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World Ocean Day

Posted by Claire Weinberg · June 04, 2016

World Ocean Day is Wednesday June 8th. The theme this year is plastic. According to http://www.worldoceansday.org/ "The ocean and its wildlife is choking on plastic and we need to not only clean it up but stop this pollution at its source." Sadly, the source is us.

Celebrate World Ocean Day by changing your plastic habit.

The first thing that needs to happen in reducing our plastic consumption is awareness. Becoming aware of how much plastic you use is sobering. In this day and age I'm not sure it's possible to completely plastic free but you can change your behavior and be single use plastic free. Single use is any plastic used only one time- think straws. According to Adrian Grenier, star of HBO's Entourage, "in the US we throw out about 500 million plastic straws a day." These straws break down into tiny, attractive "food" for many small sea creatures. It's possible to buy reusable straws made out of bamboo or steel. And you need to let food servers know that you don't want a straw or stirrer in your drink. It sounds relatively simple, but it will take some awareness and forethought to be 100% successful.

Another easy way to reduce your plastic use is not ever using a plastic shopping bag. Keep a couple of spare bags in your car or purse. Of course, it will be inconvenient- you will forget your bags and have to walk back to the car or just load your items in the shopping cart without any bags.

Simple changes and being aware can help reduce your plastic consumption- bring your own bags when shopping.

Sometimes when the news is so daunting it seems like there is nothing you can do. But, every small step helps and spreading the word about our current overuse of plastic is vital.

Get outside to your nearest ocean, river, lake or stream and enjoy the beauty of water.

Here are some links for more information

http://www.worldoceansday.org/

http://www.refinery29.com/2016/05/111091/adrian-grenier-water-pollution-whales-essay

http://www.lonelywhale.org/foundation/

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Healthy Maine Seaweed

Posted by Claire Weinberg · May 29, 2016

Seaweeds are beautiful and so much more. Seaweeds happen to be the oldest family of plants and are an integral part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Seaweeds are not just good for the planet- seaweeds happen to be very good for you.

Seaweeds are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Try adding seaweeds to soups, salads and even baked goods. At Dulse and Rugosa, we have two seaweed infused desserts. Dulse brownies are the traditional brownie with an ocean twist. Our “True Love” cake is perfect for a special occasion. I happen to love recipes that include an unusual ingredient which adds a health benefit and a taste twist.

A quick and easy way to get seaweed into your diet is to purchase Maine Coast Sea Vegetables Dulse flakes. The dark purple flakes look almost like coarse ground black pepper. Sprinkle on potatoes, pasta or add to a bowl of Raimen. Carly makes a “wicked good” Raimen bowl by replacing the flavor packet with dulse flakes and spices.

I’ve been reading quite a bit about Furikake (pronounced foo-ree-kak-kay). This seasoning originates from Japan as is used the way we use salt and pepper. It’s toasted sesame seeds, nori and sea salt blended together. I think with a bit of nutritional yeast this would taste great on popcorn

I’ve put in some great links to help you add seaweed to your diet. Your body, especially your taste buds will be thanking you.

http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2011/08/09/homemade-furikake-japanese-rice-seasoning/

http://www.blisstree.com/2013/03/08/food/seaweed-recipes

http://vibrantwellnessjournal.com/2013/03/08/what-do-you-do-with-seaweed/

https://www.seaveg.com/

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Seaweed Shampoo Bars- good for your hair and the environment

Posted by Claire Weinberg · May 22, 2016

Shampoo bars are a fabulous way to wash your hair and eliminate plastic bathroom clutter at the same time. Our shampoo bars are a natural way to clean and condition your hair.

Both Carly and I have super curly, easy to frizz hair. In the past, we were hair product junkies. A large bottle of conditioner might last a week. I shampooed everyday due to my tendency to look like a deranged cartoon character with severe bed head.

I also suffered from itchy scalp. I’ve battled flakey head since high school. At one point, it got really bad. I hoped my hairdresser wouldn’t notice- fat chance. He thought it was “unusual”. I dreaded my next appointment. He suggested seeing a doctor. I knew exactly what the doctor would prescribe- a highly medicated/toxic/unnatural shampoo. I was right. The chemical laden shampoo didn't help my scalp and gave me super horrible looking hair. By chance and desperation I began experimenting with different natural ingredients. Adding seaweed to my hair care routine brought me natural and lasting relief.

The most important ingredient in our shampoo bars is seaweed. Seaweeds are the powerhouses of our shampoo bars. Kelp in particular contains essential nutrients to help hair grow. Seaweeds are super gentle cleaners and naturally hydrate. Plus seaweeds help control flaky scalps and can help promote hair growth.

Our shampoo bars are super luxurious soap concoctions. We blend together oils with properties to benefit hair and scalp. Castor oil for super conditioning and rich lather. Coconut oil penetrates, protects and adds shine. Sweet almond oil works as a sealant and locks in moisture. Olive oil moisturizes, conditions, helps fight dandruff and improves hair strength. We never, ever use palm oil because the industry is not currently sustainable.

Shampoo bars work differently than conventional shampoos and conditioners. Be aware that it might take a week or two for your hair to adjust. You need to detox from product build up. I was a bit reluctant to try our shampoo bars, even though Carly had been using them and frankly raving about the results. Her hair was looking gorgeous but mine is a bit curlier. I was afraid to give up all my conditioners. Instead of conditioning after shampooing I spritz with a half and half cider vinegar and water mix. This mildly acidic solution helps balance the Ph as shampoo bars tend to be more alkaline and helps make the hair follicle shine and lay flatter.

Are you ready to give our Seaweed Shampoo bars a try?

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Seaweed Brownies, Moist, Delicious and Nutritious

Posted by Claire Weinberg · April 25, 2016

When we think of eating seaweed we think sushi or salad. But adding seaweed to baked goods like pizza crust, breads, muffins and brownies adds nutrition and a rich "umami" flavor. Plus the seaweed helps keep your baked goods moist.

Seaweed adds depth to chocolate recipes.

Our dulse rich brownies are also known as “Pirate Brownie” because the dulse is soaked in dark rum adding a unique flavor to the mix. In my opinion, when you combine dulse and chocolate you get a “moorish” mix that stays moist and has a nice yet subtle oceanic/salty kick.

Replace vanilla with dulse and dark rum- Yum!

Ingredients

1 T Dulse soaked in 2 T dark rum

1 stick butter

½ cup cocoa

1 cup sugar

2-4 eggs, if you have chickens use 4

1 cup flour

½ t baking powder

½ cup nuts or other goodies including chopped dry cherries, chocolate chips, dark chocolate bar chopped into small pieces, etc.

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs then flour and baking soda. Stir in nuts. Spoon into greased pans. Bake 350 until the brownies look almost done. You actually want to take your brownies out of the oven before they are all cooked. Let them sit in the pan for awhile and they will finish cooking.

It’s so fun to have everyone try and guess the secret ingredient. “You put seaweed in brownies?”

Inspiration for this brownie recipe came from Prannie Rhatigan’s Irish Seaweed Kitchen cookbook. She has great recipes and information on the benefits of adding seaweed to your diet. I ordered the book direct from her website as the book was discounted and even paying for postage it worked out to be cheaper than Amazon. Plus, I got to get a package from Ireland!

http://www.prannie.com

Seaweeds from Maine are the best. Our cold mineral rich water makes for a nutrient rich and natural seaweed.

America's best- Maine seaweed.

"For most American consumers, there hasn't been an awareness that their seaweed salad is full of blue dye No. 1 and yellow dye No. 5 and that it may come from waters of questionable pedigree," said Paul Dobbins of Maine's Ocean Approved. For more about the future of Maine seaweeds

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/just-1-word-for-maine-s-future-seaweed/

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Maine Made for Mother's Day

Posted by Claire Weinberg · April 18, 2016

Opening a jar of Dulse & Rugosa skincare transports you to summer in Maine and makes the perfect gift for Mom.

Claire's personal favorite is our Sweet Island Face Oil.

"I use it every night as my face cleanser. What I love is how it's a mini facial and stress reliever. It moisturizes my face while removing dirt and make up. I don't get that dry, wrinkly feeling that many face cleanser leave. It helps my older skin stay smooth and radiant."

Carly loves our Island Facial Scrub.

"I still struggle with breakouts even though I haven't been a teenager for awhile. I keep our Maine seaweed rich face scrub in the shower and use every other day. It keeps my face calm and happy."

Rose loves the Calendula Night Creme.

"This is a rich nourishing creme which keeps my face hydrated and moist."

Dulse and Rugosa is celebrating Mother's Day with our "Queen Mum Giveaway". It's full of lovely Dulse & Rugosa skincare and a handcrafted Royal Blue Sea Glass Tiara. Join our mailing list to enter.

Click here to enter

http://eepurl.com/G5Maf

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