Some of my Favorite Things

Healthy Eats With Peanut Butter and Julie

by christiem on April 22, 2012 · 15 comments

Happy Earth Day!  

Continuing with my Earth Month Posts is a guest post from one of my personal favorite bloggers- Julie of Peanut Butter and Julie AND  Julie Anne’s Granola.  Julie is an amazing chef  and all around pretty cool gal, if you haven’t read her blog check it out she posts the most amazing recipes- I am severely addicted to her delicious Granola- which you can buy at Whole Foods.

Since what you put IN your body is as important as what you put ON your body I thought this would be the perfect time for Julie and I to join forces and for her to dish to you one of her delish and healthy recipes!  ENJOY!

 -Christie

 

Hi there!  I was so flattered that Christie asked me to do a guest post, not only because I am a big fan of this blog, but because I am also a big fan of Christie.  As someone who has, um, limited abilities in the styling arena, I am always in awe of Christie’s talents, and I learn so many valuable tips from her posts.

 

My abilities reside mostly in the culinary arena.  I write a food blog, Peanut Butter and Julie, and I own a granola company called Julie Anne’s.  While most of the creations on my blog are of the sweet and decadent variety, I tend to stick to a pretty healthy daily diet, and Christie asked that I share one of my figure-friendly recipes with you today, just in time for bikini season.  I’m also giving away one of my Julie Anne’s Five Flavor Variety Packs to one lucky reader. (details at end of post)

Call me crazy, but I love to eat soup year-round, even during the scorching Las Vegas summer.  Soup is a wonderfully easy way to make a healthy yet satisfying meal, and if you develop one of those horrible summer colds from going in and out of the air conditioning, they are the perfect remedy.

 

Thai food is a cuisine that hits most of your senses (you really don’t hear anything, which is why I say “most.”)  The colors are vibrant and plentiful, the aromas are enticing, there are many different textures, and the taste, well, just try this soup!  Broth-based soups are filling, and this one incorporates a bit of low-fat coconut milk, which adds a creamy texture.  The flavor is spicy, tangy, sweet, and salty, and there are plenty of veggies and lean protein as ingredients.  Besides, how often do you get to whip out that wok from the back of your cabinets and cook with it?  Here are my extra tips for preparing this healthy and flavorful soup:

 

  • This soup is a great way to use up leftover roasted chicken or even turkey.  Instead of sautéing the chicken pieces with the shallots, simply add about 2 1/2 cups of shredded roasted chicken along with the coconut milk.  You could also make it vegetarian by using tofu.
  • If you cannot find a package that specifically says “pad Thai noodles,” then just find some wide rice stick noodles in the Asian foods section of your grocery store.  You can also use glass noodles or soba noodles for this soup.
  • This recipe reheats very well.  Keep it refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to three days.
  • Instead of using sugar snap peas, you can use 8 ounces of trimmed snow pea pods.  I prefer sugar snaps for their added sweetness and texture.
  • Warning: Asian fish sauce has a very pungent smell to it.  This does not translate to the recipe, and it really adds a nice distinct Thai flavor to dishes.  Keep the bottle refrigerated after opening.

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh baby spinach

8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved crosswise

6 ounces pad Thai noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons red curry paste

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (13.5 ounce) can light coconut milk

1/2 cup chopped scallions

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime wedges for serving (optional)

 

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan.  Add the spinach and sugar snap peas to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute.  Drain the vegetables and rinse under very cold water to stop the cooking process.  Cook the pad Thai noodles according to the package directions; drain and set aside.

 

Heat the oil in a large deep skillet or wok.  Add the chicken and sauté for 1 minute.  Add the shallots, curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute more.  Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.  Add the coconut milk to the pan; reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

 

Add the scallions, brown sugar, and fish sauce to the pan; simmer for 2 minutes.  Add the reserved spinach, sugar snap peas, and noodles to the pan and simmer to warm through.  Stir in the cilantro.  Serve the soup hot with lime wedges (optional.)

Julie wants to keep you looking great on the outside by making sure you are taking care of your insides!

1 Lucky winner will receive a Five Flavor Variety pack from Julie Anne’s Granola! (It’s soooooo good!)

To ENTER:

First either LIKE Julie Anne’s Granola on Facebook OR Follow them on Twitter @JulieannesLV

THEN leave a comment on this post between April 22 and April 27th saying “I love Peanut Butter and Julie”!

Good Luck and Thanks for reading!

Last weeks lucky winner is: Calli!  Congrats!

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Feeling Green: Green Tea and the Tipcup

by christiem on March 25, 2012 · 11 comments

A few weeks ago I did the BluePrintCleanse, one of the best decisions I have made this year-  if you haven’t tried it yet order it now, seriously you will feel amazing!

During the cleanse BP suggests you drink alot of green tea, before the cleanse I hadn’t really been  much of a green tea drinker except for the occasional cup when out for sushi to wash down a sake bomb..lol.

I have since developed a taste for green tea-  a cup at night is the perfect way to unwind from the day.  I have also learned the difference between high and low quality green teas and yes, I have now become a tea snob.

I really enjoy loose tea- the kind that doesn’t come in a tea bag- its usually higher in quality, flavor and  freshness and less processed but it  really can be a mess to deal with and really inconvenient for a person on the go. Picture me on set in a rush, pulling out my  messy infuser, a tea cup and a bag of tea then spilling it all over the place trying to pour the leaves into the infuser whilst cursing and swearing and everyone staring- not very relaxing.

Enter the “Tipcup”.  This stunning elegant, functional cup made by Magisso called the “Tipcup”  is an infuser and teacup all in one!  I pull that beauty out on set and everyone asks “what is that” and “where can I get one”?

Always a fan of cool design I was drawn to this “tipcup” because of its sleek appearance.

Available in Snow White or Pure Black this no mess teacup is super easy to use:  tip one side to brew tea (with the strainer positioned underwater), and then tip the other way to drink (when the strainer is positioned out of the water, the tea leaves are no longer being steeped).

Love it!  Easy to take with you where ever you go- a revolutionary new way to enjoy a cuppa tea at home or anywhere.

My favorite pairing is the Tipcup with D’Adamo’s Mr. Itaru’s Special Green Tea Blend .

The blend is a “Gen Mai Cha” or brown rice tea. It is a traditional favorite in Japan and combines toasted brown rice with the finest premium green tea leaves.  The brown rice adds an amazing flavor to the tea with a delicious roasted aroma and full body flavor- a perfect healthy substitute for those trying to break their coffee addition!

Tea Fact:  Did you know that green tea gives you powerful antioxidants 100 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 25 times stronger than Vitamin E (not that it replaces these essential nutrients). The best green teas will boost immunity and help fight or prevent cancer. Green  tea also promotes healthy bacteria in the intestines and normalize the workings of the cardiovascular system. 

Brewing the Perfect cup of Green Tea

D’Adamo advises that when making green tea it is not necessary or desirable to use boiling water. Moderately warm to hot water is best. If the water is too hot the delicate leaves may loose flavor. Tea leaves should be placed in the water for about 30 seconds (45 seconds at the longest) and removed. Superior quality green tea should look light green when prepared in this manner.

Green Tea for everyone!

This week 2 lucky winners will receive ”Tipcups” from Magisso.

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already either subscribe VIA EMAIL to this blog OR “Like” us on Facebook. (links to both are in the upper right side of sidebar).

Then, leave a comment on this post between March 25 and March 31st,  telling me your favorite way to enjoy tea.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

Last weeks lucky winner is: Elly Brown!  Congrats!

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” on Facebook and Twitter.

BONUS:

Please join me in Sat. March 31 from 2-5 to celebrate the  launch of Brian Atwoods new collection B by Brian Atwood  at Saks Fifth Ave. Fashion Show Mall.

I’ll be live tweeting from the event, invite below:

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Spring Cleaning: BluePrintCleanse

by christiem on February 26, 2012 · 51 comments

I have watched the models I work with experiment with different types of cleanses for years- pills that cleanse, the Master Cleanse, Model Detox cleanse, home brewed leek cleanses, etc. -but what I also noticed is that they seemed to leave the person cleansing either REALLY Cranky, REALLY hungry, REALLY in need of a restroom constantly or in some cases from garlic pills REALLY smelled bad!

Over the last year I have heard a ton of chatter from celebrities like Jason Wu, Olivia Wilde, and Sarah Jessica Parker plus recommendations from friends in New York- models, actors, PR gals, marketing gals, designers- about this amazing cleanse that makes you feel incredible: the BluePrintCleanse.   Founded by raw food enthusiast Zoe Sakoutis the BluePrint motto is We Think You Drink!

The winter months combined with traveling for work have not been kind to my weight or how I feel physically (tired, lack of motivation and lack of focus) so I decided to give The BluePrintCleanse a go.

What does it do?

“The Cleanse will gently rid your body of impurities, regain the alkaline balance and normalize digestion and metabolism.  Too often a cleanse stirs up   detox symptoms that are far too intense for the average person.  BPC is designed for people that would like to give their insides a rest while simultaneously going  about their daily lives”.

Why a Juice Cleanse vs. the other kinds of Cleanses?

BluePrintCleanse is a nutritional cleanse made with fresh fruits and vegetables, so rather than a deprivation cleanse or fast, you are flooding your system with loads of vitamins, nutrients and live enzymes that feed your body on a cellular level and give it everything it needs while your digestive system is able to rest and reboot.

How Does it Work?

BluePrintCleanse is unique!   Offering different levels of intensity plus each level gives a choice on how long you want to cleanse (either a 3 day, 5 day or 10 day programs).

Renovation

Foundation

Excavation

“The main difference between the three levels corresponds with how many green juices vs. fruit juices per day.  If you are new to juicing and aren’t used to as much green juice start with level one and gradually work your way up.”

I chose the Renovation 3 day Cleanse, set my delivery date on the calendar (they let you schedule when it arrives) and placed my order. (If you live in New York it is hand delivered to your door, if you live elsewhere like me it is sent via fed-ex for a minimal charge.)

Once my juices arrived everything was as easy as 1-2-3! (NO mixing, NO Blending-its all done for you!)

(above: BPCleanse locked and loaded in my refrigerator)

I had 6 juices to drink per day (which were numbered).  You combine your juices with a plentiful water intake and green tea.  I added fresh lemon to my water for flavor.  The green juices were a bit hard for me to get down at first but you get used to them (putting them over ice and adding freshly squeezed lemon helps) and they are broken up with some delicious fruit juices in between-Pineapple Mint is yummy!

I am so proud to say that I made it through my ENTIRE cleanse without a single cheat!  I wasn’t even hungry.  Seriously.  It was more a mental game, something looked good but my body wasn’t craving it, my mind was.

During my cleanse and after, the folks at BluePrint were so supportive!  They sent me encouraging emails and tweets of support.  It fealt like I had a whole nutrition team cheering me on!

Since completing my cleanse the biggest question I am asked is  ”How do you feel?”

It’s hard to explain how much better you feel!  I am REALLY clear headed, REALLY energized and focused and my body feels like I have been getting in good workouts for about a week (even though I haven’t).

My reasons for cleansing were to clean out my body and reset myself both mentally and physically before starting a weight loss plan.  I have really had problems in the past committing to a weight loss plan and not cheating.  After my BPCleanse dieting has become so much easier- now I don’t want to put bad things in my body.  It was life changing for me!  I am down 10 pounds and its been the easiest 10 pounds I’ve ever lost.

I began this journey for myself, I hadn’t planned on writing about it but I had such an amazing experience with BluePrint  I just had to share it with you!

I would HIGHLY recommend the BluePrintCleanse  -whether you are looking to loose weight, feel better physically or just do some “Spring Cleaning” you will be amazed at what this cleanse can do for you. (Its gluten free and 100% vegan so no excuses!)

Here are just a few of the possible benefits from doing a BluePrintCleanse:

  • boosts immune system
  • alleviates allergies
  • improves thyroid function
  • provides rest for digestive organs
  • provides normalized weight
  • promotes normalized blood pressure
  • reverses signs of aging
  • elevates mood and sex drive
  • alleviates symptoms of PMS
  • Increases energy
  • promotes clear skin
  • combats viruses

The BluePrint folks recommend that you cleanse after times of excess such as post holidays and followings trips PLUS seasonally, springtime and fall are the best times of year for a cleanse.

You can order your cleanse at BluePrintCleanse.com and follow them on twitter @ BPCleanse

*Make sure to follow their instructions for breaking the cleanse- don’t just jump straight back into food afterwards!

This week its time to do some Spring Cleaning!

1 Lucky winner will receive a 3 day Cleanse from BluePrintCleanse.

To Enter:

First “like” BluePrintCleanse on Facebook or follow them on twitter

Then, leave a comment on this post between Feb. 26 and March 3rd telling me why you need BPCleanse to help you do some Spring Cleaning.  

Good luck and thanks for reading!

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” this post on Facebook and Twitter!

Last weeks lucky winner is: Lollieshopping!  Congrats!

 

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Smooth Operator- ResultWear

by christiem on February 19, 2012 · 7 comments

Sometimes the road to obtaining the perfect silhouette can be a rocky one filled with potholes, lumps and bumps that we would prefer to hide!

Smoothing things out can make all the difference in how your look comes across.

Enter THE celebrity secret smoothing weapon ResultWear by dMondaine.

ResultWear was created to meet the demand for shapewear that is not only beautiful but also lifts, shapes and creates a smooth silhouette.

Until my ResultWear discovery my dabbling into the world of shapewear had been a bit of a nightmare.  I had purchased shapewear from other brands, you know, the kind that look like biker shorts. Not only were they unattractive but it would take me an hour to shove myself into them like a sausage then I would head out to an event only to find them rolling down on me or pinching my thighs until I was in pain, embarrassingly squirming around trying to adjust them and then finally running to the restroom to take them off!

I sat down with Kiana Anvaripour the creator and designer behind ResultWear to get the “skinny” on her shapely solution.

Q: What inspired you create a shapewear line?

 K: After having been in luxury evening wear and intimates I began developing a classic LBD line. I designed RW whilst I was in search for a perfect accompaniment, that dipped low enough with out the use of an under-wire,  was just as sexy as the dresses so you had no apprehensions to take it off , and contour your body -actually giving it shape in all the best parts. I have always been inspired by old Hollywood glamour – hence the names in the collection such as the Marilyn and the Jane. Every piece has a modern yet vintage look – fashion and function.

Q: You call your line ResultWear instead of shapewear.  Why?

K: There is actually a funny story about the name. When I lived in London in my twenties every time I was preparing for a date I would alter parts of my form fitting dresses , a little here a little there. ( with Safety pins mind you.. ). And all my friends coined the phrase Kiana and her  ”ResultWear” – just going out to get some Results- and turn heads. A very tongue and cheek way of saying you get that extra boost of confidence which we gals need to look fabulous by accentuating the positive. I think we as woman should embrace our feminine silhouette and shape all the parts that make us women with out flattening them.

Q:  Some shapewear can be not only confining but down right uncomfortable with pinching, rolling and can basically take an army to get you into it. What makes ResultWear stand out from the rest?

K: What makes Result Wear different from other shapewear companies out there? ResultWear puts the shape back in shapewear. It smoothes and contours but puts everything in all the right places. The key piece the “Marilyn” is easy to get on and off due to its zipper, and once on  it is very comfortable and breathes. Many of our celebrity clients love the performance fabric aspect of the garments because it is so comfortable as well as our veteran buyers which say it withstands the hosiery test and stays put!  Most of all,  its sexy and sleek so you don’t have to be embarrassed when the clothes come off – We are women – lets celebrate our curves – and with the help of ResultWear make them sexier.

Q: Contrary to many people’s beliefs even celebs need shapewear.. give us the dish on who is wearing ResultWear!

K: We have a fabulous fan following. Even if you are a double zero, curves are feminine and the bands in the RW pieces achieve that. To name a few Sofia Vergara, Halle Barry, Ginnie Goodwin, Fergie etc. Michelle Williams –  It is also a fashion item meant to be shown off or worn under sheer which lends itself to another use as well.

Q: How should a woman choose which of the silhouettes to wear?

K: We have a wonderful how to wear guide on our website that shows you how to not only pick your size and silhouette but how to merchandise it. ResultWear can be shown off.. In fact the latest trend for sheer is perfect for any fashionista who needs a shaping slip to wear with her sheer blouse or dress. People will wonder it its even part of the dress as they often do when I merchandise it with my sheer items. (for ResultWear styling tips visit ResultWear.com )

No more hiding those ugly knickers like Bridget Jones, ResultWear‘s  stunning styles  look more like a chic evening dress than shapewear AND it  does exactly what it’s suppose to, shape your body!

ResultWear by dMondaine should be EVERY woman’s secret weapon.

Available at Neiman Marcus.

ResultWear wants to give you a smooth start!  1 lucky winner will receive a Marilyn Slip from ResultWear.

To ENTER:

First, if you haven’t already, “like” this blog on Facebook or Subscribe VIA email- both links can be found in the upper right side of sidebar.

Then leave a comment on this post between Feb 19th and Feb. 24th telling me why you need ResultWear to smooth you out.

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” this post on Facebook and Twitter.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

Last Weeks Lucky winner is Karen G.!  Congrats!

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Stadler Form: Baby it’s Cold Outside

December 4, 2011

Baby it’s cold outside! Last summer I introduced you to some amazing fans to cool things down from my fav fashion meets function website Stadler Form. Now they are back to heat things up this winter with a stunning heater and hydration relief from the dry weather with my top rated product- the travel humidifier. [...]

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Swizz Style Fashion meets Function

May 15, 2011

I like to do everything with style, including staying cool through summer’s heat, but a loud bulky unsightly fan doesn’t do much for my Mid-Century Modern living room! Luckily, Swizz Style shares my passion for being both fashionable and functional! Based on the belief that household appliances are important and useful but can sometimes be “the [...]

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Michael Kors Goes Hollywood

April 16, 2011

Back by popular demand Michael Kors has re-released their limited edition Very Hollywood Signature Pen. The gorgeous pen comes in a box as gold as an Oscar with a beautiful coral-pink suede lining.   The pen- fit for a starlette -has a sleek feel and a smooth stroke, but the best part is that the ink is [...]

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I want to be a Skinnygirl!

January 22, 2011

The weather has started to slowly warm up, which means I will soon be switching from my winter Irish Coffee’s back to my favorite Summer drink the Margarita! You may remember last summer I posted a recipe for a low calorie margarita, but now I have the BIGGEST NEWS in skinny drinks so far!   Bethenny [...]

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Be Fit in your Frock: Healthy Eats for the New Year

January 2, 2011

New Years Resolution #1: Fit into Fabulous Clothing! You may ask why a fashion writer is doing a piece on Healthy Eating?  The answer is-you need to eat Healthy in order to fit into your fabulous frocks! Eating at Mickey D’s isn’t going to get you into that YSL gown! I’m sure we have all packed [...]

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Prtty Peaushun is Pretty Perfect!

November 13, 2010

Holy Hot Gams Batman! I had heard rumors of this amazing body product, Prtty Peaushun,  that evens out skin tone, enhances muscles, and firms skin to give you an overall glow. Being the sceptic that I am, I never believe it until I see it with my own eyes. I hunted Prtty Peaushun  down and anxiously awaited [...]

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