Tallow Vs. Plant Oil, A Big World, and Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
Hello Friend,
I just returned from a quick trip to Austin, Texas. My son and his wife invited me to explore the area with them, and I honestly said yes, emphatically, before they were done asking. I love to travel! For me, it’s the ultimate adventure. Maybe I’ve had a little too much time living in the same old routine, which has grown comfortable to me. That in itself can be dangerous. It wasn’t until I had spent some time in Texas doing some sightseeing and visiting wineries, olive oil farms, and barbeques that I realized how much I had missed this. To spend a little time in a different realm, area, or part of the globe is a recipe for rejuvenation. I felt alive and inspired.
After I returned home, I thought of how easy it is to settle in and live in the same rhythm of life. But this brief reminder that there is so much more out there to see in the big, wide world, so many people to meet, and places to visit was an awakening.
I’ve come home to see my surroundings with new eyes. The ordinary has taken on an extraordinary dimension. I’ve got a spring in my step, just a little one, and a bit of a different perspective on everything around me. Does travel do that to us? Will we take that road of discovery only to find ourselves back in our own safe homes and environments, with a bit of a different perspective?
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust
Cruising down the San Antonio River through the Riverwalk district of San Antonio
Beef Tallow Verses Plant-Based Oils
When it comes to nourishing and protecting our skin, we all want the very best. What will give us that smooth, hydrated appearance combined with a healthy glow? Will we reap the benefits of nutrients that assimilate deeply into our skin and beyond? Ingredients truly matter, and our understanding of them is imperative to achieving the health and vitality we all look for.
How does tallow affect skincare differently from plant-based oils?
Tallow is effective for dry, sensitive skin or troubled skin because it assimilates quickly and deeply while restoring balance and moisture. Its fatty acid profile is very similar to human sebum and carries a blast of nutrients into the system without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is chock full of vitamins, including A, D, E, and K., that contribute to keeping the skin healthy, support barrier function, and keep the skin supple.
Plant-based oils have the same hydrating properties as tallow, but they absorb differently. Coconut and palm oils tend to be heavy on the skin and can cause breakouts. Another is jojoba oil, which acts similarly to tallow but lacks some of tallow's fat-soluble vitamins. However, these oils contain antioxidants and essential fatty acids and are rich in vitamins, but they also often require preservatives —something we never use —to prevent oxidation. Tallow contains natural preservatives due to its high saturated fat content, which resists oxidation and rancidity.
As you can see, both tallow and plant-based oils are beneficial for the skin. Our skincare is predominantly made from responsibly sourced tallow, which acts as the carrier oil when combined with plant-based oils.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of our plant-based oils and their benefits:
*Organic Castor Oil - Organic castor oil is highly beneficial for skin because it’s rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties. It deeply hydrates by locking in moisture, supports collagen and elastin production for smoother, youthful-looking skin, and helps cleanse pores by dissolving dirt and excess oil. Its natural antibacterial qualities make it useful for soothing acne and promoting healing. When cold-pressed and organic, it retains nutrients and avoids harsh chemicals, making it safe and effective for most skin types.
*Organic Jojoba Oil - Organic jojoba oil is excellent for skin because it closely mimics natural sebum, helping balance oil production and provide deep hydration without clogging pores. Rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, and antioxidants, it protects against environmental damage, soothes inflammation, and supports healing for acne-prone or dry skin. Its antibacterial, non-comedogenic, and organic cold-pressed nature ensures pure, gentle nourishment that keeps skin healthy, smooth, and glowing.
*Organic Argon Oil - Organic argan oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants that deeply hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. It strengthens the skin barrier, improves elasticity, and helps reduce fine lines, scars, and dryness. Naturally anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic, it soothes irritation and balances oily or acne-prone skin, while its cold-pressed, organic purity ensures gentle, nutrient-rich care for a smooth, radiant complexion.
*Organic Rosehip Oil - known for its regenerative properties, rosehip oil supports skin repair, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.
*Organic Vitamin E Oil - A potent antioxidant, Vitamin E helps protect the skin from environmental damage, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance.
*Organic Grapeseed Oil - Contains anti-inflammatory properties that relieve red, irritated, acne-prone, and swollen skin.
*Organic Myrrh - Anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which help fight off bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. Myrrh can help wound healing by stimulating the immune system and promoting tissue regeneration.
*Frankincense - Boosts collagen production that relieves fine lines and wrinkles, and acts as a natural astringent that tightens and tones the skin. It helps accelerate the healing of wounds, sores, and minor cuts, and contains anti-oxidant benefits that protect the skin from free radicals.
As you can see, since tallow assimilates deeply into the skin and brings all of its health benefits, including those of added plant-based oils, the very best nutritional compounds provide the ultimate profile of nutrition for the skin. By combining the best of organic, grass-fed tallow with high-quality organic oils, we know that our customers are getting the very best nutrition and healthy skin benefits possible. Every product we produce, from creams to soaps and more, is completely chemical-free. Pure and effective, full of life-giving properties and deep nourishment for the entire body, we rest assured that our customers are getting only the best possible products to produce that healthy, glowing skin packed with vitality.
Don’t forget your Christmas boxes!
We are well into November, and Christmas is on the horizon! Give the gift of toxin-free, all-natural skincare. Our holiday boxes come pre-wrapped and ready to moisturize all skin types. Grab them while they’re hot! Click here!
Something Saucey and Savory
Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients~
1 1/2 lb small Yukon gold new potatoes
1/4 cup Rosemary Infused Olive Oil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 c sour ctersm
4 tbsp chopped chives
*Preheat oven to 475
*Place washed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil
*Simmer until fork-tender and drain
*Place potatoes back into the hot pot and allow to cool slightly. (The heat of the container will help the potatoes to dry.)
*Once cooled, place potatoes on a lined baking tray and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass, so the skin breaks and the potatoes flatten to about 1/2 inch.
*Brush potatoes with Rosemary Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip potatoes over. Brush again with Rosemary Infused Olive Oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and salt, and pepper.
*Return potatoes to oven and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until golden and the edges are crispy.
*Serve with sour cream and garnish with chopped chives.
Our Beautiful Home
November skies are full of mystery and intrigue, sometimes blowing big fluffy clouds across the sky, and at other times, dark and foreboding ones. I love the contrast of expression and the coming of slower days. The fire is burning in the woodstove, and the kitchen is alive with making and baking. Each season brings just the right comforts and refreshments needed.
This winter, consider a quote by Anne of Green Gables ~
"Which would you rather be… divinely beautiful or dazzlingly clever or angelically good?”
Worth a thought…
Until next we meet….stay warm and cozy!
Susan and the Possum Fox family