Got a sweet tooth? I know I’m always up for some tasty treats, especially if they’re homemade with high-quality ingredients and a dash of love.

Dessert lovers all over Beijing are no strangers to Camilla Kongshavn, the admin of numerous Sweet Cravings WeChat groups where local bakers share their creations. But Kongshavn’s passion isn’t just baking desserts – she’s also a philanthropist who seeks out every opportunity to help those around her.

Her latest endeavor is aimed at a friend in need. On March 24, Kongshavn launched her appeal to foodie groups all over Beijing, writing:

“Helping my best friend in need, therefore offering healthier gummy candies to anyone who wishes to try them to support this. All proceeds from the candies go to her. She’s in a very difficult position and has high expenses to pay to be able to stay, if she can’t pay within Apr 1, she will be forced to leave China.

Four flavors in one box, They are fruity, flavorful, refreshing, and more acidic as that’s what I personally love in gummy candy. Made with 100 percent HPP fruit juice, a cold high-pressure method to preserve the great nutrients of the juices for as long as possible. The most important part is that it is nontoxic preparation while making these. Designed for my candy-loving daughter and a better option for anyone else with candy-loving toddlers.”

Each box of these luxury gummies is RMB 100. Flavors include strawberry, mango, pomegranate, and mulberry.

“Regarding the delivery, I can’t specify a date yet because Covid restrictions are making it difficult to predict the arrival of boxes needed for packaging. They’re only able to try and send them today. I couldn’t wait for this fundraiser candy-making since the funds are urgently needed for my friend.

I will create a candy group for those who ordered to keep everyone updated and hope they’ll all be sent by next week” says Kongshavn.

Kongshavn will be making all the gummy candies this coming week. Each box is 8.3×11.5cm. The exact number of gummies that’ll fit in each box will vary, but it’ll contain one big bag that’s filled to the top.

“If I have to take a rough guess, it equals to three of these bags [in the photo below],” says Kongshavn.

To order, scan the QR code below and get in touch with Kongshavn directly.

KEEP READING: Share a #MomStory and Lend a Helping Hand

Images: Camilla Kongshavn, Pexels

The days of summery bliss and frosty drinks are behind us. It will be a few months to come before we can once again enjoy a cold glass of anything out in the sun. Winter is upon us, and with winter comes the need to drink warm, cozy drinks. Be it in the office or just on a walk down the windy street, a mug of something warm in hand is a blessing. But even though Beijing is chock-full of tea and coffee outlets, sometimes you might have neither the time nor the energy to seek out one of these vendors for your daily warming beverage fix. Or maybe another cup of regular milk or fruit tea is the last thing that you are craving for. Here are a few ideas to jazz up your autumnal and winter beverage menu both at home and while on the move.

Chai Tea 

Known for it’s spicy kick, this beverage can be traced back to 5000 to 9000 years ago in present day India, where it is believed that members of ancient royal courts created this revitalizing recipe as an Ayurvedic  beverage. Over the years it has gained popularity the world over with simple variations ranging from the milk used to the spices added to make it. Do not be intimidated however if you have never made it yourself as it is a simple recipe that scarcely takes more than a few minutes to accomplish. Simply bring crushed spices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and milk to a boil, add tea bags, and let steep for 10 minutes. Loose-leaf black tea can also be used in place of tea bags. Just be sure to have a strainer on hand.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

 
No doubt these two ingredients separately send most of us into fits of uncontrollable drooling, let alone as a combination in a warming beverage. Peanut butter and chocolate have long been known to work well together as flavor profiles go, and this drink is proof. All you will need is a peanut butter of your choice (preferably smooth), some Nutella and cocoa powder. Combine them all with a bit of milk, and if you have a few crushed hazelnuts or marshmallows on hand, feel free to sprinkle them over the beverage as a delicious topping. That is indeed a treat that is hard to beat, especially on a crisp autumn day.

Vegan macha late

Though this tea might be easy to dismiss as yet another millennial drink fad, it is actually steeped in years of tradition. The growing, cultivation, and subsequent consumption of this special tea can be traced back to the Tang dynasty in China circa 7th to the 10th century. But what brought it to world prominence was the Japanese culture of growing it. While most green teas are grown under direct sunlight, Matcha tea is grown under shaded conditions. It has also  been an integral part of Japanese tea culture for centuries. Some of the benefits attributed to drinking Matcha include boosting brain function, protecting the liver and the heart, and acting as an anti-carcinogenic agent in the body, and it’s also a good source of antioxidants. If you are on a vegan kick, then this is the perfect beverage to warm you up this cold season. All you need to make this low calorie latte is Matcha powder, gelatin, coconut milk and raw honey. Mix one teaspoon matcha powder with boiling water, add in the gelatin and continue to mix until smooth. Add raw honey, warm coconut milk and voila!

Non Alcoholic Eggnog

Even though Christmas is well over a month away, it is not too soon to usher in the yuletide spirit with a Christmas time favorite to chase way the winter blues. Eggnog, far from just being a festive drink, can be a decadent and even cozy drink over a cold, dark weekend. Omitting the ubiquitous splash of alcohol which is synonymous with the drink makes it fit to be a warm treat for the entire family. It is super easy to make with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. There is no need to splurge on ready-made eggnog when you can make it yourself, with far creamier results. Cinnamon and nutmeg are always a good garnish for a cup of eggnog with the excess, should there be any, refrigerated to enjoy later.

Cinnamon And Cranberry Punch

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that punches are off the drinks menu. A cranberry and Cinnamon punch is just the thing to buoy the whole family’s spirits on a particularly dreary day. It is a light and refreshing non-alcoholic alternative to more conventional winter beverages. You will need fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime, fresh oranges and apple juice. It would also be excellent for kids’ parties and for the designated driver of the night as well.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

This delicious spicy hot chocolate traces its roots back over 5000 years to the Mayan and Aztec people who were among the first ever in the world to make drinks containing cocoa. The world chocolate itself is derived from the Aztec word xocolatl which means “bitter water”, and it has been enjoyed throughout Mexico and central America, with recipes in the past sometimes including corn. With very few ingredients, this beverage is easy and quick to make. Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder and powdered milk in a bowl and store it in a jar to have it always ready. Just add hot water, or hot milk for that soothing relaxing treat after a long, cold winter day.

Photos: foodista.com, crazyvegankitchen.com, pumpkinspice.com, celebrationjoy.com, healthyjade.com,  dessertplanet.com, foodista.com

Last week homemade kids shampoo was on the menu, this week I thought I would share a simple and natural recipe for homemade diaper rash cream. Fortunately when my little one was born I was gifted a tailor-made remedy for my delicate baby’s bottom by Velveteen’s Potions. It was full of rich and soothing ingredients, such a beeswax and Shea butter, and although my little one, thankfully, never had any severe bouts of nappy rash, using natural ingredients can help baby’s skin stay supple and smooth.

Diaper rash can be a nasty little irritant and is commonly characterized by red, swollen, and irritated skin. It is usually caused when a baby’s skin is wet and has prolonged contact with urine or stool. However, your baby having sensitive skin, or a diaper that is too tight can sometimes also be the cause. Scented products can also be the culprit of nappy rash or a change in the baby or breastfeeding momma’s diet.

Rather than using shop-bought dense white creams that contain synthetic ingredients, give this DIY solution to baby rash a try. This natural cream is not just friendly for your little one’s skin but also for your budget – also natural remedies are all about wellness and sustainability! The cream stays good for up to 4 months and you can rest assured that only goodness is being applied to baby’s bottom!

What you will need:

• Castor oil (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
• Beeswax (waterproofs skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Shea butter (moisturizes skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Extra-virgin coconut oil (antibacterial and anti-fungal) – 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

• Bain-marie (hot water bath – bring water to a simmer in a pan and slot a glass or ceramic bowl on top) over the stove or hot plate.
• Put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil in the heat-safe bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of Shea butter.
• Add 1 teaspoon of beeswax.
• Let all the ingredients melt and blend together, then remove the pan from the heat.

Stage Two:

• Add 1 teaspoon of castor oil to the oil blend and stir it well.
• Transfer the mixture to a container and allow it to cool and solidify.
• When changing your baby’s diaper, rinse and clean the skin and allow it to air-dry.
• Apply this DIY homemade diaper rash cream on the affected skin before putting on a fresh diaper.

So there you have it! Give this recipe a go and comment below to let us know how you get on.

Photo: www.fabhow.com

I’ve been writing about alternative ways of approaching weight loss and transformative body goals after birth, while prioritizing self-love, lifestyle, and wellness goals over slimming down. Today, I would like to share one of my favorite healthy recipes for a go-to-lunch option and a vitamin rich smoothie to help give you a nutritionally balanced boost.

Us moms need quick and easy solutions for healthy eating when we are on the go. Luckily, this meal can be prepared in advance for work, or whipped up while the little one naps, so that you can have yourself a tasty and healthy meal you can call upon to mix up your weekly meal-plan and help towards your postpartum wellness goals.

Greek Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken

I’ve always liked the idea of taking mundane vegetables and using them in creative ways to replace carbohydrate staples like rice or pasta. I’m a carb fiend, and I don’t encourage completely excluding carbohydrates from your diet, but limiting the amount you consume can help towards feeling less lethargic and bloated and of course can help towards creating a more lean and healthier you!

I found this awesome and simple recipe online but mixed it up a little to add extra flavor and more texture.

What you will need:

• 4-7 florets of cauliflower
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1/3 peeled, deseeded, and diced cucumber
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 1/3 cup chopped mint
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped deli olives
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp roasted white and black sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup of mixed fresh dill and fennel leaf
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast

 Instructions:

1. Preheat grill in the oven to medium
2. Place cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until broken down into rice-size granules
3. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, onion and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the dill and fennel.
4. Meanwhile, rub 1 teaspoon of oil all over the chicken. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste. Grill, turning once, until cooked through. Run a knife through the thickest part of the breast and if the juices run clear when removed, the chicken should be fully cooked. Slice diagonally.
5. Whisk the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and olives then mix.
6. Divide the cauliflower into rice bowls. Top with the chicken, and mixed salad. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley, mint, and roasted sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Almond Butter and Banana Protein Smoothie

This recipe is so quick and easy. You can buy a bunch of bananas and keep them in your freezer for easy access and most of what you need can be stocked in your pantry.

What you will need:

• 1 small frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 2 tbsp unflavored protein powder
• 1 tbsp sweetener of your choice (optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4-6 ice cups

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top and serve!

Photos: Pixabay, www.eatingwell.com

Welcome back to my DIY series, where this week I will be sharing with you how to make natural homemade baby wipes that are sensitive enough for our little ones’ bottoms! Do you know what ingredients are used in your go-to shop-bought baby wipes? Leading brands have a good way of hiding behind expensive marketing campaigns and glossy images of giggling babies and soft bottoms. However according to this cosmetics database, which gives you a complete list of hazard ratings for different brands of wipes, there are a number of chemicals used in our seemingly safe baby wipe choices.

Pampers

I have been using Pampers Baby Wipes ever since my son was born and have only recently stopped using them after finding out exactly what ingredients they are made with:

Water, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic Triglyceride, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Hydroxymethlyglycinate, Citric Acid, and Fragrance.

The wipes I was using on my baby have been given a 5 for hazard (out of 10) and warnings include possible allergies, immunotoxicity, and organ system toxicity. Shocking, right?

I have a rule that I use when shopping for products and food. If I can’t pronounce what is listed as ingredients on an item, it doesn’t go into the shopping cart. Similarly, if I don’t understand what something is, it’s likely to be a chemical of some sort, and so doesn’t make it into the my basket of goods. Do you know what each of the ingredients listed above are, and are you certain that they are safe? If not, have a go at making my 100 percent natural baby wipes, which are safe for babies and kids. The following is a cost effective and simple change you can make that also has great benefits for the environment. 

Did you know: Experts warn that baby care wipes could take up to 100 years to biodegrade (break down) in a landfill, and most wipes, including those for the home and for the removal of makeup, are up to three-quarters polyester. Let’s all go green and get DIY’ing our baby wipes today!

Here’s what you will need:

• 1 roll of heavy duty paper towels (Note: I use Bounty for wipes. Stay away from cheap brands, as they won’t work as well)
• 1 old wipes container,  plastic shoe box container, old plastic coffee container, or empty plastic ice cream gallon tub
• 1 3/4 cups boiled water (or distilled) – cooled but still warm
• 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera – check the ingredients
• 1 tablespoon of pure witch hazel extract
• 1 teaspoon of liquid castile Soap (vegetable oil based soap)
• 10 drops grapefruit seed extract or 2 capsules of vitamin E (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of olive or almond oil (optional)
• Essential oils of choice (optional- I use 6 drops each of lemon, orange and lavender from Doterra)

Instructions:

1. Cut the roll of paper towels in half using a sharp knife
2. If using a plastic shoe box or old wipe container, accordion fold the wipes into the container
3. In bowl or quart size jar mix the water, aloe vera, witch hazel, castile soap, GSE/Vitamin E and oil and stir.
4. Add essential oils if desired and stir.
5. Pour over paper towels in container and let absorb for around 5-10 minutes.
6. Flip the container over to make sure wipes are well soaked.
7. Use as you would regular wipes.

Note: If your child has extremely sensitive skin, you may need to leave out the essential oils or use calendula or chamomile.

Smile, knowing you are not causing your beautiful child any future health problems!

Photos: Pixabay

Welcome to the ‘Ayi’s Recipes’ food series. Over the next six weeks I will be learning one Chinese dish each week under the supervision and guidance of my wonderful ayi, Yuan, and sharing it with all you beautiful people. If you haven’t already fallen in love with Chinese cuisine, then now is the time. 

I’ve been in China for almost six years and what first struck me when I arrived was how diverse its national dishes are, not to mention how drastically different Chinese food in my home city of London is in comparison to authentic Chinese cuisine. I had been blindsided by deep-fried sesame prawn toast and whoppingly oversized sweet and sour pork balls. I had no idea what real Chinese food was, and now that this great nation has introduced me to its colorful world of fare, I can’t get enough of it. 

I thought to myself, it would be a great shame to have lived in China for so long only to one day move on without adding some of my favorite Chinese dishes to my cooking repertoire. One day I would like to cook Chinese food for my friends and family and introduce them to cuisine they may have never even heard of, and I hope to inspire you to do the same.

Get Decorative with your choice of serving bowl

This week I cooked Mapo Tofu with the ayi. This was one of the first dishes I ate when I moved to China. Silky tofu in a Sichuan spicy sauce with tender minced pork always seemed to be a part of the selection of huge plates of food that Chinese friends would order when out at a restaurant, and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

Get familiar with the basics of the dish

Ingredients

1 pack of silky tofu

200g minced pork 

2 chopped spring onions

1/2 cup coriander leaves

1 tbsp. Sichuan peppercorns

1/2 cup peanut oil

1/2 cup minced garlic

1 inch finely chopped ginger

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 cup water

1 tsp cornflour

2 tsp salt

1 tsp paprika

2 tbsp chili sauce

1/2 cup Sichuan chilis

Keep your Mapo Tofu on a medium-high heat

Instructions

1. Add the corn flour, 1 teaspoon of soya sauce, and half of the salt to the minced pork. Mix in well and set aside

2. In a wok heat the peanut oil under a medium-high flame. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and chili. For a milder dish, leave out the chili. Heat the peppercorns and chili until aromatic and the oil begins to turn slightly red. Take out the chili and peppercorns and discard. 

3.  Fry the pork in the infused oil until brown, add half of the minced garlic and the ginger. Mix in and then add the Sichuan chili oil. There are a number of versions you can choose from at most Chinese supermarkets; we chose chili oil made with salty black beans for added flavor. 

4. Add the water, paprika, the remaining soy sauce and salt. Continue to stir and turn up the heat. 

5. Carefully slice your silky tofu into squares and add to the wok. Keep the heat high and allow the tofu to cook through. Turn occasionally. 

6. Dish out the Mapo Tofu and add the remaining garlic. Garnish with the coriander and chopped spring onions. Serve!

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

Welcome to the DIY Series, where I will be sharing lots of tips and advice for making non-toxic items for the home and for the kids. In this weeks post, I will be focusing on how to make non-toxic cleaners for the home using key ingredients that you will most likely find in your kitchen cupboards or hidden away in the pantry.

Household items such as baking soda and vinegar work as effectively as shop-bought cleaners, if not more so, and cost next to nothing. You can even add essential oils to your DIY cleaners that will have your home smelling like a spa and your mood lifted. Next time your standing over the mess in your home, don’t reach for your favorite product, which most likely contains an array of solvents, chemicals, and fragrances, and instead opt for mixing up one of these DIY standbys.

Top Safety Tip: Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered detergent. The fumes are toxic and extremely dangerous. When making your DIY cleaning mixers, read the product labels first and always label your own DIY cleaners. You can purchase glass jars and sticky labels to keep tabs on what your mixtures contain, just in case a child or pet gets to them!

#1 Scented All-Purpose Cleaner

What you will need:

• One part white vinegar
• One part water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary springs

Combine all the above ingredients together, pour into your choice of a spray bottle, shake and then let infuse for a week before using. Once infused, you can use this solution to remove hard water stains, grease, clean garbage cans, sticky smudges, clean windows, and much more!

#2 Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer

What you will need:

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 quart warm water

This mixture can be used to clean kitchen countertops, appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator. All you need is baking soda. If you want to Goddess it up, then I suggest using a cloth that’s been left to infuse with lavender essential oil. Buy the premium type, such as the range from Doterra, sprinkle 3-4 drops on a bamboo perforated or any other organic cloth, fold and keep in a tightly sealed glass jar. Once used, rinse through, leave to dry, and then add a few more drops of essential oil and keep sealed in the jar for next time.

#3 Glass Cleaner

What you will need:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
• 1/4 rubbing alcohol 70 percent concentration
• 1 to 2 drops of lemon or orange essential oil

I love buffing up shiny surfaces, especially glass surfaces. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your reflection in the windows, or letting rays of sunlight through smudge-free balcony doors. Next time you need to wash your windows or mirrors, combine these ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. For mirrors, spray the solution on a paper towel or a soft cloth. This concoction will have your mirrored and glass surfaces gleaming.

#4 Brass Cleaner

What you will need:

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table salt

This mixture is great for non-lacquered cabinet knobs, bathroom fixtures, and more. Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, and then sprinkle with salt. Lightly rub over the surface. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then immediately dry with a soft clean cloth.

#5 Heavy-Duty Scrub

What you will need:

1/2 lemon
1/2 cup borax powder

When you require a superhero mix, this one will not falter. Rust stains on porcelain, and enamel sinks and tubs will be defeated immediately with this DIY cleaning champion. Dip the lemon into the borax, scrub the surface, then rinse. Please don’t use on marble or granite. Tip: You can find borax, a laundry booster, in the detergent aisle in international supermarkets, or order online.

#6 Grease Cleaner

What you will need:

1/2 cup sudsy ammonia

Sudsy ammonia contains detergent that helps remove tough grime. Mix 1/2 cup with enough water to fill a one-gallon container. You will be able to clean your oven racks, stove hoods, and grills by dipping a clean sponge into the solution and wipe over the surface before rinsing with clear water. You can also use the solution for soaking! Yes!

#7 Water Ring Remover

What you will need:

One part white non-gel toothpaste
One part baking soda

I can’t stand left water ring marks on surfaces. Please note that this solution does not work on unfinished wood, lacquer, or antiques. Dampen a cloth with water, add the toothpaste mixture and rub with the grain to buff over the spot. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off. Use another soft cloth (perhaps the one you have infused with essential oil in a glass jar?) for a final shine. Polish as you usually would.

Photos: Pixabay

With the mad rush to make sure every box is ticked on our Christmas gift list this year, it’s easy to forget how we might be able to shop more sustainably. Being more mindful about giving back in our communities means making the right choices when selecting what and who to buy from. Do not fret! You can revel in all your festive purchasing, knowing that your buying will also be your way of contributing to a good cause this Christmas.

These ethical makers have made it easier for us all to spread some real cheer this season to those that need it the most. Buy local, buy ethically and feel the joy that is giving.

Love & Hope

Love & Hope is a non-profit, non-government organization providing vocational training to underprivileged youth. Their boarding school and vocational center in Shunyi provides an oasis for those who need it, and facilitates the teaching and training of skills in a safe environment. Their philosophy is simple but has life-changing implications for the migrant children who are given the tools needed to secure employment in the future. Therein lies the love, and most importantly the hope: hope in others, hope in the future, and hope in life.

This Christmas Love & Hope will be selling beautifully crafted products made by the migrant children they teach in their i-sewing class. All proceeds and any donations go towards supporting the continuing development of their education and welfare.  For more information contact lovehope1004@sina.com or WeChat: 1850063292 or 18600063290

Star Fish Project

The Starfish Project has long been one of my favorite ethical makers. The non-profit organization supports vulnerable women, who with their help learn to craft wonderful pieces of jewelry made from precious stones, resilient metals, pearls and gems.

The organization’s mission is to restore hope to exploited women in Asia through their holistic care programs and their social enterprise. Women can go on to become managers, accountants, graphic designers and photographers.

Your purchase of the jewelry produced by these women goes towards the organization’s continued efforts to support women fleeing homelessness, domestic abuse and sex trafficking. Your purchase is more than a monetary contribution but an act of love for the person you are buying for and the person who needs to services the Starfish Project provides. For more information go to www.starfishproject.com

Sew Gorgeous

Everything about Sew Gorgeous is so gorgeous! From handcrafted wool and felt bags to locally designed embroidered homeware, there is literally something for everyone, from the volunteers that sew to support those in need. Blankets, cushions, place mats, Christmas decorations, bags, and all the above is what you can find when shopping for soft furnishings at the Roundabout store in Shunyi or at the many markets and bazaars Sew Gorgeous attend during seasonal and special occasions. Products can also be ordered directly through WeChat.

The charity, which was set up in 2014 by a British GP, supports disadvantaged children in China. All proceeds and donations go directly toward charities where children in need are the primary focus. This Christmas stock up on handcrafted gifts for the home for friends and family and support an awesome cause. To find out more information and make an order contact WeChat: daniellesaponara, or make a day of it and find out where they will be making an appearance as a vendor this Christmas.

Yoganda Project

The Yoganda Project is all about empowered women making the worlds best hand crafted bags in Iganga, Uganda.  In the summer of 2014 yogini and world explorer Theresa of Taozi Tree Yoga went to Uganda. She has a passion to help and support vulnerable women living in poverty. This manifested itself into a project that could provide these women with a fulfilling occupation, while simultaneously creating something beautiful for yogis of the world to enjoy!

With the ancient and spatial practice of yoga in mind, Theresa went about forming a team of women with skillful hands. Teams of seven women were given training on how to use an electric sewing machine. A new business model was created in the area, producing high quality bags.

We all have that yogi friend, or perhaps you’re a dab hand at the downward dog? Whatever the case this Christmas use your or somebody else’s love of yoga to support a project that is a self-sustaining way of lifting women and their families out of poverty. To find out more visit www.taozitreeyoga.com or contact WeChat: TheresaRae.

Photos: courtesy of vendors

I cannot go a day without taking at least a small bite of a chocolate bar that sits in the corner of my fridge. Chocolate plays an important role in not only satisfying a sweet-tooth, but also in adding flavor to desserts such as cake, ice cream, and cookies.

Eating chocolate is one thing, but making them means wielding a whole new level of power. It’s easier than you think. You can learn how to make your own delicious chocolates by attending a homemade chocolate class hosted by Brian’s Kitchen in Dongzhimen.

The evening class for adults and older kids costs RMB 188 per person. Cooking ingredients and equipment are supplied, but students may want to bring their own kitchen apron.

Brian’s Kitchen also hosts various other cooking classes for those interested in learning how to make, for example, pizza, Italian pasta, Greek food, and health snacks.

When: July 28, starts at 7.30pm (lasts about 2 hours)
Where:  Oriental Kenzo, Apt A Office 20C, Dongzhimen Outer Street, Chaoyang. 北京市朝阳区东直门外大街东万银座A座20C
How much: RMB 188 per person

To register: call Tina 6538 9422 or 6416-3990

Photos: AlexanderStein via Pixabay, others courtesy of event organizer.