My Article This Month in Dermascope Magazine - All About Serums

CONGRATULATIONS to us! Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine - SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care was just nominated for BEST skincare products of the year! 3 of our professional items made the nomination - THREE! Can you imagine that? Quite amazing, and a tremendous honor for our brand. Please help us by voting here: http://www.dermascope.com/aia/ae-awards You have 3 products to choose from - Sunscreen Spray, Makeup Remover, and Neck Creme!

Thank you from the bottom of our heart! - Dasha Saian

Cranberry-Pistachio Power Greens to the Rescue!

How wonderful would it be to have a heaping green plate if goodness for dinner tonight? Like most people, I wasn't always a big fan of broccoli and Brussel sprouts... but as years passed, I grew fond of these cruciferous greens, and now adore them! I promise, you only need 5 ingredients to make this 15-minute vegan alkaline-forming dish that even the kids will enjoy! My cranberry pistachio power greens will fill you up, and warm your heart! All you need is Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cranberries, pistachios, and some cold-pressed coconut oil. 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup raw pistachios

1/4 cup dried organic cranberries

1 cup organic broccoli florets

1 cup organic shaved Brussel sprouts






Sautée the Brussel sprouts in coconut oil on medium heat, turning with a wooden spatula to prevent burning. Add the cranberries and pistachios. The last step is to add the broccoli, because broccoli is tender, and tends to overcook quickly (do this when you see the cranberries get soft)! I don't like brown, soggy broccoli, so I literally just toss it in for a couple of minutes, and turn off the burner. That's it! Your dinner is served - healthy, delicious, and easy to make. I just added a garnish of micro greens, and voila!

Dasha's 15-Minute Sweet Vegan Quinoa Salad

I LOVE QUINOA

Now that we got that straight, here are some reasons why I love it, and why you will, too! 

• Quinoa is high in protein - 16%-20% high quality vegan protein.
• It's Alkaline-forming, which means quinoa doesn't support the spread of candida, yeast, and cancer in the body.
• Low glycemic index means that the amount of carbs supplied by quinoa are burned slowly and equally to avoid spikes and fat storage in the body.
• Low calories! A cup of cooked quinoa has only about 220 kcal. (yay!)
• Gluten-free for those with celiac. 

Quinoa was considered sacred by the Incas- they called it the “mother seed.” 

This is why I love magical, delicious, light and healthy quinoa! Oh... and did I mention that this dish only took me 15 minutes? Looks like you have no excuses now - give this recipe a try, and you will be delighted!

Ingredients:

1 cup organic quinoa (I used organic white quinoa, but you may also use the red variety)

1 large organic carrot

1/2 medium sweet organic onion

1 cup organic mushrooms (about 10 small)

1 teaspoon organic cold-pressed coconut oil

1/4 cup organic unsulfured turkish apricots

1/4 cup organic raisins

cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

I like to be efficient and productive in everything I do, including business, and cooking, so 15 minutes to make a dish sounds just about right!

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, and put in a pot with 2.5 cups water and a pinch of salt. Quinoa is a bit different from rice, and it needs more water to plump up, but still remain flaky, not clumpy and lumpy. 

At the same time that the water with quinoa is taking to boil, heat up a skillet on low heat, and put in the coconut oil, with onions. Sweat the onions a bit, and then add the carrots and mushrooms. Once that mix has become caramelized, add the raisins and apricots. Keep mixing with a wooden spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Once the water with quinoa boils, take off the burner and cover with a lid for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes have passed, you will see that the water has evaporated, and now you are left with just the ready boiled grain! Transfer to a bowl, mix in the rest of the ingredients from the skillet, and let cool. The finishing touch is the fresh cilantro - add it when the salad has cooled down, to keep it nice and fresh!

Sweet, isn't it? Absolutely delicious, healthy, and quick! Enjoy!

Book review of "Rework" by Heinemeier and Freed

Flip the pages of "Rework" and you will be pleasantly surprised by the black and white drawings that grace every other page. It is a bit unusual for a business book... When you start reading, you will realize this is an unusual type of book, giving unusual advice. Did I mention it is great advice, because I truly believe so!

"Rework" takes business outside of the box by making it available to everyone. One of my favorite concepts is getting rid of the word "entrepreneur", because it is dated. The writers suggest throwing away traditional ideas of what a business person looks and dresses like, and just making and selling a product or service YOU would want to buy. The book mocks workaholism, and gives many reasons as to why anyone can be successful by working normal hours.

The writers emphasize the importance of doing what works for your business, as opposed to doing what everyone else does to get ahead, ie: hiring more people, spending more on ads, acquiring more territory. You can't please everyone, so make sure you know what you're selling and who your customer is, and you will do great.

The most wonderful advice anyone doing any kind of business will benefit from, is to become educators. Let's "out-teach" the competition! Anyone can sell you a scarf, but the companies that take the time to make a video and show you 20 ways to tie it really stick out of the crowd. This is a brand that creates fans! This is the way I have done business for the last 8 years. Educating not only shows my professionalism and knowledge, but encourages customers to try to copy my technique and treatments to do better and make more money! A wonderful example of this in the book is comparing brand educators with chefs who openly publish their recipes and secrets. 

I love this book, it was a quick and pleasant read, and surely, very informative. I would definitely rate it as one of the year's best in business.

My Visit to a Tijuana Orphanage, and Info on How You Can Help

Dear friends, I would like to share my experience visiting an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, in hopes that it will inspire you to participate, donate, and show your love. I had the privilege of getting introduced to the Corazon de Vida Foundation by my friend, Veronica, who has been on many trips with them in the past, and came along with me and my friend Dana on our first visit! A bit of background - Corazon de Vida helps bridge the gap between orphaned children in Tijuana, Mexico and loving people who come to volunteer, sponsor children, and provide generous donations that make meals, clothing, and education available for these amazing kids. There are few things that can compare to the warmth, sincerity, and beauty of a child's smile, and when I saw these children's smiles, I could hardly believe how happy they were in that moment, surrounded by the rubble of Tijuana's houses. You will see the beautiful photos of the time we had bonding with the kids, but I'd like to start off by showing a couple of photos of Tijuana's landscape, and telling you about my journey.

I woke up at 4am, got dressed, packed my supplies into the trunk of my car, and drove to the arranged location to board a charter bus to Mexico at 5:30am. The bus makes 3 stops before the Mexican border - Los Angeles 5:30am, Irvine 6:15am, and San Diego 8:15am. My friend Gayane and her  sweet children made a shopping trip to help us with supplies that were much-needed at the Casa Hogar Sion orphanage. Some of the things we bought were shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, toilet paper and toothbrushes. Dana brought giant tubs of detergent, and what looked to be a life-time supply of toilet paper. Once we arrived at the border, we cleared the bus, it got x-rayed, and so did our posessions. We went through customs, and were in Tijuana by 10am. Corazon de Vida sponsors and visits 11 orphanages, but this day, we were at the Casa Hogar Sion - the largest, housing 90-100 children. There is a girl's and a boy's house, each has 2 floors with bunk beds. The children don't have personal possessions - there is one great big closet in each house - they wear whatever is clean and fits them. The dorm rooms may be poorly decorated and tight, but they are clean and bright, and so are the little inhabitants who dwell at Casa Sion.

I am a fluent Spanish-speaker, so communicating with the kids in their language was easy for me, but I can tell you without a doubt - there is no language barrier when it comes to love and care. The children are sweet, shy, and talented. Another volunteer brought a conga and you should have heard the great beats all of the kiddos were producing on that drum! Simply tremendous! The beauty in this photo is Rebecca -she's 9 years old and has 10 siblings, all of whom live at the orphanage... This was very hard for me to take in, and was very painful to hear. Some kids here are orphans, with deceased parents, some are left by parents who can't support them financially. Rebecca really touched my heart. She was playing board games with us, and got a fancy pink manicure and glittery makeup that day. I love her smile, I just adore it, she reminded me of myself at that age! There were little babies at the orphanage, barely 3 months old - Veronica held little Luis, who could barely hold his tiny head up, he was so small... It made me sad, but also made me grateful to know that there are good people out there who will adopt him. Hopefully... I met some young ladies who were academic stars! One just got accepted to Dental school, and the other to Veterinary school!  I respect their dedication and hard work on the way to triumph over poverty.

Dana and I didn't waste any time, and jumped in the kitchen at 11am, where we peeled and cut up fruit for a giant fruit salad until 1pm, and then served a mountain of hot rice, broccoli, and chicken to 150 people at lunch. It was a great experience, because we were able to physically help out where we were needed! We played, we made food, we ate, we talked, we drew and colored, we bonded, and at 2pm, we boarded the bus back to Los Angeles. It was hard saying goodbye, but I have already signed up for my next trip back to Casa Hogar Sion on December 2nd, 2015 - it's a Holiday trip.

Please donate to the cause using this link! I am hoping to raise at least $1000 for the kids by Christmas! I am sure that we can raise that amount and much more if we all pitch in a little (or a lot)! The organizer of the trip, George, pointed out how ripped and destroyed the sofas in the boy's dorm were, and said they desperately needed some leather sofas. I couldn't resist but to offer a pair of mine from the office. They were enjoyed here by clients and staff, but now its time to do some good in Mexico :) I am glad to keep the giving spirit, and I know you will fall in love with these kids, as well. I hope to see you all on my next trip, and remember - open your heart - let love out, let love in :)

 CLICK HERE TO HELP ME RAISE FUNDS FOR THE KIDS
https://www.classy.org/dashasaian

Protecting Yourself from Sneaky Trans Fats

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives annually. Believe it or not, every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease. This is an alarming statistic, which should be reason enough to encourage more people to eat better, and exercise.

I'm sure you know by now that I don't consume any processed foods, crackers, cereals, canned goods, chips, cookies, or fast food, but I absolutely know how to read a food label! In fact, learning how to read labels was on my nutritional examination, which I passed with flying colors, and I will teach you, as well. 

Trans fat is a specific type of fat that is formed when hydrogen is added to liquid oils to turn them into solid fats. The FDA has released a statement that partially hydrogenated oils are not "generally recognized as safe" for consumption. I am sure you are all aware of the FDA's ban on trans fats, as of November 2013, but did you know companies have found a loophole? Look at this label below, and tell me what you see? 0g Trans Fat, correct? Nope, look again. 

What you may not know, is that the FDA allows companies to list Trans Fat content as 0g if it's under 0.5g, but that's not taking the serving size into consideration. The serving size is 4 cookies, but what if you eat 8 or 12? Look carefully - these cookies can't possibly have 0g of trans fat, because there are hydrogenated vegetable oils listed in the ingredients! Check out this study conducted in 2012, and you will be shocked how many foods have Trans Fats, and the manufacturers don't list them on the package! http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/14_0161.htm I was appalled, and enraged! 

I realize that it is each and every person's responsibility to become educated on all subjects, to protect the health of him/herself, and teach his/her family, because the government will not do it for us, and the food manufacturers won't either. This is why I am advising you to read the ingredients on the packaged food labels, so there is absolutely no confusion regarding Trans Fats. If you see the hydrogenated oils, the product has Trans Fats, even if the label says 0g. Please take care of your health, and help others do the same! 

Dasha's Natural Oncology Protocols for a Healthy, Long Life

Helping people has become a big theme in my life, and I do it with love, and sincerity. This is a hard blog entry to write, but I trust that you will respect my vulnerability, and trust my advice. I want to help you all with your health and quality of life, but if you are currently under the supervision of an oncologist, I don't want you to do anything without consulting your doctor first.

 

A year and a half ago, my mother (best friend, soulmate, business partner, inspiration, motivation, and the most important person in my life) had a seizure, and was rushed to the emergency room. Unconscious, completely unaware of what was going on inside her head... little did she, or any of us know, that she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor the size of an orange, and given 5 weeks to live. 

This was a year and a half ago. 

My mother is alive and well today, and cancer-free!

I give credit to her strong will and exceptional motivation, and the amazing Dr. Badie at City of Hope, who agreed to operate on her, and removed the tumor. The video below about him will give you an idea about this man. He is an angel, and truly the strongest in his field. I am grateful every day for the spontaneous spark of idea in my head that pushed me to seek a second opinion, and move my mother to THIS hospital for treatment. It will be hard getting an appointment with him, but keep trying, don't give up! It took me almost 2 days of repetitive calling to get an OK to bring her over.

After her surgery, mom endured 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemo, and the same day she started this treatment, I put her on a special natural alternative cancer treatment plan. I am not a doctor, but I have studied nutrition, and did very much research after our diagnosis. Although there are many alternative oncology protocols that all work well (Cellect, Amygdalin B17, Gerson system juicing, mistletoe and hydrogen peroxide injections, etc), I have put together a plan which works best for my mom, without causing her discomfort, or interruption of regular medical treatment. I have mom on the Budwig Diet since May 1st.

This method is known to do wonders for people with cancer, even those who have days to live. Here is the recipe:

6 tablespoons of Organic Low fat cottage cheese

3 Tablespoons of Barlean's Fresh Flax Seed oil (unflavored without lignants)

blended together on low with a hand mixer until smooth like whip cream.

Add to that 2 tablespoons of FRESHLY ground flax seeds (you have to do it right away with a coffee mill, not pre-ground) eat this 2x day - morning and evening.

Here is the video how to do it. I also add 1 table spoon of turmeric to it, since turmeric is known to fight brain tumors.

I strongly believe in the power of mushrooms, such as reishi, shitake, maitake, and cordyceps. These supplements from Aloha Medicinals pack a powerful punch against inflammation, and increase immunity. Mom takes 6 in the morning, and 6 in the evening. The product is called Immune-assist Critical Care Formula 500mg of mushrooms. Believe it or not, we had an outbreak of shingles on her face recently, and her immunity was suppressed (+the dreadful chemo that was lowering it). It took us 3 weeks to raise her platelets from 90 to 165!

Nutrition is very important, and as a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, I believe that our bodies will heal ourselves when fed nourishing and balanced meals. I don't believe in processed foods, and I eat a simple diet of fruits and vegetables. To get the most into your system, get a juicer or a vitamix. Mom juices about 3lbs of veggies a day. I'd like you to get the book "The Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates. It will teach you how to alkalize your body, and reduce candida and inflammation that causes acne, poor digestion, weight gain, and allergies. She is an inspiration of mine, and an amazing person I adore and look up to! You can purchase this book by clicking on the Body Ecology link below.

As far as supplements, you need 5000IU of Vitamin D3 daily, and 1000mg of Vitamin C as well as 1000mg Calcium with 500mg Magnesium daily! Mom also takes a teaspoon of Organic Bee Pollen, daily, drinks roasted dandelion root tea to help her kidneys and liver function properly, drinks alkaline water from our machine, takes enzymes, and 500mg of bee propolis.

I truly believe that this approach is helping her thrive to this day. She has stood up from the wheelchair (she was wheelchair bound for 4 months), now walks all by herself (even takes the stairs), writes using her weak hand, and does many of the tasks she was able to do in the past!

P.S.Most importantly, I have saved the best formula for last!

Hope + Love = Miracles

Sending my love, and best wishes. Never give up!

About Me

Before I post anything on this blog, I'd like to introduce myself properly, so you have an idea of how I view the world, and how I choose to live it. I may seem a bit simple, but that's just my life philosophy, and life has been very good to me. 

I don't consider myself amazing, innovative, or inspiring, but I do consider myself unique, and take every opportunity to learn. I like to read, but I refuse to read tabloids or fashion magazines, and anything that has to do with the physical appearance and pointless gossip. I choose to read non-fiction, especially health and business books and periodicals written by simple people, just like myself. I don't find value in watching movies or television, so I choose not to spend my time doing this. I love nature, hiking, travel, I adore the ocean and the tranquility of nighttime stargazing. I like to be quiet sometimes, and sometimes I love to laugh as hard and obnoxiously as possible (even snorting uncontrollably!).

I value authenticity, vulnerability, honesty, passion, and dedication in people. Probably for this reason, my most revered role models are Anthony Bourdain, Gary Vaynerchuk, Donna Gates, Louise  L. Hay, Elena Hanga, Melinda and Bill Gates, Dr. Howard Murad, and.....most importantly, my mother. I am nothing without her, and owe all my knowledge to her constant pushing and prodding me until I became the thirsty sponge I am now. Constantly thirsty for information to benefit people, and to leave a beautiful mark on this world. To change it for the better.