Best of 2013

2013-bestof

2013 was a HUGE year for me & quite amazing. I traveled to Italy with my family, my mom got married and I was her maid of honor. Her beautiful wedding brought two wonderful families together and I now have a step father and 3 wonderful step brothers and many new aunts, uncles, cousins and the list goes (yes, Italian family).

I also started a new job at the ABC affiliate TV station and gained many new friends and colleagues as well as learned more than I ever thought I could in less than a year working for Lin Media.

Looking into 2014, most people want “more” or “better”, however 2013 is going to be hard to top so I will settle with, “just as amazing!”

2013-candystilettos
{Just a few 2013 Fashion Highlights)

2013recipes

{ favorite recipes from 2013 }

Chocolate-covered Peppermint Oreos

oreorecipe

In Connecticut, it is a beautiful snowy day which can be fun when there are Christmas movies on all day. The snowy scenery and festive movies made me want to whip up a holiday treat that was yummy yet not too time consuming. I remembered I bought these amazing Peppermint Oreos which taste like candy canes & chocolate (who can resist?). This recipe is no bake and takes only a few ingredients and makes for the perfect holiday treat to share.

peppermintoreos

Ingredients:

  • Your favorite oreo flavor (I used peppermint for holidays)
  • Chocolate bark or discs to melt (I used milk and dark chocolate)
  • Sprinkles of choice (I had mini gingerbread sprinkles & multi-colored)

IMG_20131214_164522_552

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate. I did it in the microwave. Stop every 30 seconds and stir.

2. Set aside several sheets of wax paper. When your oreos set, they will peel off easily!

3. Once the chocolate is melted, use a spoon or tongs to dunk oreos in the chocolate. Make sure they are completely covered. Set on wax paper.

4. Decorate with sprinkles before melted chocolate sets.

5. Let sit in fridge for about a half hour.

6. Once chocolate is hard, place in fun jars and decorate to hand out as holiday gifts!

IMG_20131214_164254_671

Cinnamon Pumpkin Dip

pumpkindip

There are very few Holiday recipes that are light and fluffy so I wanted to share this delicious dip recipe with you.  You can pair with healthy snacks such as animal crackers, apple, graham crackers or pretzels.  This cinnamon pumpkin dip is the perfect treat for a holiday party. It tastes like pumpkin pie without the carbs!
DSC_0503

Ingredients
15 oz can pumpkin
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
6 oz fat free Greek yogurt (I used Chiobani)
8 oz cool whip free

Directions

Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip and chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.
Makes about 6 cups
DSC_0502

Feel Good|Look Good

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn

I am a true believe that if you put on the right pair of shoes and the right clothes, you will somehow feel empowered. With that said, if you don’t feel good, not even a Christian Louboutin high will last long enough!

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease last year and I know what it’s like to not feel good.  After months of exhaustion, fatigue and weight gain for no apparent reason, I talked to my Dr. and he did a simple blood test and found out it was hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s disease.  After a few Doctor’s visits and medication as well as a more strict diet, I am feeling a million times better and know that when you are feeling good, it makes the world of a difference in your work, relationships, and overall happiness!

I try to make a constant effort in making healthy choices such as choosing fruit over potato chips or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  Depriving ourselves is not the answer but it is important to make conscious healthy choices.  Because of my thyroid, I am prone to easy weight gain so here are my go-to snacks that are satisfying and easy on the calories.  Even if you do not have to lose weight or do not have a thyroid issue, they are healthy for everyone so I wanted to share!

HOW-TO-MAKE-Frozen-Vegan-Banana-Bites-With-Chocolate-11-537x358
{Dark chocolate frozen banana bites: Cut bananas into bite size pieces, melt 60% or more cocoa dark chocolate, dip banana bites one by one in dark chocolate and place on tray. Put in freezer for at least 1/2 hour!}

sweetpotatofries

{Sweet potato fries: Pre-heat oven to 450, wash and peel 5-6 sweet potatoes, cute into shoe strings, mix with olive oil, rosemary, salt & pepper.  Bake for 30 minutes!}

chickpeas

{Roasted chickpeas: 3 cups cooked chickpeas, Preheat oven to 400, toss chickpeas with garlic, salt, oil and preferred spices.  Put them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown}

Olive Caprese Salad

If there is one thing I LOVED in Italy, it was the caprese salads. I loved how fresh they were and a lot of time they served it with olives and flavored with delicious herbs to spice it up. This is an amazing recipe for your next dinner party!

caprese

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/2 medium)
  • 2 pounds medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup pitted green olives, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced and halved
  • 1 serrano pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  •  1 tablespoon each minced fresh basil, tarragon, mint and cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel

Directions
1.In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly; stir in onion. Let stand for 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, cheese, herbs and serrano pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lime juice and peel and remaining vinegar; pour over tomato mixture. Drizzle with reserved marinade; toss gently to coat. Season with salt if desired. Serve immediately..