Things I Love: Tuesday

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Daily Grind, Food & Recipes, The Media
8 Comments

I haven’t done a “TIL” post in a long time, not to say I haven’t found anything to love, I sure have! What with studying for the Praxis II and going to the gym, and all of the weddings I haven’t had time to devote a post to all of the things that have been making my mood perk up. So, here we go, all of the things from the past few weeks and this week that have been keeping me on top of my happy game:

First of all, Frito Lay has come up with yet another delicious and healthy snack that’s easy to take with you. It’s from the Smartfood family, and they’re called Popcorn Clusters. I tried the honey multigrain flavor and it’s delicious. These are lactose free, have no MSG, and best of all 5g of dietary fiber and only one gram of fat! For you WW girls and guys out there that translates to 1 WW point. I usually eat them after lunch and before dinner to take the edge off of my hunger.

After the last wedding I went to (which Keith and I were in), a lot of us ended up sick, including myself. We chalked it up to someone being sick who was serving the food, but there’s no reason to not prevent spreading of germs. I love BBW’s Foaming Soaps. They’re 100% antibacterial, and clean rinse off rather than leaving a sticky residue if you’re a half hearted rinser like I am, haha. I personally love the Pink Grapefruit which is a light, yummy summer scent.

Last but not least, two new authors to take a gander at if you haven’t already. Pictured at the left is Jodi Picoult’s novel The Pact, which I received as a Christmas gift and just finished. It was a page turner that had me laughing, crying, and wanting more. She’ll be getting some money from me tomorrow when I stop at Barne’s and Noble to pick up some more reads. Also, not pictured but just as important: Christpher Moore. I received one of his books as a present as well, and he is hilarious. I had the pleasure of reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. I was literally hysterical while reading this book. It’s a great mood upper, so go check out his website too. And if you’ve read them already, let me know what you thought!

Rainbow Cupcakes

Sunday, May 31st, 2009
Food & Recipes, Photos
8 Comments

Today I had a Bread Bash to go to for work, which is basically when the Panera crew meets together so we can try new things that are coming into the store and tell the customers about them when they ask about new products. That aside, a new thing my store is doing is having everyone bring something to the ‘bash’ to encourage “familyness”, haha. So Kathleen and I tackled one of my baking projects that I’ve had on my list for way too long: RAINBOW CUPCAKES. I purchased “The Baker’s Field Guide to Cupcakes” at the store the other day and fell in love. I used their white cupcake recipe for the batter and simply tinted it, and we made whipped cream frosting as I felt that anything sweet would be overkill with the colors and the batter.

I posted some of my favorites. To see more of the steps check out my flickr for some more photos!

My Mom and I split this one. The batter was actually very light and fluffy but satisfying at the same time. I had to triple the recipe so I could have enough for everyone at work, and some to share with Keith and so Kathleen could take some home. Doesn’t the cross section of the cupcake look awesome?!

And these are the completed cupcakes with the frosting. I just did a little dollop so it would resemble a cloud on top of a rainbow. Everyone at work seemed to really love them, and I’m so happy. Even my Dad, who is not a sweets person enjoyed them too!

Taco Dip: Raided from Mom’s Recipe Box

Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Daily Grind, Food & Recipes
9 Comments

Make this awesome dip to go with drinks listed below (healthy drink recipes!), or just make it as a side with dinner one night. I’ve always loved Taco Dip, but the seven layer dip is so heavy and often is not the most healthy. Although it’s delicious, this dip that my Mom makes is perfect for summer get parties as it is much lighter, and also has lots of delicious veggies! Why not try this for Mother’s Day? Or Memorial Day? Memorial Day is only a couple of weeks away. =]

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning. Spread this mixture in a 9-inch (or a little larger) round serving dish. Top the mixture with lettuce, Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bell pepper and black olives. Note: for a lighter version use fat free cream cheese, and fat free cheddar. Weight watchers makes a great Mexican blend of shredded cheddar!

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container nonfat sour cream
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1/4 head iceberg lettuce - rinsed, dried, and shredded
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 chopped tomatoes
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, drained

This dip probably takes about 20 minutes AT MOST to make. Serve it with any kind of tortilla chip. I personally love Tostitos Scoops, it’s so much easier to dip and enjoy with them. Or, if you want to stay away from white tortilla chips, try blue corn or whole grain brands. Delicious and gives you a great crunch.

Also, Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mommas who come here! <3

Three Healthy Summer Drinks Made Even Healthier!

Monday, April 27th, 2009
Food & Recipes, Health & Fitness
8 Comments

So, although it’s only April here in CT, the summer weather is definitely here, at least for now, which leads me to think of my favorite summer pastimes: PARTIES! There’s nothing like going to a summer get together or hosting a cookout at your house. Since Memorial Day is about a month away, why not start thinking of some healthy drinks you can serve or partake in when you attend a party? I did some searching and have managed to find some great healthy cocktails that are not too difficult to make.

Another great idea? In this economy invite every person who’s coming to bring something. Have a potluck style drink setting. Have each person bring some of their own personal favorite cocktails. This allows everyone at your party to have a choice, and your healthy drinks are still within reach. Above all else, have fun, enjoy the recipes, and don’t drive drunk!!

I loved the recipe for the Blueberry Lime Margarita. Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits, and lime always adds a light summer flavor for your drinks. Margaritas are a great summer drink, but can be loaded with sugar. The recipe below is much healthier and weights in at only 125 calories per serving, but shaving off some extra calories is easy. There is always a way to make healthy drinks even healthier with some improvising!

Blueberry Lime Margarita
Combine ice, blueberries, blueberry nectar, seltzer, limeade, lime juice and tequila, if using, in a blender and blend until smooth. Rub rim of 2 glasses with lime wedge and dip in salt. Divide the margarita between the prepared glasses and serve.

2 cups ice
1 cup frozen blueberries - (Swap out for fresh blueberries!!)
1 cup blueberry nectar - (Try sugar free blueberry syrup and slice the sugar/carbs!)
1/4 cup seltzer
2 tablespoons frozen limeade - (Concoct your own Limeade: Juice of one lime (about 2 Tbsp), 1 tsp Stevia, 8 oz. Water)
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 ounces tequila, optional
1 lime wedge
Coarse salt

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to makeover a recipe for drinks. Just by using diet syrups in place of fruit nectar, and making your own Limeade, you can cut the sugars in a drink almost in half, leaving you room for other things you may want to put on your plate without undoing your whole diet.

When I think summer, I always think Raspberries. They’re delicious, packed with antioxidants, and they’re kind of cute looking too. I took this recipe for a Raspberry Wine Spritzer (spritzers are always a healthy option), and cut the sugar here too! This guy weighs in at 168 calories, and isn’t bad for you to indulge in. The best part about this drink is it can be made virgin for party guests who might not drink!!

Raspberry Spritzer
Combine seltzer, raspberries, mint and raspberry-flavored syrup (or Chambord) in a small pitcher. Pour over ice.

2 cups seltzer
2/3 cup frozen raspberries (again, always go with fresh fruit!)
2 sprigs fresh mint
3 ounces raspberry-flavored syrup or Chambord (if you’re making this nonalcoholic, make sure to use sugar free syrup and save tons of calories).
Ice cubes

Finally, I cannot get enough watermelon during the summer, and since I’ve turned into a Gin fan over the past year of be being legal, this combines them both, and doesn’t take much tweaking to make it a bit healthier (you’ll see!!) To make it virgin, simply omit the gin, and at only 158 calories, this is definitely a good pick! While this final drink does take a little more prep time (30-45 minutes), it’s definitely worth it. I recommend Bombay Sapphire for the gin, but we all have our preferences.

Watermelon Gin Fizz
1. Freeze 1 cup watermelon for garnish. Puree the remaining 4 cups watermelon. Strain; divide the juice among 4 ice-filled glasses.

2. Top each with 1 1/2 ounces gin, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/3 cup ginger ale. Garnish with the frozen watermelon and lime wedges.

5 cups diced watermelon, divided
6 ounces gin, divided
8 tablespoons lime juice, divided
1 1/3 cups ginger ale, divided (diet Ginger ale!! Easy peasy!)
Lime wedges for garnish

So, now that you know it is possible to make a healthy summer drink even HEALTHIER, why not try it out. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting in the kitchen, and if you want to keep your figure throughout the summer while still enjoying yourself, this is a great way to trim those extra calories. Now go on you party animal, start mixin’!

Different Types of Tea & Their Benefits

Thursday, January 15th, 2009
Food & Recipes, Health & Fitness
10 Comments

A few days ago Marsadie mentioned a great Detox tea to help with weight loss, which is great seeing as how I’m sure many of us are still losing some of that Holiday weight. I’ve always been a Tea drinker, mainly for the different flavors, and the fact that different types of tea offer a host of amazing health benefits. Even if you’re a Lipton girl, you can still reap the benefits of tea. During the cold winter weather many of us are experiencing right now, it’ll warm you up as well, and it a better alternative to coffee which can dehydrate you if you drink it in excess.

The most common tea that we all know and love is Black Tea. Black Tea is the one of the world’s oldest teas, and most other teas have been derived from the picking, brewing, and fermenting process that Black Tea goes through. Black Tea comes in second places for antioxidants, after it’s distant cousin, Green Tea. While Green Tea gets most of the health hype now a days, Black Tea also inhibits cancer growth, tames inflammation, fights viruses, stimulates your immune system, and has been said to be a potential heart tonic. My favorite Black Tea is Earl Grey. If you’re new to black tea, try the following:

  • British Breakfast: A light morning tea with little flowery undertones.
  • Orange Pekoe: Like Lipton Tea, but better…much better.
  • Earl Grey (pictured): A thicker bodied tea that I drink whatever time of day. It has a flavor of citrus and Bergamot, and a bluish tint. (For a lighter flavor with some lemon hints try Lady Grey!)

    While I’m personally not a fan of plain Green Tea, (in my opinion it just tastes like hot water), we all know it comes second to none in terms of health benefits. To reel off a few: it lowers risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke. With the numbers of heart and stroke issues going up in the country (and that they’re effecting women!!), downing a cup of Green Tea certainly isn’t going to hurt! Green Tea also lowers blood pressures, prevents tooth decay (keep the sugar to a minimum), and inhibits viruses! Green Tea has also been said to help stimulate your metabolism. We all know the benefits by now, with all of the hype on TV, and on the Internet. So if you’re like me, and you just can’t settle for plain Green Tea, try to search out some of these flavorful Green Tea options. All of the benefits, with a different flavor.

  • Peppermint Green Tea: My best friend swears by it. It has a light refreshing mint flavor. Perfect with a dash of Splenda.
  • Granny Green Apple (pictured): Tastes just like biting into a Grannysmith apple. Light refreshing, and perfect for any time of the day. If you’re craving sweets this is probably a good tea to try.

    Herbal and Oolong Teas are often forgotten and left to the side. Oolong is also one of the world’s oldest teas, and is similar to the tea you get at a Chinese restaurant. Light and delicious, and especially yummy sweetened. Oolong helps burn body fat and fight cholesterol, while Herbal Tea relaxes you, heals aches, and leaves you feeling refreshed. When I’m sick I usually reach for Lipton’s Honey & Lemon which soothes sore throats, and in the summer a great herbal is Twining’s Raspberry, which I ice.

    Oh, you want some more color, do you? Last but not least, we have the two “newest” teas to begin a craze. White and Red Tea (Rooibos) are all the rage now. Not ringing any bells? White Tea (pictured) is a younger tea leaf which gets picked earlier (remember the snapple commercial? Love it!) It has a fruitier taste, but is packed with antioxidants much like Green Tea, but also protects bones. Listen up ladies! We have to protect our bones! Red Tea has all of the above mentioned benefits, with an aid in sleep. College students? Nervous about exams? Can’t sleep? Try sipping some Red Tea and let the relaxation begin.

  • Sowmee White Tea (pictured): Light and crisp. Great alone or with splenda and a splash of milk. I especially enjoyed this Tea in the summer for it’s lighter flavors. A hint of orange is lingering.
  • Bourbon St. Vanilla Caffeine Free (Red Tea): If you’re wary about trying new teas, think about trying a Vanilla flavor. Vanilla is sweet and universal in most cases.

    All of the teas I have mentioned you can purchase online for VERY reasonable prices. I’ve ordered from English Tea Store and absolutely love it. They have amazing teas, treats to compliment teas, and they ship promptly. And if you want to learn more about the benefits of tea, click to Tea Benefits where you can buy Organic online as well.

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