Category:

Food

 

Top STORETS :: denim shorts FRAME :: Similar shorts for $32 :: dinner plates POTTERY BARN :: Salad Dressing Shaker ::  photo’s by Tasha 

Balsamic Vinegrette, Oriental Dressing, and Mustard Vinegrette are some of my favorites to bring for summer picnics and lunch on the patio. My favorite type of lettuce is butter lettuce and I depending on what I have in the fridge, I usually add avocado, salted sunflower seeds, and black olives. What are your favorite salads? Scroll down for all my recipes!

Balsamic Vinegrette 

1 t minced garlic

3 T sugar or 1 T agave

3 T balsamic vinegar

1/3 cup canola oil or grapeseed oil

1 t salt

Instructions: mix, shake and chill before use.

Oriental Dressing

4 T sugar

1 t. salt

2 t. soy sauce

1/2 cup vegetable oil

6 T white vinegar

Combine in a lidded jar, and shake well.

Mustard Vinagrette from Bobby Flay

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

1 teaspoon clover honey

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup olive oil or canola oil

whisk and enjoy!

 

:: my romper :: flats :: gold flatware :: white tablecloth  :: Photo’s by Tasha

We met up with our friends for a fun Cinco de Mayo party, think lots of Fanta, fresh guac, Corona and freshly squeezed lime. Did I mention fresh guac? We had pollo asado and carne asada, salsa, and were too full of fresh guacamole to entertain the thought of having dessert. I included the guacamole recipe below. All in all, it was a beautiful warm night of our littles serenading us on the mini guitars, piled high tacos, sugar highs, and sugar lows. Ultimately, we were so excited to have found a community of friends that makes California feel like we never left home.

Guacamole recipe:
2 Avocados mashed
Squeeze a whole lemon
Salt to taste

shirt Sanctuary and here :: pants Who What Wear similar :: glasses Eye Buy Direct : Photo’s by Tasha :: flats Soludos

What are you up to this weekend? We’re packing up the car and heading to our friends Cinco de Mayo party. I see a sun packed day of guac and Corona. Can’t wait. Meanwhile, I’m sharing a couple places we love going to in LA:

Ostrich farm – homemade cinnamon rolls, chic salads, avocado toast, kid friendly, small but chic space. Don’t forget to go early on the weekend.

1525 Sunset Blvd, LA

Scoops – we get requests from the kids to go here weekly as well as their birthdays – at $2.50 a kids scoop, its a hidden LA gem. Not hidden for long.

5105 York Blvd, LA

Paradise Bowls – So yummy we got the smoothies and yummy pitaya bowls. Don’t be surprised if there’s a wait.

919 Manhattan Ave, Manhatten Beach

off the shoulder top  :: jeans (fit tts) :: burgundy leather jacket similar :: mules :: aviator glasses similar :: lip Stila in beso  :: sunnies :: bag 

One of the fun things about moving from LA from Chicago is everything is new and we are always discovering something new here in LA! We like to support small businesses, so it was fun to stumble upon some unique cafés that make LA so unique. Just don’t forget to bring your laptop, a magazine and order a double espresso. A good café is worth savoring.

Here are my top 4:

1. Mr Holmes Bakehouse 111 S Ave 59, Los Angeles, CA 90042

2. Café Birdie 5631 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

3. Civil Coffee 5629 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

4. Kitchen Mouse 5904 N Figueroa, LA

not a café but fun to browse: Sunbeam Vintage located at 106 S Avenue 58, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Photo’s taken on location at Civil Coffee, by Tasha 


If you’re curious what all the hype is over Acai Bowls, why not try one at home? It’s my favorite on-the-go snack or breakfast and guess what – my kids love it! Once you find a combo you love (mine is goji and bee pollen), its sure to be a favorite. Don’t forget, goji berries have been known to boost the immune system, so no guilt here. Let me know what your favorite combination is.

My Favorite Acai Bowl

2 cups frozen Strawberries

2 frozen Bananas

Acai Powder

1 cup Almond Milk

2 T seed butter or Almond butter

1/2-1 T agave

Toppings

fresh fruit

Bee Pollen

Coconut flakes

Dried Goji Berries

Chia Seeds (optional)

Add all ingredients but the toppings into a blender. Go for a frozen yogurt consistency – add more almond milk if necessary. After its blended, drizzle agave and toppings, if using. Enjoy!

 

I’m wearing jeans GRLFRND (size down):: boots ZARA similar :: cardigan 525 AMERICA :: camisole SIMILAR

 

top and bottoms VARLEY :: ring NORDSTROM :: sneakers REEBOK :: camel coat SIMILAR 

The MOST requested topic has been DIET. While, I’m no expert, or dietician, Here’s what on my plate on an average day. I try and limit sugar and bread in my diet, although I believe in cheat days! Here’s a normal day minus birthday parties and taco Tuesday! Also, some key athletic apparel can not only motivate you to work out, but up your casual game. I show some of my favorites below. Don’t forget, a trench, a camel coat, and fun sneakers finish the look. So, without further adieu, here’s my everyday diet:

B : Pumpkin seed granola and almond milk (I buy the variety that is less than 7 grams of sugar) almond milk latte and a green smoothie consisting of kale, sometimes beet, frozen banana, frozen pineapple, coconut water, and chia seeds) * This combo changes daily to keep it interesting

L : Big kale salad, a couple cups of kale, sliced turkey, black olives, feta cheese, and homemade dressing: 

1/3 cup grapeseed oil, 3T balsamic vinegar, 3 T sugar, 1 t salt, 1 t crushed garlic,

D : Chicken and Rice – We have a family joke about how often we eat this combo, but you cannot deny how versatile and healthy it is. My kids are always asking, are we having chicken and rice again? I have a million varieties including a soup version. So good!

Snacks: Raw almonds (good protein and packed with wrinkle fighting vitamin E), avocados (antioxidents and tons of good fat), oranges or grapefruit (a great snack to boost vitamin C, and builds collagen, hello younger skin!)

+Keep drinking lots of water, green and dandelion tea in between meals will give you energy.

I also refer to this topic in a later post HERE on the blog.

Comment with any additional questions, comments and your favorite smoothie recipe! Here’s to a healthy 2017!

FOODIE FRIDAY

by Shalice Noel


Foodie Friday

Free of Tyranny, and Dairy

Mason jars are fantastic – they make adorable glassware, vases, and storage containers. And this Fourth of July, they are the perfect vessel for a red white and blue treat. There are a lot of versions of these layered fruit parfaits but most include dairy, which excludes my lactose intolerant kiddo, and cake or pudding which tend to have a lot of artificial ingredients. So I’m creating my own parfait without dairy, artificial ingredients or even gluten. This really is the land of the free. 

Independence Day Jar Parfait

This one is particularly fun as a build-your-own dessert once all the pieces are prepped. And any leftover coconut cream can double as a fruit dip!

What You’ll Need

6 8oz Mason Jars

1 14oz Can Extra Thick Coconut Cream (chilled)

1-2 Teaspoons Vanilla

1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar or Honey

1lb Strawberries, sliced

2 pints Blueberries

1 cup pomegranate seeds

12 Fat Free Vanilla Meringue Cookies 

How You’ll Do It

1 – The coconut cream layer can be a little tricky on a hot day. It can easily melt and lose its texture. I recommend keeping the can in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. First, you’ll need to drain any water left in the can so you’re only dealing with the thick cream. Then whip it in a steel bowl using an electric mixer so it’s nice and fluffy. Add the agave nectar and vanilla to taste and mix until it’s incorporated and totally spoon-licking delicious. Now pop that bowl back in the fridge to keep it cool.

2 – Place the meringue cookies in a large zip lock back and smash them up with a meat pounder or the bottom of a heavy spoon handle until it’s crumbly, but not powdered. This is a great way to let off any steam or holiday prep stress. You can also snack on a few cookies as you go – I know I did.

3 – Get Layering. If you’re doing a make-your-own-dessert station, place each ingredient in it’s own bowl with a serving spoon. I like to start with a spoonful of coconut cream on the bottom, then alternate layers of strawberries, blueberries, pomegranate and meringue crumbles and top it all off with some more coconut cream. The only rule is to always separate the cream and the meringue crumbles by fruit – otherwise that meringue can get a little soggy. 

my top MISA LOS ANGELES  / cutoffs TOPSHOP

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