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July 2015

Food
Best Ever Jambalaya
July 16, 2015 at 5:02 am 0
Let me start off by saying I have tried many different versions of Jambalaya. It is one of my favorite dishes to make but it really has been a learning process along the way. Things I have learned…DO NOT put rice into broth, it gets so mushy and if you need to reheat the next day there is barely any broth because the rice has soaked it all up….Second, Shrimp does not reheat well, so if desired saute some Shrimp on the side and add as a garnish on top. Thirdly, I have tried versions that were maybe delicious to me but had way to many herbs and heat to be able to feed my daughter. This recipe is absolutely perfect and the flavor is out of control. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 lb Smoked Turkey Kielbasa, sliced 1 lb smoked ham, cubed 1 large onion, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced 1 orange bell pepper, cored and diced 1 large tomato, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp fresh thyme 2 Tbsp tomato paste 6 cups Chicken Stock 3 bay leaves Salt and Pepper to taste Directions: 1. Heat the 1 Tbsp Olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat, add kielbasa and ham and saute for 8 min, until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa and ham from pan and set aside. Add rest of olive oil, onion, celery and peppers to the same pot and saute for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent. 2. Add the tomato, garlic, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste, cook for 4-5 minutes. Add in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. 3. Add back in the sausage, ham, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Return to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 min. 4. Serve over quinoa or rice of your choice. Optional: If you would like to give it more heat add 1 jalapeño pepper and saute with vegetables.
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Fashion
A few of my favorite things….
July 9, 2015 at 11:42 pm 0

1. Isabel Marant "Lance" Boots - I love a black boot that is classic and has a little something else going on at the same time. The heel height is perfect as well, because I dont know about you but I need to be able to walk when I go out. Isabel Marant is one of my favorite labels, the woman is a genius. Her collections are always on point and make me yearn for a reason to wear them.

2. Le Labo "Santal 33" - I think it’s fun to have a signature scent, and this one is amazing. They have two locations here in Calfornia, Venice and West Hollywood. As soon as you walk in you can tell this place is rad and on top of that you get to watch them make a customized bottle just for you. Santal 33 is my go to, it’s masculine and feminine at the same time. With Cardamom, Iris, Violet, Australian Sandalwood and Cedarwood, it all comes together to give you the most amazing thing you’ve ever smelled. It is a little pricey but totally worth it!

3. Rag and Bone "Dre” Jeans - I am a Rag and Bone freak. I love everything in that store and I have way too much of it in my closet. Almost all of my jeans are Rag and Bone because they absolutely fit my body the best. Their washes are amazing and you can tell there is quality in each pair. I am obsessed with a certain fit in particular.. the “Dre”. It is a perfect blend of skinny jeans meets boyfriend jean. You can dress them up or dress them down but either way do yourself a favor and check them out, you won’t be sorry!

4. James Perse "V-Neck” T-shirt - Everyone is always looking for that perfect t-shirt. One that is flattering and comfortable all at the same time. Well, James Perse has perfected that and it comes in the softest Supima cotton you will ever put on your body.

5. Cosabella "Dolce" Bra - I love these bras! I have been on the lookout for a long time trying to find a bra that won’t fall apart, is sexy yet not over the top and that will make me feel like I got a sexy little secret. They come in a ton of colors and if you do your research you can find them at a great deal.

6. Longines "La Grande Classique"Watch - I got my watch for my first mothers day. It is super special to me because of that and I will never forget when I got it. It is so classy and sophisticated, you just feel good putting it on. Longines has been around since 1832, the company has built their following on creating a timeless, elegant watch that puts focus on all the details that make a great watch.

7. Essie nailpolish "Wicked”- This is my go to color! It is a deep warm red that flatters most skin tones. When I am getting ready to go out nail polish makes me feel complete, and if I have a fresh manicure all the better!

8. Nars "Cruella" Lip Pencil - I dont really have time to put on eyeshadow or eyeliner or much more than the basics when I am going out. I always however have time to put on my red lipstick. The worst part about red liptick is it usually ends up on your teeth, the BEST part of this lipstick in particular is it never ends up on my teeth. It has incredible staying power and actually lasts!

9. Dr. Alkaitis "Organic Nourishing Oil" - This is by far my secret weapon, the one thing I will not go anywhere without and if they stop making it I would be lost. First, of all this whole line of skin care is Holistic, Organic and simply amazing. I literally apply this once in the morning and once at night and I used to put this all over my stomach when I was pregnant. I am happy to report back I dont have a single stretch mark, call it genetics or call it the work of Dr. Alkaitis. You be the judge!

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Food
Homemade Graham Crackers
July 4, 2015 at 9:23 pm 0

There is nothing that says “Summer” like a bonfire and roasting S’mores! That ooey gooeyness that is melty marshmellows and chocolate. Its hard to find a graham cracker that doesnt have something questionable in it, but this graham cracker recipe is delicious and makes the whole house smell like Sunday morning. The best part is it’s only 4 ingredients and you can feel good about giving it to your kiddos. Also, try having some fun with it and try a peanut butter cup instead of a chocolate bar, or if you are feeling really crazy drizzle some delicious caramel in there! I am not saying it will be the best thing you ever had but I am saying it will be THE best thing you ever had!


Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup blanched almond flour

1 Tbsp. arrowroot powder

1/4 tsp himalayan sea salt

2 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Combine blanced almond flour, arrowroot powder, himalayan sea salt and maple syrup in a food precessor. Pulse until completely combined.

2. Put dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper and roll out until 1/4 inch thick.
Note- I rolled out the dough and took a butter knife to cut the shape, then I used a chopstick to make the holes.

3. Bake at 350˚ for 8-10 minutes.

4. Cool then enjoy!

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