The Little Blog Dress: October 2013

Thursday Thoughts

Hope everyone is having a great week! I have been working hard on getting organized with work and life lately. I have been making a bunch of headway, its been very cleansing. I like when I get in this mode, very focussed on making my life work better. I would like to inform you that I just wrote more better, but erased it.

Maybe its the change of weather or the changes we have been making to our future (news on that soon!) but it has been a great week.

A couple of things moved me this week and I posted them to Facebook in hopes it would inspire others.

I swear I have said "We'll figure it out" more times than I could ever count. It really is a good mantra because it means, lets not freak out or bring the drama...lets just put our heads together and figure it out.

This is a beautiful saying and it goes along with the week I have. I wish I could read this every day.

There is a girl I have never heard before, her name is Hannah Brencher and I came across this article about 25 things women should know. There seems to be a resurgence of 25 things for this or that, so I didn't think I would be so blown away. I am looking forward to reading more things from Hannah and probably beat myself a little for just now getting on her train. Please take five seconds and click on the link and learn.

I recently made a new Twitter friend in Melanie, from What The Rep Should Do. She and I share an admiration for Bethenny and she headed me up to a ridiculous Omarosa interview....she wrote a great blog about it here. Check it out!

Here's for a great weekend!!

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Pumpkin Cocktails with Alibi American Whiskey

Now that our trick-or-treating days are over, the Halloween themed drinks and dishes are the best part of the spooky holiday. Alibi American Whiskey has created the perfect Pumpkin Patch Julep to add to your holiday inspired menu.

My husband is a big fan of Alibi American Whiskey, Alibi American Whiskey is a smooth 90 proof blended whiskey that is easy to drink; any way you want to drink it. Alibi is excellent for shooting, sipping with your favorite beer or mixing with your favorite juice, soda or as a key ingredient in a great cocktail.

Alibi is different than many of the small batch, single barrel, or micro distillery whiskeys that have come to market in recent years – no offense to them. Alibi is not there to be fussed over, debated or used as a muse for a seminar. It is not about its age or aroma – heritage or flavor notes. Alibi is there to be a part of a great night with friends, a night that hopefully ends up with a great story and probably the need for, well, an Alibi.

Find them on the web, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Pumpkin Patch Julep

2 oz Alibi American Whiskey

1.5 oz homemade pumpkin butter (see below recipe)

1/2 oz orgeat syrup

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

Shake vigorously with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass or hollowed pumpkin.

Garnish with a slice of pear, a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of nutmeg

Pumpkin Butter

makes ~2 pints

3-4 pound sugar pumpkin (aka pie pumpkin)

1 chopped sweet apple, skins removed

3/4 cup demerara sugar (sugar in the raw)

4 tablespoons real maple syrup (not maple-flavored syrup!)

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp cloves

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp sea salt

1. Cut stem off pumpkin and slice lengthwise. Clean out inside of pumpkin and brush with neutral oil (canola).

2. Roast pumpkin facedown in preheated oven at 350F for approximately 45-55 min.

3. Let cool for 10 minutes and remove skin with spoon.

4. Add pumpkin meat, apple, sugar, maple syrup, and spices into blender. Blend until smooth.

5. Spoon mixture into medium sized pot. Make sure there is enough room to top of pot for boiling. Cover with lid and prop open a bit with wooden spoon so that steam can escape. Over med-high heat, bring to a low boil. Reduce to low-med heat and cook for 10 minutes until mixture reaches desired thickness.

6. Cool completely and stir in lemon juice and salt.

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First Tastes Fall Menu with Carrabba's

As a blogger, I get a lot of fun opportunities! Last week, I was invited to my favorite restaurants to preview their fall menu. I think I literally heard angels singing when Carrabba's emailed me. No way of them to know, but as a crazy Italian food lover-they are always my go-to when I don't want to cook. I have a million of wonderful memories at our Carrabba's in Daytona and the food is always always good!

I visited their Sanford, Florida location which is brand new, they opened this summer. I was really loving the new atmosphere & design which was different than the one in Daytona. This new design features an open kitchen, relaxed and casual dining room and bar. The new Carrabba’s look also features a mix of traditional and contemporary design that includes family tables, a kitchen counter and an indoor/outdoor bar.

They also had an indoor/outdoor bar gives guests the option to sit inside or outside on a patio and may I say I heard some as always great music, Frank Sinatra especially. How can you not eat Italian without Frank? (You can't).

We were sat at family tables which are large tables that seat up to ten people and are perfect for large gatherings of family and friends, a deep-routed Italian tradition. All of our First Tastes came out family style.

When we arrived we met with Virgil Morar, Managing Partner. He told our group a quick history of the restaurant which you can find here. We ordered some house red wine, my favorite and started to get excited for the new items.

Fire Roasted Mushrooms

First up were the Fire Roasted mushrooms. Fire-roasted cremini mushrooms stuffed with sausage, red bell peppers, fennel, sautéed onion, brioche breadcrumbs, artichoke hearts and romano cheese. They were great!

Nonna Testa

Of course every good Italian knows Nonna is grandma in Italian. This pasta dish was creamy and delicious, Penne pasta with wood-grilled chicken, housemade pesto cream made with fresh basil, pine nuts and walnuts, spinach and zucchini, topped with mozzarella and baked until golden brown in our wood-burning oven

Bistecca Ardente

Hands Down, my favorite! This was so so so good!!! USDA Center-cut sirloin wood-grilled, topped with imported blue cheese, roasted tomatoes and fresh basil. It was unbelievable!

Cedar Planked Fire Salmon

Pan-seared salmon topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and fire-roasted on a cedar plank, topped with our lemon butter sauce. Served with roasted asparagus, mushrooms and red bell peppers. This was really good!

Rigatoni Al Forno

I am such a HUGE fan of pasta with lots and lots of ricotta cheese. This was delicious! Rigatoni pasta tossed with our housemade marinara sauce, romano and mozzarella cheese, topped with Italian fennel sausage, mozzarella and fresh milk ricotta cheese then finished in our wood-burning oven until bubbly hot

Créme Brülée

This was off the chain! I wanted this dessert to last forever! A rich custard prepared with Madagascar vanilla bean and topped with torched sugar, whipped cream, and strawberries

Check out the First Tastes Menu here and be sure to visit Carrabba's on Twitter and Instagram. Thank you for the wonderful time!!

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National Apple Month with WearEver Pure Living Bakeware

Not only is harvest season for apples upon us, but October happens to be National Apple Month.Apple Turnovers – the perfect snack to prepare in celebration of Fall. WearEver’s Apple Turnover recipe is easy and quick to prepare, and is sure to be a favorite among your family and friends.

These delicious Apple Turnovers are perfect for baking after your next apple picking trip. They will spice up your kitchen this fall and leave your home smelling wonderful while you feel healthy and happy.

Remember that using the proper bakeware is essential to making recipes perfect! The NEW WearEver Pure Living Bakeware collection features ceramic coated surfaces, which are free of PFOA, PTFE, and cadmium - a safe, eco-friendly alternative to nonstick. Durable and easy-to-use, the bakeware is dishwasher safe, scratch resistant, stain resistant and high temperature resistant, as well as suitable for use with metal utensils.

Apple Turnovers Recipe (courtesy of WearEver)

Ingredients:

· 2 tablespoons lemon juice

· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

· 4 cups water

· 1 tablespoon cornstarch

· 4 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

· 1 tablespoon water

· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

· 1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff

· 1 cup brown sugar, packed

· Pastry sheets, thawed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Use two large ungreased WearEver Cookie Sheets.

Combine the lemon and 4 cups water in a large bowl. Place the sliced apples in the water to keep them from browning.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain water from apples, and place them into the hot skillet. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add brown sugar, and cinnamon, and cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes. Stir together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Pour into the skillet, and mix well. Cook for another minute, or until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat to cool slightly.

Unfold puff pastry sheets, and repair any cracks by pressing them back together. Trim each sheet into a square. Then cut each larger square into 4 smaller squares. Spoon apples onto the center of each square. Fold over from corner to corner into a triangle shape, and press edges together to seal. Place turnovers on a baking sheet, leaving about 1-inch between them.

Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until turnovers are puffed and lightly browned.

Find them on Facebook and on the web or on

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The World Is Your Oyster for Vivacious Readers

A really cool new app has come my way and if you like to read, this is for you! With Oyster, you can read as many books as you’d like from our ever-growing library of over 100,000 titles, share your activity with friends, and discover your next favorite book.

This is a dream for me, because I like to bounce from book to book. The monthly subscription is low and it gives you unlimited opportunities to pick whichever book you are in the mood to read without having to read each one. It has just been released out of beta and they are now offering a free month to try it out. Initially released just to the Iphone, you can now read on your Ipad or Ipad mini!

I am sure once the service grows, the ability to grab more new releases will be available but their selection already is pretty impressive. After hearing the news of Teavana and Starbucks merging and seeing Starbuck's CEO Howard Shultz describing this awesome new venture, it made me want to grab his autobiography Onward for another read. The download was quick and I was reading about this genius entrepreneur in no time.

Join Oyster on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to grab your free month here.

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A Girl Looks At 40

Today is 40 days before I turn 40!!!!!

Its been a great and exciting year. In some ways, I made the last year of my 30's really count! I got married! My business grew! I traveled! I spoke and traveled! We are trying to have a baby!

Thirty was a little hard to turn, I was broke, throwing myself at some loser who "didn't want a girlfriend" but I was good enough for everything else and my life was very stagnant.

I was very thankful for the start of my 30's and I always ~~say~~ scream this to whoever will listen.

I don't feel that way about ending the journey of being 30. I mean they were long and tumultuous at times, but in some ways there were also a ton of times in this last decade that I laughed so hard I cried and I will treasure those moments forever. I met some of the most amazing people and I really feel that I came into who I really am, what I believe in forever more and what it feels like to truly have your shit together.

For my 40th birthday, I am going to live as close to my dreams as possible and spend almost a week in NYC, in the West Village and live like a NYer. I am going with just my husband and I. After the last couple of months and the next couple of weeks..I know we will welcome the break.

Bring on the 40 days!!

I'm looking forward to the Lighthouse Loops 5K this weekend!!

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Fall For Dukan Diet: Celeb Nutritionist Simone Gloger Talks Weight Loss Coaching

I had a chance to speak with Celebrity Nutritionist, Simone Gloger about the Dukan Diet this weekend and I am so interested in this diet! The Dukan Diet is a physician-formulated lifestyle / weight loss plan consisting of 4 phases that will help you reach and keep your True Weight for life. Within the 4 phases, you will not have to worry about counting calories and it is a low carb diet. Dukan Diet emphasizes on lean proteins, including an unrestricted amount of 100 healthy foods, drinking lots of water and daily walking. Doesn't that sound easy?

I was looking forward to this opportunity to speak with Simone as I was familiar with the diet. My sister in law's niece had great success with it and recently my sister in law herself lost ten lbs following this method. The book The Dukan Diet: 2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever was a great starting point for information.

You begin online by calculating your True Weight based on answers to a few short questions. Before beginning The Dukan Diet members calculate their True Weight - a realistic, healthy weight that can be reached and maintained for life.

The four phases in the Dunkan Diet starts with the Attack Phase. This phase is also known as the Pure Protein (PP) phase. The sudden change in your eating habits triggers a fast and encouraging weight loss, which works to motivate you for the rest of your diet. Simone described this process works because protein is thermogentic, meaning it requires more heat to digest and and excels water while doing so. The more protein you eat, the more you calories you burn, causing you to lose more weight. This phase can last from two to seven days, where you eat 68 approved lean meats - all you can eat Filet Mignon? This sounds like a vacation!.

The second phase of the Dukan Diet is the Cruise Phase which reintroduces vegetables and establishes the unlimited allowed foods as a base. This will steady your weight loss until you reach your true weight.

The third phase of the Dukan Diet is the Consolidation Phase which will mark the end of the weight loss phase, while retaining the base of Proteins and Vegetables, plus a gradual reintroduction of starchier foods. The objective of the Dukan Diet Consolidation phase is to preserve and maintain your True Weight reached at the end of the Cruise phase.

Finally, the fourth phase of the Dukan Diet is the Stabilization Phase which emphasizes the importance of Permanent Stabilization after your weight loss. Dukan Diets weight loss coaching program offers optional Stabilization Coaching after completion of coaching through the Consolidation phase.

On the Dukan Diet, consuming Oat Bran is very important. It is eaten daily during all four phases. Oat Bran increases its absorptive qualities and creates a feeling of fullness. It binds with other foods in stomach which works as a calorie absorber. You can use Oat bran to can make pancakes, cookies, muffins, etc. I asked Simone what her second choice of Oat Bran would be if we didn't order online and she mentioned Bob's Red Mill which is one of my favorites.

If you have issues staying motivated, you can sign up for a weight loss coach for only $29.95 a month, and you are charged on the total amount of weight you need to lose. Your coaches are available by phone or email and can answer questions through all phases of the diet. When I asked Simone further about this coaching, she gave an example that if you are at the grocery store and have a question regarding allowed foods, you can call or email and they will tell you yes or no (with a substitute). Out at restaurant,and want to know what you can eat? Call your coach.

Save 25% OFF Coaching for a limited time with Code J13BG25

The book is very helpful, and it has recipes and sauces that you can make even during the Attack phase. I am dying to try this diet because its looks very easily manageable. I enjoyed Simone's honesty and she makes a great coach. We discussed the frustration of those last ten lbs but knowing your True Weight via The Dukan Diet gives you the assurance that you aren't being realistic with your weight loss.

One really cool thing compared to other diets I have done is that exercise is encouraged. Keeping your exercise ongoing works with the diet, instead of against it. That is awesome! Coaches tailor their approach to each individual's Dukan Diet profile and lifestyle, which is essential to long term success.

Your Dukan Diet program is adjusted daily based on a short report from the previous day. And = at less than $1 a day - Dukan Diet Coaching costs less than any other online diet program.

Dukan Diet Coaching is the only truly personalized, interactive, daily online weight - loss program. You can sign up for a Dukan Diet at http://www.dukandiet.com/ and extend this exclusive promotional offer: 25% OFF Coaching with Code J13BG25

Follow Dukan Diet on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about their diet and products.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this review of the Dukan Diet. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Never Ever Ever

Another linkup for Never Ever Ever!

This week is a lot more sunshine and rainbows than last week!

Never Ever Ever

Will my brain wrap around the thought that it will be very soon to start thinking about the holidays

Will I stop looking for things to do on our trip to NYC. I want this to be the best trip ever.

Will I organize the back room, it looks terrible!

Will I stop loving this quote from Brené Brown

You can't do anything brave if you're wearing the straightjacket of 'What will people think?'"

Will I not want to get totally organized.

Will I stop liking house hunting, it was so so fun!

What will you Never, Ever Ever?

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Guest Blog: A Divine Duo: Denim and Leather

Hi Guys! I am crazy busy today and wanted to introduce you to Lissa Cole, who was nice enough to blog for me!

Lissa Cole is a fashion major who loves to mix and match trends. When not shopping indoors, she enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking, running, and canoeing.

Some of the fashion world’s most successful trends have come from great pairings. But not just any pairing can withstand the chaotic, ever-changing styles of the ages. Representing a harmonious balance between rustic and chic, the classic combination of leather and denim is one of the few unions, which continues to endure fashion through each decade.

The new face of denim’s love affair with leather is taking on the trendy role of luxurious, urban cowboy. The contrast between soft, supple leather and distressed denim is bold, versatile and a little bit dangerous. Everyone can afford to incorporate the dynamic duo into their wardrobe with Kohls coupons, seasonal department sales and online promotional codes.

Here are just a few of the ways to rock this classic combo:

Dresses-

A more feminine way to wear denim and leather is the popular denim dress accessorized with a finely braided, leather belt trend that can be found in stores all over the world. It is also one of the most affordable looks, since denim is much more economical than true leather goods.

Jackets-

The traditional combination, made famous by bikers mostly, is the infamous leather jacket with distressed jeans or denim shorts look. Mix in a catchy t-shirt and some statement shoes, and you’ve got a staple look to last you a lifetime. Even though leather jackets can be a bit pricey, their longevity makes them worth every penny.

Vests-

Many think of vests as being overly proper, but a denim vest paired with leather pants is anything, but prim. It’s daring and original. Only those with a strong sense of individuality and creativity in their style will likely go for this look. Try leather or imitation leather leggings as an affordable alternative to leather pants.

Skirts-

One of the sexiest leather and denim combos at the moment is the flirty, leather skirt matched with an 80’s style, jean jacket. It’s a fun way to take the edge off of a, traditionally, hardcore look. Leather skirts are now available as mini, pencil, pleated and more!

Button Up Shirts-

The last look of the day is perfect for slimming any waistline. Nothing creates a clean profile more than a tightly fitted, denim button up tucked in with a wide, leather belt. It’s cute. It’s casual. It’s an easy look to transcend day or night.

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Who Is This Runner?

A full disclosure I used to hate Halloween...I still don't get exactly into it as much as I would like to but being friends with Megan who lives and breathes Halloween and having a sister in law who holds a 70 person + party every year, its hard to not get up in the excitement. I mean, it is actually hard but I am getting better because it is fun to dress up.

This year, my sister in law was going over with me which date I thought would be better and like a dummy head I told her the 26th. WHY, I will never know. There is a breast cancer walk that morning, Florida State will get its redemption on those assholes at NC State (not to mention Bobby Bowden is coming back). There is an annual kickball game that day too. Way to Go.

Here is the kicker. I signed up for a race the very next day!!! ARGH! That means that when my friends and family are slugging back the candy corn jello shots, I will be drinking water...ok maybe drinking a little but fully not enjoying myself. Boo. But I really want to do this race.

Even though they ignored my request to help promote the race (welcome to Daytona Beach peeps, noone gets it!) I will tell you that it may or not be called Lighthouse Loop in Ponce Inlet. I am really looking forward to this race, because it will be a beautiful morning and its on the beachside.

Now, last year I came down with the vomit village stomach flu a week before the party so I didn't drink that night either...but I think this year will be harder to have willpower. Not to mention the silver lining of having a skinnier stomach as Catwoman didn't exactly suck.

If you would have told me three years ago that I would sacrifice the party of the year for a end of the race feeling, I would not have believed you. But I am, and it will be worth it.

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Never Ever Ever

Good Morning! Its Never Ever Ever Time! A weekly link up that has more information here!

Never Ever Ever-

Do I want to be in hot weather in 2013...come on Fall...this is ridiculous!

Do I want to think about moving, but it is imminent.

Will I fib and say that ok, maybe moving is very exciting because it will mean that we need more room.

Will these next two weeks fly by to wait to see if it worked this month

Do I want to go through Clomid Hell again-(but these made me laugh really hard)

Can I wait for Thursday for more Grey's and more Scandal!

What can you Never Ever Ever Do, Say, Mean??

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Running Monkey Brain...Engage!

I took a run this week, and realized that although I depend on running to stay in shape, the mind clearing is really hard to overlook. I think a lot about a lot when I am trekking. Of course, I don't go too far each time, but I thought I would share exactly what was on my brain this last run, minute by minute. It made me laugh how all over the place I am.

1:00-I am really liking my new Asics

2:00-Why didn't I stretch more?

3:00-Thank God Its not Africa hot

4:00-God, I love this song

5:00-I wonder if I will be able to run when I get pregnant

6:00-Cussword, I forgot to do something for work

7:00-What are you looking at?

8:00- Damn, I can't believe that my water strap broke

9:00 -I am smart, I am skinny, I am beautiful-(lame mantra)

10:00-How am I ever gonna run in the winter?

11:00-Seriously, do you not see me running? Why are you playing chicken with me! I now have to stop so you and your friend can walk by?? That makes a ton of sense.

12:00-I need to blog about playing chicken with stupid walkers

13:00-Why didn't I eat something?

14:00-I wonder what I am gonna wear tonight?

15:00-I wonder if the hens have been keeping up with their running..where does one actually run in Kansas?

16:00-Should I run that 5K in October?

17:00-Or The One in January?

18:00-I'd run every day if I could look like that girl

19:00-When it gets colder, I am still gonna run.

20:00- Why is my best friend calling, she knows I am running!

21:00- Why can't I run faster?

22:00-Why are you beating yourself up, you are better than on the couch!

23:00-I am sure lucky to live somewhere so beautiful, I love this river.

24:00-God, I hate this song

25:00-I am sure Miley will royally ruin SNL this week...

26:00-I think I will be 80 and still love to run to Blurred Lines

27:00-Look at that, you just ran/walked two miles and its not even 7:30am!!

So, that is a scary peek into my Monkey brain...what says yours?

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Skinny and Clean: Salmon Kale and Cabbage, Oh My.

Hey Hey! Its National Kale Day! Hands down this will be the most delicious, easiest salmon you will ever make. It is scary how simple it is to make and how healthy it is for a lunch or a dinner. Oh, and it is incredibly inexpensive to boot.
The original recipe was from Martha, of course and the recipe in full is here. It has a great video too. This came 100% approved from my husband so it is great choice for any taste bud! If I could make any additions to the recipe, make sure you season the kale and cabbage, HEAVILY! Garlic powder, Cavenders Greek Seasoning, red pepper. Just be very very careful on your salt. Add it at the end, so you don't overdo.

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