Category: Lifestyle Tips

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Healthy and Quick Breakfast Recipe Ideas.

Last week I served as a Lifestyle Expert for Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 sharing healthy breakfast recipes.

I was excited to host the segment because breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day.

Due to our hectic schedules, making a hearty breakfast can be a challenge but with the right appliances it can be an easy task!

During the segment I discussed the importance of creating a toast bar with the Krups 2 Slice Toaster Oven.  There are so many delicious toast recipes adding peanut butter, avocado, bananas, and olive oil as a topping.

For breakfast meals (on the go) make a fruit smoothie as an option; top with Carrington Farms Organic Flax and Chia Seeds to boost the immune system.  Munk Pack Oatmeal Squeezes are gluten-free, vegan snacks that are compacted with whole grains and fruit bites.

The TFal Pressure Cooker not only makes delicious dinners but breakfast dishes such as Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats.

Take a look at the segment clip here:  TALK OF ALABAMA:  HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steel cut oats

3 1/2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup raisins

Brown Sugar Topping

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Add butter to pressure cooking pot, select Sauté. When butter is melted add the oats and toast, stirring constantly, until they start to darken and smell nutty, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add water and salt to pressure cooking pot.
  3. Select high pressure and set 10 minutes cook time.
  4. When beep sounds, turn off pressure cooker and use a natural pressure release for 5 minutes and then do a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
  5. When valve drops carefully remove lid. Stir oats. Stir in raisins. Cover and let sit five or 10 minutes until oats are desired thickness.
Interview /

Celebrity Chef Richard Ingraham Interview and Eating Well To Win Cookbook

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Gabrielle Union and NBA veteran Dwyane Wade’s private chef, Richard Ingraham.

He released a new cookbook titled, Eating Well to Win – which is focused on developing delicious, flavorful recipes — many of which include either a Southern, Creole, Italian or Asian flair.

What was your inspiration for creating this cookbook?

I just wanted to be able to touch others with my cooking. Being a personal chef doesn’t allow me to cook for the masses like I would be able to if I worked in a restaurant. So, writing Eat Well To Win seemed like the perfect solution.

Can you provide a delicious, easy appetizer recipe or any meal planning suggestions?

See recipe below.

What is your favorite recipe in the cookbook as it relates to eating healthy?

I really like the Roasted Sea Bass and Mushroom Broth with Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes and Kale. This dish starts with roasted sea bass that has up to 20 grams of protein in a 3oz serving. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing levels of cholesterol. The sea bass sits atop a mixture of quinoa (great source of protein, fiber, and essential amino acids), kale (high in vitamin k, iron, and fiber) and sweet potato (great source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6).

Are there any additional tips or ideas that you would like to leave with us?

Eating healthier doesn’t mean that your food should be flavorless and lackluster. Eating Well To Win shows you that food can be exciting, flavorful, and still be good for you. Even with eating healthier, one must remember that paying attention to portion sizes is another very important factor in leading a healthier lifestyle.

 

Grilled Portobello with Lobster and Shrimp Salad

Ingredients for Portobello Mushroom

6 Tablespoons grape seed oil

3 Tablespoons fig balsamic vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tablespoon fresh thyme

6 large portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gills scraped out

Kosher Salt and fresh ground pepper

Ingredients for Lobster and Shrimp Salad

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

3 Tablespoons whole grain mustard

1 Tablespoon honey

2 Tablespoons shallots minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup grape seed oil

Kosher Salt and freshly ground pepper

3/4 pound cook lobster meat chopped

1/2 pound medium cooked shrimp

1 1/2 cups ripe mango chopped

1 1/4 cup fresh raw corn from about 2-3 ears

1 cup micro greens

Method for Mushrooms

  1. Heat grill to medium high heat
  2. Whisk oil, fig balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme in small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange mushroom caps on foil lined baking sheet, gill side up.
  4. Generously spoon dressing into each mushroom (be sure to get all that good flavor all over the cap)
  5. Place mushrooms on grill, gill side down and grill until edges start to soften
  6. Turn mushrooms over and cover
  7. Cook mushrooms until they’re nice and tender
  8. Remove mushrooms from the grill and arrange on a platter
  9. Top with Lobster and Shrimp Salad.

Method for Lobster and Shrimp Salad

  1. Combine vinegar, mustard, honey, shallots, and garlic in medium bowl.
  2. Gradually whisk in oil.
  3. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine lobster, shrimp, mango, corn, and micro greens
  5. Gradually pour dressing into lobster mixture until lightly coated
  6. Add more dressing if desired.
  7. Adjust seasonings
Beauty /

Go with the Gut: 7 Foods to Eat for Better Skin, Hair and Mood

All symptoms of the body from thin, dull hair, and sallow skin, to acne breakouts, body aches and sluggish energy all point to the gut. Gut health is incredibly important making mindful eating an essential part of longevity and anti-aging. If you want to feel vibrant and maintain a youthful appearance up to 15 years younger than your actual age, start weaving these key foods into your diet.

Garlic:

When we have an overgrowth of candida in the gut we experience things like acne breakouts, bloating, and constipation. Garlic mitigates all of this because it kills candida. Garlic also aids in digestion and immunity. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for joint aches. Allicin, which serves as an anti-aging, antifungal benefit to garlic aids in smoothing skin and preventing acne and other skin conditions.

Ground Flaxseed:

Responsible for helping food to travel effortlessly and smoothly through the GI tract, flaxseed keeps us regular. Flaxseed also contains cancer fighters called lignans which also ward off heart disease. Flaxseed helps to minimize rashes, skin flare ups and irritation. When you consume flaxseed your skin becomes more even toned and less sensitive.

Apple cider vinegar:

One of the best ways to address any digestive issues is to combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water or in tea and drink it before a meal. It helps your body to break down food. It helps with to prevent indigestion and stomach issues after eating. Anytime you can aid the digestive process you’ll notice glowing skin and a youthful radiance.

Celery & Celery Juice:

Another anti-inflammatory and cancer fighter celery also lowers blood pressure and rids us of sugar cravings (and sugar makes the skin sallow and leads to breakouts). The natural salts in celery juice maintain a healthy gut pH. The common recommendation is to drink 16 ounces on an empty stomach and improvements to digestion and physical appearance will be evident within 10 days.

Cauliflower:

High in fiber, cauliflower helps the gut maintain healthy microbes. This is important because when microbes or gut flora are out of whack a whole slew of symptoms become evident. These include digestive issues, depression or anxiety, and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Fermented foods:

Kimchi is delicious and sauerkraut or pickled vegetables can make for a nice topping to a salad or mid-day snack. These fermented foods are packed with good bacteria which balances the microbiome, which is the anchor for our health and immunity.

Asparagus:  

Another “prebiotic” fiber that keeps the gut healthy and balanced is asparagus. You can add garlic to it and broil it in the oven offering a 1 -2 punch of gut friendly foods in one delicious side dish. It’s important to note that people who suffer from stomach pain may not do well with prebiotics in larger amounts. If the gut is already inflamed these foods can cause a flare up.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Accessories /

The Ultimate Holiday 2017 Gift Guide For Every Personality

Coming up with gift ideas for everyone on your list can be tough – to make the process a little less stressful, I compiled the ultimate gift guide filled with new Holiday 2017 launches. See below for botanical based and celebrity adorned gift sets for every personality type in your life!

Whether you need something big for your best friends, meaningful for your mom, lavish for yourself, or heartwarming for that special someone, I’m here to help!

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

Flawless Brows & Lashes Limited Edition Set, $100 at Nordstrom.com

Skin Research Labs, the leader in effective beauty enhancing treatments and adorned by Hilary Duff, Kelly Ripa, Huda Kattan and more! Brings the ultimate holiday kit this season with the launch of their limited edition Flawless Brows & Lashes Set. The luxurious cosmetic bag contains a 2mL neuLASH®, 6mL neuBROW, and the brand new neuBROW brow defining pen!

Blossoming Beauty Gift Set, $48 at arbonne.com

Let your beauty shine with a new Sparkling Body Powder with a built-in brush and a prismatic Lilac Lip Gloss to show your inner sparkle on the outside too. Super cute pouch that can double as a pencil case included!

Starlight Glow Palette, $75 at arbonne.com

These shades were plucked from the sky to deliver a celestial glow! These multi-use powders can be used to highlight, blush, bronze, or contour with an array of warm to cool pigments to sculpt and shape a starlit glow. Featuring three brand-new shades and guest starring our fan favorite Anniversary Bronzer.

Rosé All Day to Night Lip Set, $70 at arbonne.com

A trio of dual-ended lip colors in blushing nudes, pinks and mauves that keep you rocking that rosé all day and night. This lip bouquet features Arbonne’s new favorite matte lip cream on one end, and a shiny lip gloss on the other. Wear alone or mix-and-match for a full bloom effect!

Spiced Vanilla Chai Candle, $40 at arbonne.com

This artisan-crafted, hand-poured candle made with a coconut wax blend combines sweet cinnamon, baked vanilla, and spicy chai aromas. Slow and clean burning, the scent will have you reminiscing about your favorite holiday moments.

Olive Blossom & Eucalyptus Gift Set, $58 at arbonne.com

Give the gift of fabulous and luxurious personal care with this shea butter, olive and coconut oil infused gift set.  The set includes a softly scented cleansing body polish that exfoliates and whipped body butter that moisturizes with natural essential oils and fragrant blossoms, topped with a cool eucalyptus touch.

FOR MEN

 

RE9 Advanced® for Men Grooming Kit, $75 at arbonne.com

The perfect set for a clean and confident man, complete with our brand new Charcoal Soap Bar that invigorates with spicy notes of turmeric and bergamot, as well as a full size of the best-selling RE9 Advanced® for Men Shave Cream and After-Shave Soothing Lotion. The set is conveniently packaged with a dopp kit that makes traveling and grooming on-the-go a breeze.

 

FOR THE SKINCARE EXPERT

 

Youth Soothing Crème ($74.95, DearbyRenee.com) Infused with the skin healing, Arnica Extract, which is known to soothe and calm skin disorders like eczema this soothing crème contains several active components that target chronic itchy, red or problematic skin leaving a radiant and hydrated complexion.

Skin Renewal Serum ($79.95, DearbyRenee.com) offers rejuvenating benefits of five bio-sourced epidermal growth factors from BioPlacenta. This premium rejuvenating serum reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

FOR THE NATURAL HAIR GURU

Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic and Soy Milk Deep Hydration Collection, available at Target.com is a hydration savior for thirsty hair. Experience the benefits of highly concentrated hydrating ingredients such as Burdock Root Oil, Palmarosa Oil Umutanga Oil and Yucca Root that help to promote hair growth, soothe a dry scalp and strengthen the hair strands. The key ingredients saturate the hair with intensive moisture, locking it in for ultimate and deep, long lasting hydration. Includes six products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Pre-poo, Softening Milk, Serum Oil Mist & Mask.

  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Pre-poo, which gently melts tangles to minimize breakage, decreases moisture loss during cleansing and protects hair from cleansing manipulation. $14.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Shampoo, which thoroughly cleanses without stripping, restores hydration in dehydrated hair and reduces breakage. Hair is left soft and tangle-free. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Conditioner, which helps to reduce breakage, restores natural luster and shine and replenishes moisture without buildup. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Mask, which penetrates the strands to restore lasting moisture, visibly calm frizz and improve elasticity, minimizes shedding and breakage and leaves hair feeling soft, supple and tangle-free. $19.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Softening Milk, which deeply penetrates to restore dry thirsty hair. Assists with styling, restores natural luster and shine and improves texture and manageability. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Serum Oil Mist, which imparts lightweight shine to finished styles and aids in nourishing, soothing and supporting scalp health. Lightweight and non-greasy, it seals in moisture and enhances texture while reducing frizz. $14.99

 

Fall 2017 /

Lauren Conrad’s The Little Market 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Founded by women to empower women, Lauren Conrad’s The Little Market is a mission-driven nonprofit working with artisans around the world to curate and design beautiful products that preserve cultural techniques and traditions. Each purchase from the online store contributes to sustainable jobs and better lives for the artisans, their families, and their communities.

We are really excited to now share our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.  Here is a link to the digital copy of the holiday gift guide; what better way to give this holiday season than giving that also GIVES back?

Beauty /

LAVANILA Underarm Detox Mask: Breast Cancer Awareness

There is a heightened sensitivity around the use of aluminum-based products and a growing awareness of the importance of sweat and overall health of the underarm area.

Toxins accumulate in the underarm with everyday life such as diet, stress and pollutants. On top of that, when using conventional deodorant and antiperspirant, we push new chemicals like aluminum and metal ions in to the skin, which can accumulate and potentially cause irritation, discomfort, concern and a long transition to natural deodorant.

Why you need this product:

  1. You have chemical and impure build up in the underarm area
  2. You are trying to switch from a chemical to a natural deodorant
  3. You want a lighter, more beautiful underarm

Enter LAVANILA Laboratories’ breakthrough Healthy Underarm Detox Mask, a first-of-its-kind breakthrough. We are excited to introduce the first product on the market specifically created to alleviate concerns around aluminum and build-up in the underarm area, while also helping to ease and shorten the transition from chemical to natural deodorant, a growing movement. Powered by highly effective, all-natural ingredients, this targeted underarm treatment effectively detoxifies the underarm area with a combo of Active Charcoal, Malic Acid and Silica which uniquely bind to dirt, bacteria, aluminum and excess oils trapped in the skin and like a magnet work to draw them out. With a mess-free, soft brush applicator, this mask is good for all skin types and a simple addition to your weekly regimen.

The results:

  • Helps remove aluminum and build up from the underarm area
  • Shortens the transition to natural deodorant
  • Less odor
  • Less perspiration
  • Less irritation
  • Lighter, brighter, smoother underarm skin

 With use of The Healthy Underarm Detox Mask twice a week:

  • 92% of users said that the mask helped eliminate traces of buildup in the underarm area
  • 94% of users said that the mask left their underarms smoother and brighter
  • 95% of said they would continue to use the mask for the ongoing health of their skin

WHAT IT COSTS: $26; A portion of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Awareness.

AVAILABLE: FALL 2017

WHERE TO FIND IT: Sephora.com / Lavanila.com

About LAVANILA: Made with breakthrough natural technology and packed with pure essential oils and antioxidants, LAVANILA is the authority in 100% Healthy Deodorants. All are clinically tested, dermatologist recommended, and free of Aluminum, Parabens, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Silicones, synthetic dyes, and Sulfates. A pioneer in naturals, LAVANILA also offers products that are smart, modern and luxurious, made from the purest, natural and organic ingredients, and completely free of harsh chemicals. The brand’s fragrances and body lotions deliver beautiful, long-lasting results, which are also safe, non-toxic, non-irritating, and use 100% natural ingredients.

Accessories /

Rare and Vintage: Building a Seasonal Wardrobe With Color Palettes

I’m always excited to shop at the change of every season. There’s something about new merchandise that builds anticipation of months ahead.

One fashion tip that helps me build a solid seasonal wardrobe is purchasing items according to a distinct color palette.

This is significant because it eliminates the issue of having nothing to wear or a closet filled with various items? For example, burgundy toned leggings can coordinate with a burgundy striped plaid shirt.  Or black sweaters coordinate with houndstooth slacks.

 

 

 

Rare and Vintage from Style + Life + Fashion

 

The same applies in terms of outerwear as well.  I generally stick to neutral tone jackets or something that matches items in my wardrobe.  Rarely will you find me buying a neon pink coat due to the lack of neon items in my fall/winter wardrobe.

Certain colors also set the tone for the season.  Pastels look nice in the spring/summer while a beautiful array of warmer shades in the colder season.

PANTONE Fashion Color Report, Fall 2017

 

Accessories /

Increase Savings with Dryel Cleaning Solution: Consignment Shopping

Summer has ended and the kids have headed back to school.  That means it’s time to re-evaluate the household budget.

One way to increase savings is by reducing the amount of dry cleaning services.  Many people are not aware that dry cleaning can be harsh, timely and expensive.

There’s a solution to this household concern.  Dryel is an at-home solution that’s easy to use and convenient.  This product can be picked up during your local Target run or online from Amazon for an reasonable price.

There’s several advantages to using Dryel instead of laundry services:

  • Dryel reduces fading, shrinking, and stretching.
  • Dryel ingredients do not contain harsh chemicals.
  • Dryel does not require the use of expensive machines.

After a day of consignment shopping, Dryel was an easy option that removed dirt and debris from my new items. They were placed on a hanger after 15 minutes with the use of Dryel products.

To learn more about Dryel products and use, click here.

Sponsored Post – Dryel Ambassador
Beauty /

Back To School Schedule: TouchBack Marker Temporary Hair Color

With the kids back and school your schedule is sure to start getting hectic once again. If you find you have no time left in the day for yourself, you’re not alone! At least TouchBack Marker provides an easy way to make sure your hair always fresh from the salon.

TouchBack’s mistake-proof marker delivers true, temporary hair color instantly. The pocket-sized marker makes for easy application when you want it, where you want it.

 

Birmingham /

Eating Well To Win from Celebrity Chef Richard Ingraham

Excited to share I’m reviewing a new cookbook and creating recipes!  Celebrity Chef Richard Ingraham has launched Eating Well to Win.

He’s the private chef to actress Gabrielle Union and NBA veteran Dwyane Wade. Eating Well to Win is focused on developing delicious, flavorful recipes — many of which include either a Southern, Creole, Italian or Asian flair.

Check back here to find out what recipes were created and an interview with Chef Richard Ingraham.