Tag Archives: healthy

Foodie Friday: Paleta Catering – A Marriage between Healthy & Sinful

Posted on by
Reply

Here’s the conundrum.

Picture it. My BeautyFrosting 2nd Bloggiversary. April 16th, 2014.

Just a few of the 70 fab-fashionista-fit-foodie bloggers at the shindig. What-oh what- to do? Photo by Drunken Pixel

You have 70 bloggers as guests. Fashionistas – who are foodies – who are fit – who are fabulous…who also have to be photograph-ready at all times. And you also have cocktails. And, um, cake.

So corndogs and pizza are definitely out of the question. But what you do when you have a houseful of nutritionally-minded mavens who are hungry but don’t want to blow their diets and want to be healthy but don’t want to sacrifice taste?

Well, there’s only one way to turn – my godsend –  Paleta.

The Paleta spread: When Healthy Meets Sinful. Pacific Rim Chicken & Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Local & Imported Cheese Board, Crudite with Assorted Hummus and Greek Yogurt Dip and Paleta Power-Up Chewy Bites *Photo by Takahiro Watanabe

 

I’ve been a fan of Paleta for a while now – ever since I met Chef Kelly and learned about her passion for pleasing the palate while promoting health through healing. What sort of healing? The kind of healing that comes from eating farm-to-table fresh and filling your body with whole foods.

Paleta Crudité with Lemon Hummus, Sundried Hummus and Greek Yogurt Dip. Um, You know, "Taste the rainbow?" Well, this truly IS tasting the rainbow - but of farm fresh veggies rather than high fructose corn syrup. Photo by Takahiro Watanabe

My guests couldn’t stop gushing about the eats. I was shocked at how much these girls could put back. Sorry, y’all, just speaking the truth here. It was refreshing to see my fashionista friends ACTUALLY EATING at a party. It’s a rarity – like seeing Bigfoot or something. But, yep, that’s how good it was.

Paleta Pacific Rim Thai Chicken & Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce *Photo by Takahiro Watanabe

I did have one complaint though. My guests ate ALL the satay and I never got a taste!!! I was craving it so much after hearing everyone rave about it that I actually just ate a spoonful of the spicy peanut sauce. Oh, don’t you judge.

Next up for me? After a month of Coachella, trips to Palm Springs and events galore (see aforementioned cake and cocktails), I’m gonna give Paleta Home Meal Delivery a try. At the very least, I’ll be giving myself the gift of health and at best, I may lose a few pounds so I can be a swimmie siren this summer. Lofty goals, I know, but I really do think Paleta can help me get there!

Thanks so much, Chef Kelly and Paleta for being a BIG part of my very special day!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Which Paleta delicacy are you most craving now?

High-Low 10-21-13: Urban Remedy Daycation & Letting Go of What Does Not Serve Me

Posted on by
Reply

HIGH: Urban Remedy Daycation with my fellow bloggers & tastemakers in Malibu

Last Tuesday, I had one of the most amazing days I’ve ever had. And it was all thanks to Urban Remedy and my friend – and fellow blogger – Jamie Stone of Queen Of The Quarter Life Crisis.

Jamie & Urban Remedy invited a host of bloggers and tastemakers to a mecca in Malibu- that was beyond divine – for a “Daycation”.

With my fellow bloggers, Roxy Manning of RedCarpetRoxy, Jamie Stone of Queen of The Quarter Life Crisis, Sydne Summer of SydneStyle and Rachel Dickhute of EverythingHauler

What did our “daycation” consist of?

Well, it started with being picked up at my house at 8:45 am and the ride along the coast – thanks to my driver – was perfection.

8:45 am pickup - courtesy of Urban Remedy - started the day off right!

 

Champagne-sipping while sitting in a swing chair was next…

Just a swingin'...and a-sippin'....

followed by more swinging…

I couldn't get enough of swinging...it took me right back to my childhood and I felt like I was in NeverNeverLand!

 

…cohorting with chickens – especially the fuzzy-Yeti-chicken with whom we were all obsessed and…

Sipping some chia with chickens - not your normal LA day...

(my favorite!) sitting in a teepee with my fellow guests, getting to know – and support – one another through an ancient ritual known as “circling”.

Teepee time - I never knew circlng could be filled with healing and self-discovery

 

We all agreed that the experience profoundly affected us and that we felt forever connected to one another because of this rare, self-celebrating and self-healing day.

With my fellow bloggers & tastemakers in the teepee

 

It was not your normal blogger event and I could not be more grateful to have been a part of it. So – again – thank you, Urban Remedy & Jamie!

A bonus? The next day, I enjoyed my Urban Remedy juice while baking pumpkin cupcakes. The perfect breakfast to  feed my body after feeding my soul the day before.

 

Urban Remedy Soothe No. 4 juice - with celery, cucumber, apple, ginger, parsley, lemon & more!

 

LOW: Letting Go – “Let go of anything that’s with you and not serving you.”

LOW: I am ready to let go of...

While this wasn’t a typical low, it qualifies as a low as it brought some pain before it brought some deeper discovery for me. In our circle in the teepee, we were each asked to write down on a piece of paper something we were ready to let go of. In fact the direction was, “Let go of anything that’s with you and not serving you.”

Yikes. This was a doozy. And for me, up came a lot of insecurity and fear that I needed – I should say, NEED – to let go of. So I wrote down all of the things that  don’t serve me, tore it up into pieces and let it go to literally be burned. Andrea of The Art of Circling – our circling guide – let us know that there was great power with the full moon that would come a few days later. So letting go of this baggage felt blessed in a way. And I feel a little lighter now as a result.  I also promised myself to counter every negative thought I have or say about myself with a positive one. Folks, that one is a bit trickier. But I’m trying. I have been made aware of my weaknesses and I am trying to turn them into strengths every day. It’s really all we can do in this thing called life.

 

xoxo,

BF 

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week?  And what are you ready to let go of? What’s not serving you?

*So what exactly is a High-Low, you ask? High-Low is the BEST & WORST part of your day, week, month, etc. I started this tradition with friends & family after I discovered it through a movie decades ago. Not only is it useful for reflection sake but it is also an excellent way to communicate with your spouse, kids or friends over the dinner table. By introducing this tradition to folks, parents have told me that their kids have opened up more and friends have told me that their spouses have become more communicative. Try it for yourself and let me know what your experience is!

 

Fitness Friday: AuraCycle in Los Angeles – my new fave find!

Posted on by
1

Okay, I have refrained from posting this two times because I’m kinda reticent about telling you guys about my new favorite place. See…if I tell you, you’ll wanna go and then you’ll go and then your friends’ll go and then I won’t be able to get a bike. Tear.
But I decided that’s selfish.

Tea before I head off to Auracycle!

And I – as BeautyFrosting – refuse to be selfish. Sooooo…here ya go! My new favorite find and my girl crush all in one place. Thanks Whitney Lader of hoopLA for introducing me to my little fitness heaven. With 50 pounds gone and 20 more to go, I’m gonna get super fit thanks to this place!!

***

I have a girl crush. It’s best I just come out and admit it.

It’s Heather – an actress – and my spin instructor – at AuraCycle.

Heather Adair: The Spinning Dancing Queen

She’s made me fall in love with fitness again so how could I not have a crush on her?

Me & my fave instructor - Heather. Don't judge. It's too early for makeup and we just got our groove...and sweat on at Auracycle!

 

Besides being full of energy and spiritual motivation, Heather boogies throughout the class keeping you on your toes, motivating you to do your best and reminding you that you can accomplish ANYTHING. And she doesn’t just mean what you can accomplish in class.

I like her so much that I’ve started calling her the Reverend. I have had some spiritual moments in her 9:30 am Sunday morning classes. Last week, I even cried. Don’t judge. I’m in the early stages of the moving process as I just got kicked out of my apartment. And she was playing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Yep, The Rolling (f’ing) Stones. And her message before it was exactly what I needed to hear at that exact moment.

So what makes Auracycle different from any other spin studio in town?

Well, it starts with the appearance.

Auracycle Exterior on 3rd Street

Think Virgin Airlines meets laid back dance club meets spa. Oh, you haven’t seen that before? Well, neither had I…until now.

Where all the magic (and calorie burning) happens at Auracycle

Then, there’s the “show” element . The patent-pending Aura lighting design is something to behold – and get fit – to. Think the “Light-Brite” days of your youth. Soothing, inspiring and invigorating LED lights are moving along with the music, dimming and lighting up as you spin away.

For the physical element, you’re burning oodles of calories and fat all while feeling like you’re at a dance party. But unlike so many spin classes, here they don’t neglect your upper body and body’s need to stretch. You get a super comprehensive light arm weight workout and a good, comprehensive stretch sesh at the end of every class. I usually wake up the next day feeling stronger, longer, leaner, more refreshed and not writhing in pain.

Then, there’s the spiritual element. Hang with me here. I’m not gettin’ religious on ya. Heather is somehow able to whip your butt physically while renewing you emotionally and spiritually. While your stress and body break down the toxins and fat in the best way, your spirit is being built up by the minute.

Plus, this girl knows how to jam. Whether it’s 80s (my favorite! more please, Heather!), Beyonce, Kanye, Rolling Stones, 30 Seconds To Mars, some indie awesomeness or whatever else is tickling her tablet  – and our fancy – her tunes will warm you up, rev you up, get you up and over that hill and then cool you down. And then you’re all ready set for a blue ribbon kind of day. (* I’m so addicted to Heather’s playlists that I’ve asked her to contribute a post for Music Monday…stay tuned!)

I am now addicted to Auracycle and I blame my girl crush – the “Rev Heath”, if you will.

Her energy is contagious. And I wanna catch it! Anyone who can inspire that many people in that short a time has something magical going on and even more magic up ahead of them. I’m happy to meet her early on in her journey.

Between the lighting, the mixed bag of music and the yogi-infused teaching, you’re sure to get fit and feel fabulous. The best part? Sometimes I enjoy it so much that later that day, I forget that I’ve worked out!!! Seriously. I enjoy it that much. And yet even though it’s fun and inspiring, you feel like you treated yourself for the day!

And then, there are the treats at the end of class. Instead of a sticker after a dentist’s office visit or a piece of candy after the pediatrician (do they still do that, by the way?), your treat after your kickass Auracycle class is a eucalyptus-infused cool towel. I look forward to this more than what is considered normal. It’s a slice of heaven for your head.

Oh, you say you’re thirsty afterward? Didn’t eat breakfast? Need some potassium reinforcement? Check out their juices from the uber-popular juice spot, Clover. I always do!

Clover juices & coconut water post-workout - all provided for your enjoyment - and health - at Auracycle on 3rd!

To reserve an Auracycle class with Heather – or any of the other awesome instructors, check it out here. Usually, classes are $27 but they have some awesome deals right now. For a limited time, they have $15 for an introductory class or $285/month for unlimited spin classes. With this being my new healthy addiction, I guess I’m gonna have to buy a series.

Spin away, beauties!

Auracycle & Aurapulse

8231 W. 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 570-0570

http://www.aurapulse.com

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How do you get your fitness on? And, do YOU have a girl crush?

 

Thirsty Thursday: Hope’s Watermelon & Mint Infused Water

Posted on by
5

Happy Thirsty Thursday!
What is more satiating than a refreshing, fresh, fruit-infused water on a hot summer day?Not much.

Hope's Watermelon & Mint-Infused Water

That’s why I’m delighted that my sweet and creative good friend and neighbor, Hope, is sharing her Watermelon Mint-infused water today on BeautyFrosting.
She made a gallon of this healthy and refreshing thirst quencher this past Saturday for her sweet friend, Ruby’s, baby shower.

Hope's Watermelon & Mint Infused Water at Ruby's Baby Shower

 

It was deeeeeelicious!

Perfect for a baby shower, wedding shower, post workout beverage, kids’ water option or just a daily delight!
So here it is for you and yours to enjoy!

Hope’s Watermelon & Mint Infused Water

Watermelon Chunks (approx. 1 1/2 cups)

Mint Sprigs (approx. 1/2 cup)

Water (enough to fill your pitcher or punchbowl)

 

Cut up fresh watermelon into chunks. Add mint sprigs. Fill up your pitcher or punchbowl with enough water to cover. Let set for at least an hour.
Serve chilled with love.

 

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What’s your favorite fruit-infused water?

Foodie Friday: Lyfe Kitchen is loooovely!

Posted on by
Reply

Dear LYFE KITCHEN,

 

Lyfe Kitchen in Culver City

Thank you for opening your doors in Culver City and opening your kitchen and comforts to all of Los Angeles. Your chef, manager and staff were so friendly and concerned with customer care that it felt like you were opening your hearts to us, as well.

LYFE Kitchen stands for Love Your Food Everyday and if I could eat like this every day, I would.  As a gal who likes to eat healthy 80% of the time and allows 20% for those charming “cheaty” foods, I love that at Lyfe Kitchen, I don’t have to choose. While you have menus for the gluten-free/celiac crowd and the vegans among us, you also have a full-service and fully pleasing menu for all the rest of us. Best part? All of the dishes and drinks are on the low-moderate-calorie side at under 600 calories. And it marries the best of both worlds: sustainable practices and natural, healthy, whole foods.

I came in last Monday night with my dear friend – and foodie guru – Whitney of HoopLA. I had no expectations and was at the mercy of Whitney and your fine executive chef, Jeremy Bringardner, which was totally my pleasure.

Some of my favorites on your menu?

Just a few of my favorites from Lyfe Kitchen...

 

Starters & Salads: The grilled artichoke ($7.99) paired with garlic aioli and the vegan caesar dressing. Let me tell you, honey, that I will be back to buy a pint of that caesar dressing, it is so delicious. And, sir, I’m not even a vegan. Yes, it’s that killer. The chunky guacamole ($5.99) was the best guacamole I’ve had besides my Mama’s with that perfect amount of citrus, acidity and creaminess. Served with gluten-free, house-baked tortilla chips and salsa fresca, I’ll be back soon for a true taste of the border! And the Farmer’s Market salad ($8.99) was simple, tangy and delicious thanks to the blackberries, spiced pecans, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

Entrees:  Art’s Unfried chicken ($12.99) with roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash, dried cranberries, cashew cream and dijon vinaigrette was again something that reminded me of something Mama would make. Terrifically tasty with a juicy, mouthwatering texture, it’s sure to please. And you also offered a Gardein “chicken” version, as well.

Desserts: Well, now this was just ridiculous. We were delighted with the vegan and gluten-free ChoColaTe Budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds and slivered almonds ($3.99) and the Apple and Quinoa crisp ($3.99). We realized that you really cannot go wrong with either one and I don’t recommend that anyone leaves there without trying at least one of these delicious desserts.

Drinks: I sampled each of their red wines and they were divine!

Setting & Ambiance: This is a perfect spot for everyone. With comfy booths, a bright feel and inspiring quotes on the wall, everyone will feel at home here. Great for couples, kids and singles alike!

Lyfe Kitchen is full of life!

Overall, Lyfe Kitchen converted me into being a believer that low-cal, vegan and gluten-free cooking cannot only be as good as its higher caloric, nutrient-lacking counterparts but that it can actually taste BETTER. Job well done.

 

xoxo,

Dawn McCoy

Foodie Fridays

BeautyFrosting

Cost: $

Lyfe Kitchen

9540 Culver Blvd.

Culver City, 90232

*Keep your hearts full and your taste buds happy, people!*

Thirsty Thursday: My Morning Toddy

Posted on by
2

Here’s a secret you may or may not know about.

An easy, almost-free, ritual that is just for you! Every. Day.

A way to say “Good morning” to yourself and set yourself up for a great day!
What is this little miracle I speak of?

Hot Lemon water first thing in the morning.

My Daily Morning Toddy

My Daily Morning Toddy

Yes, it’s that simple.

But you will be amazed at what it does!

My beautiful old roommate, Bliss, was told about this elixir by a gorgeous aging starlet on set one time. She drank hot water every morning first thing. We tried it every morning while living together, right out of college, back in 2000. We felt very fancy and veeeeery Los Angeles.
Well, I have never forgotten it.  I added lemon to mine a few years ago. And I was sold.

It promotes digestion and gets everything moving.
I’m trying to say that in the most ladylike way possible.

Honestly, most people I tell about this little trick notice the results immediately.

Clearer, glowing skin, regularity and just a healthier & hydrated feeling!

Here I am drinking it while I work in the morning:

My morning routine

Here’s the oh-so-simple recipe:

Dawn’s Daily Morning Toddy

1 c water

1-3 lemon wedges (I keep mine cut up in my fridge so they’re ready to squeeze)

Heat for about a minute. Or boil, your choice.

Drink it while having a quiet moment alone in the morning…if that’s possible.

 

Enjoy! And please let me know your results when you try it. You WILL see results, my friends!

Foodie Friday: BeautyFrosting’s Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal

Posted on by
1
When you want to be healthy but a little indulgent too, this recipe is antioxidant-and-calcium-rich while teasing your tastebuds with the flavor of cheesecake!
BeautyFrosting’s Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal

BeautyFrosting's Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal

3/4 c milk
1/2 c oats
pinch of salt
1 tbsp butter (optional)
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp brown sugar
3/4 c blueberries
1 graham cracker crumbled
Bring milk (and butter, if desired) to soft boil.
Reduce heat and add cream cheese until melted in and creamy.
Add oats and cook for about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Top with blueberries, a dollop of cream cheeese and graham cracker crumbs

Topping off BF's Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal!

Enjoy!
BF Asks: What’s your favorite way to enjoy oatmeal?

 

Thirsty Thursday: BeautyFrosting’s Green “Beauty Cobbler” Smoothie

Posted on by
11

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm.

Are y’all in for a treat?

And a treat that’s healthy for you and beautifying, to boot?

Well, here’s a recipe that I make almost every day. And everyone who tries it LOVES IT!
Adults, kids, everyone.

BeautyFrosting's Green "Beauty Cobbler" Smoothie

I gained some extra pounds a few years ago and drinking this little beauty every morning helped me take off about 25 lbs!

I realized I just needed a breakfast that was fast, easy and, most importantly, DELICIOUS!
It totally gave me something to look forward to in the morning.

BeautyFrosting's Breakfast: Green "Beauty Cobbler" Smoothie and blogging with my mascot/best friend/boss, Miss Ellie

Now, I drink one every weekday. And my skin glows and the weight goes! It’s magic, I tell you. Or, um, just nutrition.

Love that. Try it for yourself and tell me what you think.

And, NO, you CANNOT taste the spinach. Spinach is the magical ingredient!

BeautyFrosting’s “Beauty Cobbler” Smoothie

1 c. Pineapple Juice

2 ice cubes (more if you like a thicker/icier smoothie)

7 frozen peach slices

7 apple slices (I buy the refrigerated & bagged produce kind)

1 c. Spinach (or more, if you like)

1 scoop Body Factory Protein Powder (it tastes like cake batter! Yum!)

1 tsp (or more if desired) Cinnamon

1 graham cracker or 1 tbsp. graham cracker crumbs (this gives it the “cobbler” taste)

Optional but recommended: 1 tsp flax seeds and 1 Tbsp. Thermogenic Oil

Blend pineapple juice and ice until smooth. Add peaches, apples and spinach.

 

Blend thoroughly.

Add protein powder, cinnamon, oil and flax seeds.

Blend until smooth.

Serve in a lovely glass with an apple wedge and a colorful straw.

That’s the BeautyFrosting way, at least.

BeautyFrosting Green "Beauty Cobbler" Smoothie Ingredients

BeautyFrosting Green "Beauty Cobbler" Smoothie Ingredients - Apples & Peaches

BeautyFrosting Green "Beauty Cobbler" Smoothie Ingredients - Spinach

 Sip away…

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?