HAPPY HOUR IN THE A.M.

Why not make your Happy Hour in the AM a healthy one?  This Martini a day keeps the doctor away. I love a good dirty martini, but how about a clean one too?  Martini glasses are entertaining, they remind me of Roger Moore and Old Hollywood, I decided to dirty up my breakfast one day by adding healthy granola with flaxseed from Whole Foods, and one of my favorite shakes with berries, and pomegranate seeds.

After seeing the new James Bond Movie, I wanted to go to dinner, drive fast, buy gadgets, and have a martini. I had this instead... Shaken not Stirred

Add in your favorite granola, berries, pomegranate seeds, and a healthy shake. The crunchy texture with the shake is oh - so satisfying. 

Chunky Granola from Whole Foods with flaxseed - almonds - honey - dried cranberries, raisins, and sunflower seeds  Sometimes I mix in the Odwalla protein drink, It really taste like a desert... Here's what's inside of the vanilla (32) grams of protein shake - vitamin B6- vitamin b12- DV calcium - DV- zinc - DV potassium - DV Iron  (DV- daily value) Substitute with Almond or Coconut milk if that is a better choice for you.

Wake up, be grateful, and set your intention for the day. Getting closer to the holidays, we are all busy, and it seems the hustle and bustle is becoming a way of life. If you only have a few minutes, make them healthy, and make them count. Just remember...You're worth it.

                           "I never go jogging, it makes me spill my martini."  * George Burns

PUMPKIN CARVING IN A SNAP

Halloween is one of our favorite days on the calendar. Living in Los Angeles we have one of the best parades right around the corner. You will see adorable little trick or treaters and grown-ups too. Our home is always festive and decorated for harvest time.

Here are a few things you will need to create a simple and easy carved pumpkin. The trick is to have fun...No need for perfection, just carve away and enjoy your creation.

Piece of plastic to work on / Gloves / Marker / Carving Tools /  A Good Attitude

 Roasted Pumpkin seeds made easy - Toss the pumpkins seeds (after washing) in a bowl with a little olive oil and salt - Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Here I added the pumpkin seeds on top of Red Pepper Hummus - Cabbage Lettuce leafs - then roll up for a healthy, delicious pumpkin seed taco.

Take a fresh red bell pepper, cut off the top - carve out a fun, festive face and add Pesto Pasta inside. This is so cute for your guest who need a quick bite to balance out the candy!

Orange Bell Peppers filled with Pesto Pasta - This makes for a really fun and conversational meal for your family dinner time.

Don't leave out the family pet on Halloween / Here's Buster proudly wearing his Taco!

Happy Halloween Everybody!  Be Safe and get lost in the moment...

Mexican Shrimp

Here's to the Mediterranean side of the a Mexican kitchen. Fresh, simple and once again, a healthy Shrimp Dish.

Shrimp is definitely one of my favorite sources of protein. Take a look at this yummy recipe for a flavorful and spicy meal.

What you will need - Olive oil / Yellow Onion / Garlic / Jalapeños / Tomatoes / Capers / Olives 2 Bay Leaves / Oregano / Shrimp / Salt / Cilantro

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic and jalapeños until onions are translucent ( about 6 minutes) 

 Stir in tomatoes, capers, olives, bay leaves and oregano. Simmer until tomatoes reduce by half,  about 10 minutes. 

Add shrimp and cook until it just curls and turns opaque, 2-4 minutes. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve over cooked white rice or black beans.

You can also replace your shrimp with chicken or fish...Next time, instead of rice I believe I'll try the black beans. I enjoy cooking for my family, I believe the love, happiness and positive energy  you put into making your meals matters. Cherish the moments you have together, those sweet faces grow up so fast...          Cooking is Love made visible...