It's Time Fooooorrr...The N-O GMO Challenge!

You're Going Down Suckazzzzz...

Operation: Open Your Eyes! Close Your Mouth!

I am always down for a great personal health challenge, and I think you're gonna love this one! It will be tough, but you got this in the bag, sonnnn! I have created the NO GMO Challenge in order to open our eyes to the foods we are being served, the restaurants and grocery purchases that are harming us, and to better our overall health.

If you haven't had a chance to read it, check out my most recent blog, GMOs...It's What's For Dinner. Get up to speed really quick by learning what GMOs are, and how they are harmful to humans, animals, and our environment. This is how I will get you to take my challenge...sneaky, I know! 

Your Mission if You Choose to Accept...

Begins: Monday, May 13^th

Ends: Monday, May 27th

You will pledge to consume only natural/organic, Non-GMO contaminated foods for Two Weeks...not a single bite, nibble, so much as an extended-glance at a food made with GMOs or a blend of their products. 

Sooo...uhhh, what does this mean I have to avoid??

The Meat Rules

Don't get scared, you can still chow down on your favorite meats. Just pay the price for good farming practices...you don't need 6 steaks/week, have some self-control!! Find restaurants, farmer's markets, and grocery stores (The Healthy Home Market, Earth Fare, Whole Foods Market, The Baby Grocery Store, or The Fresh Market) that use these practices and offer these food options.

Any Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, Pizza Place, Fast Food Joint, Bar, Burger Joint, Steak House, Sushi Place, Mexican Restaurant, etc. will serve meats that have been fed GMOs. You must search for places that do not have these or get in zee kitchen, lazzzy!!

It's possible and a great idea to find these places in your communities!! So, you can support places that feed you good things. You owe it to yourself to consume foods that are fresh and real.

Examples of Things to Avoid:

Meats that do not state organic Grain-fed or Grass-fed are not allowed. Cattle, Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys, Dogs, Monkeys, and Farm Seafood are ALL fed GMOs unless stated otherwise.

• Deli Meats-Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, Pepperoni, etc.
• Steak, Ground Beef, Hamburger, etc.
• Sausage, Pulled Pork, Bacon, etc.
• Chicken Breast/Wings, Roasted Chicken, and Eggs.
• Farm Fish and Seafood.
• Canned Meats, Beef Jerky, Sushi, Meat-Topping Pizza, Frozen Dinners.

The Fruit and Veggie Rules

Lucky Numba 9

The fresher, the better! Purchasing organic fruits and veggies from your local farmer's market, food-exchanges, and grocery stores will ensure quality, farm fresh produce without the junk. Stay away from the crazy hybrid alien Melon-Apple, Melapple creation awaiting the next sucker at your local Wal-mart, and stuff your face with this stuff!! It's good for you!

Examples of Things to Avoid:

Safe vs Harmful Produce...Papayas?!

• Canned or frozen corn
• GM fruits and vegetables (GMO Papayas have been approved in the US, not Europe).
• soy and soy-based products
• Fruits preserved in corn-syrup
  
  

The Grain Rules

Avoid GMOs! >_<

Allergy and health problems are on the rise due to the horrible ways we have split, genetically modified, and destroyed the precious nutritious grains that not only show up in the majority of our animal feed, but all of our cereals, pastas, cookies/crackers, packaged/frozen dinners, breads, bakery items, and the list goes on.

Examples of Things to Avoid:

Any foods that do not state organic...yup, a GMO product, ugghh!! Oh and, natural does NOT mean organic...those sneaky GMOs.

• Cereal, Cereal Bars, Grits, and Cream of Wheat.
• Crackers, Cookies, and Bakery Items.
• Bread, Pizza Dough, (HT Subs, Panera Bread, Jersey Mikes).
• Pasta, Dumplings, Rice, and Tortilla Chips & Shells.

Places Like Nova's Bakery, Papi Queso Truck, Zada Jane's, and Jason's Deli serve great brunchh and lunch options sans GMO-slop!

The Sugar Rules

Didn't think about the GM Sugarbeets and GM corn used in high fructose corn syrup found in everything these days?! Well, you should! You can find GM corn syrup in all artificially colored candy, chocolate, drinks/juices, sodas, breads, cereals, malt beverages, cookies and crackers, yogurt, ice-cream, frozen meals, baked goods, canned fruit, and to be honest, it'd probably be easier to list what it's not in....

Purchase products that use natural-sweeteners like honey, agave-syrup, molasses, and organic sugar-varieties that will not contain GMOs.

The Dairy Rules

Just like meat, only choose organic dairy and soy products or substitutes. Don't be scared, they taste great...EWW not tofu though-ha! I drink the unsweetened coconut and almond milk. I prefer coconut milk in my coffee, smoothies, soups, and as a milk/cream substitute. Coconut milk does not taste like coconut and is very light and refreshing. When mixed into dishes like mashed potatoes, cream-based soups, and smoothies, you will not taste a coconut-flavor. Need an alternative cheese option?? Go Veggie has great options, I love their Rice Milk Cheese, and it melts great!!

Examples of things to Avoid:

Any dairy products that do not state organic, are GMO-based products. Natural does NOT mean organic and will still contain GMOs.

• Butter, Yogurt, Chocolate, and Ice-cream (Ben and Jerry's is now GMO-free).
• Cheese, Cream Cheese, and Sour Cream.
• Milk, Cream, Coffee Creamer, and Soy Milk.

The "Other Rules"

• Boxed Dinners, Processed Foods, and Frozen Dinners- Lean Cuisine EW!
• Chips, Crackers, Snack Foods not stating GMO-free, Fruit Snacks, Candy, inexpensive Chocolate, Pretzels, Popcorn, Bakery Items, Soups, Lunchables, Kraft Dinners, etc. are ALL GMOs!!

Places and Brands to Avoid

• Restaurants

If they don't stay organic ingredients, bet your bottom dollar, they only use GMOs...I have written many places and will continue to add to my naughty or nice list.

• All Fast Food Restaurants
• Local Cafes and Sandwich Shops that aren't health conscious: Any companies that use Boar's Head Meats or Cheeses
• Mexican, Italian, Greek, Asian Restaurants
• The Majority of Corporate and Chain Restaurants

Places that use GMO Ingredients:

• Panera Bread: (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• The Melting Pot
• Mortimers: (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Ducksworth's Grill & Taphouse (No organics)
• Dean and Deluca (stated, they could not list whether or not there were GMOs)
• The Cheesecake Factory: (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Chipotle (uses GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Jersey Mikes, Subway, HT Subs (Boar's Head): (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses (GMO Feed)
• Maggiano's (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Amelie's Bakery

Check out these Places and Brands that you can actually eat!! 
This List will provide all of the companies that do and do not use GMOs.

• Rice, Pasta, Bread- Nova's Bakery
• Eggs, Dairy and Meat Products, 
• The Healthy Home Market, Earth Fare, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Market, The Baby Grocery Store, or The Farmer's Market
• Smoothie King (Only Fruits are Non-GMO)
• Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream is now GMO-free
• Upstream: Uses grass-fed cattle and some non-GMO dishes, ask upon ordering.
• Zada Jane's Corner Cafe- Use organic produce and feed! Breakfast All Day!
• Pure Pizza- 100% organic
• Jason's Deli (not all, but a lot of options)
• Papi Queso Food Truck- Yummy!
• Luna's Living Kitchen: Juice and Smoothie Bar
• The Fern
• The Bean
• Veggie Stix

So many countries have banned the use of GMOs, and I think you owe it to yourself to know why. If other countries won't feed their people this garbage...why will America? If our government and nation leaders will not look out for us, we are responsible. As consumers, it is our duty to demand and only purchase fresh ingredients while supporting quality practices that will help our communities and our own personal health and well being.

Support Quality. Support Health. Support Truth.

TAKE MY CHALLENGE!

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” - Confucius

GMOs...It's What's for Dinner!

Hell No GMOs...Eww Gross, Monsanto!!

 Don't Eat Thattttt...It Ain't Real, Bro!

Wake up people!

Lately, I have been focusing on the different foods that I eat and how my eating habits affect my energy levels, overall physical appearance, and mental wellness.  I stopped and looked at all of the food options served on a daily basis and noticed that the the majority of things offered to us, aren't  "real" or meant for us to eat...Annnddd, I don't wanna eat or support that crappy garbage any longer!

I am a big advocate for heirloom seeds and organic farming practices. The GMO industry bully farmers looking out for their consumers, while hiding facts, creating superweeds, destroying our soil, and stuffing us full of chemicals and alien-food. If the GMO product is so wonderful, why are restaurants, markets, and companies afraid to advertise or label their GMO usage?

What in tarnation are GMOs?

GMOs are an alien species brought to earth, to destroy the human race one horribly disastrous meal at a time...! They are "Genetically Modified Organisms" and what I consider to be, a big problem. The GM seeds produce crops, fruits, and vegetables that are incredibly hazardous to our health, environment, animals, farms, and food industry.

A list of countries that have banned GMOs.

And, where did they come from?!

Monsanto is a biotechnology company responsible for producing GE seeds and a very hazardous chemical called Roundup. Prepare to be amazed and appalled when you find out that they produce the following crops: Wheat, Corn, Soybean, Alfalfa, Canola, Sorghum and Sugarbeets (check out the recent Maize battle)...Not bad enough?? They're messin' with our fruits and veggies too!! Check out all of the produce seeds created by  Seminis and De Ruiter.

Problems with GMOs

• Unsustainable: GMOs are a patented seed and sold for a one-time use. Farmers are NOT allowed to save their seeds for later harvests. It is against the law as Monsanto owns every seed sold and any seed that tangos with their seeds. Lay off the farmers, jerks!
• Roundup chemical: Monsanto's cash crops are genetically modified to withstand the powerful chemical, glyphosate, which is found in their must-need-for-the-seed weed killer, Roundup...rakin' in the $$!  
• Aren't a Must: We can produce higher yields of real corn than GMO Corn...ask this Iowa Farmer. 
• Hazardous to our Health: GMOs are detrimental to our health and have been linked to: obesity- "Amerifats", tumors and organ damage, cellular damage, infertility, cancer, birth defects, child and adult food allergies, and pretty much everything terrible that you can think of...
• 10 Reasons Monsanto's the Devil
• Water Pollution: Seawater and Groundwater
• Harms and Kills Animals: Recent Pig Study-Digestive and Reproductive problems, Dead Cattle, Cattle Abortions, Tumors, Sheep and Goat Deaths,  Pigs-Tumors, Deaths, and Health, China Pig Deaths, etc...and, your pet feed is full of this too!!

Where are GMOs hiding?

Yikes!

It is terrible that companies are not required to label their GMO products and animal feed. So, that makes it our responsibility to hold these companies responsible by purchasing solely organic products. If we do not support the GMO Industry, we will defeat it.

Any foods that do not state organic (fruits and veggies are still mostly okay and have a fewer chance of GMOs, but be careful, they are out there and will be on our market in full force soon), have high fructose corn syrup, MSG (corn-based), animals fed non-organic grains, or foods made with corn, vegetable, or canola oil...yup, prolly a GMO, ugghh!! Oh, and, natural does NOT mean organic, those sneaky GMOs.

• Sodas, Wheat Beer, Flavored Water, Colored Juices, Juice Boxes, and Sports Drinks.
• Milk, Chocolate Milk, Soy Milk (Silk Brand is GMO-free), and Baby Formula. EW MILK!
• Processed Dinners, Boxed Meals, and Frozen Dinners- throw out your crappy Lean Cuisine! 
• Cereal, Cereal Bars, Grits, and Cream of Wheat.
• Crackers, Chips, Cookies, and Bakery Items.
• Bread, Pizza Dough, (HT Subs, Panera Bread, Jersey Mikes).
• Pasta, Dumplings, and Tortilla Chips & Shells.
• Deli Meats and Cheeses (like Boar's Head)
• GMO Papayas have been approved in the US but not Europe.

Restaurants

If they don't say organic ingredients, you betcha'...they only use GMOs! I have written to so many places, with very little responses. I'm assuming they aren't proud of their products. I hope that my list will continue to grow and feel free to spread the word by giving a shout-out to your favorite No-GMO places!

To Avoid:

• All Fast Food Restaurants
• Sodas: Coca-Cola and Pepsi
• Cafes and Sandwich Shops: If they aren't healthy places, they'll use GMO options. Any companies that use Boar's Head Meats or Cheeses.
• Mexican, Italian, Greek, Asian Restaurants unless stating organic food options.
• The Majority of Corporate and Chain Restaurants are all GMO lovers.

Places that use GMO Ingredients:

• Panera Bread (uses GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Ducksworth's Grill & Taphouse
• The Melting Pot
• Dean and Deluca (stated, they could not list whether or not there were GMOs)
• Chipotle (uses GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Jersey Mikes, Subway, HT Subs.
• Boar's Head Meats and Cheeses (GMO Feed)
• Maggiano's (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• The Cheesecake Factory: (GMO Food and Animal Feed)
• Mortimers (Boar's Head products)

It's important for us to acknowledge and support the restaurants that focus on feeding us "real food" containing natural ingredients that help our bodies, not hinder. So, I have done some research  and also found a great list of brands that are okay to consume and some places in Charlotte that don't use GMOs...our body's will thank us later, and the list will get bigger!

Local Charlotte Joints that want to feed us real food

NOM! NOM! NOM!

• Don't Eat Out..start your own organic garden!
• Upstream: Grass-fed Cattle- still have GMOs so, you will have to ask which dishes).
• Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream- they have listened and removed GMOs 
• The Baby Grocery Store
• Pure Pizza: 100% organic
• Smoothie King: Only fruits are non-GMO
• Zada Jane's Corner Cafe- Organic Produce and animal feed. Breakfast All Day!
• Jason's Deli (not all but a lot of organic stuff)
• Nova's Bakery
• The Healthy Home Market, Earth Fare, Whole Foods Market, and The Fresh Market
• Papi Queso Food Truck (CLT Eats- YUMM)
• Luna's Living Kitchen: Juice and Smoothie Bar

Starting on Monday, May 13th, take your hardest Trendy Kendie Challenge yet, The N-O GMO Challenge! No GMOs for 2 weeks...think you can handle it?!

Take The N-O GMO "2 week" Challenge!
Beginning: Monday, May 13-27

HAPPY EATING!

Operation: Eat With Your Straw...Say Whatttt?!

A Feast on Fasting...

I'm Hungry! Kendie Want NOM! NOM! NOM!

The Diva Half-Marathon is this upcoming weekend! YAYYY!! And I thought, perfect time to bust out my new seasonal tradition, the ol' Juice Fast! Taaa Daaaa!! Juice fasting cleanses, heals, and repairs our body. It leaves behind a surplus of energy that'll have you kicking your next workout in the face...Go Team!

It's important to give your body a seasonal reboot in order to rid toxins, rejuvenate, and heal any impurities or problematic areas.When we juice, a megadose of micronutrients enter our bloodstream quickly due to the lack of digestion needed. Our body becomes saturated with trace minerals and vitamins...and basically, you turn into The Incredible Hulk! By maintaining healthy micronutrient levels, you will keep your body strong, control blood sugar levels, fight aging (yes!), and become less prone to illness and disease. Check out the Facts!

Now what am I supposed to do??

Haven't tried juicing or juice fasting before?! Spring is a perfect time to begin your fast as it symbolizes rebirth and renewal. On another note, the large amount of fruits and veggies required to fast are readily available and a whole lot cheaper. NO excuses! I am still pretty new to the whole juicing concept and fasting, but I love it! I tend to fast anywhere from 2-6 days depending on the amount of willpower, time, and need. For instance, I suggest 2-3 days when you're in need of a quick body reboot, energy-level increase, or upcoming fitness event. I recommend 3-7 days for a massive body cleanse. 

Juice Fasting produced a surprising amount of energy. I run without any problems and feel great! Keep in mind, your body is working at maximum efficiency, because the breakdown and storage of food is not stealing your energy. By consuming only fruits and vegetable juices, with no solid foods, our body is able to focus its energy solely on cleansing and healing. The energy usually required for our digestive system to breakdown food, process, store nutrients, and produce waste is no longer needed. Our body's natural defense system uses the surplus of energy and powerful micronutrients to free our body of toxins and impurities that weigh us down, allowing us to maintain health and restore our health.

Just in Case...

If your body is storing a lot of toxins, you may experience headaches or waves of nausea which will pass as the toxins leave your body. If you are taking any medication, you may need to contact a Holistic Doctor or take your medications with a solid fruit or vegetable. I suggest eating bananas to maintain sugar levels during intense workouts and long fasts. And remember, you MUST drink a lot of distilled water during your fast to aid in flushing out toxins. Listen to your body! You know yourself better than anybody else. If you feel very ill, eat and try again...don't give up, there's always next time!

The Spring Fast...

My brand new roomie decided to join me, this being her very first fast. It's nice to have a buddy to keep your head on straight and motivate. We decided on a quick 2 day fast, and I gotta' say, it went really well for us both! This time, I didn't have any headaches or sickness which was awesome. I felt great, energized, and ran both days. My roomie did a great job and absolutely loved it, having just a little bit of a nausea but nothing too bad. Newbies can do this too, mind over matter! Our fast was a success, giving us a nice body reboot and courage to kick-off bathing suit season! It's comin' ladies and gents, whether we like it or not!

Gimme Yo Recipes...

During the fast, you will consume a massive amount of organic fruits and veggies. I have provided some recipes to help gain an idea of how much juice I drink. For breakfast, I consume a full small Mason jar of juice. For lunch and dinner, I consume 2 small Mason jars or one large jar of juice. I will have a small Mason jar of juice for a snack.

This is an example of a lunch or dinner portion. If you look closely, you can see that I have divided the fruits and veggies. I made 2 separate small Mason jars of juice from the photo below. So, half of the produce would be enough for one breakfast jar.

A Lunch or Dinner Recipe #1
Cut in half for a Breakfast or Snack Portion

• 2 Lemons
• 1/2-3/4 Bundle of Kale
• 3/4 Container of Strawberries with tops
• 2 Apples- Red or Green
• 1 Cucumber or 2 Baby Cucumbers
• One Bundle of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots with the greens
• 3 Radishes

And Voila...

Tip: To avoid breaking down the micronutrients, eliminate oxygen exposure by filling your juice to the brim of your Mason Jar. If you do not have enough juice, fill up your jar to the top with distilled water to avoid exposure.

A Lunch or Dinner Recipe #2
Cut in half for a Breakfast or Snack Portion

• 2 Green Apples
• One Bundle of Kale
• One Bunch of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots with greens
• 3/4-1 Container of Strawberries
• 3 Oranges
• One Cucumber or 2 Baby Cucumbers
• One Lemon
• 3 Radishes

And Voila...

A Lunch or Dinner Recipe #3
Super Tasty, love this one!

• 2 Large Cucumbers or 4 Baby Cucumbers
• 1 Bundle of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots with greens
• 2 Green Apples
• 3/4 Container of Strawberries with tops
• 1/4 Bundle of Kale

Breakfast and Snack Recipe #1

• Half of a Bundle of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots
• One Cucumber or 2 Baby Cucumbers
• One Container of Blueberries or Strawberries
• Half of a Bundle of Kale 
• One Apple

Breakfast and Snack Recipe #2

• Half of a Bundle of Kale
• 1 Apple
• 1 Kiwi
• One Cucumber

Breakfast and Snack Recipe #3

• Half of a Cantaloupe 
• Half of a container of Berries
• Half of a bundle of Carrots 
• One Cucumber

That should do the trick, Ladies and Gentlemen! 

Happy Juicing!

Missed my first Juice Blog?? Don't ever do that again! 

Tamin' My Mane: Part Deux

Skip the Blonde Jokes, Gentlemen!
Well, Maybe Just One...

Zee Blonde Bombshell Strikes Again!!

Q. What do you call a brunette between two blondes???
A. LUCKY! (She finally gets some attention)!

HAHA just kidddddinnngggg...all joking aside, it's time to get back to some serious hair business...!

You know that sickening feeling located in the pit of your stomach right after a horrible haircut?! Arggghhh...I know, me too!! It's the absolute worst...and, after my last experience, I vowed- Neverrrrr Again!! The butchered Lady Gaga staring back at me in the mirror left me horrified and in desperate need of a quick fix... 

Thank my lucky stars, I stumbled upon my most favorite Hairdresser yet, and now friend, Vicki Hendrick. She's the Owner of London Grace Salon, cleverly named after her super adorable little girl...and, you can find her at the Lenox Salons located in South Charlotte, NC.

Vicki Hendrick's super sweet, funny, and makes your salon experience overall enjoyable. The prices are very reasonable, and most importantly, she never disappoints. I started going to Vicki after receiving a haircut and dye job from hell. My close friend recommended her to fix my hair up, and I am sooooo glad that I listened, the results were and always are amazing! 

Vicki Hendrick
 Owner of London Grace Salon

As you all know, blondes truly do have more fun...that being said, Spring is here, and I need my super Platinum blond hair back for the sunny beach look...ohhhh yaaa! I hate when my hair turns out orange-y/red instead of blond, and I never have this problem with Vicki. She only takes an 1.5-2 Hours for my partial highlight, cut, and style...not too shabby at all!! My mane's so long right now, I had to stand for my last cut...cray cray!!! HA!

Need to see some results first?? I gotcha' covered...

Let the Foiling Begin...

Before

And the Aftermath...

After

As Always, Thank youuuuu, Vicki! You're the Best!

Check my girl out, you won't be disappointed

Missed the First Tamin' My Mane??

Hook, Line and Sinker...

New Place, New Grub...YESSSS!

Cabo Fish Taco Meets, Mr. Honey Wasabi Sauce!!

Welcome To My Hood...NoDa

I am soooo excited to announce that I have moved to the NoDa area. YAAAYYY!! Which means, more Trendy Reviews comin' yo way! So what is a NoDa, you ask?? It's an artsy area in North Charlotte and stands for North Davidson Street...thank you hipsters for giving it this super hip name! The area is stacked with unique little Shops, Restaurants, Bars and Music Venues...sounds like paradise, right?!

Cabo Fish Taco is an awesome Mexican joint located right in the heart of NoDa, off of North Davidson Street and is ALWAYS super packed...which means, it's good!!! The staff are laid back, and it's nice to relax and enjoy your company without being rushed out! Outdoor seating is also available which is nice for soaking up some sun during Happy Hour.

Now back to the good stuff...

The Drinks...

There's something magical about a margarita on a Sunday afternoon! I had their house margarita, The Original Caborita: a blend of Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila, Triple Sec, OJ, and their Fresh House Mix. They have a pretty sweet margarita list and a great little bar area in case you have to wait to be seated. Hey, who doesn't love a little buzz before your dinner?!

Good Eats...

Appetizers

Cabo serves Chips and a cold Corn Salsa which is super yummy! In addition, we always order their Green Tomatillo Salsa and of course, a side of Queso too...super tasty and both great choices!!

Specialty Tacos

I ordered the Tavarua Wahoo Tacos which may possibly be the best fish tacos in the world...YUM!! As per their menu, blackened Lemon-rubbed Wahoo in a Kiwi-Pineapple fajita sauce, stuffed with Lettuce, Tomato, mixed Cheeses, & topped with a Honey Wasabi sauce. Ah-mazing! The Honey Wasabi sauce is a must and ties in the whole dish. Don't forget to order their side of Jalapeno Mashers which adds the final spicy kick to the face...fiiinnniiissshhhhh herrrrrr!! I have also had their Black Beans and Rice which weren't too shabby either...meh!

Cabo Fish Taco: Tavarua Wahoo Tacos

Now, to apply all of those tasty Cabo concepts...

My friends and I, enjoy cooking healthy and creatively...flavor combinations are our specialty. My friend, Cassie went to Cabo Fish Taco, and it was her muse for creating the ever so wonderful, Fish Taco Night...thanks for the great tips and inspiring our past Lady's Night Food Fest- GAME ON! 

The Drinks...

I was in charge of the homemade margaritas, and they turned out awesome! It's really easy to make your own variations of mixes...don't settle for the crappy store-bought stuff...EEEEwwwww!! 

Krunky K's Margarita Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 10-15 Limes
• Tequila
• Sugar Water or Agave Syrup
• Triple Sec or Grand Marnier (an Orange Liqueur)
• Optional: Add Pomegranate, Mango, or Orange Juice
• Optional: Add a little Club Soda for a fizzy kick

How do I mix this stuff...?

Squeeze your Limes. The more Lime Juice, the more tart it will be. To balance out the tart taste, you will add your Sugar Water or Agave Syrup, to taste. Next, add your Tequila and a shot or two of Triple Sec or Grand Marnier to your pitcher and any specialty ingredients. Salt and cube your glasses, drink up!

The Dish...

Ingredients:

Serves: 2-4 People

• 2 White Fish Fillets: Tilapia or Wahoo
• Purple Cabbage
• Sugar or Honey Water
• White Vinegar
• Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper
• Honey and Wasabi Powder
• Optional: Cheese Blend
• Tomato and Lettuce

Sweet Slaw

Cut your Purple Cabbage and soak in a mixture of Sugar or Honey Water with a little bit of White Vinegar, Salt & Pepper, cover, and leave overnight to soak up all of the yummy flavors.

Honey Wasabi Sauce

Simply mix a sauce with raw unrefined Honey and Wasabi Powder. The more Wasabi Powder, the stronger the kick and manly status. This will be your Fish Taco sauce that will really make all of the flavors come together. I haven't tried this yet, but I would like to juice a couple Jalapenos and mix that with Honey, making a Honey Jalapeno sauce...I'll get back to you all with that experiment!

Fish Tacos

My friend purchased a couple Tilapia Fillets from The Fresh Market which never disappoints in the Seafood Department. Clean your Fillets by rinsing them in a cold water bath. Drizzle Olive Oil, and add your spices (Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper if you like super spicy) making sure to cover both sides of your fillets. Fish Fillet cook quickly and will sauté and only need about 5-8 minutes on Medium Heat. The Fillets are ready when they are white all of the way through and slightly brown. Next, break apart your fillets, and it's taco time! Yay!

Now, it's time to make the perfect taco! Add your Fish, Slaw, Lettuce, Tomato, and Honey Wasabi sauce. The flavor-combo will knock your socks off!! ENJOY!

Need another Fishy Recipe?? Check out my Sweet and Spicy Seafood Blog!

What's Up, Doc?! Carrot Top Quinoa Soup!!

Wascally Wabbits, It's Your Special Day!!

Eat Until Your Heart's Content! Guilt-Free Tasty Soup! 

Pretty Carrots!!

I have never made a Carrot Soup, but my recent colored carrot bundles had me thinkin'. I have been juicin' carrots left and right and have always heard that the carrot greens and tops are toxic. A little bird told me that they make a carrot green pesto leaving me super confused. I researched and found that they are not poisonous but may cause an allergy. Sooo, uhhh, bring dem carrot greens back, they ain't garbage!

Check out this great article explaining carrots and their awesomeness while you're at it!

The Health Benefits of Carrots

And now, back to the good part...

Carrot Top Quinoa Soup

Zeeeee Soup Ingredients! NOM! NOM! NOM!

You will need the following Ingredients:

• 1 Red or Yellow Onion
• 1.5-2 Bunches of Carrots. I used a bunch of orange carrots and half of a bunch of red, purple, and yellow carrots with the greens.
• 1 Container of Vegetable Stock, fill the remaining pot up with water.
• Spices: Salt & Pepper to taste, Cayenne Pepper, Fennel Seed, Rosemary, and a 1/2-3/4 of a bulb of Garlic.
• 1/2 Cup of Quinoa
• 1/2 Cup of Black French Lentils-my personal variation.
• One half of a bundle of Kale-my personal variation.
• One half of a bundle of Beet Greens-my personal variation.

Beet Greens!! Super Good!!

Okay, it's not Rocket Science, soup is probably the easiest thing to make in the world! It's nutritious and a great way to use up all of your excess vegetables and pantry items! With that in mind...that'll work, throw it in the pot!

Now, get in the kitchen!!

• Grab a large pot, add your veggie stock and fill it up with water leaving room for all of your veggies. It's important to begin with all of your seasoning ingredients giving your soup more time to simmer and soak up all of the flavors. Bring to a boil.
• Add your Salt & Pepper, Garlic (minced), Fennel Seed, Rosemary, and Cayenne Pepper to taste. Make sure to re-season after the veggies have simmered for a little, because they absorb a lot of the herb flavor and salt.
• Next, in the following order, add the Onion, Carrots, Carrot Greens, Beet Greens, and Kale. Then, add the Quinoa and Lentils.
• Let your soup simmer and create those tasty soup flavors.

And Voila...

Pot O' Soup!

Dig In and Enjoy!

Portrait Creations Shares the Love...Quick Pix

How am I Supposed to Choose Between all of These Cute Little Faces?!

We've Done Our Job if you Can't! 

Portrait Creations Valentine's Day Quick Pix

Portrait Creations Valentine's Day Quick Pix

Portrait Creations is my family-owned photography studio located in Charlotte, NC. We have began a new program called, Quick Pix, a super-short photography segment highlighting all of the special occasions throughout the year....and I thought, why not take a moment to share this great idea so that our clientele and other portrait studios may participate too?! We will schedule quick pix for the following special occasions: Valentine's Day, Easter, July 4th, and Halloween.

Our studio just completed our first Quick Pix for Valentine's Day and couldn't be happier! All of the cutie pies arrived in adorable red outfits, and we had a lot of fun capturing this special holiday that reminds us all to share the love! We look forward to our next Quick Pix! A special thank you to all of our amazing customers that made these adorable photo shoots a success! 

What Are Quick Pix? 

Our studio will schedule our Quick Pix segments over the course of 2 days, a couple weeks before the special occasion. Our packages are discounted and range from $65-$105, and customers have the opportunity to purchase cards or add-on additional portraits to their package. 

Quick Pix require NO session fee and provide a unique studio set for the special occasion being highlighted. Your pictures are shown on our big screen immediately after your session, packages are chosen instantly, and ready for pick-up within 2 days after your photo shoot. 

Thank you Ritzy Bitzy Baby for providing all of the cute boutique accessories for our Valentine's Day Quick Pix!! Need some adorable baby boutique items?? Ritzy Bitzy Baby is owned by Stephanie Huck created in order to provide families with adorable boutique accessories at affordable prices! Check out all of her specialty items like: suspenders, headbands, rompers, diaper covers, bows, ties and sneakers!

Portrait Creations Valentine's Quick Pix

Mama Kisses by Portrait Creations

&

Suspenders, Diaper Covers, and Bows by Ritzy Bitzy Baby

                                                   



The next Quick Pix will be scheduled
Monday, March 11th & Tuesday, March 12th for Easter Pix!

We will be using REAL bunnies and/or chicks!! 

Schedule Today, these are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE appointments!!!

Don't forget to Spread the Love this Valentine's Day! 

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it. 

- Frank A. Clark