Red-Hot Monday!

Typically I hate Mondays. Prepping my lunch the night before reminds me that I have to wake up early the next day. It seems like no matter how much I work out and how early I go to sleep- I rarely feel rested on Mondays. However, today felt a bit different.

Taking my Monday by storm was my home-made Southwestern Fiesta salad! I had made a grilled chicken and whole wheat pasta dish for dinner a few days ago and had some chicken I wanted to use before it went bad.

This was the PERFECT use!

 My tastebuds are dancing and I am loving every minute of this salad. Check it out and try it out at home..

1. Head of Lettuce ( commonly seen in wedge salads)
2. Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips- Sante Fe Style ( 30 Calories per 2 tbsp)
3. Goya: Black Beans
4. Grilled Perdue "Fit and Easy" think chicken breast
5. Chipotle-Honey Vinagrette dressing ( recipe to follow!)
6. Weight Watchers Double Cheddar shredded cheese.( 2 pts per 2 tbsp)


Cut the head of lettuce in half or into quarters..Depends on how hungry you are. I prepared mine with a little more then a quarter of the lettuce.

Grill your chicken breast and season lightly with garlic powder and a bit of chili powder if you like the extra heat.
Cracked/crushed red pepper is very good also!

Drain your black beans, rinse and dry with paper towels..
You can opt to add a mild, sweet tomato salsa or corn salsa if you want a more 'sweet flavor'.

Once you have added your beans and chicken, sprinkle 1 to 2 tbsp of the Weight Watchers Double Cheddar shredded cheese ontop of the salad.

Top if off with the Sante Fe tortilla strips and drizzle over everything with the Chipotle-Honey Vinagrette!

CHIPOTLE HONEY VINAGRETTE

1/2 Cup red wine vinegar

1/3 Cup honey

1 Tablespoon adobo

2 Tablespoons kosher salt

1 Teaspoon pepper ( or to taste~ some people aren't pepper fans)

1 Tablespoon freshly chopped oregano

1-1/2 Cups olive oil.

If you cant find the Sante Fe tortilla strips- try the chili and cheese frito chips. They should work just as well.

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Savings.Savings.Savings

at my mark. EBoutique!!

 

Make sure you and your friends check out the "Last Chance" section of my mark. Store! There are some great deals that let you save 44% on select items if you shop now!!

Baulbles & Chains Necklace. Originally Priced at $18.00, Now $9.99!

My Favorite of ALL Favorites: the mark. SuperFlip Color Kit! [ orginially $20.00 ] is on sale for $12.99! How can you beat that price! To see some of the looks I created with this kit, check out my makeup- blogs

And for all of you GOING with the GREEN theme- Check out mark. Earth Body Butter! Orginially priced at $12.00, now $3.99!

 

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Remember to sign up at my mark. EBoutique today for all sorts of great deals!

Sign Up Today!*

 

Love<3

TmD

Healthier.Living- Spread the Word

Similar to most American's my 'New Years Resolution' was to be healthier overall.  This involved me joining two gyms and changing my eating habits and the food I choose to prepare.
As you have seen previously, I have posted recipes for cakes and cookies and yes- I have takin part in eating their yummy goodness, but I have done my best and have not over-indulged.

When I went shopping the other day I found the little mini bagels by Thomas's ( The english muffin brand), and they are 100 calorie bagels. Since I am slowly eliminating carbohydrates ( the bad carbs) from my daily diet, I figured these would allow me a smoother, guilt free transition.

They come in plain or whole wheat and are about $2.99 a bag. Not terrible at all!
What I did for breakfast yesterday morning was a twist on a breakfast sandwich I used to eat in college. Turkey-Egg and Cheese on a toasted bagel or whole wheat toast.

My creation was a less fattening and less messy version but just as satisfying!with a nice organic chocolate low fat milk on the side =D

Try it out for yourself!!

Step 1: Toast your 100 calorie mini-bagel.. Best idea is to put it in a toaster OVEN and not the actual toaster. You will never be able to get it out of a toaster- too tiny!

Step 2: In a hot -,no-stick skillet, cook up two organic/ or regular farm eggs( little pricier, but can be found at any grocery store). Cook them "Over-easy" by cooking to a golden crisp and flipping and cooking the other side for a 1 and a 1/2 to two minutes as well..If you like a cooked yolk- keep it on the skillet for about three minutes.. It will definitely be less messy! Season with a salt free "Mrs.Dash" or like me sodium free Garlic Powder and a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper.

Step 3: This step should be done while preparing your eggs on your skillet. Take a piece of swiss cheese and low fat turkey breast from the deli and place on your warm, toasted mini bagel. The cheese will slowly melt.

Step 4: Place the cooked eggs on ontop of each mini bagel. The turkey will get warm from the heat of the egg and the cheese will melt to perfection.

Under 200 calories and PURE heaven for breakfast!


I concluded that the "Shedding for the Wedding" diet of 600 calories a day was FAR too little calories for me.. I am not trying to shrivel and die and also am not being monitored by a doctor and nutritionist. I will stickto 1000-1200 calories since my trainer told me that is the ideal area to achieve the weight loss goal I have set.

Best advice: Speak to a personal trainer and a nutritionist before deciding to dramatically alter your eating and lifestyle change/diet habits. It really is for your own safety!

Watch out for more posts on my healthy-weight loss- progress! #WINNING!! haha

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Healthy SkinCare for your Winter Recovery & Spring Prep!

I know I am not the only one out there with EXTREMELY tempermental skin! I break out if my moisturizer has even the slightest hint of oil in it! No dewey look for me! My skin does it all by itself with the right moisturizer!

Garnier: Moisture Rescue ( $7.99 or under)

Voted Best of Beauty by Allure (2010)

This moisturizer has been my life saver after the dry winter months and cold weather! With the vitamin E, Grape Water Extracts and Apple Water Extracts, this product has a light fresh scent and is water based and won't clog your pores! For people with normal to combination skin I would recomment the LightWeight UV-Lotion with SPF15 and for those with dry skin- the Refreshing Gel-Cream!

At $7.99 for 4.5oz! The bottle is HUGE and because it is water based and not greasy- you only need about a penny-size worth of lotion for your face and neck! Check it out!  I am not the only one who can vouch for this product!

Read some reviews here:

 Amazon Reviews: Garnier- Moisture Rescue Product Line

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Fresh Make-up Looks and Products for Spring 2011!

Products available here for purchase: Tiffany's mark. Online Store! Shop Online!!!

Check out the adorable Nailed-It polish collection by mark.! This is a set of two and perfect for an at-home Mani/Pedi and can fit nicely in a purse or clutch for your weekend touch ups! ($7 for set of 2)

Loving Fushia-istic!! These shades of pink can brighten even the rainiest days!

PLUS!!!!!!

the IT-Kit!( $20) Includes eye-shadows and blush and then flips to reveal a full pallette of marks. best, silky(non-sticky) lipgloss!

This kit is just as awesome as the Super Flip Kit that I adore!

With all of your necessities in one compact: this is the perfect kit for all women!

To check out the full mark. Magalog-3: Click here!

Please Do NOT Hesitate to tell your friends about these great products! Always count on my blog for up-to-date gossip, health and skincare advice and of course my critiques of all of the above:)

Loves<3

Yummy Time: Shortbread Cookies!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!*

I am not sure who is with me, but I love Panera Bread and all that they do.. I am obsessed with their Green Tea and Frontegga Chicken Panini. ::YUM::
Now.. Yesterday I went for lunch with a co-worker and got my usual and since I have this Panera Bread- rewards card- doo-dad, I received a free sweet or treat of my choice.
I opted for the Shortbread cookie with a whopping 350 calories.. I know, not my healthiest decision of the day, but it was one of the lowest calorie items on the menu!

I like to share my favorite recipes with you guys, so I decided to research recipes for Shortbread cookies. Next to Sugar Cookies, these are my favorite due to their similarities.


When I did the research for some yummy recipes, I stumbled upon a yummy favorite of the Brits on the other side of the pond.

This sugary treat is called the "Millionaires Shortbread".. Let me give you the basics...

Layer of yummy shortbread topped with a layer of caramel and completed with a layer of milk(choice)chocolate!

Three things everyone loves!

I cannot wait to try this recipe at home! It reminds me somewhat of peanut butter bars.. Another of my faves! but definitely on the NO-NO list.

Find the recipe and video here at JoyOfBaking.com!!! Big shout out to them for giving us the heads up!









When I looked into the Panera Bread Shortbread Cookie Recipe and because it is a "Trade Secret" (( Like Pepsi vs. Coca Cola Recipes)), I wasn't able to find it...

So I am going to share with you one that is just like it!!

**Shortbread Cookies**

( if you aren't near a Panera Bread)

8 ounces butter, room temperature (2 sticks)

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

1 Combine all ingredients; use hands to knead until ingredients are blended. Press into ungreased pans (or chill and roll out to about 1/2-inch on a floured board and cut into shapes).

2 Before cooking, mark rectangle cookie lines with knife. )I even made diamonds by cutting them on a diagnol to make them look like panera's!)Bake at 325° for about 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.


Maybe I will make the Irish Version of the Millionaires Shortbread on Saint Patricks Day- then work out for 8 hours on Friday. LOL!!!

Happy Baking everyone and let me know how it turns out!  =]



Wednesday.Witts

Happy Hump Day Everyone =]


First off.... Who still thinks that @CharlieSheen is still "Winning"?? Sure he reached over 2 million friends on twitter within a week.. But he also has lost his job[[ potential candidate for 2n1/2Men = Rob Lowe= Yum:) ]] , he's lost his kids...and I am pretty sure he is on the brink of completely losing his mind... Someone help the man out!

Here is a quick flash back to the Charlie we  love and the present-day Charlie, who viewers just LOVE to watch[crack away at the seams]...


Love<3



Hmp..

Need I say more....

Come back to us Charlie..Come back

I'm not too sure if Rob Lowe is right for the part on 2n1/2Men, but he is handsome & a

decent actor to watch.. For now he is just a candidate...

I think the show should die with Charlie rather then the network try and re-vamp it with someone else... It just wouldn't be the same!

Thoughts?

Ashlee Simpson Wentz, in addition to filing for divorce from hubby ( Fall Out Boy) Pete Wentz, had filed for SOLE custody of their 2-year-old Bronx. ::Poor Bronxy:: This would only allow P.Wentz visitation rights... and have him paying $$childsupport$$.

I hope for Pete's sake ::no pun intended::, the courts rule in favor of Joint-Custody. A 2 year old should not grow up that way. I still think this was a strange pairing from the get-go.

Thank you Perez Hilton for showing us how to use 'PAINT' when manipulating photos!

People.com is pretty sure that these filings with result in a custody Battle..

What do you think?

Full article here

In happier news, Kirstie Alley- who I do not care if everyone thinks she is a coo-coo-ca-choo, I love her-She seems to be having a great ole' time prepping for Dancing with the Stars, 2011!

In my opinion she was paired with the most attractive male professional dancer (Maksim!) so who knows.. Maybe she will win the hearts of America~ the same way former contestant Kelly Osborne did!

Maksim who was paired with Brandy last season of Dancing with the Stars fell short of the finale =[

I am extremely excited for the new season to start and feel like it is going to be better then a lot of critics anticipate. You definitely have my vote Kirstie!! Work it girl!!

Check out how Kirstie's shoes match the color of her golden locks. Hah!

Should definitely be an interesting show.. This is one that I WILL be watching!

xoXo

We.Three.Kings....of Mardi Gras FAT TUESDAY

So Happy "Fat Tuesday" everyone!!

I keep hearing everyone talking about "Kings Cake" and there are many people even wearing Mardi Gras beads in my office today, so I thought it was appropriate to share this recipe with everyone when I saw it on Yahoo!News[ click for full article].

I never knew that the colors actually had meaning:

Purple stands for Justice, Green for Faith and Gold stands for...Of Course....Power...hahah!

Traditional King Cake

Makes 2 cakes (about 18 servings each)

Prep: 30 min.; Cook: 10 min.; Stand: 5 min.; Rise: 1 hr., 30 min.; Bake: 16 min.

This recipe uses bread flour, which makes for a light, airy cake!

Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 (1⁄4-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
1⁄2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6 to 6 1⁄2 cups bread flour (*6 to 6 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour may be substituted)
1⁄3 cup butter, softened
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Creamy Glaze: Purple-, green-, and gold-tinted sparkling sugar sprinkles



Directions:
1. Cook first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until butter melts. Set aside, and cool mixture to 100° to 110°.

2. Stir together yeast, 1⁄2 cup warm water, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.

3. Beat sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, and 2 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until smooth.
Reduce speed to low, and gradually add enough remaining flour (4 to 41⁄2 cups) until a soft dough forms.

4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.

5. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85° is a good temp); free from drafts, 1 hour or until dough is doubled in bulk.

Punch down dough, and divide in half. Roll each portion into a 22- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1⁄3 cup softened butter evenly on each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border.

Stir together 1⁄2 cup sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over butter on each rectangle.

6. Roll up each dough rectangle, jelly-roll fashion, starting at 1 long side. Place one dough roll, seam side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bring ends of roll together to form an oval ring, moistening and pinching edges together to seal. Repeat with second dough roll.

7. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Bake at 375° for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden.
Let the cake cool for ten minutes on a cooling rack. Double check it is cool with the pads of your fingers [ WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST!! :) ]

Once nearly cooled- Drizzle Creamy Glaze evenly over the slightly warm cake.
As the glaze melts over the cake- sprinkle with colored sugars, alternating colors and forming bands.
Let cool completely.

Creamy Glaze:
Makes 1 1⁄2 cups
Prep: 5 min.
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Directions: Stir together first 4 ingredients. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk, adding additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until


I also have noticed in a lot of recipes where food coloring is used in the creamy frosting and the use of Purple, Green and Gold in the frosting is drizzled over the cake and s just perfect for the King Cake! 

In place of cinnamin filling, feel free to add any kind of filling you'd like.. Chocolate, Strawberry or Raspberry preserves---Bring a little personal taste into your pastry and its an all new recipe:)

"Napoleon?...Wasn't that a guy from Shakespeare"

Last night I went to my favorite restaurant in Huntington Village on Long Island, NY.
I cannot explain my [obsession] lovefor the authentic Italian food with a touch of French and even Egyptian cuisine from Bravo Nader!

For anyone who lives in or around the Hungtington area- you HAVE to try this place out. The price is right and the food is authentic and you definitely get your monies worth with the large portions provided! :: Mmmmmmm! ::

I started with the "Pyramid Mozzarella"- I am so mad that I devoured this appetizer before I even thought to photograph it! It was truly a piece of art.

The plate was dressed with a large piece of romaine lettuce and the layers began to move upward!
Pieces of sundried tomatoes sat ontop of a thick slice of fresh mozzarella cheese which sat ontop of a roasted red pepper ontop of a thick fresh tomato slice. The entire work was drizzled with balsamic dressing. I might have died right then!!!

After I inhaled the appetizer, the main course arrived! The service at this place is impeccable! Every waiter and waitress assists your table and you never wonder when you may see the waitstaff to get your check!

I ordered the Chicken Pamersan- typical I know,  but I haven't had it at Bravo Nader before. The cutlet was a thick juicy, breaded and baked piece of chicken with fresh mozz.melted ontop. The pasta side was angelhair in a sweet tomato sauce and the vegetables were crisp and thoroughly cooked in a garlicy-buttery sauce. I do not think I have ever willingly eaten the veggies on my plate from other restaurants, but these~ I could not get enough!

Now.Now.... Not only are the appetizers and entrees amazing. Bravo Nader has desserts that I would eat everyday.

Almond Napoleon Dessert ( For Two!)

 

Cooking Time: about 20 minutes

Preparation Time: about 30 minutes
Refrigeration Time: at least 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. Pre-made Puff Pastry
4 cups Whole Millk
2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup Flour
7 oz. Butter (room temperature)
2 tbsp. Cornstarch
1 Vanilla Bean
3 tbsp ground almond powder or almost extract
10 Egg Yolks
Additional Flour to roll out pastry crust
Additional Butter for baking sheet (or use parchment paper as a lining)
Powdered Sugar to top off the pastry:)

The simple instructions for this dessert are as follows:

Preheat oven to 400°F

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry into a large rectangle 

*Transfer rolled out pastry onto a baking sheet (lightly buttered or else lined with parchment paper).

*Prick top of pastry with a fork. Cover pastry with a layer of parchment paper and place another baking sheet, of the same size, on top, to keep pastry flat.

If you don't have another baking sheet, just pour rice or any dried bean over the top.

Put in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Remove pastry from the refrigerator and bake (with either the additional baking sheet on top, or with the rice/beans on top) for ten minutes.

*Take out of oven, remove baking sheet (or rice/beans) and remove top layer of parchment paper.

*Put back in oven for another 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

*Remove from oven and let cool off entirely before spreading on cream filling.

3. As your pastry is baking, you can prepare the cream filling.

*In a large saucepan combine the yolks, almond powder or extract and sugar and stir well.

*Then stir in flour, and cornstarch.

4. Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds into the mixture and stir well.

5. Slowly stir in the milk until homogenous.

*Put the cream filling on the stove (light heat) and very gently bring to a simmer -- when you see small bubbles, take it off the heat and refrigerate.

6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter so that it rises. Gently mix in the rest of the cream filling.

7. Once the pastry has cooled, cut it carefully (serrated knife works best) into three even parts.

*Using a spoon and a spatula spread a thick layer of cream filling on two parts of pastry crust.

*Stack these two layers and cover with the third (top) pastry piece.

*Sprinkle top with powdered sugar. Refrigerate until serving.

Pair your *Almond Napoleon* dessert with a nice espresso or cappuccino and enjoii!

The finished product will have your stomach screaming at you for more!  ::YUMMY::

.Wednesday Witts.

The 2011 Dancing With the Stars cast has been announced and some people feel there isn't enough :actual: star power to be seen this coming season.

With the former "Veronica's Closet" and "Cheers" actress Kirstie Allie, former Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson, former wrestler Chris Jericho, the outspoken radio/talk show host Wendy Williams, rapper Lil' Romeo, former boxer Sugar-Ray Leonard, "Jonas : LA" actress Chelsea Kane and the Original Karate Kid- Ralph Macchio along with a few other people (( who I have not heard of ))

                                                      You can find the full cast here



I also read this morning about the beautiful Brit- Kate Winslet. Many of those in my generation remember her as Rose from Titanic! (( Oh yeah- I will never deny my love for this film- even if it took up two VHS [pre-DVD] ))
She, like so many, got a ton of flack for being a "pudgy" younger girl. Well let this article rub that in everyones face because this girl looks as amazing as ever!

 Not only has Kate grown into and rocked her curvey figure, she looks fantastic in this Sophie Theallet frock! It reminds me of an old Western- Go-Go Dancer with the slightest twist of tassled flapper with the fringe and I LOVE it!!
Some of Sophie's previous collection are just as beautiful: Check it out

To check out more of Sophies Spring 2011 Collection: Visit here!

For a little peak, I will include a few of my favorites----

This dress was actually number 13 in the collections and I could totally see Miss. 13- Taylor Swift rocking this dress with her pin curls and bright red lips!

What do you think??

This dress is really laid back and totally essential for any summer wardrobe. The fitted wasteband, borderline pencil skirt and overall flowing feel presents this dress to be extremely comfortable and would look good on any figure.

After Florence ( of Florence and the Machine ) nearly crashed and burned on the red carpet in what was the least flattering of her wardrobe selection at the Oscars, I think this dress would be great for her and a much 
better choice... Providing it was given the proper sprucing and consideration of her personal taste... Clean, Classy, and Fresh!

The full version of the frock Kate Winslet wore in Glamour can be seen here... For the record, I prefer the shortened version.. It is much more flattering.

What are your thoughts on Sophies Spring 2011 collection??