direct, flavorful way to get that heating sensation without the sugary sweetness of chewing gum or candy. Article from: socialmoms.com
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You need an idea for Thanksgiving's dessert? Kocoon Spa found this recipe for you. Don't hesitate to send us picture after you tried the recipe!
Ingredients
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 Cup powdered sugar
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled cut into pieces
* 4 eggs
* 2 tablespoons cold water
* 1 1/2 Cup canned pumpkin pulp
* 3/4 Cup brown sugar
* 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 Cup heavy cream
* 1/4 Cup Baileys Original Irish Cream
Method
* Place flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Beat together 1 egg and water. Add to flour and process until mixture forms a ball. Form a flat disk from the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
* Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle on a heavily floured surface. Transfer dough circle to a 10-inch pie tin. Trim and crimp the edges of the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to use.
* Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Beat pumpkin and remaining eggs in a medium bowl creamy. Beat in brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Add cream and Baileys and beat until thoroughly combined. Pour pumpkin mixture into piecrust.
* Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted off-center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
* Cut into wedges and serve. Store for up to 3 days covered in the refrigerator.
* Note: If piecrust edges become too brown during baking, cover with aluminum foil.
Article from the Irishcentral written by Jane Walsh.
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If you haven't heard of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), you will almost certainly have seen it in action. It is one of the techniques that Derren Brown is said to use to "read" clients and influence their decision-making. But NLP isn't as mysterious as it may seem, and an NLP course can have some very practical and life-changing benefits for everyone.
NLP coaching works on the principle that we all have the power to determine our own path in life if we have a strong belief in ourselves - a belief that we display to others to promote confidence - that is in turn received positively by people we meet and communicate with. With NLP lessons, it is said that over time, we can alter the path of our life for the better by taking control of situations an influencing positively for our benefit.
Julie McGeever, who runs an NLP coaching school in Leeds called Peak Performance, shares her top eight benefits that NLP can bring.
1. NLP coaching can help to give you an edge in business through promoting confidence and assertiveness.
2. By learning how to read their responses through NLP training, you can positively influence others to help you achieve success.
3. The principles of NLP promote positivity and pro-activeness can help to motivate and drive you on to achieve.
4. You can also discover what motivates others, and learn to be a better team leader.
5. As neuro-linguistic programming involves a study of language use (both your own and those you speak to), it can help you to use language with greater precision and ease.
6. By increasing how articulate you are as a communicator, you will be better able to express yourself both in your personal and working relationships.
7. An NLP course will ask you to consider your life goals and how to achieve them, helping you to think more clearly and make better decisions.
8. You will take time to identify what ay have held you back in the past, and learn new ways of dealing with negative situations so you can leave the past behind and move on with succeeding in the future.
Article from 24-7 press release
If you would to try NLP coaching, join us Kocoon Spa for a session on Oct 23, 5-7 pm
Cover: 300rmb/person.
When you take a quick survey of how most people respond when they are asked to describe a strong leader they will often say things like “strong”, “directive”, “self-confident”, “persistent”, “organized”, “power-broker”, “influencer”, “tenacious” and “goal-driven” etc. All of these suggest that a leader is fairly certain about what to do and is willing and able to direct people, as firmly as necessary. But these perceptions may not reflect reality very closely at all and in this article we will explore another important leadership trait that rarely gets any mention and yet can be one of the most critical as a determinant of long term success – it’s the willingness of a leader to be vulnerable.
Being vulnerable may seem counter-intuitive with respect to leadership as this characteristic suggests being exposed, perhaps uncertain and rather sensitive. But far from being problematic we may find that being vulnerable, at least some of the time, may actually lend strength and credibility to a leader and it is therefore useful to look at why this is likely to be the case.
Being vulnerable at its heart means being open, even if it’s to criticism or attack. In the context of leadership this means that a more vulnerable leader is likely to give people the confidence to speak up and share their real views even when they are contrary to those of the leader or even suggest that the leader is wrong, or off-track. This means that the vulnerable leader is likely to get better quality and real information and feedback from others upon which they can reflect and then adjust strategies when appropriate.
Going along with openness, authenticity is another key part of being vulnerable or genuinely speaking your mind or being true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character. Once again, in the context of leadership this means that a more vulnerable leader is likely to appear genuine and real to the team, even when the information given to others or his or her opinion is not necessarily popular.
Armed with as much openness and authenticity as possible the positively vulnerable leader “leans” into the future (as opposed to leaning backwards in defense). This means accepting that the future may present new and different challenges that require new approaches and “facing up” to this fact. In other words, the leader welcomes or leans into the future challenges even though he or she may feel just as uncertain or concerned as others.
As a leader becomes more willing to be vulnerable, it becomes possible and helpful to both show emotions and to feel greater compassion for others. Both of these steps demand considerable personal courage but can be extremely powerful in the mind of others when authentically displayed. This does not necessarily mean showing the extremes of our emotions but does involve making sure that what we truly feel is not hidden or masked from others (or even ourselves).
All of the above, which may be a slow and progressive journey for most leaders, assuming that they have the courage and persistence to stay the course, will eventually lead them to make deeper connections with people and enrich the quality of many relationships. This is often best done by offering up personal experiences from time to time or telling others stories about past events in which your own willingness to be vulnerable is described (especially where this led to a better long term outcome). And this will lead to perhaps the ultimate benefit – to discover that real and authentic vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, love and higher self-esteem. This clearly makes this journey well worth pursuing.
In summary then, openness and authenticity help leaders to “lean-into” the future rather than to shy away from it. In addition, the more a leader can show genuine emotion and be compassionate whenever it is appropriate to do so, they will find that they better connect with people and build stronger, more bonded teams. Ultimately, appropriate vulnerability often leads to considerably more creativity, happiness and joy in relationships in general, which makes leadership a pleasure rather than a chore. The following list shows the progressive journey to be travelled if you want to become more vulnerable: