8.14.2011

Cowculator!

Australia is helping us monitor our dairy intake! I came across this fun and useful "cowculator" (ha ha ha...) which asks you to input some of the everyday foods you eat that contain calcium. According to your gender and age it quickly tells you whether you are getting enough calcium. I'm not! I'm sure it's an estimate but check it out by clicking on the picture:

8.13.2011

Sea color pallete

My incoming Fall colors: Seafoam and navy! 
Check out the goods I found:
Clockwise from top: 
Marc Jacobs bag from Nordstroms
Vintage handmixer from Etsy
Marc Jacobs navy bag from Nordstroms
Twirl cashmere coat from ASOS
Aqua crystal earrings from Etsy


7.31.2011

Homemade fudge popsicles

Don't let this scare you--it's an old weight watchers recipe!! It's delicious, satisfying and actually full of energy-packed foods.

Simply mix all these ingredients, pour into a freezer safe mold or saran-wrap and freeze until solid.

3 mashed bananas
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4 pkg cocoa mix
1/2 c grape nuts (optional if you want crunch)
4 tbsp peanut or almond butter
3 tbsp raisins (optional)


7.27.2011

Pesty papaya seeds?

I've recently fallen in love with papaya. I used to think it was soapy. Because I've been mixing it into smoothies (love the creamy feel it gives) I have learned to love this fruit by itself. This morning I ate it cubed in my fruit salad with pumpkin seeds and goat cheese- yum!

But what about all of those dark fish-eye looking seeds inside? Most people discard of them. Don't! They have a lot of health benefits! Personally I don't like the taste of them, they make me think of spicy dirt. Therefore I don't eat them by themselves or with my fruit but I do let a lot of them mix into my papaya smoothies. Why?
The seeds have antibacterial properties which flight bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and staph infections.
They offer kidney protection which have been shown to help people in kidney failure.
They help your intestines and digestion. While I hope most of you don't walk around with intestinal parasites, if you do have them the seeds get rid of them! They help ward off the buggers too.
The seeds detoxify the liver.

THe most common way to eat them is in salad dressing. I'm trying this one tonight:

1 c. vinegar
1 c. oil
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 c. papaya seeds (scooped out of a fresh papaya)
1 tsp. salt

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until papaya seeds are crushed and resemble coarsely ground pepper. Serve this dressing on a green salad or fruit salad.

7.26.2011

Cute paper goods

Super cute paper goods can be found at a site called paper Culture. I especially like this site for people with kids--fun baby shower cards, birthday cards, etc! Check it out by clicking on the photo examples:

7.24.2011

Neighborhood Fair with Flare


Today I'm doing a restaurant review. My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this quirky little place literally two blocks from our house over a year ago. I have yet to review it or really mention it to anyone. That's pre ponderous as it's a very unique and delicious spot to eat in San Diego!

CAFE 21-- odd location, small and ethnic decor, fabulous food! My first dish there was grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice in a mushroom avocado pesto. Ahh, yum! They also serve everyone these fresh homemade rolls that remind me of a savory cinnamon roll. Instead of the cinnamon and sugar you get a burst of sunny yellow turmeric and fennel. One day I'll try to make these myself!

Other dishes I have supremely enjoyed there (though I've liked everything) is a steak salad, a cornish game hen in a tomato-mango salsa (not mexicany but perfect flavors), apricot tea infused lamb, lobster mushroom ravioli.

Apparently they have delicious deserts and are known for their breakfast. These things I haven't tried yet! Bad me. I'm a breakfast lover so it's a bit of a crime that I haven't eat there for my days first meal. However, most eat-out breakfasts aren't nutritionally fit. I will make it there one day. And when I do, my taste buds will be watering for something they already know will be ethnically satisfying.

Highly recommend this place to eat. Located in University Heights or Downtown San Diego. Check it out!


Cafe 21 website
Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-21-san-diego

7.15.2011

Sweet potatoes yummified

I love sweet potatoes no matter how you cook them. Last night I created a great spice mix to sprinkle on. So good, I want to share:

Chop 1 large sweet potato into cubes or fries (leaving skin on)
Lightly coat with olive oil
Sprinkle 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, mix
Sprinkle 2 tsp ground cinnamon, mix
Sprinkle 1 tbsp carne asada rub, mix
Sprinkle 1/2 tsp brown sugar
Mix well so spices are evenly distributed.
Bake in 400 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally.
(optional: sprinkle diced fresh basil on top)

YUM!