Yummy Healthy Dessert Smoothie

For a healthy breakfast smoothie that tastes like dessert.

What you need:
1 Cup Spinach
10 almonds
1/4 cup milk
1 tbs cocoa powder
1/4 medium apple
1 dried fig
1 small banana

What to do:
Blend In the food processor until smooth. If you like you can leave some chunks.
This is super yummy.

Tidy Up: TO GET MOVING!

I use my yoga mat a lot. Not just for yoga.
I roll it up in my closet, but it always opens up and falls over.
I saw a carrier for yoga mats in the store, which would also be good to store it, but I didn't want to spend the money.
So..when I came home I had to find an easy solution.
I didn't want it to fall over anymore...
Also if you leave your yoga mat against the wall, it looks cute and tidier. (is that a word? i hope..)

Here's what you can use:::

I took old shoe laces ( you can wash them if they're dirty) or, use ones that have never been used. You can use ribbon, rope, yarn, whatever you like, but shoelaces are nice because of the length and strength.
All you have to do is tie one on the bottom and one on the top. It looks super cute and you can even bring it to the gym this way without spending $12+ on a carrier.

Also, you may have weights lying here, tennis shoes there, a jump rope in another place..
If you do.
GET ORGANIZED.
You will find less of an excuse not to exercise when all your things are in one place.
Do you say "I can't find this...eh I'll find it later..." and never end up exercising that day..or the next..or the next.
Stop doing that.
When all your things are together it's easier to pick them up at once and go.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to get organized..you may even have everything you need.
I have a crate that was $3 at target..and it's a big.
I put my weights, tennis shoes, dvds, push up bars, and other things in there.
All together. When I'm ready for my workout I grab and go.
Also, I have small items like resistance bands, ankle weights, jump rope...
I put those in a perfume bag I got a long time ago for free.
So its easy. You just have to do it.

This doesn't only go for exercise, but anything you want to accomplish.
Get organized.

Do it now.
Don't wait.
Or it will never get done.
xoxo.
maddalena.

Ferrero Rocher Candy Bowl

Get this super cute Ferrero Rocher Bowl on etsy.

xoxo.
maddalena

Hello Kitty Vegan Waffles

What you need:

*Hello kitty waffle maker ( or any waffle maker..you will need more batter if you use a big 

                                                  waffle maker, the hello kitty ones are mini)

1/2 cup whole wheat flour (i used stone ground)

2/3 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 flax "egg"   *[mix 2 tsp ground flaxseed into 1/4 cup water let it sit a few minutes]

2 tsp coconut oil   *[melted]

1/2 cup water

2 tsp sugar (i didn't add it because, but it did need a little:: unless you dont care for  

                        sugar..then you dont have to put it)

What to do::

Preheat your waffle iron.

1. Make sure the flax "egg" has been sitting and the coconut oil is melted. 

2. Mix the flour.salt. and baking powder. 

3  Stir the flax "egg" into the water until blended.

4. Stir the flax water into the flour.

5. Add the melted coconut oil and stir.

6. Add the sugar

7. Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray.

8. Make the waffles according to its directions.

I topped them with Strawberries, a banana and agave nectar. MMM. so yummy.

Enjoy and let me know your substitutions/results.

thank you for visiting.

xoxo.

maddalena.

Hello Kitty Waffles!

I love Hello Kitty and My Hello Kitty Waffle Maker.
Hello Kitty waffles are so cute for breakfast..I actually eat them any time of the day..
Also they are easy to makeand sooooo yummy.
I found this recipe a few years ago..and I have no idea where from..
Then I found a recipe that I came up with and I couldn't decide which to use
So I'm posting both. One is Vegan. This one is not.
I have made these a million times, a million different ways.
I even make huge batches and freeze them so they are ready for the morning if your on the go.
This recipe makes about 8 hello kitty waffles Waffles.
Ill give variations on these also you can change them to make them how you prefer.
And I will tell you exactly how I love them.

Before you begin:

If you use whole wheat flour the texture will be thicker (i love these)

If you use ground oatmeal, they will taste like oatmeal and take longer to cook.

White flour works well with sugar.

Whole wheat flour works best with honey.

Coconut oil is fantastic.. Makes them extra tasty and moist

Canola oil works well.

Do not use olive oil. It tastes gross, unless you want to make a waffle sandwich..

That is another recipe I may post soon.

You can use flax egg instead of an egg. 

King Arthur 100% whole wheat flour.
Add a little honey. 

Use coconut oil.

Topped with sliced bananas and honey.

What you need:
*2 eggs (separated)
*2 Cups buttermilk
*2 cups flour
*1/2 cup melted butter or oil
*2 tsp baking powder
*1 tsp baking soda
*1 tsp salt

What to do:
1. Preheat the waffle iron.
2. Mix the egg yolks and buttermilk in a bowl.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. Stir in melted butter or oil.
5. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold into batter.
7. Bake in your waffle iron.
**mine turns off automatically when they are done.. so I don't know the times.

Let me know your substitutions and results.
Enjoy.
xoxo.
maddalena.

Blue Cheese Pasta. Quick and Easy.

What you need:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tsp salt
dash pepper
5 parsley leaves
1/2 lb pasta (I used mini rigatoni)
5 oz grated blue cheese
7 Golden tomatoes
Dried parsley (optional)
Parmesan Cheese (to sprinkle)


What to do:
1. Slice the garlic.
2. In a small microwavable dish, add the garlic, parsley, olive oil,  dried parsley, salt and pepper. Put a paper towl over the dish to prevent splashing and cook 1 minute.
3. Cut the tomatoes in half and cook the 1 minute in the microwave.
4. Cook the pasta to al dente. Make sure to add salt to the pasta when cooking to your preferred taste.
5. Drain the pasta leaving a very small amount of water at the bottom of the pot.
6. Mix your oil mixture into the hot pasta.
7. Quickly mix in the blue cheese and tomatoes.
8. Add parmesan cheese and if you wish and enjoy.

xoxo.
maddalena.

Cute Whipped Cream Case

I made it.
Let me know how yours turned out.

xoxo.
maddalena.

Meet Toasti

Hi.

Welcome! 

Im toasti.

And I will be giving tips on extra important sections on any blog posts.

So watch out for me.

Look for:

and also

for any tips.

See you soon.

xoxo.

toasti.

Quick, Easy Nutella Cups

I love to bake.

but it can be time consuming.

But these Nutella Cups are quick and easy.

AND are perfect to make for your sweetheart

or give to the kid's in their lunchbox.

To make 10, you need:

1 jar (16 oz) nutella, justins chocolate hazelnut butter, or any nut butter/chocolate spread you like

1 pie crust dough (homemade or store bought)

  

What to do::

1. Preheat the oven to 450 (or to what your refrigerated dough box says)

2. Cut 2 inch circles into the pie crust.

3. Butter a cupcake pan and put one circle in each spot.

3. Cut mini hearts into the pie crust (you dont have to do hearts but its cute.)

4. Line a tray with foil and place the mini hearts on it.

5. Bake the hearts for about 5 minutes and the Pie crusts about 10. (until golden brown)

6. Fill the pie crusts with nut butter and top with your pie crust hearts.

ENJOY!

xoxo.
maddalena

Nut FREE Chocolate Spread

You need:
5/8 cup oats
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4-1/2 cup milk* (i used 2%) Add 1/4 cup. then little by little to desired consistency.
1/4 cup sugar
Canola Oil may be needed to make it more smooth add one tbsp at a time.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt (optional)

*(you can substitute with different milks and oils)


What to do:
1. Grind oats in a food processor until they are fine grains. 

2. Add the other ingredients and blend until smooth. 
   *You want it to be more creamy because once it sets in the refrigerator, it will be thicker. 

3. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use. 
       *Its best to use at room temperature so
          it makes the Chocolate easier to spread so remove it from the 
          fridge and leave it out for a little while before using (if you like).

Enjoy and let me know your substitutions/results.
Thank you for visiting.
Come back soon.
xoxo.
Maddalena

Watermelon Tapioca Pearl Smoothie

You Need:
1 cup watermelon cubes (or any fruit you like)
1 cup ice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup simple syrup
1/4 cup tapioca pearls (optional)

What to do:
Blend the watermelon, ice, water and syrup until smooth. Scoop Tapioca pearls into a glass and pour the smoothie over. Enjoy.


The recipe for Simple Syrup

You need:
1 part agave nectar 
1 part hot water

What to do:
Stir until the Agave Nectar has dissolved and let it cool completely and it's ready to use.
Store in the refrigerator if you have any left over.


The Tapoica Pearls

You need:
8 parts water
1 part semi moist tapioca pearls

What to do:
Boil the water and add the pearls. Let them simmer for 40 minutes. DONT cover the pot. Remove the pot from heat
 and let it sit for 30 minutes. When the pearls are as soft as you like, drain them and rinse under cold water until completely cool. 
They are ready for use. =]

Let me know your results/substitutions.

Enjoy and let me know your substitutions/results.
Thank you for visiting.
Come back soon.
xoxo. 
maddalena

Brazil Butt Lift Review

Does it work?

Will your butt be lifted as promised?

I bought the Brazil butt lift...and at first I followed the workout plan every day. Then I went back to my old routine because I missed it...but I will tell you what I found..

                                                                

I haven't done the entire program, but from the workouts -(there are plenty on the dvds)- you will see results. I did and I didn't even do the entire program. My mom asked me why my butt looked so high also, which was a funny question, but that just shows the workouts really shape your back side nicely. So a couple times a week I still do them. My favorite workouts in the program are high and tight and bum bum. I also like rio extreme (weight lifting/cardio spurts). I may do the whole  60 days and see if it works and i will post results as I go. Let me know if you'd like to see that.

There are two kinds, the deluxe set which comes with an extra dvd that contains two workouts,

3 resistance bands, workout cards and ankle weights.

If you order from the beachbody site they send you a shakeology protein powder ($40 value) (chocolate is so tasty) 30 day supply and activit vitamin supplements for metabolism  for free( i dont know the price of these and i dont recommend taking diet pills) and the deluxe kit, but its like $120.00, and that is for the deluxe package.

So I checked some websites to cut the cost.. The lowest I found were..

$45.75 at buy.com for deluxe set (pictured above)

You can also bid on ebay and save a lot more money.

hard work pays big.

xoxo

maddalena.

No Tang Cheesecake Cups

I made these from Tyler Florence's Ultimate Cheesecake..
just changed a little.

Sometimes Cheesecake is too tangy and I don't like that taste, so I took out the lemon zest and added a little margarine.

Note:: Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before beginning.

You need:

• 2 (8oz) Cream Cheese Packages
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup margarine

If you want a crust. (I didn't add one).. 

You will need:

• 2 cups finely ground graham crackers (about 30 squares)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

What to do:

   For the CRUST:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

2. Combine graham crackers, butter, and cinnamon.

3. Spray your cupcake pan with non stick spray.

4. Press the mix into the bottom of the pan (about 1 inch)

5. Refrigerate 5 minutes.

For the filling:

1. Mix Cream Cheese and sugar until blended.

2. Add eggs one at a time until smooth.

3. Add the sour cream and margarine. Mix Well

4. Spoon  this mix onto the graham cracker crust.

5: Bake about 25 min.

Add sprinkles.

or any topping you like.

Enjoy.

xoxo.

Yoga Transformation: Weight Loss and Balance

Yoga for me always felt slow and like it wasn't doing anything.
I was about to give up on it.
When I  was looking around my library..I stopped by the fitness section and looked through workouts..
The first yoga video i tried was called total yoga.. and I didn't like that one.. So i took it back right away.
Then I tried Yoga Transformation: Weightloss and Balance with Dr. Deepak Chopra and Tara Stiles (the instructor in the video)
I was actually sore, especially in my shoulders the next day, which has never happened from a yoga exercise before. For me at least.
And I really enjoyed it.
So if you'd like to try it I'll post a picture and give you some places to find it.

It's a good work out and very relaxing.
You can buy it on amazon..not sure if they're in the stores.
I got it from the library..and I'm thinking of buying it..cause I like it and sometimes its nice to do a slower workout.


You can buy it here on amazon for $14.99.. as an instant download..if you like making your own dvd

for a physical copy:
$9.79 on ebay...free shipping

I found it on walmart.com for $8.14..but you might have to pay shipping. so call your local store and see if they carry it..or do in store pick up.

You can also check your library and see if they carry it to test before you buy.
but it is fantastic.

healthy yoga-ing.
xoxo.
maddalena

Yummy Cranberry Apple Flax Cake!

You need:



1.5 cups flax meal
1.5 cups white flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup apple juice
2 flax "eggs" (2 tbsp flax meal in 6 tbsp water)
1 peeled, shredded apple
1/2 cup dried cranberries/craisins
1 tsp vanilla extract

What to do:
1. Preheat your oven to 350
2. Mix flax meal, flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
3. After well mixed add flax eggs. Mix.
4. Add milk, apple juice and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Line a pan with aluminum foil or grease your pan. I'm not sure if there will be a time change if you don't use aluminum foil like I did, but pour the batter into your pan and bake 30 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy.
xoxo.

HEALTHY hot chocolate. 3 ingredients!

I LOVE sweets.
So I have to make them healthy
or I will be unhealthy.
You can give this to your kids
and they will love it.
They won't even know the difference.


This will be enough for one serving.

You need:
1/2 cup milk
3/4 medium banana.
1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder. (i used special dark, but you can use any.)

What to do:
1. Slice your banana and heat 30 seconds in the microwave. it will start to melt. if its not steaming, microwave for additional time at 10 second intervals.
2. Mix the banana with a spoon so it completely melts.
3. Warm up the milk about 1 minute and mix in the banana and the cocoa powder.
4. If you dont think its sweet enough, add more melted banana, or honey, agave, etc. but it will be sweet enough.

If you wish, add: marshmallows, sprinkles, peppermint candy sticks, etc (makes it a little less healthy).
Enjoy.

xoxo.
m.