Shrimp Bruschetta

Serves: 24

6 oz. (about 1 cup) diced, cooked shrimp





1 cup shredded fat-free. mozzarella cheese










3/4 cup chopped plum tomatoes (about 2 1/2 medium)

3/4 cup chopped fresh spinach


1/4 cup chopped scallions
1 tsp. crushed fresh garlic
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 long, thin loaf French bread



Combine all ingredients except bread in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside. Slice bread into 24 1-inch slices. Arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until crisp and dry. Spread each slice with 1 tablespoon shrimp mixture. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F and return to oven for five minutes of until cheese melts. Serve hot.

Serves: 24 - Nutrition Information Per Serving

Calories: 68
Fat: 1
Sat fat: 0
Protein: 5
Fiber:1

Spousal Support

Spousal Support


Married 11 years, I know first hand the importance of a supportive spouse. Even if your partner’s healthy resolve leaves much to be desired, with the right approach you can find the support you need and improve your partnership in the process. Consider variations on these four phrases when cultivating the interpersonal support you need to reach your health and fitness goals and bring you closer in the process.

1. “I couldn’t do this without you!”: Let your partner know how important their help and support is to you. Everyone wants to feel needed. There’s nothing more important to your relationship than helping the other person feel like THEY are the center of your universe. Be careful that you don’t spend too much time gushing about all the new people or the new lifestyle you’re discovering. Make your partner understand that that he/she is always most important. Feeling better about yourself happens when you make other people feel important and needed and no where is that more important than with your significant other.

2. “Want to go for a walk with me?” Even if the likelihood of it happening is slim, frequently invite your partner to join you on a walk, a swim, bike ride or a fitness class. Let him or her to pick the workout and you might just get a ‘yes’. Ask often and ask with the intent to spend more time together, not to “change” their habits, even if ultimately that’s what happens. If Sunday morning tradition has been coffee, donuts and the paper, try establishing some new ones. No one wants to feel judged or told what to do. Make sure your first priority is spending time together and that fitness become something you share.

3. “Thank you!”: Express your appreciation for even the smallest gesture that helps you to reach your goal, even if it’s just re-arranging their schedule so you can get to your workouts. Thank your partner for not tempting you with a trip to 31 Flavors, or by eating the one food you cant resist (mine is those pink frosted animal cookies with the little tiny sprinkles) in front of you. Rather than dismissing compliments, thank your partner for noticing even the slightest change. Regularly remind your significant other how much you appreciate their help.

4. “Wanna get busy?”: Even if your partner doesn’t yet share your healthy resolve, you both profit from your commitment. Communicate the mutual benefits of fitness, including improved energy, a boost in self-esteem, a better mood, a tighter body, lower cholesterol, a boost in stamina, better health and yes, better sex!

5. “Let’s make a deal.”: Don’t expect your partner to abruptly change his/her dining habits because you are. No one likes to be forced into doing something. Most of us need to do things on our own terms and when “we” are ready. So, make a deal. Offer to do something nice (or naughty) in exchange for his/her promise to “eat in” for the next 10 days - 30 days..whatever it takes. In exchange for going on a nice long walk with you, promise to assume one of his or her normal household responsibilities.

Bomb Bay of the Day: MIRACLE MEAT TENDERIZER

Gasp! Fitness fashion girl posts kitchen gadget at Bomb Bay of the Day? Pick your jaw off the floor, it's true. And those of you who have been following along know that most all of my recipes are only going to be tested and prepared by my DH. He's a wonderful chef and truly a masterful artiste in the culinary department. (But could care less about the difference between a flat head and a phillips). We all have our strengths!


Meat lovers unite. My apologies to vegans and vegetarians! I love ya and certainly don't want to offend you with
meat talk! As my good friend Jay Blahnik always says, "I don't like to eat things that have eyes or a mother." It's never stopped me from enjoy fresh fish or meat, but it cracks me up every time he says it!

So I discovered this bomb bay through Bret. This little gadget is the Bomb Bay if you enjoy tender, juicy, cut it with a butter knife chicken and beef! I'm not kidding! Even I, the girl who burns toaster waffles, can cook a tender chicken breast with this little tool in my arsenal. Love it!

I bought mine after seeing a demo on QVC. We've had this one for over a year and we give them as gifts to everyone we know. In my search on line today, I found it at several locations all under $20.00, even Amazon.com as low as $16.00. We throw ours in the dishwasher and use it nearly everyday. It's in great condition.

How it works...Basically you just hold on to the top and press or punch it into and all over your piece of meat. I find the more I press it, the tenderer the meat and the less time it takes to cook (probably due to the tiny holes that are created)



As you can see, as the bottom of the device is pressed, the blades (nearly 50 of them) create tiny angled
cuts in your piece of meat.

Bomb Bay of the Day: DIMRS

Okay fellas.... sorry. this one is just for ma gurlz!




Ready for a handy dandy little something something that is an absolute MUST have?
Not everyone needs this item. However, if you answer "yes" to any of the following
questions, you need DIMRS.



1. You have had the occassion of wearing a thin or light colored top and become chilled, cold or even frozen.
2. You own a few fashionable little tops under which a bra is simply not an option, but neither is the idea of
broadcasting that your headlights seem to be focusing indepentantly at something on the ground, off to one side, or any unpredictable location.
3. You would like to wear light colored tops and bras, but prefer not to share with the world the precise size, color or shape of "your girls"
4. You have breasts.

If you answered "yes" to any or all of the above... run, don't walk to buy these things....



Here's the low down....

They last forever. They don't move, but yet they're not sticky. They are made of this silicone type materail that just heats up against your body and doesn't move! You can wear these with a loose fiting top and they won't slide off (unless you get really, really sweat!) I wear them under my light colored workout tops and the shelf bran holds them in place beautifully, even after the most outrageously sweat Turbo fest! They wash with soap and water and they are soooooo thin, no one will ever notice them, even under the thinnest of garments.

I had tried a bazillion others before finding these beauties. I tried the ones that were shaped like a petal, the tape on kind, the cheap immitation kind..you name. Hey...when it comes to nipple coverage, would I steer ya wrong? The only problem...they are HARD to find. Don't drive all over town, to date I've only found them at specialty high end boutiques (sorry Target shoppers). So unitl QVC or Walmart decides to sell them, on line is your best bet.

Get two pairs, you'll want to give a set to your best friend too!



Okay and this falls under the category of tooo much information.... but here goes..

So these things are so comfortable you truly do forget your wearing them and I already told you, they stick to you, but they don't have any sticky stuff on them. They just stick. So I get undressed to take a shower and I'm walking toward my bathroom mirror when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and almost had a heart attack. You see these things are completely flesh colored. I had forgotten they were on and though somehow I had suffered a very bizzare accident. You get the picture. If not, go undress your daughter's Barbie and you know what I mean. It was very strange... but these puppies WORK!!!

I'm here to help...

XOXOXO

Chalene

YUMMY MONDAYS: Pineapple-Papaya-Mango Smoothie

This recipe serves: 1
Preparation time : 5 minutes

Ingredients
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup peeled, cored and cubed pineapple
1/4 cup peeled, seeded and chopped ripe papaya

1/4 cup peeled, cubed mango
honey to taste
1/2 cup ice



Cooking Instructions
1. Place the juice, fruit and honey in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds. Add the ice and blend until smooth.

I like to add some personal touches to this recipe that my husband doesn't always fancy... for example, I like to use splenda instead of honey. But then I am a girl made out of splenda! Also being my life is busy busy, I find myself using frozen mango and papaya and throwing in a half scoop of some Beachbody vanilla protein powder. Doing these things will shift the calorie intake just a bit but not that extreme just gives you a bit more protein to keep you fuller longer, perfect for that life on the go!!! Did I mention how, oh so fab this smoothie is for those hot spring and summertime days!!??

Reminder: If you do decide to use the frozen fruit, you will not need to add any ice for it will be frothy enough from the frozen fruit. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts


Serving Size about 1 cup

Amount Per Serving


Calories 121

Protein 1 g
Total Carbohydrate 30 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Soluble Fiber 0 g
Insoluble Fiber 1 g
Sugar 27 g
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g

Another helpful tip to make your life a little less chaotic: Use drained, canned pineapple packed in its own juices.

YUMMY MONDAYS: TERIYAKI TOFU KABOBS

Ingredients:

8 bamboo skewers
3/4 pound extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 32 cubes
1 red pepper, cut into 16 squares
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserve 1/2 cup juice
1 tablespoon lite soy sauce
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons minced ginger

Instructions:

Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning as you cook the skewers.

Meanwhile, put the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple chunks in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Add reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Drain, reserving marinade to baste. Thread the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple on the skewers.

Prepare an outdoor grill or oven broiler with the rack set 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade. Serve with brown rice.

Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 107
Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg,
Sodium 147 mg,

YUMMY MONDAYS: 3 BEAN TACOS

Ingredients:

1 tsp. olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 garlic clove -- minced
1 cup canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can no salt added tomato sauce
12 taco shells
3/4 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
3/4 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup finely shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa

Instructions:

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Add onion and next 6 ingredients (onion through garlic), and sauté 2 minutes.

Add chickpeas, beans, and tomato sauce.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick.

Prepare taco shells according to package directions.

Spoon 1/4 cup bean mixture into each taco shell.

Top each with lettuce, 1 tablespoon tomato, 2 teaspoons cheese, and 2 teaspoons salsa.

Servings: 12

Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 140
Fat 4 g, Cholesterol - mg,
Sodium 273 mg, Carbohydrate 21 g

Union Jeans

Commando Low-rise Thong Underwear

The Calorie King

Juicy Socks

Bomb Bay of the Day: Loreal Sunless Tanner Gelee

When I really like a product, gadget or gizmo, I call it "da bomb!". BUT...when I fall HEAD OVER HEELS and begin my work as an evangelists for some new do-hicky, I call it "The Bomb Bay!"

I often say that in my next life I want to come back as a QVC host. I love sharing things that make life easier, help us look better/younger/thinner, save us time, stay on the cutting edge, solve a propblem, you get the picture.

So... I plan to blog at cha whenever I find one of these yummy little gems! I thought I would start with a Bomb Bay that really rocks! Ever wonder why I (we) look so tan in our videos... answer... self-tanner. My theory is everyone looks more toned with a tan! Naturally my skin tone is as white as the background on this page. But after a brush with skin cancer, rapidly multiplying freckles and Scottish-Irish blood working against me... self-tanner has become my BFF! I've become an expert of sorts. I've tried everything from the $75 bottles to "waste of time" towlettes. My personal research has determined that the very fastest acting, least likely to streak or look orange is.....(drum rolll please...) a $7.00 bottle of L'oreal Gel Sunless Tanner. It's actually called a Gelee. Now, they make something similar in a lotion, but and I beg of you to believe me... the gelee is FAR superior; big difference! Save your money. And where might one find this bomb bay of the day... just about any drug store. I've also found it at Target, Walmart and even once at Big Lots (now that was a good day!)


It took great strenght for me to share this with you. I discovered this Bomb-bay about 3 years ago and until today (insert self-reflective deep breathe here)...I have selfishly guarded "my find" for fear others would strip the shelves of local drug stores everywhere leaving me desperate, angry and pasty pasty white! Bottom line, the stuff is VERY hard to find and especially in the winter months, which makes no sense to me at all. When I *do* find it, I buy every bottle on the shelf. One bottle should last 5 or so full body applications. The thicker you put it on, the darker and quicker you tan. (Don't forget to wash your hands when you're done!) I find it goes on best right out of the shower. Let it dry a good 30 to 40 minutes before getting dressed. Does it smell you ask? Yes. And they ALL do and if someone tells you otherwise, they are lying or the one they're talking about doesn't work. (Remember, I'm an expert on this topic! But hey... a little chemical smell for a few hours is a small price to pay for a "safe tan".




Once you apply the gelee and let it dry for about 30 minutes (you can walk around in a loose t-shirt or light weight robe), you want to avoid taking a shower for about 4 to 5 hours. The tan appears gradually over that time frame. After about 5 hours, you can shower again, if you really can't stand the smell. The tan should last you about 3 to 4 days and it just gradually begins to fade. Apply every other day for a really dark tan!

Enjoy... but hede my warning and wash those hands after every application!!! Oh, and if you find a great place to find this little bomb bay, be sure to post the location in your comment and LEAVE ONE FOR ME!!!

XOXOX
Chalene

Chocolate Altoids

YUMMY MONDAYS: Ginger Soy Flank Steak

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon red chili flakes

Lime juice from one lime
1 tablespoon brown sugar (Splenda brown sugar alternative)
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak*

* Tenderized round steak may also be substituted in this recipe.

In a small bowl, combine ginger, garlic, chili flakes, lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame seed oil. Pour mixture over flank steak and let marinate for 1 hour.

Either grill, broil, or pan fry flank steak over high heat to medium rare or until the internal temperature reaches desired temperature on your meat thermometer (see below). NOTE: This steak is best cooked rare to medium rare.

Rare - 120°F
Medium Rare - 125°F
Medium - 130°F

Remove from heat and let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing. With a sharp knife, slice steak thinly against (diagonal) the grain. Place on a platter or individual dinner plates.

Makes 6 servings.

172 calories per serving
6 grams of fat

YUMMY MONDAYS: Breakfast Burritos

Start of the day with a great burrito filled with zucchini, peppers and corn wrapped with eggs in a whole wheat tortilla.
Original recipe yield: 4.

Servings:
4 (Change)

INGREDIENTS:
4 (8 inch) fat-free honey-wheat tortillas (Mission Tortillas)
Pam cooking spray
1 medium zucchini, diced

1 small red bell peppers, seeded and diced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
6 egg whites
2 tablespoons 1% milk
1 cup mild or medium-spicy salsa


DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Wrap the tortillas in foil. Place in the oven to heat for 10 minutes. Turn the oven off, leaving the tortillas in the oven to stay warm.
Spray bottom of pan with Pam so it won't stick. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and black pepper. Cook the vegetables, stirring often, for 5 minutes, or until tender. Add the corn and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.
In a medium bowl, combine the egg whites and milk.
Reduce the heat to low. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and scramble gently until the eggs are cooked but still moist.
Evenly divide the eggs, vegetables and salsa among the tortillas. Roll up and serve immediately.