HOLIDAY PARTIES AND WHAT TO BRING!

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Office holiday parties, gingerbread house making parties, ugly sweater parties … you’re being invited to SO MANY parties! You’re going to want to bring something to contribute to each of these gatherings and I have you covered! I learned this practice from my mom who would always  say that when you go to someone’s home you bring something to gift the host with. Here are two things you can bring to your next holiday get together that is sure to be a crowd pleaser!


Sweet potatoes au gratin with a spicy chile twist! This is a wonderful side dish to bring if you like the idea of combining the richness of comfort foods with the sweetness of the season. Think sweet potato pie minus the whipped cream BUT marshmallows included! Ummm yumm!! Thank you Bobby Flay! I’ve taken his original recipe and put my own little twist on it!

What you’ll need:
3-4 large sweet potatoes
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon chipotle puree
Fresh ground black pepper
Pink Himalayan sea salt
mini marshmallows
square glass pan or ramekin cups

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Separate the chipotle peppers from the oil and place in blender and slowly add in the oil until you blend it to the consistency you like. Add the puree to a bowl and whisk in the heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thin rounds and begin layering them into your ramekin cups or glass dish. In between the layers spread an even layer of your chipotle cream mixture, sprinkle a few marshmallows on top, and continue this layering step until all of your potato wedges are gone. Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until the cream is absorbed by the potatoes. ENJOY!!! *note, do not cover this as I learned it will spill over and cause smoke alarms to go off. OR if you do cover it, simply place a cookie sheet beneath your glassware or ramekin cups*


It’s decadent, rich, and comforting! This sweet potato au gratin recipe is perfectly savory!

Next up, we’re putting a spin on the traditional hot cocoa drink, I present to you, the world’s BEST adult version, the “spiked hot cocoa latte”! That’s what I’m calling it any way because it has coffee, liquor, AND cocoa! So you’ll all be super keyed up on caffeine, and able to enjoy a night of dancing under the mistletoe! You’ll need to borrow your host’s stove top for this one, but trust me, you’ll be everyone’s favorite by the end of the night! Ha!


What you’ll need:
1 package hot cocoa mix of your choice (1 per cup)
1 tsp Cacao liqueur
Peppermint schnapps
Coffee of your choice
White chocolate chips
Mint chocolate chips
1 cup milk of your choice
Peppermint candy for garnish
Whipped cream

Method:
Make your coffee how you usually do and set it aside (I used my french press). In a small sauce pan add the hot cocoa mix, the milk, and a hand full of both the mint chocolate chips and the white chocolate chips. Warm over low heat and stir until melted and combined. Fill your mug halfway full with your coffee, then add in the hot cocoa mixture until almost full, leaving enough room to add in the liquors. Add in the cacao liqueur and enough peppermint schnapps to almost completely fill the cup. Mix together and top off with whipped cream until your heart is content. Garnish with a candy cane and ENJOY!!!! *if you aren’t of drinking age, please enjoy this drink just the same sans the alcohol!*

I hope you give these recipes a try, they are so yummy, so decadent, and so festive! Give them a go at your next party and TAG me in your squad photo!

What is your go-to potluck dish? Pigs in a blanket? Chips and dip? Tell me!

See you later this week with a ‘how to pack when you’re headed home for the holidays’ post!

 

MY GYM BAG ESSENTIALS!!!

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As I currently find myself in the middle of holiday season ‘feast mode’, I also find myself in the middle of “tis the season-full blown- freak-out-mode”! Anyone else find it difficult to say no to all the holiday food and NOT partake in all the merriment? Seriously, my body doesn’t know what to do with all the extra egg nog and yule log calories that I HAVE to indulge in because, Scrooge.

During this time of year I try to balance out all the holiday feasting with extra strength training and doubling up on HIIT workouts. So here is my number one tip to maintaining your waistline this season … get up and get moving! That’s right, gym time baby! Where’s the motivation you say?!

Well just like when we were younger and the new school year would begin, you’d have a new backpack full of shiny new school supplies, welcome to the adult version of that! Meet your new backpack … Lil Ms. (or Mr.) Totebag! Being fully prepped to hit up a sweat session will have you prepped to hit up the food table for seconds! Here is what’s in my gym bag!

1. The tote – this sleek lil baby will carry your gym essentials in style! It’s the perfect size, not crazy bulky like a duffel, yet spacious enough to hold all of these items AND a change of clothes!

2. A sweatband – oh that sweet sweat, it doesn’t stand a chance with this nylon sweat band. Ladies and long haired gents, you’ll be happy to hear that this also doubles as a hair tie!

3. Headphones – not just any headphones, these are blue tooth ear buds that allow you to lunge and lift without the annoyance of cords. Don’t you just hate that!

4. The kicks – my most recent obsession, these tennis shoes! Like with hand bags, shoes also set the tempo, literally. These are comfortable and classic, and will get you excited to pump some iron!

5. Recovery – this is important if you’re ripping and tearing through your workouts, AND your muscles. These are BCAA’s- branched-chain amino acids, which help to repair and build your muscles. I like this blueberry flavor, it’s like a sports drink meets koolaid! I habitually add this to my water bottle and drink it up during my workout. I’ll also reach for some coconut water during my more intense workouts, which replenish lost electrolytes and aid in hydration.

6. Protein – this is key to building lean muscle and fueling your muscle growth. Remember to have your protein shake or protein + carbohydrate packed meal within 30 minutes after completing your workout. You want to send protein to your muscles as quickly as possible so your body doesn’t eat away at the muscle you just worked so hard for! I love this Perfect Fit Protein because it’s a plant based protein powder that is especially good to bake with, ummm can you say protein waffles every day all day?!

7. Sweat be gone – I love this micro fibre towel because it’s made from a quick dry, anti-bacterial material, and has a grip covered underside. So no matter how crazy I get with my burpees and jumping lunges, this towel stays in place!

8. Hydration –  hydration, hydration, hydration!!! It’s crazy to think that we should be drinking half of our body weight in water! Sounds daunting but it can easily be done if you infuse your water with some lemon wedges or some fruit pieces. Just a trick that makes your water delicious and extra beneficial! This water bottle is especially dear to me because proceeds from each water bottle sold goes to support clean water efforts in Africa. Also, it’s BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, reusable, and recyclable! I slip this into the side of my gym tote making it easily accessible, just refilling it at the water fountain. Ahem, Los Angeles tap water is OK to drink now haha!


There you have it! The only sure way to ensure that the only thing you’re spiking this holiday season is the eggnog and not your cholesterol! Share with me your gym and fitness essentials, and I hope you enjoyed this post!

This really is the time of year to indulge in all of your favorite holiday dishes with wild abandonment! No regrets! I’ll be doing the same, so just do it, and I’ll see you later this week with some festive side dish ideas! Yum!!!

 

GIFT IDEAS FOR HER AND FOR HIM!!!

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As Christmas morning quickly approaches, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite gift ideas! For him, for her, and whether you’re on a budget or not, these are sure to put a smile on their face! Just so that this list doesn’t turn into my ‘favorite last-minute gift ideas’, try and pick a few of these up this weekend! Only fourteen more sleeps!

GIFTS FOR HER UNDER $20 
Nail polish and perfume sets are sure to make her chuckle because you’ve been paying attention to what she likes, why YES, she DID get a new haircut, go YOU! Blanket scarves are all the rage, keep her cozy and in style! The infinity necklace is like your love, infinite and cheesy!

GIFTS FOR HIM UNDER $20
This bonsai tree will be like your love fern; if he can keep it alive then he’ll be great with the future babies you have together right? Right! Make him fall in love with you all over again with this ultra cool drink koozie! Love says, “I’ll bring you a beer AND make sure it’s nice and chill, like me, because I’m a COOL girlfriend”. Pun intended. Also, his sock game can be on POINT now, just slip these into his stocking. The other socks he owns are probably holey or missing its pair anyway!

GIFTS FOR HER UNDER $50

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than an engraved bracelet, and this has the bow to go with it! Kate Spade you just get us. Eyeshadow and makeup palettes are always a good gift! We love the many options because lets face it- we change our makeup look like we change our outfits … ok maybe wrong analogy. If she loves to write, doodle, or sketch out her first name paired with your last name … she’ll love this sophisticated and sleek stationary set! Do it!!!

GIFTS FOR HIM UNDER $50

The fastest way to a man’s heart … is through his belly! Not a beer belly per say, BUT this makes a wonderful gift set! It’ll make him kiss you faster than he can make the beer! If he’s all about that Axe body spray life (ahem Joe!) and you want to ease him into a sexy man scent, try gifting him with a cologne that you LOVE! He’ll love it too and he’ll appreciate the extra sniffs and nuzzles from you! Flannels are just as sexy as they are fashionable in my opinion, and nothing screams, “I’m a sexy AND strong lumberjack”, quite like a flannel does!  Or a man bun. And a burly beard.

GIFTS FOR HER UNDER $100

Team building skills are best created through adventures and activities! Make some memories and find some incredible things for the two of you to do on sites like Living Social and Groupon! Double that with a polaroid camera to capture all the moments because you KNOW how much she likes taking photos of YOUR food! Besides, nothing makes a better Instagram photo than a collage of polaroids! Speaking of collages, you can one-up that gift by creating beautiful frames and art work with those photos by using services like Shutterfly and other photo making programs! Look at you, you’re a gifting PRO! PS she totally needs this getaway bag to go with, because truth!

GIFTS FOR HIM UNDER $100Men love taking selfies with us and FOR us, just about as much as they like talking about how AWESOME our love fern/bonsai gift was! Why not at least let him capture the moments HE loves, in style! Gift him with a rad camera … and be the 1st photo he takes with it! See, win win! Accessories really polish a man’s look off with just the right amount of taste and class. I think he’ll absolutely LOVE this watch with its man band and all! Last but not least, for the gamer inside of every man, be the coolest girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/ husband ever by surprising him with a new game or accessory! It shows that you semi-approve of all the time he spends gaming, AND that you’re actually listening to him talk about the game through all of those eye rolls of yours!

I hope this quick gift guide helps you in picking up a gift or FIVE the next time you’re out scrambling with the rest of us, in a frenzy at the mall the night before Christmas!

Happy holidays from me to you and let me know what your go-to gift is for that special lady or fella in your life!

 

EASY CHRISTMAS DIY – CENTERPIECE AND COCKTAILS!!!

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Twenty-one more sleeps until Christmas morning!!! So with that, I am feeling festive and this year I didn’t let ‘do it yourself’ projects intimidate me. I usually talk myself out of doing these kinds of things, but today I’m sharing with you my easy, festive, and QUICK do-it-yourself creations and cocktails. First up, this snow covered pillar holder!

What you’ll need:

  • tall glass pillar holder or sconce
  • pillar candle of your choice
  • epsom salt
  • mod podge
  • sponge or brush for mod podge application
  • faux pine branch with berries and pine cones
  • string of mini lights (optional)

Method:

Take your sponge or brush and coat the outside of the pillar holder with a thick layer of mod podge, going up with the mod podge as high as you’d like the ‘snow’ to go. Take a bowl full of epsom salt and dip the holder into the bowl using your hands to coat the mod podge with the salt. Set aside and let dry 20-30 minutes.

Fill the pillar holder with epsom salt up to just below the ‘snow’ line. Take your pillar candle and set it inside of the glass holder on top of the salt. Give it a nice little push to center it and secure it. Then take your pine branch and pluck off the bits you like- the berries, the cones- and simply stick them into the salt surrounding the candle. For some extra flare, take miniature lights and layer them up and around the candle. Now your festive snow-filled candle holder is complete!

Now for this DIY gift! A merry-lil-mason-jar, filled with candy OR your favorite hot cocoa recipe mix!


What you’ll need:

  • mason jar with a lid
  • candy of your choice (or your favorite hot cocoa mix)
  • epsom salt
  • mod podge
  • brush or sponge for application
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun
  • festive string or burlap

Method:

Paint the mod podge three quarters of the way up the mason jar so that some of the candy shows through the glass once you’ve completed this project. Place the jar into the bowl of salt and begin applying a thick layer of salt around the jar, on top of the mod podge, using your hands. Set aside and let that sit 20-30 minutes.

Now we’re ready to decorate! Fill your mason jar with your favorite holiday candy or layer it up with your favorite hot cocoa mix. Pluck off some berries and pine stems and hot glue them into a bundle with a dollop of hot glue so that the bundle stays in place. Then wrap your string around the bundle so that it stays in place while hanging from the lid, and tie the string it all the way around the jar. Secure the knot with a pretty  bow just under the lip where the lid goes and tadaaaa!

Holiday cocktail time!!! Today we’re making three holiday inspired cocktails, a peppermint kiss, a GRAND spiked eggnog, and a Ferrero Rocher chocolate bliss cocktail!!!


For the Peppermint Kiss Cocktail you’ll need:

  • martini glass
  • shaker
  • ice
  • white chocolate liqueur
  • peppermint schnapps
  • vanilla flavored vodka
  • peppermint candies

Method:

Take the peppermint candies, place them into in a plastic bag and crush them into tiny bits for the rim of your martini glass. Dip the rim of your glass into a liqueur and dip the glass into the crushed bits of peppermint, set it aside.

In the shaker add your ice, equal parts of the vanilla vodka and white chocolate liqueur- which is about 1/4 cup each. Add in 1 table spoon peppermint schnapps, and shake it all up! Pour the drink into your fancy cup, sprinkle in some more peppermint chips, and you’re done!

The GRAND Spiked Egg Nog!


What you’ll need:

  • fancy wine glass
  • egg nog
  • Grand Marnier

Method:

This one’s an easy one so don’t blink! Simply fill the glass half way with your favorite egg nog, and spike it up with 1/4 cup of your favorite cognac,  I’m using grand mariner. Give the mixture a soft stir with a spoon or straw. Since both liquids are pretty thick I didn’t want to shake this in a shaker, so a little swirl with a spoon or straw and you’re set! Enjoy!

And the very BEST for last, the Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Bliss Cocktail!


What you’ll need:

  • low ball glass
  • a hazelnut liqueur (I’m using Frangelico)
  • cookie butter ice cream (or chocolate)
  • Ferrero Rocher chocolate candies

Method:

This cocktail is also super simple and it’s SUPER decadent! totally worth the five seconds it takes to make! Simply fill half of the glass up with the Frangelico then drop in a generous spoonful of ice cream! Top that baby off with some Ferrero Rocher candies and then ENJOY because this drink is worth every single guilty sip!!!


I hope you try making these drinks yourself and please TAG me on Instagram and Twitter when you do! Don’t be afraid of these DIY projects either, give them a go and let me know how it goes!!! The tutorial of each of these is up on my channel now so go show it some love!

Let me know what your holiday plans are and if you’re going to get adventurous in DIY this season!!!

 

FALL FASHION LOOK BOOK!

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Fall fashion in L.A. looks a lot like summer fashion in L.A.! We’re spoiled in California with its sunny days and 85 degree conditions, so when it gets cooler than 75 we all freak out! Here are my some of my favorite fashion pieces of the season … and ahem Black Friday sale steals!!! Because, pictures or it didn’t happen!

One of my favorite looks the ‘casual chic’ look. I wear this out to run errands and trek around the town in. I paired these high-waisted vegan leather leggings with a wrap around crop top and one of my favorite pieces – this maxi blazer. Blazers just make any outfit feel a bit more dressed up, and in juxtaposition of that, I completed this outfit with these Nike Thea running shoes. I’ve been pairing these shoes with a bunch of different looks lately, the style of it make them feel more formal, and in this case they serve to dress down the look in a casual chic kind of way.

Here’s a front view of this outfit … I call this pose the ‘flailing bird’. I like to throw myself into awkward positions when I’m posing in public, just makes it more fun for me when people begin to stare! These sunglasses have been a summer favorite of mine and I plan on wearing them on through next summer! Another accessory I’ve loved through the seasons is this Michael Kors purse, it’s sleek and classic, and one of my favorite color combinations – navy blue and gold.

What’s a Fall look book without including the ever coveted over-the-knee boots?! Of course when these babies went on sale I had to have them! I have these boots in tan also, but black boots feel more sleek when paired with other solid colors. This look I wear out to lunch meetings and when I’m feeling fancy enough to show off some bare midriff!

This look could be more casual if you paired the outfit with some booties and swapped the vest for a cardigan. I love putting together high waisted shorts with crop tops, especially if they are asymmetrical. This crop top has a higher neck line so a simple silver necklace and cat eye sunnies were all the accessories it needed. Besides, this moto vest was a great accessory on its own with silver hardware, zippers, and front snaps. Scalloped shorts like these Nasty Gal ones are great for every shape and size trust me! I’m short and I felt like the shape of these were perfect and weren’t cut at unflattering angles. Sheer tights and these thigh high boots complete the look for a trendy and sexy ensemble!


I saved the best for last! Take this look out on a date night, a girls night out, or if you’re just feeling like your sexy self! This is a more daring look with some classy, and casual, flare to it; featuring a strappy cut out bralette and high waisted scuba leggings.

If this feels like it’s more skin than you’d like to bare, have no fear, I brought back the maxi blazer to calm the nerves. This knee length skinny scarf also adds to the modesty of the top, drawing the eye to the classiness of the bow and not the lines in the triangle top. These scuba leggings are also a great way to bare less yet be more bold, they’re high waisted and feature a double buckle that you often see in dress pants. A wonderful addition to this look which also carry out the casualness of it, are these faux leather loafers. Shoes really do set the tempo for a look. These more casual shoes dress the outfit down more than a pair of pumps would. Have fun with it though and if you love your pumps, wear them like no one is watching … or is that dancing? (both!)

I hope you enjoyed this Fall look book, these were some of the pieces I picked up after Black Friday last week and I just had to share! If you’d like to see this in moving form, check out the look book over on my YouTube channel where I twirl like nobody’s business!

What are you most looking forward to this holiday season? The fashion? The food? Did you splurge on sales like I did?! Let me know and I’ll see you Friday with a festive beauty tutorial!

 

 

 

 

 

 

PANNA COTTA WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE!

by with 2 Comments bakingfoodhosting

 

 

 

Ok let me just preface this by saying that this attempt was a total fail! The beautiful photo above was actually taken by MrsJpvan2 and it just looks delicious and beautiful right? Well my panna cotta was totally delicious … and totally ugly!

I fully set out to create this yummy scrum-dilly-umptious dessert that my daughter loooves, and instead ended up creating a disaster. Full video of said disaster, tears and all here or watch the video below!

So a couple of things, 1) have proper ramekins and not a bundt. This will all make sense soon, and 2) measure things properly and don’t eye ball them like I did. Again, this will all make sense. But first:

Ingredients:

  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

I got this super yummy recipe from epicurious and if you’d like to see the original post click here, their description of it is much better than mine considering they properly prepared it. So I gave it a go, not having the correct measuring cups and also ahem not having mini ramekins.

Method:

Sprinkle the gelatin over the 2 tablespoons of water and let it thicken in a small saucepan for about a minute. It will begin to gel up.  Then dissolve the mixture over low heat for about another minute and remove from heat. In another saucepan boil together the half and half, sugar, and cream – this takes about 7 minutes or so. Remove the pan from the stove and whisk in the vanilla and gelatin mixture. OK OK, then you’re SUPPOSED to divide the mixture amongst 8 1/2 cup ramekins, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 4+ hours.

OK OK, soooo I didn’t have ramekins and knowing what those were at the time was like trying to pronounce it … not happening. So instead I used a bundt cake mold and chilled the mixture in it over night. The next morning it was … how do you say … a disaster!

It fell apart, it flattened, it sunk just as fast as my heart did when I lifted the bundt mold. But the AMAZING and redeeming fact is that it tasted incredible! Minus looking at the hideous blob I had before me, the taste was spectacular! Light, creamy, sweet, and I made a raspberry topping to go with it.

For the topping I just took a package of raspberries and boiled them with some honey and coconut oil until it looked right and tasted right. I plopped it on top and walllaaa! It was boyfriend tested and kid approved! HA!

Try this recipe out for yourself, I know you’re go at it will be much more successful than this. I really am a wonderful cook/baker I promise, it just I swear when the camera is on it becomes a semi-disaster!

What have you made that was a disaster to look at but a party to your taste buds?!?!?!

 

Jess Lizama

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BRUNCH – CULVER CITY

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That time in-between breakfast and lunch, when you’ve missed all of the good breakfast specials. It’s not quite lunch time but you still want breakfast items … bring on brunch!

I had the most delicious brunch meal with my great friend Meeshel in Culver City at The Wallace on Main Street. We’d searched Yelp high and low for a brunch spot that had reasonable prices with exceptional reviews and we’d finally settled on The Wallace.

Meeshel ordered the fried chicken sandwich with celery slaw and harissa aioli. It took everything in me not to reach over and snag her plate! I’m a sucker for fried chicken and it’s usually my go-to order. I wanted to try something new however, so I got the veggie wrap that was packed full of vegetables, avocado, pistachio, and tarragon chimichurri! Deeeelish!

Brunch just wasn’t complete without our adult beverage, and instead of the usual Bloody Mary or Mimosa, we both set our sights on a Wallace signature drink- Morning Sex. It featured bourbon and passion fruit and it was just as amazing at it sounds! Even the edible flower was beautiful and delicious! It was tangy and sweet without being overpowering at all.

 

True to bourbon beverages, it was chilled with a huge block of ice that kept the drink cold without watering it down. It was easily one of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had. If you’re into bourbon, or passion fruit for that matter, it’s a must try when you visit! Now for the specs!

PARKING:
There is a ton of street parking! There are a number of parking lots nearby that you pay and park at, making  it convenient to stick around after you’ve eaten to explore the area.

PRICE:
$$  You won’t break the bank indulging in food and drinks.

BRUNCH ITEMS:
With your traditional brunch favorites like chicken and waffles, and biscuits and gravy, each dish has its own Wallace spin to them!

KID FRIENDLY:
Yes! It isn’t advertised as a kid friendly choice, but I believe with its clean and spacious layout you can bring the kiddos! It’s not an anxiety inducing space that us parents would have to worry about making a mess at – with flinging bread crumbs and syrup stickiness.

ATMOSPHERE:
Very clean and modern looking with its decor and structure. Not posh at all, but not a place you’d wear your beach clothes to. I loved that there was a mix of business professionals having brunch alongside moms and best friends catching up over their mid-morning mimosas.

SEATING:
Both indoor and outdoor. On a beautiful day I’d say sit outside!

PET FRIENDLY:
Yes! With its lovely outdoor seating, you can bring your fur baby to enjoy  brunch with you! Yayyy!!!

All in all it’s a wonderful brunch spot to check out the next time you want a special twist on your special breakfast favorites.

Let me know what your favorite brunch menu items are and I hope you have a beautiful week!!!!

Hugs!!!

Jess Lizama

REAL FRUIT COCKTAILS WITH VEEV – IT’S GIRLS NIGHT!

by with No Comment hostingparty ideasrecipes

Just in time for the weekend, you know what that means…Cocktails, the ones with fruit! I am so excited to have my partner in crime and Hapa sister, Miya, guest blog for us this week! She is my other Hapa half from our channel Hapa Hour, and today she shares with us her refreshing and healthy twist to the every day cocktail. ————-

I’m hosting a girl’s afternoon this weekend! It’s supposed to be another hot week so I wanted to create a refreshing and more ‘healthy’ version of the cocktail. Since I’m not a fan of really sweet drinks made with artificial flavors, I chose to use real fruit and fresh ingredients to blend together.

I’m picky with my alcohol choices and usually get the best quality possible, to avoid those much anticipated morning headaches we all love. Even just one drink from cheap alcohol and I wake up feeling like, I ran a marathon – in the sun – all day – all while drinking a dozen mixed drinks! No bueno.

I’m not particularly a vodka drinker but I recently found one that is actually mush tastier than your traditional vodka AND it’s the healthier choice! VEEV, an acai liqueur, hand crafted from acai-berries and other natural ingredients. It is the key ingredient in today’s mixer. So here’s what I made for the girls, it was a hit!

Ingredients:
  • Handful of fresh strawberries
  • Pineapple juice
  • Fresh  squeezed lime
  • 1 fluid ounce of VEEV liqueur per serving
  • Ice
Method:
  1. Combine the fresh strawberries, pineapple juice, lime juice, and ice – and blend together in a blender or ninja for just a few seconds.
  2. Add in the 1 fluid ounce of VEEV
  3. Keep the cups in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving. Can be garnished with mint or a lime wedge, and VOILA!

This drink is so easy to make and your guests will love it, I promise. Whenever I make this drink I feel instantly glamorous and grown up … like I’m in an episode of Sex In The City or something. Well you know what I mean!

Enjoy and please remember to drink responsibly and be a good friend, don’t let anyone drink and drive 😉

Miya
xx

 

HEALTHY LATE NIGHT SNACKS!!!

by with One Comment bakinghealthlifestylerecipeswellness

If this sounds like you raise your hand … Wakes up early to work out, has a protein shake, eats every few hours while making responsible meal choices, 9pm hits and BAM … eats something bad EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!

Sound familiar? Well that is another reason why I jump started #30dayswithJess 2.0! Here are my go-to snacks that are … wait for it … late night consumption APPROVED!

Craving something sweet and savory? Well I have your new favorite treat! Here’s the recipe for frozen yogurt-banana cream filled strawberries – topped with salted caramel dark chocolate pieces! I know, I know, you love me. I love you too!

  • 10-12 strawberries
  • 1 & 1/2 Tablespoons of Blue Diamond sliced almonds
  • 1/2 banana
  • 3 & 1/2 Tablespoons honey yogurt (or any greek yogurt)
  • dark chocolate of your choice (I used salted caramel dark chocolate)

Method:

  1. Smash the banana in a bowl with a fork and add the yogurt until mixed well
  2. Cut the centers out of each strawberry – very carefully, this was tricky for my uncoordinated self
  3. Fill each strawberry with the banana-yogurt cream and top with a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
  4. Place a chocolate piece on top of each strawberry and freeze over-night or until firm. Which ever you have time can wait for! They are messy, but sooo delicious!

  • For that chocolate pudding crave, try making some chocolate coconut chia seed pudding! It’s so much healthier for you and is packed full of omega 3’s and antioxidants! I topped mine with frozen mango chunks and pomegranate seeds *insert drool emoticon*!
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds (I used a chia seed, buck wheat, and hemp seed mix with cranberries and coconut flakes)
  • 1/2 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup coconut milk (almond milk works also)
  • fruit and unsweetened cocoa powder for toppings (I used pomegranate seeds, frozen mango chunks, and 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder)

Method:

  1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a mason jar with the exception of the toppings
  2. Shake well and refrigerate over night, giving the mason jar a good shake after about 30 minutes to an hour
  3. Once thickened, top with your favorite fruits and cocoa powder for a kick, and ENJOY!

I saved the best for last! When that ice cream craving hits mid-day, or mid-night, you’ll be able to indulge without the bulge. Wow look at my rhymes! Here’s your chocolate cherry ice cream recipe! This ‘ice cream’ is made with frozen bananas, cherries (yes cherries), and peanut butter. Yes you CAN nix the PB, but combining cherries and peanut butter WILL be your newest obsession!

  • 4 frozen bananas (this makes enough for our family of 3)
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 1 cup of frozen cherries
  • 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Method:

  1. Place the frozen bananas, peanut butter, and cherries into a food processor
  2. Blend well until smooth and creamy, like ice-cream. It will look like this!
  3. ENJOY!

I mean, how stinkin’ pretty is this home-made chocolate cherry ice-cream?! PS if you’re not a peanut butter fan, exclude this ingredient and add in some more frozen berries and you’re set! So delicious! Frozen fruit whipped up to make ice-cream … genius!

So there you have it! My current three most favorite, go-to treats! You can enjoy these any part of the day, but for me it’s all about settling those late night cravings.

I hope you’ve joined us for #30DaysWithJess 2.0, where we share our meal prep ideas, snack recipes, and workouts with each other! I love trying out your recipes too!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember, you can have anything you want! The key is: everything in moderation <3

Jess Lizama