How’s that for a mouthful of a title? 
Since I haven’t written since last year, I think it’s obligatory to begin this post by saying, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2012 kicked off positively for you!
My New Years Eve celebrations were pretty mellow—no heels or skimpy sequined dresses this year, thank goodness!—but that didn’t stop me from bringing out the bling.
And by bling, I mean a cheesy headband and sparkly cupcakes.
My friend, Laura, threw a finger food party at her apartment, so in addition to the cupcakes, I also brought along roasted shrimp cocktail.
Not everyone can live off of frosting and cake alone, after all.
I know I’ve said this before, but Ina’s recipes really are ridiculously delicious….and simple. When I finished plating this, I declared (in my best pretentious Ina voice), “How easy is that? “
But don’t get me wrong; I’m no Ina Garten! Later in the evening I dunked one of her perfect shrimp in cupcake frosting. She’d be ashamed.
Anyways, let’s forget that ever happened. Time to move onward!
I was originally going to post about my new fitness and nutrition resolutions today, but I woke up feeling too frisky to discuss such things…
Cali is my alarm clock of choice
…so instead of a semi-serious post, let’s roll with some Friday Five fun.
Oh, and FYI: that resolutions post (yes, one of thoooose) will be popping up either Sunday or Monday. I’ve made some big changes to my fitness routine, and I’m taking on a new nutrition plan. However rest assured that you won’t be reading about how I’m giving up frozen yogurt or mashed potatoes. Such statements would be blasphemous on this blog.
*FRIDAY FIVE*
1. Long John Pajamas.
What better way to ring in the new year than with a new pair of PJ’s? And did you know that pajamas were the trendiest Christmas gift this year? If your friends and family didn’t catch wind, don’t be jealous; grab a pair for yourself so that you too can sleep in style.
2. Pumpkin Puff.
“Souffle” or “pudding”might be more appropriate words to describe this ugly treat!
Pumpkin Puff topped with sugar free syrup
It may not be photogenic, but it sure is delicious and nutritious.
**Pumpkin Puff**
1/4 cup pumpkin
1/4 cup Egg Beaters
1 packet Nu Naturals (or sweetener of choice)
several dashes of cinnamon
Toppings: peanut butter, Greek yogurt, syrup, chocolate chips, etc.
1. Combine pumpkin, Egg Beaters, stevia and cinnamon in a bowl; stir until well combined.
2. Pour into a mug, pyrex dish or ramekin that has been coated with cooking spray. Microwave 1-2 minutes.
Top with whatever you want! I love drizzling mine with sugar free syrup.
Servings: 1 Calories: 51; Protein: 7 grams; Carbs: 9 grams; Fiber: 3 grams
**I often double or triple the recipe for a more filling snack. Just keep the ratio of pumpkin to Egg Beaters equal and it will work! (Example: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters, 1/2 cup pumpkin)
**Your puff will deflate slightly after it comes out of the microwave.
3. New Flavor: Luna Honey Peanut Pretzel
Need I say more?
The only thing that could make this bar better is more of it!
Honey Peanut Pretzel (not yet on the Luna Bar website) is giving White Chocolate Macadamia Nut a run for it’s money!
4. Michael Jackson tunes.
I was treated to Michael Jackson: Cirque du Soleil Immortal Tour Tuesday night, and subsequently I’ve been beating it to the King of Pop all week. How can you not be a dancing machine when you’re listening to these jams? (<—click for YouTube preview)
The show was INCREDIBLE–by far the best I’ve ever seen. Immortal World Tour is now traveling around the country, so if it’s coming to your area, I highly recommend you GO. It’s a moving production that left me crying, laughing, screaming and dancing all within a two-hour period.
5. Cheesy Spinach Soup
You guys. This soup is amazing.
And it’s SO easy. I made a batch for dinner a few nights ago, and I’ve remade it several times since then. The soup comes together in less than 10 minutes and packs two servings of veggies plus a serious calcium punch.
But the most important part is that it’s as creamy and velvety as the full-fat version.
*Cheesy Spinach Soup*
serves 2
5 oz. evaporated fat free milk
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
5-6 oz. fresh spinach (about one bag)
2 oz. 2% sharp cheddar cheese
1 oz. fat free cheddar cheese
1/8 t. ground black pepper (more if you like a bit of a kick)
1/2 t. onion powder
4 t. all purpose flour (or gluten free flour of choice)
1. In a small saucepan, combine the broth, spinach, onion powder and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Combine flour and milk until smooth; gradually add to soup. Return to a boil.
3. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted.
Servings: 2; Calories: 165; Protein: 13.5 grams; Carbs: 10.5 grams; Fat: 6.5 grams; Fiber: 2 grams
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GIVEAWAY WINNER!
Thanks to all of you who entered the Chobani giveaway! The lucky winner is….Ashley!
Congrats, girl!!! Please email me your address, and I’ll have Chobani ship you your yogurt!
I hope you all have a lovely weekend! I’ll leave you with a little inspiration:
“My suggestion as you think, make decisions, and discern how God would have you live, is to ask yourself, “Is this the most loving way to do life? Am I loving my neighbor and my God by living where I live, by driving what I drive, by talking how I talk? I encourage you to consider and actually live as though each person you come into contact with is Christ.“
-Crazy Love by Francis Chan
*HUGS*
Sleepwear–what’s your favorite: Nightgown? Flannels? Long johns? Boxers/t-shirt? Sexy/silky? Undies only? Other?
When I was little I always wore nightgowns or Hanna Anderson long johns. Now I usually go for boxers/t-shirts or flannels. This is the first time I’ve slept in a pair of long johns since I was 10!
