The Little Blog Dress: Skinny and Clean

Showing posts with label Skinny and Clean. Show all posts

Skinny and Clean: Baked Grits and Eggs

I've developed a late in life passion for grits. I never had grits in my life before one terrible hungover morning when Megan cheerfully forced them down my throat. Have some sludge, she chirped and just like that my late night discretions were gone...well the ones I could make go away were anyway...ha ha.

When that fateful day when Checkers STOPPED SERVING BREAKFAST....I kind of gave up on the whole grits thing altogether. That is till I have visited Savannah twice this year...now I am back on the grits train...but until now I have never attempted to make them. This recipe is from Martha Stewart, of course...because who else is gonna teach me?

Baked Grits and Eggs
serves 4 // active time: 10 min // total time: 30 min

Baby arugula adds nutrients and a peppery flavor to this dish.

olive oil, for brushing
3/4 cup instant grits
1 cup baby arugula
1/4 cup grated cheddar (2 ounces), divided
salt and pepper
4 large eggs

1 Preheat oven to 400°. Brush four 8-ounce ramekins or other small ovenproof dishes with oil. Prepare grits according to package instructions. Stir in arugula and 2 tablespoons cheddar, and cook until cheddar melts, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.

2 Divide grits among dishes. Make a well in each, then crack an egg into each well; season. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet, until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 20 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through. To serve, top grits with remaining 2 tablespoons cheddar and a sprinkle of pepper.

per serv: 210 cal; 8 g fat (3 g sat fat); 11 g protein; 24 g carb; 1 g fiber

WW Points: 6

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Scallops with Wilted Spinach and Arugula Adapted From Martha

Adapted Martha Stewart Living, March 2009

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Yield Serves 4

Ingredients
16 large sea scallops (about 1 1/4 pounds), rinsed and dried, tough muscles removed
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons safflower oil (I used olive)
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced lengthwise
7 ounces baby spinach
7 ounces baby arugula
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

* I added a cup of caramelized onions and grape tomatoes

Directions:

Take a cup of onions and a little olive oil and cook on low to medium for about ten minutes until they start to get brown. Add two handfuls of cherry tomatoes and cover and cook for another ten minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes are cooked. Set aside.

Heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle scallops with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in skillet. Arrange scallops in skillet, and cook on 1 side until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Flip, and cook until scallops are opaque, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Reduce heat to medium, and add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet. Add garlic, and cook for 15 seconds. Add spinach, arugula, red-pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook, tossing greens often, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Add your onion and tomato mixture until everything is warmed through. Transfer to a platter, top with scallops, and serve immediately. Pin It

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats

Skinnytaste is a food blogger that I have been following for quite a while. She has DELICIOUS recipes, alway catered to Weight Watchers points and the best thing out of it all? Gina lives in my hometown of Oceanside, NY!! Woo!

Her recipes come to my inbox daily and I always am impressing the Mister with my mad healthy skills in the kitchen with her yummy dishes. As with anything that I follow, the rest of the world eventually catches on..ha ha. Her cookbook comes out this fall and Tar-jay has a nice pre-order special for you!

So excited for her and can't wait for the rest of the world to recognize!!

This week at the Ormond Beach Farmers Market I bought a spaghetti squash as big as my head for $4. It was truly like a watermelon!! When looking for a recipe instead of doing the same ole recipe that I usually do, I found Gina's Skinny Squash Lasagna Boats. So ridiculously easy and good, you are gonna be a superstar tonight for dinner!

Find the recipe here. If you need some food porn from this awesomeness, see below!

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I Survived My First Spin Class

I am a pretty religious Kelly and Michael fan. I laugh because I feel like a housewife watching it. I get up at 5:30a and start my work. Around 9a, I am at a point where I can stop and get my shower and ready on. Kelly and Michael make me LOL...a lot...but I am really amazed at her ridiculous toned body. She attributes most to her time at Soul Cycle, and of course there is so such awesomeness in Daytona...but my yoga studio started a Yoga Spin. A great class that is Half Hour Spin, Half Hour Yoga...but did I do that? No! I am the masochist that got up to try the brand new 5:30AM hour long spin class this morning! But, I think I was gonna like it because it is very music intensive.

Do you get fitness nerves? I do! I feel like a little girl at the first day of first grade whenever I try a new studio or even run any races. I don't know what that says about me, but my insecurities are there for the world to see.

I did it! Even though I may never feel my behind again, I am really proud of myself. I know at one point during the very awesome Florence and the Machine jam, I was screaming mentally and channeling the higher power of Kelly Ripa. I think its only because I watched Talladega Nights last night...but I literally saying Dear Sweet Baby Kelly. haha!

Now off to google padded butt pants for spinning.

How was YOUR morning?!

Not A Creature Was Stirring at 5am

Daunting! But I did it!

My Reward!

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Quinoa, My New Love

It isn't that I am not adventurous when it comes to eating. I feel like I do try things out of my comfort zone, sometimes I don't bring it into my kitchen to actually cook though. I don't know why but it took me forever and ever to not be scared in quinoa. Because really, what is not to love about quinoa? It is very yummy and very good for you. I am just always afraid that I am gonna screw it up. The thing about quinoa is, you can make it a million ways and each way is better than the next!

I was contacted by the people at Alter Eco to try out their quinoa and stop the scaredy cat madness.

Alter Eco quinoa is 100% fair trade, organic and non-GMO. The products are also Carbon Neutral certified, which means they have been measured and compensated for the carbon emissions of every step in the supply chain. With 4 varieties of quinoa – Royal Pearl, Royal Black, Royal Rainbow, and Royal Red – there is a texture and flavor to complement any dish! In addition to the health benefits of quinoa as an excellent source of protein, iron, magnesium, and fiber, Alter Eco has an unwavering commitment to the environment. They are dedicated to the small farmers and their families who grow their products by making sure all of their growers receive fair wages with good working conditions.
For a bright side dish, create the Rainbow Quinoa Summer Salad – a festive and healthy side that blends vegetables and basil with nutty quinoa. The full recipe is included below - I’d love to have Alter Eco be considered for any upcoming editorial opportunities. Further information can be found at www.AlterEcoFoods.com. Feel free to reach out to me for more recipes, high-res images, or anything else!

I went and bought farm fresh salmon and had some leftover zucchini and made one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Even the doubting husband (What is Quinoa, again?) really liked it. Win Win

Salmon with Zucchini Garlic Parmesan Quinoa

1 lb Salmon
Trader Joe's Crushed Garlic
Chicken Broth
Crushed Red Pepper
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper

Alter Eco Rainbow Quinoa
Zucchini
Parmesan
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper

To cook the salmon:

In a frying pan, lay the salmon on one side and season generously with garlic powder and salt and pepper and any other choice of seasoning. Flip it over and repeat then layer a thin spread of crushed garlic. Cover with chicken broth till submerged and add a dash of crushed red pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes. The salmon will be done when it is flaky and light pink.

To cook the quinoa

Cook the quinoa according to the directions. While that is cooking, grate your zucchini and drain some of the excess water with a paper plate. Using a small frying pan, some garlic and salt and a little olive oil, fry the zucchini until it is brown, this will take about five minutes. When the quinoa is done, mix it with the zucchini and add parmesan, salt and pepper and some olive oil to your liking

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Soy Protein For Your Run #Giveaway

I'm going to admit something to you, I have lost my love for whole milk. It makes me feel like a bad child but I just don't like it. I am however addicted to soy milk and soy products. They taste so much better and are so good for you.

Some facts about soy protein:

• Soy protein is a high‐quality, plant‐based protein derived from soybeans

• Soy protein preserves lean body mass, promotes fat loss, and boosts satiety during weight loss

• A blend of proteins – soy, whey and casein, prolongs muscle building after exercise and increases recovery compared to whey alone

• Soy protein promotes muscle growth and development

• Soy protein is equivalent to whey protein for building muscle when consumed as part of a resistance training program

• Soy protein has the ability to displace fat and sugar calories

In my opinion, soy protein is easy on my stomach and really makes a difference when I am running. I usually don't eat a meal before my run and don't want to feel full with a protein shake but I have discovered a great bar to grab before I go. Eat-Smart Bars, Nogii Protein Bars and NOW Energy Bars are a couple of choices that help make sure I am getting the nutrients I need before or after a long workout with a key ingredient for success: soy protein. These bars taste delicious and have made a difference in my energy levels to get through a long (or short) run.

Whether I am going for a run or doing yoga, a smart fitness routine incorporates protein to aide in muscle building and recovery. Yes, stretching is important but nurturing your insides with soy protein is a must!

Also, Soy protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein which promotes muscle growth and development and can help preserve lean body mass during weight loss.

Christmas is coming early! I have a giveaway! I was sent a killer package with these bars plus a traveling exercise kit and I have one to give away!

-Eat-Smart Bar

-Nogii Nutrition Bar

-Now Energy Bar

-“Powered by Soy Protein” Traveler Exercise Kit (its got a jump rope, a pedometer and more!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The products, information and two gift packs have been provided by DuPont Nutrition and Health

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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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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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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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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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Skinny and Clean: Hungry Grilled Romaine Salad

Summer is good for a lot of reasons...you feel really lazy, but you feel inspired to eat healthier. I don't know about you, but in the winter I want to make macaroni and cheese and carbs and more and more carbs. But in the summer, with the shorter hemlines come the need to eat healthier.

We are OBSESSED with grilled romaine....apparently this isn't as new of a phenomenon as I am making it out to be! But it is AWESOME.

July is National Grilling Month! I was happy to work again with Hungry Girl and Pompeian Oils for a yummy recipes that I can share with you! This salad was real easy to make and it was delicious! Here are some more grilling recipes that are easy including Jalapeño Peach Shrimp Skewers, Grilled Romaine Salad & Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs inspired by the Mediterranean diet & developed in partnership with Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien.

1/2 of recipe: 135 calories, 10g fat, 340mg sodium, 9.5g carbs, 3g fiber, 5g sugars, 5g protein

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 large heart romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise

2 dashes each salt and black pepper

1/4 cup diced tomato

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

2 tbsp. finely chopped basil

2 tbsp. Pompeian Balsamic Vinegar

Directions:

Bring grill to high heat.

Drizzle and brush 1/2 tsp. olive oil onto the cut sides of each romaine half. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Lay romaine halves on the grill, cut sides down. Grill until slightly charred, 1 - 2 minutes.

Plate romaine halves, cut sides up. Top with tomato, onion, cheese, and basil.

In a small bowl, whisk vinegar with remaining 2 tsp. olive oil. Drizzle and enjoy!

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

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Sweet Marleys' Coffee-Crazy Good Cupcakes

I am almost afraid to write this review because you all are gonna eat all my cupcakes. The downtown in Daytona Beach has its fair share of eclectic boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Sweet Marleys fits into that groove but a little more. Its urbanite-y but not in a try hard kind of way (which sometimes this area overdoes greatly)...it has free wifi, a bunch of comfy couches and a great place to work or to hold a meeting. Its a true coffee shop vibe and I love it.

The teas and coffee are excellent and they usually have homemade crocheted coozies which I could buy by the dozen. They are so cute!

But I must say the cupcakes are not good...no no not good at all, don't eat them. COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY KIDDING...I just want them all to myself! They are so delicious, and most of the time they are healthy and good for you too (as much as cupcakes can be) Below, is the peanut butter and jelly cupcake. If the pictures are a little blurry, I think I was so anxious to take another bite, I was shaking.

Like this? Share the love on Twitter!

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Bulu Box-THE Subscription Box for Fitness Fans

I am a subscription box addict. Soon there will be a TLC show with my name on it. I just like to try new products! Most of my subscription boxes are beauty related and I have more CC cream that you can shake a stick at! When I was introduced to Bulu Box, I was intrigued. I would love an opportunity to get some healthy samples each month, how fun would that be!

Bulu Box Weight Loss contains 4-5 premium samples selected to help you lose weight and feel your best. Once you're signed up you can earn Rewards Points each month by reviewing, sharing and completing short surveys about your product and samples. You can then use your Rewards Points to purchase full-size versions of the products you liked best at a discounted price! Save money, discover a healthier you and reach your goals with Bulu Box Weight Loss!

I received my box and I am SO excited!! Check out all the things that are in my Bulu Box this month!

Thera-Gesic

EatGreen Tea

GU Energy Strawberry Chomps

PowerIce

Twin Lab Power Fuel

Get your 1st Bulu Box FREE!

Purchase a 3 month gift for you or a friend, and get the first month FREE with promo code: JUMPONIT3

Note: This deal gets 3 months of Bulu Box for just $15 (compared to regular price of $30)

Get your first 3 Bulu Boxes FREE!

Purchase a 6 month gift for you or a friend and get the first 3 months FREE with promo code JUMPONIT6

Note: This deal gets 6 months of Bulu Box for just $30 (compared to regular price of $60)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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A GREAT Use For Leftover Riesling-Peach Sangria

I am really excited to tell you about a recipe I found and adapted from Epicurious. We have a TON of Riesling from our wedding and it just isn't the first bottle that I grab. It is just a little too sweet to drink by itself, but you throw a little fruit and VANILLA in the mix, it is a win win summer drink. I would suggest making it a day ahead to allow the flavors to intensify.

The great thing about this recipe is it goes along with my favorite kind of cooking...a little bit of this, a little bit of that. One thing that MAKES this work is the addition of vanilla extract.

I hope I am not the first person to tell you this but you absolutely can not buy any old store brand vanilla. One of my favorites is Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract products. Taking premium, hand-selected beans cultivated on the Bourbon Island of Madagascar, they use their proprietary cold extraction process to gently draw out and preserve the vanilla's over 300 flavor compounds. The result is a sweet, creamy, mellow flavor with velvety after-tones, perfect for cooking and baking both sweet and savory dishes. An exceptional "all-purpose" vanilla.

Find out more about Nielsen-Massey products on Facebook or Twitter or on their website.

Ingredients
750-ml bottle dry Riesling
1 1/2 cups white cranberry-peach drink
1/2 cup peach schnapps (I actually used peach nectar)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 TB Nielsen-Massey Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
2 1/2-inch-thick lemon slices
2 1/2-inch-thick orange slices
2 peaches, cut into wedges
10 fresh raspberries or strawberries
3 cups ice cubes

Mix first 5 ingredients in large pitcher.Add Vanilla. Mix in fruit. Cover and chill overnight. Mix in ice and serve.

Original recipe from Epicurious is here.

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Back to Yoga Back to Reality with Manduka's unBLOK

I have this secret dream, a bucket list of sorts. I really want to get certified to be a yoga teacher. I think I would be good at it. Not because I am great at yoga but I would really like to help people and show what the benefit yoga has done for me over the years.I also would make sure I would practice and teach to amazing music...I think like Lana Del Ray and Robin Thicke kind of vibe...what do you think?

Yoga has helped me out of car accidents and last year when I had my piriformis syndrome. I will save you the google...it is literally a pain in the booty. And when I say pain, I mean shoot yourself in the booty pain. After my trusted chiro, masseuse and PT helped as much as they could a little light went off....Yoga! Dur! So I started going to Yoga at Yoga Bala and nursed that booty back to good health. I was soon addicted.

I was going pretty regularly and enjoying and then that whole wedding planning threw my schedule out the window. This is no excuse but I was looking forward to getting back on the track and getting back into my way. Now that I am back in the groove of things, I was excited when Manduka contacted me and asked if I wanted to try their UnBLOK? I wonder if she could have heard me squealing from here?

As you know, any kind of blocks for yoga are intended to help you with your practice. Probably my favorite thing about yoga, is that you can come in at all levels and work at your own pace and noone is any more the wiser...no pressure and the use of tools like blocks and straps help you get there and also deepen your practice.

The Recycled Foam unBLOK is here to take yoga poses a step further. With its functional, sleek design, and high-quality eco-friendly materials, this revolutionary block will help you unBLOK your practice this year.

Thoughtfully designed to be the most versatile foam block in the market, the unBLOK satisfies the needs of yogis everywhere. The adjacent & dual curves allow for versatility in traditional poses, offering a deeper, more natural arc support while the flat sides of the block maintain the support of a traditional block.

I liked the curve of the block, it was so much more convenient than any other blocks I tried! The adjacent & dual curves allow for versatility in traditional poses, offering a deeper, more natural arc support while the flat sides of the block maintain the support of a traditional block. It made quite a difference and I liked the curve of the unBLOK, it gave me a bigger sense of security.

Of course, Manduka is all about being green and the unBLOK is no exception. It is over 50% in recycled material in every block provides a higher level of recycled material than any other recycled foam block currently in the market.

Other Features:

• Increases comfort on the wrist in standing poses as wrist can rest more

comfortably on the curved edge of the block than a standard flat side

• Increases comfort in heart openers and back bends when

lying on the ground so the back can rest more comfortably on the block

Learn more about UnBLOK and Manduka and their wonderful products and mission here on Facebook, Twitter and the web

The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Chicken Salad Salad at La's Bistro

Probably one of my favorite things about being self employed is the freedom that it gives you when you think about how you spend a day. The pressure is always on, but luckily if I have a computer and wireless connection I can pretty much spend my day anywhere I want. So, I am always looking for unique places where I can relax outdoors and work while smiling politely to the ladies in suits who are clearly rushing through their lunch in the time clock crunch. I don't miss those days at all.

My favorite place to do this is in Ormond Beach is La's Bistro. La's Bistro clicks off a lot of things for me to make a place a place I return to again and again:

Outdoor Seating
Friendly Staff and Owners
Awesome food
Good Site for Spotting Friends

Wireless Connection

Check, Check, Check and Check! Some other non-work related highlights: a Mimosa Club, Fantastic Brunch and lots of yummy wine! In fact, it is one of my secret hiding spots on Fridays around 4p...my friend Diane and I spent all summer last year stealthily meeting to kick off the weekend early.

As I tend to do when I find something I like, I usually order the same thing....it is so good and healthy and I crave it. It is the La's Chicken Salad Salad. The chicken salad has little mayo and nuts over spring greens and a honey vinaigrette that is to die for.

What is always a nice touch is that one of the two owners (they are husband and wife) usually stops by and sees how my meal was. Really happy to spend time and energy at a place that cares about their people.

Chicken Salad Salad

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Skinny and Clean: Spaghetti Squash with Sautéed Vegetables

I did it. The impossible fete...no, not climb Mt. Everest...I got two grown men to eat a low carb meal with nothing but vegetables...and devour it like it was nobody's business. I have been interested in cooking spaghetti squash and I tried it once in the microwave that was supposed to be SO easy...it was SO gross, I haven't had the courage to try it again.

My spaghetti squash came from Front Porch Pickings which is a local farm to door delivery service that I love. My only struggle is to make what I get and not let it go bad. I used my new Ninja 3 in 1 (which I will blog about very soon, and it was a one pot meal of awesome. You can literally throw any vegetables in there that make sense and I just did a little bit of this and that but I am gonna do my very best to recreate for you.

Spaghetti Squash with Sautéed Vegetables

Set the oven to 400. Cut a medium sized spaghetti squash. Cut in half long ways, scrap put seeds, brush w olive pil and lightly salt. Cook in roasting pan covered w aluminum foil for 25 min, uncover and cook for 30 more min. Once cool to be able to touch use fork to remove the strands. Set Aside.

While that is cooking, grab your vegetables to sauté...I used zucchini, onion, cherry tomatoes and spinach (be sure to put the spinach in at the end). Sautee your vegetables till they are soft. I used Pompeian Olive Oil and a little bit of margarine. While the vegetables are cooking, season them generously. Add a cup of homemade or (shudder) jar tomato sauce...please use organic if you are buying from the jar. Add a 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese and the spaghetti squash. be sure to break up the squash like you would spaghetti. Serve this meal like you would any pasta with a good healthy dose of Parmesean! Even cracked red pepper would be a delicious addition.

This is a good meal when you find yourself with a lot of extra veggies. You could use eggplant, peppers, yellow squash...really anything!

I paired this meal with a delicious Italian Pinot Grigio. OGIO is a sleek, modern, stylish Italian brand with a unique design The OGIO Pinot Grigio is a delicate pale straw in color. Mouthwatering citrus and melon aromas segue beautifully into a perfect balance of natural tartness and rich fruit on the palate. This wine is dry and soft with a lasting fruity bouquet. It was really good!

Ogio also has a delicious Prosecco and a Tuscan Red that I can't wait to try! Find them on Facebook.

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Vince Carter's Makes For A Great Business Lunch

I have been to Vince's Carter's for a dozen of different occasions, but its is always a great place for business meetings. The location is ideal for a meeting because it is right off of the highway (LPGA and 95 in Daytona Beach). This was the first time that I had been in the main dining room usually we sit in the main bar area which has wall to wall televisions.

I'm proud of Vince Carter's because they have stuck to their guns and kept going making subtle changes along the way. They have relied on the talent of local restauranteurs who knew the deal in Daytona (first John from Carabaa's and now Armondo from Inlet Harbor) and not just relied on the name and the "if you build it, they will come" mentality.

You won't see Vince waiting tables in his off season, but Vince's mom, a philanthropist (and co-owner) Michelle Carter-Scott often dines there with her husband who was my favorite high school vice principal.

The food at Vince Carter's is excellent and the service is always good. You can't beaat a burger that you can make it the way you like it, for only $9. One thing I love is that when they ask you how you want your burger and you say medium rare, they actually bring it out to you medium rare!! Conceptual! :) It is my usual go to meal there because I can get it without a bun and with vegetables and the waitress smoothly understands that instead of looking at me like I have three heads, I borrowed the photo from their website, because mine didn't turn out as pretty. Get the burger, you won't be sorry! Oh! Get the Bloody Mary too, they are excellent!

It's nice to be proud of Vince Carter and his Daytona roots. (Why didn't you go to Seabreeze!!) Kind of makes up for the whole Ryan Lochte E! Entertainment thing.

Credit:Vince Carters

Vince Carter's is located at 2150 LPGA Blvd in Daytona Beach. They offer convenient call ahead seating-386.274.0015. Visit them on Facebook. Restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 A.M. until 11 P.M. Friday and Saturday 11 A.M. until 12 midnight. Happy Hour is 3 to 7 P.M. seven days a week.

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