Friday, February 28, 2014

Cindy's Famous Crockpot Chili


This is the best crock pot chili I have ever made and tasted! And up until now, I've only shared this recipe with one person. 
#crockpot #chili #recipes #food #hearty #filling #protein 

So here is my no longer secret recipe:

Cindy's Famous Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 package sweet sausage (skin removed)
  • 1 package hot/spicy sausage (skin removed)
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 jar green salsa
  • 1 jar roasted tomatillo red salsa
  • 2 cans garbanzo beans
  • 2 cans red kidney beans
  • 2 cans pinto beans
  • 6-8 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 diced yellow onion
  • 1 diced red onion
  • 2 cans diced green chilis 
  • 1-2 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • Weber kickin chicken seasoning 
  • Optional kale
Directions:

Brown all meats together, drain then add to crockpot. Rinse all beans, strain then add to crockpot with all other ingredients. Stir 
cook on low 4-6 hours.




Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Organic Salsa with Chia, Quinoa & Flax

If you love salsa then you'll love this one! It's organic, has chia seeds, quinoa, and flax seeds. Goes perfect on eggs, salad, or with black bean tortilla chips. 
www.sprouts.com

#salsa #organic #chia #flax #quinoa #sprouts #healthy 





Tuesday, February 25, 2014

MeTimeBoutique

I found another great Boutique to shop at on Instagram! Bought the cutest vintage style purse, and they also have clothes, jewelry, and other goodies. 

Check them out at www.metimeboutique.com

#boutique #style #vintage #shopping #instagram #fashion #jewelry #clothes #accessories #handbags








Thursday, February 20, 2014

Calling Me Home

I Love reading a good book. You know that feeling when you've finished the book and you can't stop thinking about the story. Well this is one of those books. I buy my books on iBooks, at Target, and on amazon. 

www.amazon.com   www.target.com

#books #ibooks #amazon #target #bookclub #reading #stories #fiction


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Diet Slim Me Tea

I have been drinking Zhenas diet slim me tea since I first discovered it at Sprouts. This great tasting raspberry mint diet tea suppresses your appetite, boosts energy, helps with detoxing, and cleanses the body. It has garcinia, green tea, dandelion, and senna which are age old herbs that support a healthy diet plan. I add a lemon wedge, and fresh sliced ginger to it and drink a cup or two.

www.zhenas.com  www.amazon.com   www.sprouts.com

#zhenas #dietslimme #tea #garcinia #greenttea #dandelion #senna #wellness #collection #detox #cleanse #energy #herbs #raspberry #mint #lemon #ginger


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Organic Hot Cereal Oat & Quinoa Blend

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! And that's why I love having oatmeal for my breakfast. I've tried many different brands of oatmeal that I love, so I was really excited to try this oat & quinoa hot cereal blend that I found at Target. I love quinoa also, and will pretty much try anything made with it. I add flax seeds, walnuts, peanut butter, banana, and cinnamon to my bowl of oatmeal. So healthy and filling too! 


#organic #wholegrain #oats #quinoa #hotcereal #banana #cinnamon #walnuts #flaxseeds #peanut butter #target #healthy #filling #protein #breakfast



Monday, February 17, 2014

Talenti Gelato

I am a huge ice cream and gelato fan! I found this delicious brand called Talenti gelato at Sprouts. So far every flavor that I have tried is super Yummy! But I must suggest my top three fave: Caribbean Coconut, Black Cherry, and the Sicilian Pistachio. They also offer sorbettos in various flavors which are all gluten free, vegetarian, hormone free, HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) Free, and Kosher.

www.talentigelato.com   www.sprouts.com

#talentigelato #coconut #blackcherry #pistachio #yummy #sweets #glutenfree #vegetarian #hormonefree #hfcsfree #kosher #sprouts #sale








Sunday, February 16, 2014

Turkey, Kale & Brown Rice Soup

I love making soup! I made this new recipe that I found in my new cook book, and absolutely fell in love with it. It's hearty, tasty, and super filling. I enjoyed it all week long for lunch. Hope you love it as much as I do.

#soup #hearty #healthy #kale #turkey #brownrice #recipes 


Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 large shallots, chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 8 ounces ground white turkey, broken into small chunks
  • 1 tablespoon herbes de provence
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 small bunch kale, center ribs removed, leaves coarsely chopped (4 packed cups)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese


Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, carrots, and bell pepper and saute, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown and soften slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the turkey and stir until the meat turns white and begins to color very slightly around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the herbes de Provence and stir 1 minute.

Add the broth. diced tomatoes, and cooked rice and bring to a boil. Stir in kale and season with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the parsley and the Parmesan cheese.





Saturday, February 15, 2014

Chia & Flaxseed with Coconut & Cocoa

This blend is so yummy!!! It's perfect to add to a smoothie, protein shake, yogurt, or oatmeal. This mix is high in fiber and Omega-3 (ALA) fatty acids. You can find this at Sprouts, amazon, or vitacost. 
www.sprouts.com   www.amazon.com   www.vitacost.com  

#chia #flaxseed #coconut #cocoa #omega3 #fiber #antioxidants #vitamins #fattyacids #sprouts #amazon #vitacost #spectrum #healthy






Friday, February 14, 2014

Breakfast Smoothie

This is my favorite breakfast smoothie to make! Super easy, filling, and healthy. Having a smoothie for breakfast keeps you filling full until lunch time. Feel free to substitute walnuts for the almonds, and add fresh strawberries or blueberries.

#breakfast #smoothie #healthy #fruit #almonds #vanilla #coconut #dates #almondmilk #beepollen #vitamix #strawberries #blueberries #bananas


Banana, almond, vanilla, date, coconut smoothie:


  • 1 Banana
  • hand full of raw almonds
  • 3 chopped dates
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1-2 tablespoon organic coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon bee pollen
  • 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
  • 1-2 cups of ice

Blend all ingredients in a vitamix or high power blender and Enjoy! 





Thursday, February 13, 2014

J & J Creations

J & J Creations offers Wreaths, Party Favors, and other Beautiful creations! I bought the pink heart shaped one for Valentine's Day, but I love it so much that I'm keeping it up all year round! Very reasonably priced too.

Call or email Jeri for your custom made order. 310.283.2810 jamesandjeri@yahoo.com 

#j&jcreations #wreaths #partyfavors #beautiful #custommade #holidays #sports #valentinesday #usc #hearts #pink #love #football #baseball












Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Oolong Tea

As you may know by now, I am a huge tea fan! Oolong tea is one of my Faves not only because of its flowery, smooth, sweet taste, but it's filled with amazing health benefits!

www.amazon.com   www.sprouts.com   www.tazo.com
#oolongtea #healthy #benefits #antioxidants #fruity #flowery #smooth #sweet #taste #weightloss #looseleaftea #wulongtea #tazo


Oolong tea health benefits include:

  • Contains antioxidants 
  • Promotes weight loss
  • Promotes heart health
  • Treats skin disorders
  • Helps diabetes patients
  • Reduces high blood pressure





Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Spirulina

Spirulina is filled with protein, vitamins, minerals, Omega 6 fatty acids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients. I add a teaspoon to my protein shake or smoothie. You can find it at Sprouts or online. www.amazon.com   www.vitacost.com   www.nutrex-hawaii.com

Here is a list of some of the health benefits associated with Spirulina:

  • Boosts the Immune system
  • Improve Digestion
  • Reduce Fatigue
  • Build Endurance
  • Nature's Detoxifier - Cleanse the body
  • Boost Energy Levels
  • Control Appetite
  • Maintain Healthy Cardiovascular function
  • Support the liver and kidneys
  • Reduce Inflammation
  • Benefit people who suffer from allergies
#spirulina #Health #benefits #sprouts #amazon #vitacost #spirulinapacifica




Monday, February 10, 2014

Organic Garlic Supplements

So far this year I haven't gotten sick (knocking on wood) because not only have I eaten raw garlic, but I began taking odorless organic garlic extract supplements. Some of the health benefits of taking this Kyolic aged garlic extract include antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals from your body. Consuming garlic extract can also benefit your cardiovascular system, and evidence suggests that garlic-derived extracts have anti-cancer properties. Garlic is fairly safe to take but just like any supplement you should consult with you doctor first to make sure it's right for you.
www.kyolic.com   www.sprouts.com
#garlic #extract #organic #healthy #benefits #antioxidants #kyolic #supplements #herbal




Sunday, February 9, 2014

Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts remind me of my father, because along with other healthy food recipes, he made them often. And as a child I didn't appreciate his super healthy ways, but now I am grateful to him for it! I found this delicious recipe on pinterest! When I was baking them my dog ran into the kitchen to watch because it smelled so good! And he does not eat his veggies 

#healthy #recipes #pinterest #brusselssprouts #parmesan #garlic #vegetables #sprouts #organic 

Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe:

Ingredients:


  • 12 oz. Brussels Sprouts
  • 1 tsp garlic 
  • 2 1/2 tsp parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper to taste


Directions:


  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Toss the brussels sprouts with the olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Lay out evely on lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway.





Saturday, February 8, 2014

Homemade Almond Butter

Here is an easy homemade recipe for almond butter. Almond butter is a healthy choice because it is an unprocessed food that is prepared without using additives or preservatives. 
#rawalmonds #almondbutter #healthy #antioxidants #vitamins #minerals #homemade #fiber #protein

Some of the health benefits of almond butter include:

  • Reduces heart disease
  • Reduces cholesterol 
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Contains vitamin E, vitamin B12 
  • Contains magnesium and calcium
  • High in fiber and protein
  • Regulates blood sugar
  • Helps with weight management

Place almonds in a food processor. Process on high until ground almonds begin to form a ball. Drizzle olive oil over almonds and continue to process, stopping occasionally to scrape sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed. Store in an airtight container.





Friday, February 7, 2014

Coconut Chai Green Tea

Here is another one of my favorite tea brands and flavors! I love drinking hot tea all day long, because like water, it keeps me feeling full. I notice too that I hardly ever snack, and get full immediately when I'm eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Besides hot tea tasting so yummy, there are so many other health benefits, and reasons why you should be drinking tea too! In the photo below are 8 benefits that may encourage you... 

www.zhenasgypsytea.com  www.amazon.com  www.ebay.com

#tealover #zhenasgypsytea #sprouts #healthy #feelfull #detox #antioxidants #greentea #coconut #chai #amazon #ebay




Thursday, February 6, 2014

100% Organic Vanilla Mint Deodorant Creme

You may have heard of the health dangers of underarm deodorants that contain aluminum. Aluminum is harmful to the body because it has been associated with health issues such as, breast cancer, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, bone formation disorders, and kidney problems. I have stopped using deodorants that are made with aluminum, and have tried several different brands of organic deodorant. I finally found one that I really love. This vanilla mint deodorant creme not only smells good, but actually works. Bella Organics makes other skin care products also which are all 100% organic. Check out their website for more information, and to place your order. . www.lovebellaorganics.com  
#organic #deodorant #lovebellaorganics #allnatural #vanilla #mint #skincare 


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Six Brain Foods for Better Running

Your brain plays a critical role in dictating fatigue levels during a run. Nourishing your brain with key nutrients boosts it's overall function, and can help you feel more alert on a run, or at your desk.
Here are six top brain foods that are highly recommended for better running, and a healthier brain. 

#running #brain #foods #healthy #nutrients #almonds #eggs #kale #salmon #wheyprotein #yogurt 




  • Almonds: One of the richest sources of vitamin E which combats oxidative stress in the brain, and acts as a potent protector for the brain's omega-3-rich cell membranes.
  • Eggs: The choline a nutrient which is found in the yolk of the egg helps keep the brain's neurotransmitters signaling properly. 
  • Kale: is loaded with lutein, which protects neurons from oxidative damage caused by pollution and heavy breathing (during hard running). 
  • Salmon: is primarily made of omega-3 fats just like the membrane of brain cells. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) can make these cells more supple, optimizing your processing power. Omega-3s may also delay memory loss as you age, and boost IQ in kids. 
  • Whey Protein: Research shows that consuming whey protein (found in milk and other dairy foods) results in brain cells being better able to process oxygen, a sign of optimal brain function.
  • Yogurt: Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can be found in some yogurts, may affect better connectivity between brain regions. 










Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Organic Sun-Dried White Mulberries

Not only are these organic mulberries a sweet treat, superfood, and high in antioxidants, but they are rich in resveratrol which is found primarily in red wine. Mulberries also contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. I love tossing them into my oatmeal, or yogurt for that extra yummy flavor! www.sprouts.com   www.amazon.com   www.znaturalfoods.com
#organic #mulberries #healthy #superfood #antioxidants #vitamins #nutrients #minerals #immunity #fiber #iron 



Monday, February 3, 2014

Coconut Oil Soft Gels

When I'm not adding coconut oil to my protein shakes, I take these organic coconut oil soft gels. Coconut oil is filled with beneficial fatty acids which help support your immune system. Other benefits include hair care, skin care, weight loss, proper digestion, and regulated metabolism. 

www.naturesanswer.com   www.amazon.com   www.sprouts.com
#coconutoil #goodfats #healthy #immunity #benefits #fattyacids #metabolism





Sunday, February 2, 2014

Giada's Feel Good Food

This is the best cook book I have ever purchased! I read the entire cook book, and am so excited to try out her healthy recipes, especially the juices and smoothies! Absolutely love her recipes, tips and style! In this cook book Giada covers it all by sharing her vegan, dairy, & gluten free recipes, as well as tips on travel and yoga. I plan on making pretty much every recipe in this fabulous book! I bought my copy on amazon. www.amazon.com   

#giadasfeelgoodfood #healthy #juices #smoothies #snacks #breakfast #lunch #dinner #dessert #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #recipes #secrets #amazon



Saturday, February 1, 2014

Guacamummus or Hummamole

Love making this appetizer, not only for it's yummy taste, but because it's always a hit for any party. It's either called guacamummus or hummamole. It really tastes like a smooth version of guacamole for those of you who do not care for hummus. You can eat it with either pita chips or tortilla scoops. 
#appetizer #gucamole #hummus #pitachips #tortillascoops #delicious #tasty #guacamummus #hummamole #event #party #potluck


Ingredients:


  • 1 avocado. peeled and pitted
  • 1 (15 oz.) can of chickpeas, drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 2 Tbsp. tahini (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. salt (more or less to taste)

Directions:

Combine all indregients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add in a few extra tablespoons of water to thin out the consistency if you'd like.