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PUCCI WEDDING


Models Anja Rubik and Sasha Knezevic married over the weekend in Mallorca, Spain as the "King and Queen of  Models". The bride wore a fabulous custom Peter Dundas for Pucci dress that fit perfectly with the intimate ceremony for the couple. A woman like Rubik is one of the few that could pull of a style like this with her slender frame, free-flowing hair and minimal accessories. I think that the "King and Queen" photo is just adorable!



10 WAYS TO EAT LESS MEAT


In support of "Meatless Monday", The Food Network's 'Healthy Eats' column has provided a few examples of healthy meat substitutes:

http://meatlessmonday.com

Meat, dairy and high-fat ingredients are often used to add texture and flavor to recipes. Problem is, you might also be adding artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. But eating a plant-based meal doesn’t mean a tasteless one — make these ingredient swaps to create flavorful, filling meals with less (or no) meat and dairy.

Instead of: Beef
Try: Mushrooms

Mushrooms
have a firm texture a ton of rich flavor, so they’re a perfect substitute for meat. Use  finely chopped porcini mushrooms for a meat-free bolognese sauce, add sliced mushrooms to chili or stew or use Portabell0 mushroom as a hamburger substitute.

Instead of: Chicken
Try: Tofu

Firm tofu absorbs whatever flavor you add to the dish and maintains a meat-like texture when cooked in a stir-fry, stew, chili and pasta dishes. Here are 5 ways to use this versatile soy product >>

Instead of: Cream Sauce
Try: Homemade Plant-Based Sauces and Chunteys

Creamy sauces are a delicious once-in-awhile treat, but choosing more healthful ones for everyday meals will save you a boatload of calories and fat!  Try making your own tomato, miso or barbecue sauce. Or, top your main course with a homemade fruit or veggie chutney.

Instead of: Bacon
Try: Smoky Condiments

Bacon isn’t the only way to add smoky flavor to your favorite dishes — try smoked paprika, smoked salt or chipotle peppers (smoked jalapenos.) They’ll add a ton of flavor, but only a few calories!

Instead of: Prosciutto
Try: Toasted Nuts

Instead of topping salads and cooked veggies with prosciutto, creamy dressings or other animal-based ingredients, try a handful of toasted nuts. They add a yummy crunch and a punch of protein to dishes.

Instead of: Milk or Cream
Try: Coconut Milk, Soy Milk or Almond Milk

Fat adds flavor, texture and mouth feel in soups and sauces, but there are many plant-based options to choose from. Try coconut, soy or almond milk in place of dairy milk in soups and sauces. If you’re looking to save calories, opt for the lighter versions.

Instead of: Butter
Try: Nut Oils or Flavored Oils

Butter contains artery clogging saturated fats. Instead, choose from a variety of unsaturated nut oils like peanut, almond or walnut or flavored olive oils like garlic-infused oil.

Instead of: Heavy Cream
Try: Peanut Butter

Besides serving as the star ingredient in a PB&J sandwich, peanut butter can be used in cooking to add texture and creaminess. Dana’s secret ingredient in stir-fry is a spoonful of natural peanut butter and she adds a spoonful of almond butter to seafood soup.

Instead of: Chicken Stock
Try: Vegetable Stock or Juice

Fortify store-bought vegetable stock with spice blends and aromatics that will compliment your dish (Think ginger, garlic and a chile for Asian dishes, or onions, thyme, parsley stems and white wine for a French dish.)  Or, make your own. You can also substitute flavorful juices for stock in recipes, like in this Carrot-Ginger Soup.

Instead of: Cheese-Covered Vegetables
Try: Roasted or Braised Vegetables

To add flavor to vegetables without tons of cheese or butter, switch up the cooking technique. Roasting caramelizes vegetables and helps bring out their natural sweetness, while braising hearty vegetables like fennel creates flavor when cooked along with low-calorie stocks and herbs.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition.


The best meat-free foods that provide the proper amount of protein are: Tuna, sole, cod, salmon, halibut, haddock, anchovies, lobster, shrimp, crab, clams, nuts, seeds, whole grains, veggies - the darker the better (spinach, broccoli, etc.), barley, mushrooms, quinoa, lentils, not too much tofu or seitan, beans, avocado, chickpeas, raw peanut butter, almonds, cashews, raw almond butter, brown rice, potatoes, etc.

POWER NAPPING


I adore Kris Carr and she always gives great tips!


5 Tips for Refreshing Power Naps

Falling asleep at the mall, at your desk, or on your way to pick your children up from school? Head bobbing probably isn't the 'I am calm and in control' look you are going for. A power nap may be exactly what you need to rejuvenate yourself when you hit your mid-afternoon slump, without leaning on caffeine or unnecessary snacks. And you don’t even need a bed! In Crazy Sexy Diet, Kris Carr suggests finding a napping sanctuary in an empty conference room or even your car.

Here are five tips for getting the most of your nap from a lifelong-power-napper (moi!):

1. It’s a nap, not a sleep: Set a soft-sounding alarm (the Harp ring-tone on the iPhone is a good choice) for a certain amount of time; 20-30 minutes. Anything more than 40 minutes is not a nap and you may wake up feeling sleepy instead of refreshed.

2. Let the light shine in: You can turn off the lights, but leave the blinds open to let some daylight in. If it’s pitch black, your body will think it’s nighttime and you are more likely to fall into a deep sleep or sleep longer than you had planned, and wake up tired.

3. Neck pillow: You don’t need a pillow specifically for your neck, but try to tuck your head pillow under the curve in your neck. This way, your neck is supported and you won’t wake up with a crick in it!

4. Timing is everything: Try to take your nap six to eight hours after waking and never after 4 p.m. so that you will still be able to fall asleep at bedtime.

5. Relax your face: Once you are all settled in your bed, on your couch, or with your head on your desk, relax and soften all the muscles of your face, including your eyes and eyelids. Even if you don’t fall asleep, your brain, eyes, and muscles will get a restorative break.


When it comes to taking a "disco nap" before a big night out, I'd recommend napping before 8pm for no more than 2-4 hours.

JIMMY KIMMEL'S JIM-MIRACLE DIET


Jimmy Kimmel's "The Hottie Body Jim-Miracle Diet" video is hilarious! The best part is that consuming smaller portions actually does enable you to eat more of the foods that you enjoy after reaching your weight and fitness goals . As long as the foods contain natural ingredients and aren't too high in calories, you can enjoy a "cheat day" once a week. Its all about maintenance, so don't slack off!