Out of it

Quick update for those of you who don´t know.... I am currently in Panama and blogging about it at fleethecountry.blogspot.com

xoxo

~6 calorie cutting tips~

So I was clicking around on shape.com this morning and ran accross these great calorie cutting tips that I thought I would pass along.(http://www.shape.com/healthy_eating/calories_carbs_and_fat/calories/best_ways_to_cut_calories/p/page/1). I'm so excited to try all of them! Let me know if you can think of any others to add.

1. Add the Olive Oil Last
We often think of sautéing as a lowfat cooking method, but some vegetables, such as eggplant, mushrooms, and greens, tend to soak up the majority of the fat that's added to the pan. Steam your veggies instead, then toss them with a few teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of red pepper flakes and sea salt.
Calories saved per cup: 150

2. Lighten Up Your Juice
Fill a water bottle with 6 ounces of juice and an equal amount of sparkling water. Or make an Arnold Palmer by mixing 6 ounces of lemonade with an equal amount of unsweetened iced tea.
Calories saved: 100

3. Downsize Your Baked Goods
You can automatically halve the calories in fresh-baked muffins by using a pan with a dozen slots rather than one with just six. And if you swap half a cup of applesauce for the half cup of butter or oil called for in your recipe, you can save an additional 75 calories per muffin.
Calories saved: 310 to 385

4. Bulk Up Your Pasta-with Veggies
If you're making pasta at home, a 2-cup serving of noodles with a large ladle of meat, vodka, or Alfredo sauce can set you back 600 calories or more. To fill your plate, mix a cup of pasta with a cup of steamed veggies, topping the dish with half a cup of your favorite jarred marinara sauce.
Calories saved: 250

5. Serve Dessert in a Shot Glass
Can't resist taking a slice of key lime pie or cheesecake at a buffet? Allow yourself to savor the amount that fits in a shot glass (that's about 3 tablespoons) and you'll save 80 percent of the calories you'd get in a full-size portion.
Calories saved: 360

6. Take Your Own Popcorn to the Movies
A medium container from the theater has at least 900 calories-not including the "butter" topping. Pre-pop your lowfat favorite and stash the bag in your tote.
Calories saved: 600

~easy calzones~

I love this calzone recipe! It's quick, easy, and filling-plus it looks gourmet. You can put pretty much anything you want inside calzones, but the recipe below has some of my favorite ingredients. Also, feel free to play around with the proportions to add as much or as little of ingredients as you like.



Ingredients:
Pillsbury pizza dough
Roughly 1/2 a jar of marinara sauce (reserve extra for dipping calzones in when baked)
a few handfuls of shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4C of cooked spinach
1/2C of green olives
3T pesto (this can be bought pre-made at most supermarkets)

Steps:
1. Grease cookie sheet, and pre-heat oven to 400
2. Roll out pizza dough and cut into 3 large rectangles
3. Layer marinara sauce and other ingredients onto half of each dough rectangle
4. Fold 2nd half of dough over to close, and press edges closed with fork
5. Take a knife and cut a small slit in the top of each calzone
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until calzones are golden brown

~quick way to de-stress~

Sometimes after a long day at work (especially if you spend a lot of time hunched over a computer) your neck can be full of tension. I hate that feeling, but it's often hard to get rid of. Well, I found this really simple trick in a magazine recently (I think it was Shape) that will help you relax and ease away cramps. Take a wet washcloth and throw it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Then, roll one or two chamomile tea bags up in it. Next, place it on your neck for a few moments and breathe deeply. This scent is calming and is one of my favorites right before bed; peppermint is also wonderful. Placing it on your face afterwards is also really relaxing. Happy de-stressing!

~worthy cause of the month~

There are a lot of great charities out there, but sometimes it's hard to know which ones are trustworthy and effective. That's why I've decided to blog about some causes that are deserving of your time and patronage. All of the causes I'll be writing about are committed to making the world a better place, so you can feel great about helping them out. If anyone has information about amazing charities that also deserve the spotlight please let me know!
This month's cause is RAINN: The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. Sexual Assault is a growing problem;every 2 1/2 minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Founded in 1994, RAINN has now helped over one million people dealing with the difficult issues of rape, abuse, and/or incest. RAINN is the largest anti-sexual assult organization, and was recently named one of America's top 100 charities by Worth magazine. Among its programs, RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape treatment hotlines provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services around the clock. RAINN also operates an online hotline that provides confidential crisis support for individuals in need. Additionally, RAINN is a frequent resource for television, radio and print news outlets — as well as local, state and national policymakers, law enforcement and rape treatment professionals — on the issues related to rape and sexual assault. If you are interested in learning more about this fantastic organization visit www.rainn.org to discover ways to get involved. *Below are some public service announcements produced by RAINN*

summer read #3!

French Women Don't Get Fat



It’s really my great-grandmother’s fault; you can ask anyone in the family. Always perfectly put together, even in her old age, her hats inevitably complimented her outfit flawlessly as did her lipstick. The fact that she was French took her to a completely different level of sophistication in my mind; and I still think of her as the embodiment of elegance. What more could a little girl ask for, than to play in her makeup and listen to her sing or tell fairy tales in French. This in my four-year-old mind made her the most fascinating person ever to have walked the planet. The stereotype of the alluring and chic French woman is still alive and well today. What is it about French women that makes them seem so sexy, fashionable, and classy that they leave American women falling all over themselves to imitate them? In Mireille Guilano's book she juxtaposes the way French women approach food and pleasure with the American woman's mindset. Equal parts nutrition and style this book has many unique tips on how to change your outlook on food. French Women Don't Get Fat is divided into short, easy to manage, chapters which need not all be read in a single sitting. This is a wonderful book if you are interested in the French way of thinking, and/or changing your own relationship with food.
**Note: the 2nd edition of the book (with a blue cover) has twice as many recipes as the first**
Below are some videos with the author discussing French style and food.

~breakfast beignets~

I had beignets [pronounced ben yAys] for the first time last Sunday and fell in love. These fluffy French pastries are iconic of New Orleans, but somehow I've never run across them before. The recipe I found is so lite and sweet you won't be able to stop eating them. An added plus is that they are relatively easy to make! Powdered sugar is the most common topping but cinnamon, granulated white sugar, and strawberry jam are all great too. Beignets are great for weekend brunches for a crowd since this recipe makes quite a few.



Ingredients
1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105° to 115°)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
Sifted powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Combine yeast and warm water in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.

2. Combine yeast mixture, evaporated milk, and next 3 ingredients. Gradually stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Cover and chill 8 hours (if you chill it the night before that works best).

3. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead 5 or 6 times. Roll dough into a 15- x 12 1/2-inch rectangle; cut into 2 1/2-inch squares.

4. Pour oil to depth of 3 to 4 inches into a large pot (cast iron is great) heat to 375°. Fry 3 or 4 beignets at a time, 1 minute on each side or until golden. Drain; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

summer read #2!

Eat Pray Love




I'm sure most everyone has heard of this New York Times bestseller, but if you haven't read yet it now is the time! This fantastic non-fiction work tells the story of Elizabeth Gilbert's travels after her difficult divorce. In an effort to put some balance back into her life she travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Gilbert writes "I wanted to explore the art of pleasure in Italy, the art of devotion in India and, in Indonesia, the art of balancing the two". She lays bare her most personal fears and hopes to the reader, seemingly without fear of reproach. This book has resonated with men and women alike who seek balance in their lives and realize that just because they have 'grown up' it doesn't mean that they are finished discovering themselves. Growing up does not mean that you suddenly have all the answers along with that perfect house, dog, two kids, and a spouse. Sometimes life takes unexpected, though delightful, twists and turns; Gilbert narrates her self-discovery and experience with this beautifully.

*interview w/the author*

~ diy pedi ~

With the arrival of summer come flip-flops galore! Every store seems to carry at least 20 varieties of shoes that will show off your toes. Unfortunately pedicures, at least in my area, can cost between $45-$65. So with tighter funds (thanks to the r-word) how's a girl to keep her feet ready for sandals 24/7? Well, lots of magazines have been featuring tips for DIY (do it yourself) pedicures lately. Below are a few ideas I've found that have helped me cut back on costs while creating a new de-stressing ritual in my own bathroom.



*and don't worry if you do not have a ton of fresh flowers to soak your feet in ;) I promise these ideas are simple and cheap, I just liked this photo.

Steps to help you create your own spa experience:

1) Light a few candles, and put on some soft music. After all, getting a pedicure isn't just about getting your nails done it's a time for you to relax. My favorite combinate is lavender candles with Diana Krall in the background (http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Diana-Krall/dp/B000SO7OL6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1243613195&sr=1-2).

2) Soak your feet. Mix all the ingredients (listed below) together and soak for as long as you want.

Ingredients for skin softening soak:
1/4 fresh lemon juice
a bit of cinnamon
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup of milk
1/4 water

3) Scrub. Take 1 cup granulated sugar and pour into a mixing bowl. Gradually add your favorite Olive Oil and mix together until you have a slightly wet, but granually consistency (really, whatever looks good to you). Then, add in a sprinkling of peppermint leaves (or a few drops of peppermint oil).

Ingredients for scrub:
Brown sugar
Olive oil
Fresh mint leaves (or peppermint oil)

4) Massage in your favorite lotion. I love 'Shea It Isn't So' from Bath & Body Works (http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2222376&cp=2484528.3214849&parentPage=family)

5) Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish.

6) Polish. Apply a base coat first, or use Sally Hansen’s Double Duty base and top coat. Then, apply two thin coats of polish followed by a top coat.

7) Hit the beach to show off your toes ;)

Summer Read #1

When school is in session homework tends to cut into my leisure reading time far more than I would like. Thankfully summer is finally here! For me this means more time to read books that don't require me to write a huge paper afterwards =) I'll be posting some novel's I've been reading of late- great for relaxing when you get some downtime. Let me know what you think of them!

The Piano Teacher-Janice Lee



I read this book not long ago, and loved it (nearly impossible to put down)! This often dark tale of two affairs unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong. In fact, the city itself is just as engaging as any of Lee's characters, and perhaps the only one you will still have faith in by the end of the story. As the New Yorker says "Lee unfolds each story, and flits between them, with the brisk grace and discretion of the society she describes—a world in which horrors are adumbrated but seldom told". I definitely recommend it for anyone trying to mentally escape for a bit this summer with a complex novel, not just another cheap beach book. Here's a site with more information about the author: http://www.elle.com/Living/Travel/Janice-Lee-The-Piano-Teacher

~picnic time~

It's summer! To me that means lots of eating outdoors =) There's just something about eating outside that makes dinner (or lunch) into more of an event than a chore. Below are some fantastic (and simple) recipes for a summer picnic.

Lemonade
it's not summer without it



Ingredients:
5 lemons
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 1/4 quarts water

Directions:
1. Peel the rinds from the 5 lemons and cut them into 1/2 inch slices. Set the lemons aside.
2. Place the rinds in a bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them. Let this stand for about one hour, so that the sugar begins to soak up the oils from the lemons.
3. Bring water to a boil in a covered saucepan and then pour the hot water over the sugared lemon rinds. Allow this mixture to cool for 20 minutes and then remove the rinds.
4. Squeeze the lemons into another bowl. Pour the juice through a strainer into the sugar mixture. Stir well, pour into pitcher and pop it in the fridge! Serve with ice cubes.


Pasta Salad
super easy and delicious




Ingredients:
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons country-style grainy mustard
1 pound cooked ditalini pasta
1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers (from water-packed jar)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Salt and ground black pepper
2 cups small mozzarella balls


Directions:
In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, oil and mustard. Add cooked pasta, red peppers and basil and toss to combine. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Fold in mozzarella cheese.


Berry Napoleons
simple & elegant



Ingredients:
Cooking spray
12 wonton wrappers
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup whipped topping
1 cup raspberries, blackberries or sliced strawberries, or any berry combination
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Mint to garnish, if desired

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Arrange wonton wrappers on prepared baking sheet and spray the surface with cooking spray. Sprinkle sugar over wontons.

3. Bake 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove wontons from oven and arrange 4 on a serving platter (or individual dessert dishes).

4. Top each wonton with 2 tablespoons whipped topping and then 2 tablespoons berries.

5. Top with second wonton wrapper. Repeat layers (whipped topping, berries, wonton wrapper). Sift confectioners' sugar over top layer. Serve immediately.

The R Word

As we all are acutely aware, the recession is a reality. The downturn in the economy can affect everything from how often you eat out to whether you skip a hair color touch up. These things aren't necessities to be sure, but they are little luxuries that I miss when funds do not allow for them as often as I would like. Fortunately I've found a website that makes things a little easier in this not so sunny time for money. Go to billshrink.com! There you can enter information about cell phone plans, interest rates, or even gas prices, and the site will find you a cheaper payment plan (or better gas station). Saving money by switching plans may just give you enough extra cash to treat yourself to something special to brighten your day. Happy savings!

Five Ways to Simplify Your Beauty Routine

Getting ready in the mornings can be the most stressful part of the day. One minute you were enjoying the warmth of your bed and then the alarm went off and you stumbled into the bathroom in mad rush. Well, below are a few tips I use when I'm tight on time in the AM. They help save time and bring a little sanity to my dash out the door.

#1
Set up an area on your vanity or bathroom counter to lay out your makeup and tools. They'll be easier to find than in an overstuffed bag.

#2
Choose big fluffy brushes to apply face powder and blush. They will deposit a sheer wash of color that's easier to blend.

#3
Don't use mascara on your lower lashes. It often smudges and it will take more time to clean up.

#4
If you don't have time to wash your hair, spray the roots with hairspray- the alcohol in it will absorb excess oil.

#5
If you do have time to wash your hair, but not enough to let it dry, you can work in a golf-ball sized amount of mousse. The alcohol content will speed up the drying process.

#2 = more time to watch youtube!

Admit it-there has been at least one moment in the past week when you've been on youtube and felt guilty because you knew you should have been doing something else. Well give yourself permission to get distracted because I have two AMAZING videos to share with you. So sit back (chai latte in hand) and enjoy!

*This is one of my best friends performing with her boyfriend.*



*This is a long video, but these guys are awesome!*

Best part of summer #1 = iced lattes!

I love chai lattes, my best friend from elementary school got me hooked. I prefer them hot in the winter, but in the summer I would rather have an iced chai latte than lemonade any day. Below is a recipe to add a little zen to the beginning of summer =)

Make Chai Tea Latte from Liquid Concentrate
*I like TAZO's concentrate (http://iweb.cooking.com/images/products/enlarge/206751e.jpg). It's faster than brewing your own from scratch.*

Step 1-->Shake the package of liquid chai concentrate before opening it.

Step 2-->Pour a ½ cup of the chai concentrate into a into a glass

Step 3-->Next mix in ½ cup of milk

Step 4-->Add ice cubes to the glass

Step 5-->Sprinkle the chai latte with cinnamon, nutmeg or both and serve