Newest coco mado designs

I have been real busy creating some new colourful jewellery designs over at coco mado. I had some great shows and made lots of funky new stuff. So check out the designs scrolling on the right. See a few of my favourites below. I haven't had a chance to put them up on my website but I thought I would show you... just in case you are interested for Christmas presents for your friends, family or even for yourself. Go ahead, you deserve it.

Little Girl Snack- Princess Pretzel Parfait

Melanie just loves this little cookbook that my dearest friend Robin gave her one Christmas. So since she sees her mom scouring through cookbooks and making recipes she tought she would show me her cookbook. It's a Disney thing... so some recipes are not the healthiest, but we flipped through the book looking for some healthy recipes and look what we found.

We kind of modified it to make it with things we enjoyed. 
Fat-free Vanilla yogurt, strawberries and PC Blue Menu Alphabet Pretzels.

And there you have it!

Princess Alphabet Pretzel Parfait.

Healthy Alternative- Taco Night

So thanks to my dear friend Iain who told me about this new way of making 'Healthy Tacos'. Instead of buying those pre-made, high fat, crunchy boxed tacos, you can use soft whole wheat flour tortillas.

Check it out...

You fry up your taco meat, shred your low fat cheddar cheese, get your fry pan ready and you are set. Just spray down the pan with some 'Pam' and place your tortilla in the pan, add your meat and cheese and fold it in two, you can make about 3 at a time if you have a large enough pan. Keep them warm in the oven as you mass produce them for your family.

To serve with it,  I was going to make my first attempt at making Guacamole, but my avocado was too hard and I cut my finger, but since I had already cut my tomato, onion and cilantro, I squirted some lime and I called it 'Fresh Salsa'.

I served it with these delicious, all natural Tortialla chips on the side.

Back to the 'Taco'... So once you have them all done, you get to cut them into wedges and then you open them up with the nice melted cheese inside and stuff them with lettuce, sour cream, fresh made salsa or anything else your little heart desires. See...

Nutritious Breakfast- Banana Peanut Butter Thin Bagel

This is one of our favourite nutritious breakfast ideas. And now, we have slimmed it up. They now have available these new 'Thin Bagels' I call them. They are about 100-160 calories for the whole thing, which is about 1/3 of what a 'regular size' bagel would be. I found the Whole Grain Blue Menu at Loblaws. I put a little bit of peanut butter and slice up a banana.
It's packed with almost all the food groups- fruit, meat and alternatives (peanut butter), whole grain... and if you have some milk or yogurt on the side- you'd have all the food groups.
How marvelous!

Healthy Low Fat Cranberry Walnut Scones

Healthy Low Fat Cranberry Walnut Scones (adapted from funfud.blogspot.com)

This was my first ever attempt at making scones. I found this great recipe on another food blogger's blog and tried it out. Well let me tell you... it turned out awesome!

These are so good and easy to make and are really so much better for you than those store bought ones. Do you know a cheese scone at Tim Horton's has 300 calories and 14g of fat. Compared to these which have 175 calories and 6g of fat.

Look at them right out of the oven! I can't wait to try other varieties!

Ingredients1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar (or more if you like them sweeter)
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts - chopped
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1/2-3/4th cup milk

Method
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can even do this with your fingertips. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts, then slowly add the milk, just until the dough is moistened. Make a tough dough like cookies.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently, 5 to 10 times. Pat into a 1-inch-thick round. Cut into 12 wedges with a buttered knife; place on a baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Sprinkle some more brown sugar if desired. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before trying to remove them.

Serves 12 - 1 each

Nutrional Information

175 calories

29g carbs

 6g fat

 4g protein

 2g fibre

Crockpot Pulled Pork and Coleslaw

Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork and Coleslaw

This is the easiest and most delicious recipe. It's great when you don't have time to prepare dinner but need to eat in a hurry.

Take a pork tenderloin and place it in your crockpot. Add about half a bottle of BBQ sauce, let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Take if out from the crockpot, put it on a plate, take 2 forks and pull the pork apart. Put all the pulled pork back into the crockpot to soak in the BBQ sauce for a few minutes.

 

Get your whole wheat buns, toast them lightly in the toaster.

To make a quick vinegar coleslaw follow these simple steps. In a small bowl mix 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp of sugar, salt and pepper. In another bigger bowl, take your coleslaw mix and add the dressing, mix it all together. It's better if you refrigerate it for about 20 minutes. But you can eat it right away.

And there you have it, a delicious Healthier BBQ pork dinner. 

Nutrional Information:

317 calories

33g carbs

10g fat

23g protein

6g fibre

Nice Nails- Sparkling Applause

Ok, this was my favourite so far for sure! Sally Hansen- Applause with tips of silver sparkle. OMG, can you see light hitting the sparkle on the left finger, it's like a glimmer from heaven... aaahhh, can you hear the angels sing?

Loaded Twice Baked Potato

Loaded Twice Baked Potato (adapted from eatingwell.com)

This is the mixture, I added alot more broccoli.

I added a few real bacon bits on top for a little added flavour. You just need a little bit to make a difference. I served it with a nice green salad on the side.

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 8 ounces 90%-lean ground beef, (see Variation)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 scallions, sliced

Preparation

1. Pierce potatoes all over with a fork. Place in the microwave and cook on Medium, turning once or twice, until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. (Or use the “potato setting” on your microwave and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions.)
2. Meanwhile, brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Increase heat to high, add broccoli and water to the pan, cover, and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli; add to the meat.
3. Carefully cut off the top third of the cooked potatoes; reserve the tops for another use. Scoop out the insides into a medium bowl. Place the potato shells in a small baking dish. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar, sour cream, salt and pepper to the potato insides and mash with a fork or potato masher. Add scallions and the potato mixture to the broccoli and meat; stir to combine.
4. Evenly divide the potato mixture among the potato shells and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Microwave on High until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition

Per serving: 274 calories; 10 g fat ( 5 g sat , 4 g mono ); 52 mg cholesterol; 24 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 2 g fiber; 514 mg sodium; 740 mg potassium.

Variation:
I used a sweet potato as one of the extra potato for leftovers. I would say it was even better and more nutritious.

My daughter doesn`t like potatos, so look at this variation I made for her. A Beef Taco salad. She just loved it. Romaine lettuce, ground beef, low-fat cheddar, low-fat ranch dressing, red peppers, cucumbers and some good for you nacho chips. 

Whole Foods Supporting the Oakville Humane Society

My dear friend Janice, who is a volunteer with the Oakville Humane Society, asked me to let you all know that on Wednesday, November 30, the Oakville Whole Foods will donate 5% of all purchases to the Oakville Humane Society.

So you know I am a lover of pets- in fact that's where Vanilla, my white cat, was adopted from. And you know I am lover of  Whole Foods... so what a good cause!  Shop away next week and help the animals!

Healthy Lifestyle Update

Well friends I have some great news to share. I went for a visit at my clinic and I got weighed and measured. I am pleased to report that I have lost another 5.8 lbs, for a total loss of 20lbs in about 2 months and lost about 2 inches on my hips and 2 inches on my waist as well. My clothes are getting looser, my shoes, my ring and my work pants... I could fit some of my small co-workers in the looseness of my pants... I know that sounds weird but true!

Well it's all thanks to my inner 'fire' and the cutting and chopping of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Amazing Adventure- Bronte Harbour

This past weekend I had an Amazing Adventure with my daughter and her BFF, we went for lunch and then a lovely walk by the water at Bronte Harbour. One of our favourite spots. This time it was windy and coooooold, but believe it or not, there were still fishermen fishing! We had a great time sharing with her friend the fun stuff we do on our adventures, walking, exploring, getting fresh air, being one with nature, breathing... and lots and lots of laughing! 

Careful, don't fall in! ... I know, I am such a mom!

Funny, Windy, Faces

Feeling the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces!

 

Healthy Menu Plan

Ohhhh, it's been so busy in my world with coco mado jewellery shows and making bright and shinny creations that I have forgotten to post about my Healthy Menu Planning. Don't fret, I am still making my list every Thursday or Friday. I usually check the flyers to see what 'meat/protein' is on sale and go from there.
Click here to see this weeks plan.

Have I ever showed you my shopping list. Well here is a picture of it for you. If you want the world file let me know and I will email it for you.  But what you need to do is plan your meals first and then divide your list into grocery store sections. It speeds up your shopping and helps to organize your life all at once!

Soupy Sundays- Sesame Ginger Meatball Soup

Sesame Ginger Meatball Soup (from the LCBO Food & Drink Magazine and www.lcbo.com)

Thanks to Christy for bringing this soup to our work Pot Luck lunch. It's so delicious, I have already made it twice this Fall.

Ingredients:

MEATBALLS

1 egg

½ cup (125 mL) dry bread crumbs (panko or regular)

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh ginger (sorry had no fresh ginger, so had to use ginger in a tube- not as tasty)

1 tbsp (15 mL) low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil

1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef

SOUP

1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil

1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil

4 small carrots, diced

2 tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh ginger

6 cups (1.5 L) homemade or low-sodium beef broth

2 cups (500 mL) water

¼ cup (60 mL) low-sodium soy sauce

2 tsp (10 mL) Asian red chili sauce

2 tbsp (30 mL) rice vinegar

2 cups (500 mL) thinly sliced bok choy leaves

2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil.

2. Beat egg in a large bowl until blended. Stir in bread crumbs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. Add beef and use a fork to gently incorporate seasonings into meat. Shape rounded teaspoons (5 mL) into small meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake for about 15 minutes or until juices run clear. Set aside. (To make ahead, let cool, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day).

4. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add sesame oil and carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes or until carrots are softened. Add ginger and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in broth, water, soy sauce and chili sauce, and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until carrots are tender and flavours are blended. (To make ahead, let broth cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days).

5. Just before serving, reheat soup over medium- high heat until boiling, if necessary. Add meatballs and vinegar to soup, reduce heat and simmer until meatballs are heated through. Stir in bok choy until wilted. Garnish each bowl with green onions.

Serves 8 to 10

Nutrional Information:

203 Calories

10g Carbs

9g Fat

22g Protein

2g Fibre

And here is the delicious picture... can you smell the delicious ginger, soya, beef broth? Brent just loves the broth so much.

My daughter doesn't like soup... so this is what I make for her... I double the batch of meatballs. I took whole wheat spaghetti noodles, added some meatballs and some honey garlic sauce... she just loved it. Served some veggies on the side...

Really Good Low-Fat Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Really Good Low-Fat Raisin Oatmeal Cookies (www.sunmaid.com)

These are absolutely delicious, you won't believe that they are actually good for you.

Ingredients:

    1 cup white whole wheat flour or whole wheat flour 

    1 teaspoon baking powder

    1 teaspoon cinnamon

    1/2 teaspoon baking soda

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1 cup packed brown sugar

    1/4 cup fat-free vanilla or plain yogurt

    2 tablespoons canola oil or corn oil

    1 large egg

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    1-1/3 cups uncooked old-fashioned oats or quick-cooking rolled oats

    1 cup Sun-Maid Natural Raisins

    Directions:

    HEAT oven to 350º F. Cover 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

    COMBINE flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt together in a small bowl.

    COMBINE brown sugar, yogurt, oil, egg and vanilla in a large bowl. Add flour mixture to make a            blended dough.

    STIR in oats and raisins.

    DROP mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

    BAKE for 10-12 minutes until very lightly browned. Do not over bake.

    SLIDE cookies from parchment paper onto countertop to cool.

    Makes 40 cookies.

Nutrients per serving (1 cookie): Calories 63; Protein 1g; Fat 1g (Sat. Fat 0.1g); Carbohydrate 13g; Dietary Fiber 1g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 63mg

Really easy recipe to follow, Melanie helped me along without any problems.

My cookies turned out a little bigger and I probably made about 32. So each would be a little more calories. But it's a perfect snack size.

Whole Wheat Pancakes and Turkey Bacon

Whole Wheat Pancakes and Turkey Bacon

What a great weekend meal with this alternative to Aunt Jemima and Bacon! The addition of fruit makes the pancakes taste not so 'whole wheaty'.  I top it with more berries on top and add some 100% pure maple syrup. My family loves them.  If you have leftovers, just freeze them and reheat them in the microwave, much better than Eggo's for you.

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, well beaten

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup of berries or fruit

Stir together dry ingredients. Add eggs, milk, and oil. Stir until dry ingredients are moistened, add cup of fruit. Cook on preheated griddle until bubbles form and edges start to dry. Flip and cook until lightly browned.

Makes 12 pancakes.

Nutrional information ofr 2 pancakes:

124 calories

18g carbs

4g fat

5g protein

3g fibre

I added fresh blueberries and strawberries to these pancakes.

This is the turkey bacon I use. It's nice and thick and tastes delicious.

3 slices are, 90 calories, 3g carbs,  3g fat  12g protein  

Random Cat Picture- Vanilla and the Bags

So we have a few cats... and they do some pretty hilarious things. But lately, Vanilla has taken to the basket that holds all our grocery bags. You know we try to be good to the environment and bring our own reusable bags when we go shopping, but sometimes it gets a bit embarrassing when the bags are covered in white cat hair... especially those black Loblaws bags. The person who designed those bags obviously did not own any white, fluffy animals.

Thanks Vanilla for protecting and keeping our grocery bags warm and fuzzy!

Lady in Red

It's been getting cold around here, so the other day I decided to put on my favourite red sweater. It has great detail and is real warm. Well, with that comes the need to accesorize....
I went crazy over red....

I found this great red lipstick from my stash of old lipsticks. It's O.P.I, and you know how they come up with clever names...

Check out the shine...

I put on my coco mado bracelet...

And my matching necklace...

Et voila! I was a Lady in Red.... there's just something about wearing bright colours that just makes you feel happy. So I sure was a happy girl that day.

Tropical Chicken Wrap

Tropical Chicken Wrap

I am always looking for something quick and delicious and nutritious to put in a wrap. It seems to always be on a Thursday night, when I am exhausted and come home late from work. So last week, I came up with this new twist on a chicken wrap. Mella and I called it Tropical Chicken Wrap. So check it out.

Ingredients:

1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
12 fresh pineapple spears
12 cucumber spears
6 cups of shredded romaine lettuce
1/4 cup almond/cranberry mix
1/4 cup Kraft Fig Balsamic salad dressing
6 small whole wheat tortillas

Serves 3, 2 wraps each.

Cut chicken breast into long, thin strips. Stir fry the chicken breast in a pan with a bit of oil or Pam. When it's almost done, add the BBQ sauce, if you add it in too early it will just burn because of the sugar in the sauce.  See the picture of the nice 'salad topping' it has nice almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins. I just add cranberries for a bit of sweetness.

Cut your fresh pineapple and cucumber into spears. I place 2 of each in each wrap. It would be nice to add other crunchy things like bean sprouts or water chestnuts.

Chop up your romacine lettuce, add your nuts and berries and choose a sweet dressing. I just love the Kraft Fig Balsamic. Warm up your tortillas in the microwave and wrap each one individually. Really nice cold the next day too.  You will have extra salad to eat on the side as well.

Nutrional Information:

537 calories

54g carbs

14g fat 

50g protein

7g fibre