A Chicken Curry and Rice Delight

I never used to be a curry fan. In fact, I think I had tried it maybe twice in my life up until about a year ago when my mom blessed me with this amazing chicken curry experience. And yes, it's an experience.

It's super easy, healthy and tastes ridiculous. The best part about this recipe is when it's finished it looks really fancy and complex and is a great way to show off ;) It's also a great way to introduce curry into your life as it has many nutritional benefits. Want to boost your brain power? Need antioxidants? If you need some more convincing that frequent intake of curry is beneficial to your health, click here.

So, what do you need?

 1) Chicken - you can either bake the chicken, cook it on the stove or even get one of those amazing already cooked chickens at the store. Whatever floats your boat.



2) Roasted vegetables- you can use any veggies you want but I use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and bell peppers. I think they all go well together. I usually cut them all up in small pieces (but not diced) and throw them on a cookie sheet. Add some chopped onions, minced garlic and drizzle olive oil, salt n peppa and any other seasonings you can't live without. I usually cook it for about 25 minutes, however, I would just continue to check on them as it really depends on how you like your veggies.

3) Rice- I use Biryani rice from Trader Joes. It's in the frozen section and is fat free and has no MSG - hooray! You can also use brown rice but I think the Biryani makes it.

4) Curry Sauce- Trader Joe's curry sauce is off the charts. They have yellow or red and either of these sauces will rock your world.

5) Extras- Cilantro, light sour cream, Sriracha and mango chutney.

* Once the chicken is cooked, break it up into pieces and throw it into a pan with the cooked rice and veggies. Pour the bottle of curry in and mix it all together. Cook on low for a few minutes or until it's heated all the way through. Add some fresh cilantro, a small dollop of LIGHT sour cream, some Sriracha for added spice and finish it off with a scoop of mango ginger chutney.

*Add some garlic naan bread to really add an extra special touch. It takes about 2 minutes to heat up in the oven. This is by far one of my favorite carb treats! *

*The finished product. Make this for your significant other, friends or family and they will be highly impressed and forever grateful. Enjoy this savory and spicy dish!!*

Happy Birthday to my mama!!

Happy Birthday to one of the best people I know...my mama, Bobbi Driscoll!

 

 

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"The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children" -Jessica Lange

 

Get your fit on!

I know how everyone is probably feeling today after a long three day weekend. Most likely it was filled with too much sun, some adult beverages, lack of sleep and maybe some food that wasn't the best for ya. Instead of feeling bad about yourself and dreading the day, jump start your week with a butt kicking workout. As hard as it may be to simply get those running shoes on, focus on how good you will feel after you sweat it out. There's never regret after a workout, is there? 

All you need is an hour of some sort of physical activity. The brain's feel-good chemicals, a.k.a. endorphins,  will be flowin like crazy and you will be feeling a thousand times better- guaranteed. So get your booty out there and start your short week off right!!

*Did you know?*

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 *Holy abs!*

*Love this*

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*I'm starting this challenge today, who's with me?! Summertime is here my friends. Let's get our butts in shape!*

Have a sweaty and healthy week!!

GT's Kombucha Enlightened Synergy Chia

Words can't explain how much I adore GT's Kombucha products. It's right up there with Suja. The nutritional value these drinks have to offer is beyond my comprehension. Kombucha was started by GT Dave in 1995 who started bottling it at the age of 15 from his mother's kitchen. His mother was battling a deadly form of breast cancer and it was her daily intake of Kombucha that significantly helped her win her battle with cancer. It's inspiring stories like this that really help you choose which products you want to make a part of your life.

Here are just a few of the benefits of this nutritional powerhouse:

* Boosts metabolism

* 100% raw and organic
*Over 20 different flavors 

*Powerful probiotics

*Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO

*Organic acids, aminos, electrolytes 

*Contains more than 8 times the omega-3s found in salmon

* Has more antioxidants than blueberries

*Contains more fiber than oatmeal

So forget the sodas, sugary drinks and all the "healthy" drinks that have yucky artificial sweetners and grab a Kombucha drink the next time you go to the store. You will be hooked! 

For more info on products and GT's story click here.

“To combine the wisdom of ancient medicinal foods with the resources of the modern day to create products that uplift and enlighten the health of all those who enjoy them.”-GT Dave

 

A quick at-home core workout!

This morning I definitely woke up with that "I have to get my butt to the gym ASAP so I can get home, shower and get a good spot on the beach" type of mindset. I am a big believer in being able to get a not only decent but intense calorie-burning workout in, anywhere you are. Is it easier in some places verses others? Of course. However, there are some days when you just don't feel like leaving the house to get your sweat on. 

Today was a perfect example of this. I had plans to go for an early morning run and was just not feeling it. You've been there, right? So, instead of skipping it completely and feeling guilty all day long, Greg and I decided to create our own workout at home. We did this together which really helps. If you have someone pushing you, it's amazing how much harder you push yourself. He's tough on me (which I need!) so I always know I will get those calories burned and that I will push my limits which is key for long term goal accomplishments.

It took us about 45 minutes and all you need is a medicine ball ( any weight but ours is 8 lbs which is not too heavy but still a challenge) and a large fitness ball. We used my yoga mat for extra comfort but if you have carpet you don't even need it. 

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*We did 10 sets of 20 pushups. We started with these and would do a set in between every exercise. I HATE pushups with a burning passion. I whine like a two year old after every set. However, the benefits outweigh the pain. I guess? :) You don't have to do 200 but if you can get in 100 a few times a week- results are a given*

 Start with the ball behind your head, lying on your back

Do a situp and press the ball directly above your head towards the sky

 Repeat and do 3 sets of 20

Simple and highly effective

For this you exercise you need a partner

Start lying down on your back with your hands stretched out behind your head

Your legs are straight

Have your partner hold the ball three feet above your stomach

At the same time you do a situp, reach your arms up towards the ball, raise your legs up and squeeze the ball so your partner can release the ball in your feet for a count of four

Repeat and do 3 sets of 20 

Starting position is lying on your back

 Legs extended, arms straight over your head

Place the fitness ball between your feet

Raise your legs with the ball so it's directly above you

At the same time, do a situp with your hands meeting the ball

Transfer the ball from between your feet to your hands

Bring the ball directly above your head to the ground behind you

Then sit up and bring the ball back to your feet

Repeat and do 3 sets of 20

 This one killlllls so if you feel like you may die, that's normal. Carry on.

You need a partner for this one too

Start in the upright sitting position with your legs bent

Have your partner throw the ball across your body 

Catch it, rotating and then rotating to throw it back

Repeat and do 3 sets of 20

We finished up with our last set of pushups and it was an a** kicking workout. You would never know it but it's efficient, tough and gets the job done. 

Abs aching, legs shaking and heart pounding...now we can have some fun!

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Happy Sunday!! 

Sometimes all you need is a little R&R

I'm definitely having a CRAZY Saturday night. Accompanying me is a Voluspa vanilla candle, Pineapple Infused Green Juice and a great book.

I made this amazing juice tonight for dinner since last night my carb intake could definitely have been classified as excessive. I didn't have much to work with in my fridge but to my surprise it turned out super delicious and definitely one of my favorites so far. I could eat large amounts of pineapple every day of the week so maybe I am a bit bias but I think it makes any and every drink taste better :)

Pineapple Infused Green Juice
1/2 cup pineapple
3 celery stalks

1/2 cup kale

1/2 cup spinach

1/2 a lemon

1/2 a cucumber 

a few sprinkles of cinnamon

Hope everyone is having a SAFE but FUN Memorial Day weekend!!

Happy Birthday to my Main Squeeze!

Planning the perfect birthday celebration for someone can be quite stressful. However, this year I discovered that sometimes keeping simple is the way to go. I treated my boyfriend to breakfast and hot chocolate in bed, Iron Man 3 (accompanied by popcorn and Junior Mints of course) and a nice homemade Italian style meal at home. Anddddd.... I think it was a success :) 

Here are a few pics from the day!

*Started off the morning with Suja Spark - my fave*
 

*Greg's slightly unhealthy (wink wink) but DELISH breakfast sandwich I made him with cheese focaccia bread, turkey bacon and eggs*

 *We saw an 11:30am showing of Iron Man 3.... um, when was the last time you went to a movie that early? It was so much fun and the mula you save is even more fun. 
PS Need some workout motivation? Go see this movie. Gwyneth P is ripped and made me want to chuck my popcorn across the theater*

*A few gifts for the birthday boy*

*La Vieille Ferme Sauvignon Blanc (a tasty white wine choice for $9) on the balcony before dinner*

 *A simple salad with baby spinach/romaine, red bell pepper, carrots and croutons*

 *Panko Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Wasabi Tomato Sauce and French Bread*

*Homemade Chocolate Wine Cake (thanks to my friend Ash for the recipe!) that appears to be on fire*

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Happy Birthday babe!!

Just Be

There is so much pressure all over the place to be, think and act a certain way. I'm sure at times we all find ourselves giving in to that pressure, succumbing to things we wouldn't normally do, acting in ways that may be out of our character, trying to be like someone else, etc. I know I'm guilty of it sometimes and I think that's what makes the world go round. I believe we are always constantly learning who we are and what we stand for and by nature we are influenced by others. I don't think it ever stops. Sure older people are "wiser" and have had many more experiences thus more expertise on certain things. But I'm sure they are still learning about life, who they really are and what it all means. I think life is too damn short to be anything but yourself and although it can be confusing at times as to who that person is exactly, never stray from being true to you. 

This may seem a bit sappy for a beautiful pre-Memorial Day Friday, however, if you take anything from this, I hope you realize your individuality's influence on the world. Do what YOU want this weekend, sing that song super loud in front of strangers because you can, let yourself fall to the floor convulsing with uncontrollable laughter with no shame, eat that massively juicy burger with eagerness without worrying what other people are thinking, walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation because they may end up being one of the most interesting people you've ever met...You will be surprised at how good it feels to do what makes you happy, exaggerate what makes you, you and let yourself just be.

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Turmeric Take Two

I have already written a detailed post about this amazing creation and the fact that it gets another chance to shine should tell ya something...

Every time I think I am fully aware of all the benefits of turmeric, I find myself enlightened by yet another benefit. This orange powder is and should be your closest friend. I mentioned in an earlier post how I personally incorporate this fine spice into my routine which is in my tea. However, there are a few other creative ways to add it to your daily life. Check them out here and jump on the turmeric wagon ASAP!

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Organic Gluten Free Quinoa Rice & Shine

As you can probably tell, I'm on a gluten-free kick lately. I just feel SO much better when I limit my intake. I've been trying different products here and there and came across this hot cereal I loved and had to share. The texture and taste actually reminds me of grits which I'm sure you've all heard of. I had no idea grits even existed until I spent four years of college in Alabama where I became quite familiar with this Southern breakfast staple. 

As I continue to mention, variety is so incredibly vital to sticking with your healthy lifestyle. If you have the same things all the time, you are more likely to stray and grab something that has little or no nutritional value. So I am always looking for new additions and trying to mix/match where I can because I get bored very easily. This hot cereal is not something I would normally flock to, however, my mom actually bought it for me to try out and I was pleasantly surprised. It takes about 5 minutes to make on the stove and is filling and warm which is always nice first thing in the a.m. There are only two ingredients which are organic whole grain brown rice grits and organic quinoa flakes. I try to stick by the rule of anything that has more than 5-6 ingredients is no bueno. Obviously, it's a situational, give or take type of rule as well. But I've found that in a majority of situations, more ingredients = more processed foods, sugary additions, etc. Also, if you don't recognize a lot of the ingredients, don't buy it. It's probably crap. Just my personal opinion...

This takes 5 minutes and all you need is: 

Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten Free Quinoa Rice & Shine

1 tsp raw honey

1/4 tsp of coconut oil

a few heavy dashes of cinnamon(cinnamon rocks my world, hence the emphasis on heavy)

some fresh blueberries

*You can find most Arrowhead Mills products at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Jimbo's*

*The 5 minute finished product*

*Vanilla Spice Perfect Energy Yogi Tea*

A little Perspective

 

"Perspective is a powerful tool that we oftentimes forget we possess. How you choose to see the world around you, changes the world around you."

 -corepower yoga

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