Friday, April 29, 2016

Book Review: Younger Skin Starts in the Gut

You are what you eat – and eating the wrong foods can show on your face as wrinkles, blemishes and bags.

For years you have been told that the secret to radiant skin lies in moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreen. While these can help, this nutritionally-based guide provides a better solution for your skin by attacking the problem at its source. 
In Younger Skin Starts in the Gut, Dr. Nigma Talib shows how gluten, alcohol, sugar, and dairy are triggers to an unhealthy complexion.

The secret to taking years off your looks? “Younger Skin Starts in the Gut,” a new book from Dr. Nigma Talib, a world-renowned naturopathic doctor, aesthetician to the stars and leading authority on holistic health.

This book provides a comprehensive healthy skin regimen that produces beautiful glowing skin by balancing hormones, preventing inflammation and maintaining well-adjusted digestion. Say goodbye to having Wine, Dairy, Sugar and/or Gluten Face! 

In the book’s 4-week program, you’ll identify and eliminate your skin-aging triggers (wine, gluten, dairy and sugar) as well as be able to simultaneously heal your gut and stop the process of “digest-aging.” This book guarantees one blissful result: younger-looking, healthier skin.

From every day patients with chronic skin conditions to high-profile stars (like **Penelope Cruz, Kate Bosworth and Sienna Miller!**) who want to look picture-perfect on the red carpet, Dr. Talib has seen the powerful results of her inside-out approach. 

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Having no coffee or cheese or diet soda makes me a cranky bitch!

Yep, I’m a cranky bitch on this detox.  A friend said I’d feel vaguely flu-ish and she is right! I do feel lots better on the inside, and slept better after just three days. Of course, there's that slight headache today.

Lunch is chicken, broccoli, mushrooms and cucumber slices, and water. Lotsa green tea. 

Doing this more for the medical at this point- most of April I've been having insane heartburn, gall bladder attacks, taking Zantac and Tums all the time. Of course, I also eat a lot of junk, now that I'm making myself really look at it. I spoke w a nutritionist friend over the weekend and I decided to cut out a few things this week to see how I feel. plus, overweight ppl are more susceptible to gall bladder issues.

And it’s like ok, i can not eat dairy for a week (coconut milk is great), or no cheesesteaks for 2 months, or no diet coke. I'm trying to make small tweaks. that said, im still having bread here and there or a cookie.

This weekend i really took stock in what made me feel bad. cheesesteaks, pizza, red sauce, cheese, beer, (wine is ok, just half a glass). Really making me say wow this food isn't good that I'm eating!

Coffee, not so much a problem, but cutting it out this week, i drink really weak coffee w no dairy so i don’t think that’s the culprit. Almond milk hurt my stomach so i tried another. Fried foods I’m avoiding for the most part too. sucks tho- i was at movie tavern last night..and i was like, um what can i eat?!

Diet coke is the devil even tho steve and i love it, so we are going to try to cut it out a bit. Instead doing lemon water and then a smoothie in the am, then a shot of ACV in water before lunch.

So, stay tuned!

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Add Foreign Flair to Home Cooking with Blakely Trettenero: Thai Quinoa Salad

International cuisine can seem intimidating to anyone who’s not a top chef.
But in reality, it’s not difficult to add a pinch of foreign flavor to your kitchen, says Blakely Trettenero, a chef, world traveler and host of Cooking for Bimbos (www.cookingforbimbos.com) and Hungry for Travels (www.hungryfortravels.com).


Trettenero, who makes difficult dishes easy on her cooking website with the tongue-in-check name, has visited more than 30 countries and made many food discoveries along the way.

“While in Italy, I realized pasta in the United States is second rate,” says Trettenero, who has been featured on several TV shows. “That dried stuff we buy in a box doesn’t cut it. If you've ever had homemade pasta, you know what I mean.”

Thai Style Quinoa Salad

Salad ingredients
 3 cups water
 1 1/2 cups quinoa
 1/4 red cabbage head, sliced thin
 1/2 cucumber, diced
 3 scallions, sliced
 1 carrot, shredded
 1 red bell pepper, diced
 1 cup thawed edamame

Vinaigrette ingredients
 Juice from 3 limes
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
 3 tablespoons soy sauce
 1 teaspoon honey
 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Toppings (optional)
 Chopped fresh cilantro
 Chopped unsalted peanuts
 Grilled Chicken


Instructions
1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Put cooked quinoa in large mixing bowl. 
Add sliced cabbage, diced cucumber, shredded carrot, sliced scallion, edamame, and diced red bell pepper
2. In small bowl, mix the lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, and vegetable oil
3. Add the vinaigrette to the quinoa and mix everything until combined and coated in the vinaigrette
4. Serve in a bowl and add optional toppings.

Enjoy!

Blakely Trettenero, host of the Cooking for Bimbos (www.cookingforbimbos.com) and Hungry for Travels (www.hungryfortravels.com) websites, is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Fla. She also is a world traveler, having visited more than 30 countries, and is becoming a frequent guest on TV.


Monday, April 25, 2016

Engchik Chat w Marilyn on BEN FM!

Woman of the Week podcast with Marilyn Russell on BEN FM!!!

http://957benfm.com/episodes/christine-tarlecki-firkin-fest/

7 Things to Do this Spring!


Read lots of books!
  1. Donate 7 unread, unused books, 7 un-played-with toys, and 7 unused or worn kitchen items, and find new and double-duty uses for ones you have
  2. Donate 7 unworn-barely used articles of clothing and/ or shoes
  3. Donate 7 household items that you do not use
  4. Find 7 News Ways to enjoy your town- a walk down a different road, drive home a different way, shop at a different store
  5. Cook / create/ make new recipes for meals- snack, smoothie, full dinner, whatever- be creative and answer the question- what are you hungry for?!
    Cooking is a great way to connect and feel good about yourself. Mindfully eat. 
  6. Listen (and maybe dance !) to 7 new songs on the radio or on your smartphone
  7. Connect with 7 friends that you see a lot or haven’t seen in a while!

Throw a party! See your pals! Be silly!




Friday, April 22, 2016

The 10-Step Sugar Detox Plan For You And Your Children

For adults who crave candy and ice cream almost as much as their children, the bad news on sugar continues to pour in.

Earlier this year, research into sugar’s deleterious effects showed a connection to cancer, heart disease and diabetes. More recently, the American Dental Association reminded parents just how bad sugar is for their children’s teeth.

"We think we’re so advanced in 2016, yet when it comes to health and a nutritious diet, many of us have a long way to go,” says nutritionist and juicing pioneer Cherie Calbom, who is known as “The Juice Lady.”

The good news for parents is they can ferret out the sugar-laden products that may be hidden in their and their children’s diets, and dedicate themselves to a healthy, sugar-free lifestyle, says Calbom, author of “The Juice Lady’s Sugar Knockout.” Take her SugarAddiction Quiz.

Calbom’s solution: a 10-step detox plan that parents can work on with their children to eliminate sugar in both their diets.

1. Avoid all sugar. If you can do it for 30 days, you can change your lifestyle. During this time, avoid even healthy sweeteners like honey, and substitutes, which overwhelm the taste buds.

2. Cut caffeine intake. There are multiple benefits to cutting back on your caffeine, including the temptation to use sugary creamers and accompanying sweets along with actually causing sugar cravings.

3. Skip foods that turn to sugar easily. This includes wheat and other grains, alcohol and starchy foods like white potatoes.

4. Enjoy healthy smoothies. Healthy smoothies that include dark leafy greens like kale or chard make you feel good in the long term and can help eliminate the urge for sugary snacks and excessive caffeine.

5. Power up with protein. Eggs, nuts, fish and other meats balance blood sugar and insulin.

6. Eat your veggies. Non-starchy vegetables provide your body with much-needed vitamins that also will cut your urge for unhealthy, sugary snacks.

7. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Sufficient pure water keeps you hydrated, reduces headaches and constipation, and flushes out toxins.

8. Supplement your diet. GTF chromium, L-Glutamine, B vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin C assist your body in various ways to overcome sugar cravings.

9. Sleep well; sleep enough. Lack of sleep messes with your hormonal balance and contribute to feelings of hunger.

10. Fight sugar cravings with fat. Healthy fats like avocados and fish make you feel full and satisfied.

“Beware of sugar in places you might not have expected, like tomato sauces, salad dressing and marinades,” Calbom says. “Make a habit of studying labels.”

 Cherie Calbom holds a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition from Bastyr University. Known as “The Juice Lady” (www.juiceladycherie.com) for her work with juicing and health, she is author of 31 books, with millions of copies sold worldwide. 

No stranger to healthy diet trends, Cherie joined George Foreman as nutritional spokesperson in the Knockout the Fat phenomena that forever changed grilling in America.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Avocados for Dessert! Avocado Mousse

Kick sugar to the curb but keep excellent fresh, healthy flavors. The avocado adds richness and good fats.

Avocado Mousse
•1 Florida avocado or 2 California avocados
•1/4 cup coconut syrup, or to taste
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 tablespoons lemon juice
•1/2-inch piece lemon peel
•Approximately 1/4 cup almond milk, as needed
•Fresh strawberries or raspberries for garnish
•Finely grated coconut

  1. Cut avocado or avocados in half lengthwise. 
  2. Remove pit and scoop out flesh. 
  3. Place flesh in a blender along with coconut syrup, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon peel. 
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding as much milk as needed to make it blendable. 
  5. Taste and add more sweetener if necessary. 
  6. Put the mousse in chilled sherbet glasses. 
  7. Top with strawberries or raspberries and sprinkle with a little grated coconut. 
  8. Chill until ready to serve. Serves 4–6.



Cherie Calbom is a leading authority on healthy diets, juicing, and weight loss. Known as a celebrity nutritionist, Juice Lady, and TV chef. she is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition, Cherie is author of 31 books including Sugar Knockout, The Anti-Inflammation Diet, and The Juice Lady’s Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies. No stranger to healthy diet trends, Cherie joined George Foreman as nutritionist and spokesperson in the Knockout the Fat Grilling phenomena.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

A Week in the Life of Lecki- Eating, Spending, Traveling!

A Week Eating and Spending in the Philly Burbs
Refinery29 has been running this series where they cover costs and what a salary can get you in various areas, and what various women with various salaries in various cities spend their money on-and they add up the expenses at the end. 

I’m going to try it too, see how long I can stick with it and be truthful about how many cookies I eat. It’s all out there for y’all now!

I’ve also been feeling like my skin could look more hydrated and nourished, so in hopes of eating more nutrient-rich food, I hope my skin looks better!

I also came in under budget last month with my fabulous LearnVest software to keep track of my spending, so I wish to continue in that vein. Where there is $0 spent, that means I already had that food or item in the house. It was spent on at one time, but not for the duration of this exercise.

April 6
Wednesday: Got our Door to Door Organics last night and have a ton of great food for the coming week. This was around $165, and also included a lot of frozen items – salmon, organic burritos, mushroom mix- for coming meals in the next month.
5:45am: Getting ready: Lemon, Turmeric, Honey and ACV in warm water to start the day while I feed the cat, water the doggie, and smooch the hubs.


7:15am: Breakfast: Coffee for the 76 expressway nightmare – was able to scoot ahead of the traffic and arrive at 7am. Oatmeal at Work w fresh Blueberries, Walnuts, Honey and Cinnamon, and strawberry tea. $0
10:45am: Duel Shots Protein bar that was sent to me for a story, and a strawberry from home. Yum!
1:30: Lunch. I went downstairs to the café  (where they portion out everything)and got a bit of seafood salad, a half of a chicken patty w spinach, and 2 small slices of Stromboli (I caved when I saw the cheese). However, I got full pretty quickly and am putting away the chicken and bit of broccoli and other slice of Stromboli for tomorrow’s lunch. An hour later, ate two strawberries I brought. Spent: $5.48
2:35: Realized I left my ‘cookie ambassador’ Goodie Girl cookies in the car. Damn..
Made another cup of strawberry tea and the last strawberry. $0
3:30- in the car. I ate a cooky.
4:45pm: Home and trying not to graze because my best friend asked me to dinner at Joe’s. Can we say crab pots!? We usually go out for seafood or sushi every week. I ate a pretzel rod and some garlic rye chips. Bought the new Marcia Clark book for a steal on my Kindle. Spent $1.99
6:45pm: Time for crabs! I eschewed the apps and got water with lemon and a glass of wine. All you can eat crabs! We had a blast altho in talking, when I mentioned my right side/ back pain, my best friend mentioned it could be a gall bladder attack of sorts. I’ve had a couple issues before and this is the second time this week I’ve felt uncomfortable. I enjoyed my crabs but used very little butter and vowed to eat better this week. Mindful Eating is what I’m aiming for. Spent $49.82

Thursday:
5:30am: dang it time to wake up. Coffee en route. $0
7:15am: Breakfast is a small bagel and cream cheese from my work stash with coconut water. $0
10:20am: Feel a little punk again, drinking water with a bite of raspberry fig bar from home. More water. This impending rain storm is hurting my head. Bland and non-spicy foods and no cheese or garlic chips is what I need to do! And more fruit! $0
NOTE: Haven’t really realized that I feel yucky recently, so it’s obv food related! And I def eat way too much food. Or do i?? What do you think, readers? Is this a typical day?

1:30pm: Lunch. Minute Rice Wild Rice & Brown Rice Cups (from Office stash) with yesterday’s half chicken patty, a sliver of leftover Stromboli and water. Taking time to mindfully chew. $0
3:00pm: Snack: Strawberries from home. $0
5:30pm: Home. Don’t graze! Vacuuming and having a large mug hot water w lemon juice and honey and ACV. $0.
7:00pm: Dinner: Out with the husband and friends. I made these plans like the first week of March. Well my horoscope DID say I’d be a social star...! Love catching up w these special people! Went to Buffalo Wild Wings, which I’ve never been too, and with me trying to eat mindfully, I bypassed the wings and booze and got a seltzer with lemon and we got fried cheese curds and fried corn bites for the table. (let it be noted I did not order an app. But I partook in them!) Yum cheese. No bad cheese! Ok, just a few.
I got a pulled pork sandwich which came with coleslaw on the sandwich, fries and a huge bun. I ate the pork and a bit of coleslaw for crunch and it was really good! Plus, ok, a bunch of fries, but no bun. Steve had the chicken taco wrap, and saved one for his lunch today. Spent $40 (for both of us for dinner)
8:83pm: We are planning a tiki party for my dad’s birthday tomorrow night, so we quick zoomed to Goodwill and bought the most delightfully loud shirts, plus we each got a fun summer tank top (mine from Eddie Bauer! And his from Polo!) plus a Danskin workout shirt for me,  and I got brand new never used still in the packaging hair clips bc I keep one in every bag. Spent $19.81.
9:15pm: We then zoomed to Dairy Queen for a small dessert because I had a $10 gift card. We both got medium blizzards, and each ate half to save for tomorrow. Two treats in one! Plus…the bill was $9.95! boom! Spent $0.

Friday
5:35am. Cat actually let me sleep. Up and at them. FriYAY! Coffee enroute.
7:30am: Breakfast: Oatmeal from work stash at work w coconut milk, blueberries, walnuts, cinnamon, bee pollen, and flaxseeds.
10:00am: Snack:  Apple. Water. $0.
1:00: Lunch. Headed downstairs to the café. Mini meatball parm (with just a small slice of cheese), mushroom, eggplant, a slice of potato and a sliver of broiled chicken. I can’t even eat it all. Too much food. I’ll snack on the final third later. Spent $5.48.
2:30pm: Strawberries & water. $0


6:30: Dinner. Tiki Party! Dad’s Birthday Party! Mom had asked me to contribute soup and salad for this family dinner of 9 people, so I got lettuce from Target (99 cents) and Steve grabbed croutons and salad dressing ($6). 

We also had wine, shrimp scampi, lobsters, linguine with white clam sauce, shrimp cocktail, coleslaw, and cake that everyone contributed too. My mother truly outdid herself with this meal. Soup at Legal seafood for the family cost $103.51, but we got to go home with a quart of soup and leftovers! It was a glorious night with family! 
Happy Birthday Dadu!
Spent: $110.48

Saturday
9:00am. Oh blessed weekend! Headed out to get my bread from the farmers market (I won a charity auction in January so I get a loaf of bread every weekend for ‘free’ for the next year and I always freeze half). Today I got jalapeño cheddar, plus a ham & cheese croissant for me later on and a sticky bun for Steve. Spent $7.75 (no charge for bread, saved $6.50)
9:30am. Waxing appt at Glow. My eyebrows need to be ‘on fleek’ tonight because I’m doing a few You Tube videos at this cool museum overnight. I’m supporting my local community business! Saved 15% because I booked with the new beauty artist. Spent $12.75.
10:30am. To the Acme for cat food. Oh, Stouffers lasagnas are on sale 50% off (got two little ones) and some rice. Home for the afternoon. Lunch was some bread and soup and then I took a nap because it’s lazy Saturday and later I’m staying up all night with the dinosaurs! Spent $18.20.
5:15pm: On our way! Jill and I are off to the Academy of Natural Sciences to sleep under the T rex and have an awesome time with our fellow adults. Since I’m writing a story on the overnight for my blog, Jill and I were comped and only had to pay for parking. Coffee, drinks, 2 alcoholic beverages each, snacks, and dinner- fajitas and churros- was part of our dinner in between tours. Then, off to sleep around 3:30am! Spent $20.


Sunday
7:00am. Oh it’s so early! However, sleeping in the Grand Hall was awesome, and we slept up on the mezzanine and had a fantastic view of Logan Circle to see all the patrons headed to the starting point for an early morning half marathon out the window. We packed up and had coffee, mimosas and oatmeal for breakfast, then checked out the butterfly exhibit. $0.
10:00: Now over to Reading Terminal Market! My favorite place! Perfect at this hour, it’s not crazy crowded yet. Walked around and got some yummies for an early lunch, then some groceries (nutty pumpkin bread, loose leaf jasmine tea, honeydew melon, OJ, trail mix, zucchini, and mint). And coffee. Did I mention coffee?
Spent $25.00.
12:30pm: Back home and it’s time for an epic nap. I wave off my fellow explorer and head inside.
5:30pm: Dinner: Seafood leftovers for Stephen and I: linguine & clam sauce and clam chowder (thanks mom!). $0.

Awesome butterfly exhibit at ANS.

Monday
6:00am: Breakfast: Coffee and Ham & Cheese Croissant from the other day. Apple. $0.
10:30am: Water and Wegman’s Raspberry Fig Bar. $0.
1:00pm: Lunch: Avocado on small onion bagel, banana, water. I’m mindfully chewing and reading about organized people. $0.
5:30pm: Dinner: Stephen made me a very small grilled cheese with our jalapeño bread and some Trader Joe’s Gruyere. I can’t eat a lot before class because it doesn’t bode well to be digesting and teaching.
6:30-8:30pm: Teaching Sell That Sizzle© Social Media Bootcamp.
Stephen went food shopping and got some dog food, milk and frozen mini pizzas. Spent $15.
9:00pm. Home, shower, trail mix, bed.

Tuesday
5:30am. Raining, driving, coffee, Goodie Girl To-Go-Pak of quinoa chocolate chip cookies. $0.
8:30am. Breakfast. Suddenly starving so I went to the café and got a spinach, mushroom and ham omelet with rye toast. This will carry me thru lunch, maybe I’ll have a yogurt later. Money well spent. Well, okay, it’d be better spent it I used the spinach and mushrooms and eggs in my own house  to make a yummy omelet. Spent $7.10.
9:00am. Conference Call. My stomach hurts. I do not want to finish that omelet. Raining outside still.
1:30pm: Lunch. Oh man. I am not winning today. As I’m writing this I just finished a small serving of corn chips with corn, onions, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, ands 2 teaspoons of ground beef. It’s Taco Tuesday, and I’m reading about detoxing to clear your skin, and I’m eating chips. Drinking lemon water tho!!! Urg. Spent $4.12. (No spending tomorrow!!)
3:00pm. Slice of pumpkin bread from the market. $0.
7:00pm. Pizza. I am eating pizza, I asked my awesome husband to get us pizza and then we watched the OJ show. A nice night in, bed early. Goodnight. Spent $20.

Wednesday
5:30am. Yes, yes, I’m up. ugh still feeling full from last night. Coffee.
7:30am: Breakfast: Oatmeal w cinnamon, blueberries, bee pollen, coconut milk, flaxseed, and walnuts. Also toasted a small bagel, but tossed the cream cheese, and the bagel isn’t too appetizing right now- Toss. Water $0.


10:30am. In studio with Marilyn Russell of Ben FM, talking up events and saw CaseyBoy from the WMMR Preston & Steve Morning Show  on the way out, so we had fun chatting. I love going in there, I missed (one of) my calling- I love radio!
12:30pm. Lunch: STARVING! Headed downstairs w a co-worker to the cafe. I need protein! Got a chicken breast, zucchini, a bit of risotto (this was not a winner, glad I only got two teaspoons), 3 raviolis- these were good, and a teaspoon of seafood salad, with water. Spent $4.37.
1:30pm. Still hungry. Noosa Yoghurt. Work Webinar. Writing. Too full now. Should have waited a bit longer. Water. $0.
My husband texted he was going to get our 1st Anniversary Wedding Cake from The Master’s Baker in West Chester…and it looks stupendous!  And I asked him to prep and start a mushroom beef stew in the crockpot, so I am excited for that tonight for dinner!
6:30pm. Dinner. Fantastic- amazing beef & veggie stew and the cake - strawberry parfait- was glorious. Bedtimes soon after!

So what do you think? Is this normal spending? Too much on food? A good balance? Why don't you try this exercise? I'll be doing it once a month!

Friday, April 15, 2016

DASH Diet Detox: 14-day Quick-start Plan to Lower Blood Pressure and Lose Weight

Introducing “DASH Diet Detox,” a 14-day quick-start plan to lower blood pressure and lose weight the healthy way, by Kate Barrington

This helpful handbook offers all the tools you need for a healthy weight loss plan, including easy-to-use 14-day meal plans, delicious recipes for every meal, ready-to-go shopping lists, superfood suggestions for natural detoxing, tricks for breaking unhealthy habits, and advice on transitioning from detox to diet.

With this book, you’ll enjoy Vanilla Almond French Toast for breakfast, a Spinach Mozzarella Panini for lunch, Whole Wheat Lemon Artichoke Pasta for dinner and Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert.

In just two weeks, you’ll shed pounds, lower blood pressure and detox your body!
I am loving this book, a quick little handy not heavy guide that takes up little space in the kitchen yet makes huge improvements on your daily life and feeling well-being. Less food from a box and more natural foods is helping! I enjoyed these recipes herein, and I look forward to more from Kate.

Kate Barrington specializes in health and fitness. After spending a number of years working as a professional cook and baker, Kate sought to combine her cooking experience with her love for writing and became an expert at crafting recipes. She lives and writes in Pittsburgh, PA.


Thursday, April 14, 2016

Adult Overnight at the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel

Top 10 Reasons to Go to the Adult Overnight at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia

You get drinks, food and more food.

You can tour the achieve reading room, where you can view Thomas Jefferson’s original fossil collection. I loved this!

You can see original watercolors by Audubon, and each day, a page of his book is turned to display a new work of art, a new bird or other fabulous wildlife.

The ichthyology tour shows some awesome fish, fossils, specimens, plus a catfish caught by Ernest Hemingway.

Much of the museum storage and specimen jars are stored in compacted storage, entire huge rows of shelves on a series of moving storage to better storage items in a compact space. More specimens equals more awesome!




See some wild animals! The academy is home to several awesome animals- one of which who led us on a Monster Hunt as was revealed at the end of the night! 
(Hint- it's picture her eon this page!)
Plus snakes, turtles, legless lizards and more!

One of the museum highlights is Dr. Ruth Patrick, who was 105 years old and spent her life studying science. 
She came to Philly in 1937, and had to beg to work as an unpaid assistant. 

In 1945 she was finally put on the payroll and her work in Biological Diversity and water studies is unparalleled.

You get a bedtime story read by Hollie and Phyllis the Dodo Bird- this comedic duo is hysterical. 

Not tired? We watched Night of the Living Dead at midnight and wandered around with coffee as others settled down to sleep. Hope no tarantulas from the exhibition got loose…

Just kidding- they didn’t- they were safely in their burrows, but go see these- they are fascinating, and a little scary.



And then you sleep under the T-rex!

This is an ADULT OVERNIGHT. Why should kids have all the fun?!
For less than $400 in the city, you get dinner, drinks, entertainment, a movies, snacks, an awesome place to sleep and breakfast with mimosas plus all next day admission included! Parking is nominal at the Cherry st lot overnight. It’s a brilliant concept.


So who’s with me for the next one!?

Special thanks to the overnight staff of Academy of Natural Sciences- you are fabulous!

Thank you to Jill Diffendal for the photographs!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Orzo Soup with Mediterranean Flair

Blakely Trettenero, a chef, world traveler and host of Cooking for Bimbos (www.cookingforbimbos.com) and Hungry for Travels (www.hungryfortravels.com) loves to add exotic flair to her dishes.


Trettenero, who makes difficult dishes easy on her cooking website with the tongue-in-check name, has visited more than 30 countries and made many food discoveries along the way.


“While in Italy, I realized pasta in the United States is second rate,” says Trettenero, who has been featured on several TV shows. “That dried stuff we buy in a box doesn’t cut it. If you've ever had homemade pasta, you know what I mean.”

Once, after a night of dancing in Greece, Trettenero and others worked up an appetite and at 6 a.m. landed at a restaurant that never closes on Mykonos Harbor.

“We ordered this amazing chicken soup with fresh lemon juice squeezed on it,” she says.
“It was unreal.”


Mediterranean Orzo Soup



Ingredients
 Olive oil
 3 cloves garlic, sliced or minced
 2 scallions, sliced thin
 6 cups chicken stock
 3/4 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
 Zest of 1 lemon
 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
 1 bag (6 oz.) baby spinach
 Juice of a lemon
 Salt
 Pepper
 Parmesan


Instructions

  1. In heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil on medium high. 
  2. Add garlic and scallions. Cook for 1 minute. 
  3. Add chicken stock to pot and turn on high. Let it come to boil. 
  4. Add uncooked orzo, garbanzo beans, and zest of lemon. 
  5. Stir and let cook on high for 10 minutes. 
  6. Add cooked chicken, spinach, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 
  7. Give another quick stir and serve. 
  8. Once in a bowl you can top it with shaved Parmesan, pepper, and an extra squeeze of lemon.



About Blakely Trettenero
Blakely Trettenero, host of the Cooking for Bimbos (www.cookingforbimbos.com) and Hungry for Travels (www.hungryfortravels.com) websites, is a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Fla. She also is a world traveler, having visited more than 30 countries, and is becoming a frequent guest on TV.


Photos by Blakely.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

TODAY! SUNDAY APRIL 10! Community Day at b.good in Mt Laurel brings chance to win Free Food for Life

Community Day at b.good in Mt Laurel brings chance to win Free Food for Life, music, giveaways & charity

b.good, a healthier fast casual restaurant, with three locations in the Philadelphia region, will hold a Community Day celebration at its new Mt Laurel location on Sunday, April 10. Festivities include music, sampling, special menu pricing, money being donated to a local charity and the chance to win free food for life. The festivities will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the newest b.good location in Centerton Square, 26 Centerton Road, in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey.

b.good is known for its unconventional promotions and the fanatical devotion it engenders from fans, who are called "family" members. With every new restaurant opening, b.good launches a Cousin Oliver Contest. This contest is named "Cousin Oliver" for the Brady Bunch character who was taken in by the Brady family. Just like Oliver, b.good in in Mt. Laurel is looking for someone to take them in and love them like family in their new neighborhood.  

To win free food for life, tell b.good how you'll welcome it to Mt. Laurel. The winner becomes b.good's "Cousin" and gets free food for life. Be original. Tell your story with words, video, photo art or whatever moves you. Entries can be submitted from March 21 through April 4 at 5 p.m. Voting for finalists begins on April 5 and the winner will be announced at Community Day on April 10.

Also on April 10, b.good will offer complete meals for $7, half of which will be donated to Sunday Suppers, a local non-profit organization that strives to strengthen the health and well-being of families through the transformative power of family meals. The complete meal includes a sandwich or salad, fries and drink (or kale and grain bowl and drink) for $7. Other highlights of Community Day include music, food samples, local vendors and a prize wheel.

b.good specializes in house-ground burgers, kale, and grain bowls, home-made veggie burgers, seasonal salads, fresh fruit/vegetable smoothies, and hand-cut fries-from local farms and producers. The Mt. Laurel b.good also serves as a catering hub for South Jersey, preparing food for office lunches, birthday parties, pharmaceutical representatives, bar/bat mitzvah parties and other occasions.

"I believe the community has welcomed b.good so whole-heartedly because we offer a fast, but healthier, alternative for people with a busy lifestyle who care about what they eat," said Deb Lutz, local owner. "Plus most of our ingredients are locally-sourced, we offer many gluten-free and vegan options and our restaurants are peanut-free. This is a chance for us to give back to the community - part of our mission at all of our restaurants."

The Mt. Laurel location, which seats 66, is the third in the Philadelphia area. The first opened mid-2014 in the Promenade in Marlton, New Jersey and the second in Wynnewood Square Shopping Center in Wynnewood, PA. A total of five locations are expected to open in the Philadelphia region within the next two years.

b.good was started by two boyhood buddies, Jon Olinto and Anthony Ackil in Boston in 2003 and quickly became popular in New England. Lutz saw the appeal of the concept and bought the exclusive rights to franchise b.good in the Philadelphia area.The Marlton b.good opened by Lutz was its 16th location, Wynnewood its 24th location and Mt. Laurel its 34th. 

Deb Lutz, left a 20+ year career in corporate America to bring b.good restaurants to the Philadelphia area, her hometown. She has always had a strong focus on food and eating habits in her own family and is committed to serving food that's healthy, fresh and fast. Lutz, her husband, Rob, and their two daughters, Isabel and Natalie, reside in Bryn Mawr.

The restaurant is located in Centerton Square, near Wegman's, Costco and Target. Products come from local farmers/producers, including Spina & Sons in Salem, NJ, Marolda Farm in Vineland, NJ, Trickling Springs Creamery in Chambersburg, PA, Roseda Farm in Monkton, MD, Wild Flour Bakery in Philadelphia and 1732 Meats in Lansdowne, PA.

The b.good app, available for iPhone and Android, allows guests to skip the line by ordering and paying online, receive gifts of real food and redeem or donate that food to local charities or friends.

b.good Mt. Laurel is open Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 26 Centerton Square, Mt Laurel, NJ.


b.good Mt. Laurel
Centerton Shopping Center
26 Centerton Road
856-242-3717

b.good Wynnewood
Wynnewood Square Shopping Center
280 East Lancaster Ave
Wynnewood PA
484-417-6345

b.good Marlton
The Promenade at Sagemore
500 Route 73 South
Marlton, NJ
856-988-0275

www.bgood.com
     
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.



Saturday, April 9, 2016

EOD Warrior Foundation: Visit Florida's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Memorial Wall

Many people are not familiar with who Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians are or what they do in our military. Yet the more people learn about them, the more they become interested in learning more about the work they do, getting involved in supporting them, and rallying behind this important and worthy cause. Many others are surprised to learn that there is an EOD Memorial Wall, honoring fallen EOD technicians, available for the public to visit.

“The EOD Memorial Wall is a beautiful structure that features the names of over 300 fallen EOD warriors and it’s open to the public,” explains Nicole Motsek, executive director of the EOD Warrior Foundation. “We encourage people to visit the EOD memorial, and learn all they can about EOD technicians and the lifesaving work they do.”
Here are 5 reasons to visit the EOD Memorial Wall:
  1. To learn. The memorial is a great place for people to learn about the EOD warriors who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
  2. To teach. It’s a great place to take kids, so they can learn about the sacrifices the men and women in our military make, and see the wall in person.
  3. Honor fallen. Visiting the wall and seeing the names of all the EOD warriors who have died in the line of duty is a great way to honor them and pay tribute.
  4. See donations at work. The wall was built and is maintained by donations that people and businesses in the community make. Seeing it in person gives people a chance to see their donations put to good use.
  5. To heal. Those who know an EOD warrior who has died, often finds comfort and healing by a visit to the EOD Memorial.
“Seeing the memorial wall is a meaningful experience for many people, especially those who knows a warrior named on the Wall,” added Motsek. “We are honored to be a part of caring for this important and beautiful memorial.  The Wall is there for the community, EOD technicians, their families, and all who want to pay tribute.  We remember!”

The EOD Memorial Wall is located at the Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle. The Memorial Wall was built in 1969 and contains the names of fallen EOD warriors. The wall is on a military base that is secure, but it is open to the public. Weekday times are 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with holiday and weekend hours being noon until 4:00 p.m.  If you are planning a trip to the area and would like to visit outside of normal hours, please contact them and they will do everything possible to accommodate a visit to the Wall.  For those who cannot visit the memorial in person, there is a virtual wall with names, bios and photos of the fallen EOD warriors on the EOD Warrior Foundation website.

The EOD Warrior Foundation will be hosting a memorial weekend, filled with activities. The EOD Memorial Weekend is May 6-7, 2016, and features events including a golf tournament, memorial ceremony, and an annual ball where LtCol Oliver North USMC (Ret.) will be the Keynote Speaker. For more information on the EOD Memorial Weekend activities, visit the site at: http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/eodweekend.

The EOD Warrior Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps military EOD personnel and their families. There are around 7,000 EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) technicians in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, performing the most dangerous job in the military, as they disarm explosive devices on the battlefields and at home. Many EOD personnel come home with debilitating injuries, including lost limbs, blindness, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), burns, and the invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To learn more about the EOD Warrior Foundation, or see their fundraising events calendar, visit their site at:www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.

About EOD Warrior Foundation
The EOD Warrior Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the EOD family by providing emergency financial relief, scholarship opportunities, physical, social, and emotional support. The EOD Warrior Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that honors fallen EOD warriors and provides assistance to wounded EOD warriors and the families of wounded and fallen EOD personnel. Specific programs include emergency financial support, education, hope and wellness retreats and events, and care of the EOD Memorial located at Eglin AFB, Fla. for wounded EOD warriors and their families, and families of Fallen EOD warriors, including both active duty and veteran EOD warriors.  
To learn more about the EOD Warrior Foundation, or see their fundraising events calendar, visit their site at: www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.




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