#WeeklyWisdom and Top 5 Holiday Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One.

What is on your wish list from Santa this year?

This would be a pretty amazing wish list, I am kind of a fan of my inner rebel and know I would like to meet others like me from around the world. Pleassseeee Santa!  In all seriousness, I don't want a thing for Christmas. I don't want any presents, or a crazy busy schedule doing all the things with all the people. All I want for Christmas is to spend time with the people I love, sharing conversations, food and cocktails. 

There is nothing else in the world having more meaning to me than this. 

If you are scrambling out to find one last gift, or staying up until the wee hours of the morning to wrap gifts while baking one last item, it might be time to revisit what the holiday season means to you. I believe we should treat every day like it is a holiday. We should be kind, giving and loving every day of the year. We should be using the good towels, dinnerware and sheets every day of the year. We should be visiting family, believing in something and bursting with holiday spirit as much as possible throughout the year. 

This is a small but significant time of the year. Let's do 1% better this year and carry on all the feels we have this week into more of new year. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation. 

Today’s conversation is with Anita Davila, an RD2Be who has been on a different road to becoming a Registered Dietitian and has a passion for integrative nutrition.

Anita has such a unique story story on her journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. She started out with many interests when she decided to go to college, landing on a nursing degree. While she was doing her prerequisites, she took a nutrition class and it was exactly what she has been looking for all along. Anita has put her family first along her journey and has found ways for her to stay active in the dietetics community through the DPG Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine. She is currently working on finding the perfect time to start her internship and pursue her RD credential.

Please click here to enjoy my conversation with Anita

Connect with Anita on her Website, Twitter, and Instagram.

Nosh Three. Weekly #Hellyeah!

In the last few weeks, I have been enjoying little touches of the holidays all around me. All of them surround my people and food, shocker!  I appreciate how the giving spirit is strong during this time of year and I get a little bug of it myself. Mostly by giving of food. I don't go crazy but I do like to share a little something sweet and delicious with friends and family. 

We had Mrs. Claus visit the store a couple times this month and she ready stories while the kiddos had hot chocolate and cookies. Mrs. Claus also had a special elf come help with story time and she helped hand out my holiday treats, delicious apples from Stemilt.

We also squeezed in our work holiday party for the Fleur Drive Hy-Vee. Jason and I decided to spice things up this year and wore holiday sweaters. Have you ever worn a holiday sweater to your holiday party?  I loved my because my little gingerbread man lights up. I am looking forward to wearing it this week while I am in the store doing various food experiences and helping customers. 

Is there one holiday-ish type of food you look forward to around this time of year?  I have to have a hot chocolate and besides making my own, I love Caribous. My friend Bonnie made me the best hot chocolate this year:  whole milk, dark, milk and white chocolate and a couple pumps of mint syrup. It was the PERFECT hot chocolate. I also couldn't resist getting a little something for a friend and put it in these adorable bags our friend Tonette hand decorates for Caribou in my store. 

I also was lucky enough to find time to spend the afternoon with Stacey and Laura, to catch up and make cookies. Well Laura and Stacey baked goodies, I supervised. Laura was baking a cooking for her Dad, these Rum Raisin cookies. This was quite the process but they turned out beautiful. It was the first time I have heard anything about these cookies. Have you?  First they had to make the dough, refrigerate it for about an hour, make the raisin mixture, roll out the dough - which we learned not to press the rolling pin done hard on dough because it will crack at the edges and we should be letting the rolling pin do all the work - then cut out the cookie and cut out a second cookie to go on top. I hope her Dad loves them. Stacey so kindly sent me home with a plate of goodies, which I put in the freezer to eat this week. Yay!

This past week and this week, I am having a blast in the store sharing some of my favorite recipes for the holidays. One of my favorites was this peppermint bark from Hy-Vee. It is so easy to make and it looks festive and fancy. Not to mention it is sooooo delicious. I did cheat a little bit and purchased Brach's crushed candy canes which was an even bigger time saver. 

Peppermint Bark from Hy-Vee 

https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/peppermint-bark

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Description

Servings and Ingredients

Ingredients

Quantity	Ingredient	Add
2	(10-oz. each) bags 60% dark chocolate chips
2	(11-oz. each) bags white chocolate chips
8	candy canes, crushed

Directions

1.  Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Place chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1-1/2-to-2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour onto prepared pan, spreading about 1/2-inch-thick.

3. Place white chocolate chips in another microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered on HIGH 1-1/2-to-2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour white chocolate over dark chocolate, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate candy about 30 minutes or until firm. Carefully break candy into pieces.

1. Step

 

Last year, my Mom and I purchased new candles in memory of my sweet sister for the Advent Wreath for my hometown parish, St. Mary's in Panama. Kate loved Christmas. I still remember how excited she would get during this time of year. She was always the one waking me up early in the morning on Christmas Day so we could both see if Santa came and she would never do it without me. I remember going downstairs with her and we would sit in front of the tree for hours ooooing and ahhhhing over all the wonderful gifts Santa brought us. Then we would go back to bed for a few hours, sometimes snuggling together in her bed. My sweet Kate. Now each Christmas season, everyone will sharing in the memory of her love for the holiday season. 

After Mom and I went to check out the Advent wreathe this week, I had to check out the poinsettias. I love these plants, especially the red ones. They are such a beautiful plant and so is the legend behind it. These beauties will be put out in our church on Christmas Eve.  

Nosh Four. Weekly Soundtrack. 

Happy Holiday Soundtrack on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

I have had a little obsession since by visit to Oklahoma this past October. My auntie Carol made these amazing sweet and spicy pecans and when I was deciding on treats to make, this one hit the top of the list. I also can buy pecans in bulk, which decreases waste and is much more cost effective. I did change my recipe up a little but still got a great product. I used Swerve Granular Sweetener, which is erythritol and has little blood sugar impact (so great for people with diabetes) and is easily tolerated by people with GI issues. The best part is I get to use the nutrient packed egg to make these. In this recipe, I use the egg white, which is full of protein, adds around 10 grams to the recipe and makes this a healthier snack to eat. Give as gifts in a glass jar with your favorite color of bow.

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

2 egg whites

1/2 cup sugar (any type you like, I used Swerve Granulated)

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sea salt

3 cups raw pecans

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. 

2. Place parchment paper in the bottom of a sheet pan

3. Whisk egg whites in a bowl until slightly frothy

4. Add sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, vanilla and salt. Mix well with eggs. 

5. Blend in pecans and coat well with the mixture. 

6. Place on parchment paper lined pan and cook for 60-90 minutes, turning every 15-20 minutes. Make sure to keep watch that you do not burn the pecans. 

7. Cool on a new piece of parchment paper. 

I hope you enjoy the holidays with your heartbeats this week!

~AE

*All views and opinions on products, food and businesses in this blog post are my own and are not sponsored in any way. I just love to share great things!

#WeeklyWisdom and Top 5 Gift Giving Ideas Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One. Wisdom.

How are you striving to be 1% better everyday?

Each Monday, we have a department manager meeting with our store director, Ryan. We discuss the week ahead and our plan of action. At the end, he always shares something to inspire us, to give us purpose. A few weeks ago, he discussed this idea:  be 1% better everyday. 

Mind-blown. 

I have never thought of conquering the day in this way before.  I have always "thought" bigger. How could 1% be enough?  If I am only striving for 1%, am I selling myself short?  I can do more than that...or so I thought. I would try too hard and then not even get close to 1% better in 365 days. I didn't see it as a commendable goal. 

When we make goals tangible and within our reach, it is much easier for us to change our mindset and decreased being overwhelmed by the big picture. We shift into "what can I do today" to reach my goals instead of "what do I need to do this entire year" to reach my goals. When we narrow it down, make it more specific and achievable, it is much less overwhelming therefore resulting in recognizable success. The daily success make a lifetime of success. 

At the end of our meeting, Ryan left us with this:  “When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens — and when it happens, it lasts.” —John Wooden

Make it last, aim for 1% better everyday. 

 Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation.

Each week, I put out my Weekly Wisdom Blog which includes my Top 5 Nutrition Noshes: my Weekly Wisdom, my Weekly Conversations, my Weekly #Hellyeah, my Weekly Kick Ass Jams and What I Love Right Now. At the end of each month, I want to get more up close and personal with you all on the other side of the airwaves. I will be recapping my crazy, delicious and random #hellyeah adventures in my  Top 5 in 5. November kicks off the holiday madness and I am chatting with you about being grateful and thankful all year long, while embracing the #hellyeah.

November Top 5 in 5 Episode

Nosh Three. Weekly #Hellyeah!

At the end of October, I celebrated 10 years with Hy-Vee as a retail dietitian. 10 years, wowza. I will honestly say it truly does not seem that long. I am not kidding either!  I have said in the past, this work experience was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I continue to not feel like I am at "work" because I do love my job. I also love the company I work for, especially the amazing store, the Fleur Hy-Vee. Hy-Vee celebrates all employees starting at year 5, up to years 45 and up. I think it is mind-blowing to have people celebrate work anniversaries of those years. It speaks to how great the company I work for is. 

We were honored at the Ron Pearson Center in West Des Moines, with a lovely dinner. There were at least 13 other individuals from my store and at least 100 individuals from other stores in the Des Moines metro. This chocolate cake and wine was divine. 

The best part of the evening was my date. I was very honored to have my Mom there. I remember back to when I told her and my Dad I was applying for a job in Des Moines at the kitchen table. It was a crossroads in my life and I know she was worried about the outcome. It was a joy to be able to celebrate this milestone together and the positive outcome resulting from the move. It a way, I must thank my first boss, Wes and my corporate dietitian at the time, Rochelle, for choosing me and offering me the job. It was the beginning of a better and happier life. I wouldn't have celebrated 10 years without them believing in me as retail dietitian. Looking forward to what there is to come in the next 10 years. 

Nosh Four. Weekly Music Playlist. 

1% Better Everyday Playlist of the Week on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

Embarking on a #lessstuffmorelife mantra is still kind of hard for a lot of people to wrap their heads around, especially during this time of year. Just because it is how I choose to live my life, doesn't mean it is for everyone. I do like to give gifts to the special people in my life, all year round. Working in retail, I get to walk by a lot of things that catch my eye for gifts annnddd for myself. It is hard to resist temptation sometimes. When I do purchase a variety of things, I have a rule that it must come from the store I work in. I do not go after the best deals or drive to 15 different places for 15 different items. Shopping in one place helps me continue my devotion to less stuff more life. In honor of the upcoming holiday, I picked my favorites from around my store and I hope it will inspire you to think of gift giving in a different way. 

Top 5 #GiftGiving Ideas from AE and the Fleur Hy-Vee

Gift Giving Idea #1:  Make something from scratch. There is nothing more special than spending time in your kitchen cooking or baking something you know one of your heartbeats will love. I had to purchase these very Anne Elizabeth appropriate bags for some sweet and savory goodies I plan to make. I will paper punch the top of the bags and tie them off with a pretty bow. Food is love.

Gift Giving Idea #2:  Give something sweet. You can also give something sweet in #1 but if time is not on your side, there is a huge variety of sweets available during the holidays. I believe you can never go wrong with chocolate which is why this large box of Russell Stover's made my list. I gave this as a gift to my cousin Denis a couple of years ago and it was a hit. It  is a HUGE box of chocolates so it is a great conversation starter and you can share with everyone. The box does tell you which chocolate is what, so your friends and family can choose the one they like. 

Gift Giving Idea #3:  Give the gift of warm feet.  I know, I know, socks are practical and is something we often get for a gift but I cannot think of anything better than cute designs to warm my piggies. You don't have to buy the boring and lame socks, pick out a pair matching the personality of your receiver (I am eyeing the egg ones for my friend Carlena). This is a great way to put some thought into your heartbeat and wish them warm, cozy and fashionable feet during the cold months.

Gift Giving Idea #4:  For the men in your life. I love walking by this section of the store because is smells dreamy. Duke Cannon products, inspired by the products issued to G.I.'s during the Korean War and produced in the same U.S. based and family-owned company plant in Minnesota that supplied it during that era, is one of my favorite lines to purchase from for all the men in my life. Grandpas, Dads, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, nephews or your paper boy would love anything from this collection. There are body soaps, facial soaps, beard oils and balms, shave and aftershave products and body lotions.  My favorite is the Big Ass Brick of Soap. The best part, Duke Cannon is committed to giving back and a portion of their proceeds directly supports Veteran causes. Give your guy a laugh and help them smell good this year. 

Gift Giving Idea #5:  For the women in your life. I still cannot believe inside my grocery store is a rockstar clothing store. F&F has so many fashionable and reasonably priced pieces of clothing for all shapes and sizes. There are jeans, pants, blouses, tees, coats, workout clothing, accessories, and #1 on my list: sweaters. When it comes to an article of clothing, an awesome cozy sweater can't be beat. Why I chose this as a great gift idea for all my girls is the fur. Just a touch of fur adds the right amount of glam to make it even more special. This sweater would look great on all my family and friends, even Gramma Alice who wears fur like celebrity. 

There you have my Top 5 Gift Giving ideas for 2018. Keep it simple, give from the heart and make sure it has purpose. People do not need more stuff, they need things to give more meaning to their lives. 

~AE

*All views and opinions on products, food and businesses in this blog post are my own and are not sponsored in any way. I just love to share great things!

Wisdom Wednesday

It is week 2 into 2017, how is it going so far for everyone?  In anticipation of my new year starting on February 17th, I am absorbing all the information and inspiration from all of you and gearing up for my own amazing start to another trip around the sun.  I challenge all of you to please not set resolutions (because we all know how they are usually complete BS and quickly fade) but to view your "New Year" with "Intention and Purpose."  What are your intentions and purpose this year?  What words describe what you want to do with this precious life you have on earth?  I am asking myself these same questions and deciding how this trip will be different than the past. Dig deep and choose 2 or 3 action words to give your 2017 the most meaning and add the most value to your life. Breath them in, be them and achieve them everyday as best as you can. 

Weekly Conversation

Jen is known nationwide as the Down to Earth Dietitian and I couldn’t agree more. I have been lucky to be a Nutrition Communicator for Midwest Dairy with Jen for the past 4 years and getting to know how her personal life has really influenced her professional life as a registered dietitian. She has come full circle with her passion of gardening, nutrition and nourishing the lives of others, especially her family and moms. As long as I have know Jen, I had no idea how deeply rooted gardening was in her life. It is wonderful how she is sharing her love for growth from the ground with growth at home around the dinner table. She has been a clinical dietitian at Mayo, a retail dietitian, and a media expert. She is now in her current role,  impacting the lives of children's health with school food service, becoming a newly published author with the writing of her first book The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden and a list of other exciting adventures. I am excited to share her story, thus far.

Please enjoy my conversation with Jen.

Week(s) in Review

Christmas Eve day started off with homemade banana muffies (made with love), freshly brewed coffee, beautiful flowers and peace and quiet. It was nice to start the day solo, have a great workout and prepare for a weekend at home with my family.

One of my joys was to get a picture of this little booger in his new abominable snow man slippers.

My mom and I lit our Christmas tree together this year, with a few tears and a lot of hugs. This was the tree my sister had in her room every Christmas. When I would drive up the street for a visit, I could see it all lit it from her bedroom window. My sister LOVED Christmas. So of course, she had her own special tree in her room. When she was in the hospital, my mom brought it down to her with some of her favorite ornaments and the star we have had on the top of our tree since I was little. It was great to have it on and present during the holiday season and it brought Kate's spirit and love for the holiday to the weekend.

Christmas morning tradition is mom's homemade Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Raisin rolls. YUMMMMMMMMYYYY!  I was so happy she mad them and kept a tradition going even with all of the changes we have had in the past couple of years. This year, I felt pretty special because she put golden raisins in the rolls and they are my favorite. This might have been the best roll I have ever had.

Why?  Because as I was on the couch under my blanket, all cozy, she warmed one up and placed real butter strategically on top. The butter melted perfectly into every little part of the soft, cinnamon bread. Paired with a warm cup of coffee and it was the best start to Christmas Day.

In the past, we have always had pretty amazing Christmas meals and this year was no different. My mom made the most amazing burger on homemade bread. Gramma joined in the burger fun. This is why I love Christmas at home. We do not have an set schedule or agenda, no major stress from a planned extravagant meal. Just simply homemade goodness and just being together.

That's what the holidays are all about.

Workout Playlist of the Week

Slowly but surely I am getting back into the routine of my week. This includes waking up and getting my fitness on. So hard!

The struggle is real. But I got this, you got this!  I will report on how well I am "getting it" next week.

Listen to Anne Elizabeth's Workout Playlist of the Week on Apple Music. 

 What I Love Right Now

Soooooo, it has been a little bit cold out. Just a little. Over the holiday, my cousin Christine made this adorable basket with all the makings for this delicious drinks in honor of my sister.

Not only did it make me smile and think of us two playing on the beach in Hawaii when we were younger, but it make me think about somewhere tropical!

Take me away!!!! Please!!!!

I had to share the recipe with you all for the Honolulu Lulu. It is totally worth the splurge for the umbrellas to whisk you away to a tropical island full of ocean, sand and sun. 

Each sip I took made me forget I was in blustery cold Iowa. 

Worth every sip and every sweet memory of my sister and Hawaii that I have. 

One last thing I love I want to leave you with. I started out this weeks Wisdom Wednesday with 2 words, intention and purpose. If you are on board with living 2017 this way, I really want you to give this documentary a watch. You can view the trailer here and the entire film is on Netflix. 

The greatest message from this film is to ask yourself:  Does it add value to your life?  I hope you give it a watch and let me know what you think!

Happy 2017 to you all! Let's make this the best damn year yet!

~AE

A Wisdom Wednesday For My Sweet Big Sister, Kate

Tomorrow it will be a year since my sweet sister left this earth and we are reminded how short life really is and how lucky we all are to have had Kate touch each of our lives. With this being a very special time of the year and one of her favorite times of the year, how could it be any more radiant than celebrating the life of our dear Kate? When this Angel came into this earthly world and left this earthly world, she embodied sweetness, purity, grace and determination. 

Kate and I golfing in the Special Olympics Tournament September 2015

We all cannot help but think of her beautiful blond curly hair, dashing blue eyes and the sweetest smile you've ever seen. She was so proud to be the daughter of Dad and Mom, the most amazing Big Sister a girl could have to me and she nestled perfectly into the lives and hearts of the extended Huebert and Wegner families. 

Our family celebrating Kate's 40th Birthday

Her love for all things sports was contagious and she could get anyone to watch a game with her. She was and always will be a tried and true Iowa Hawkeye fan, Denver Bronco fan and a fan of anything her cousins were playing. But what she thoroughly enjoyed the most was playing golf with her favorite fan, her Dad, every Friday that she could. 

Kate Celebrating her birthday at Casey's

Kate and Ally cheering on the Hawkeyes

Kate was an inspiration when it came to her devotion to her work and her home.  She worked hard everyday, always trying harder than the day before, never missing work and always carrying a smile on her face.  She loved and was proud of her home. When she was home she could be found jamming out to her favorite music, hitting golf balls in the backyard, playing with her kitties or having a beer with Dad and Mom on the patio. It is those times when Kate would show her funny and silly side. She would sit back and take in the conversation, just because she loved to be a part of it and loved the people she was with.  She had the most amazing quick whit and impeccable timing. Kate would make you laugh with her genuine contribution to the conversation at just the right time. 

Kate and I with our first kitty, Guy

One thing that I want to share with you today that maybe you do not know about Kate, is that she could see and knew her guardian angel. Because Kate was so special, so loved and such a gift to each of us, God gave her this gift in return. Her angel has guided her, protected her and has been with her through so many trials and triumphs in her short but profound life. On December 22nd, Kate saw the open arms of her angel and the open arms of her Dad and knew it was time for her to go home. 

Kate and I at Thanksgiving 2013

All of you have unique and special memories of Kate, because each of your lives she has touched was uniquely yours. Please hold those memories close to your heart and keep her alive in all that you do. Our angel is watching over each of you, wrapping her wings gently around you and whispering to you that you are loved and blessed by her everyday. 

Kate celebrating her 40th Birthday!

 Miss you every day Big Sister. 

Always hug your loved ones super tight. 

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

How many times do you look back on a photo or a video?  These mementos are gifts we have of the past, memories of an event happening in our lives.  Whatever they make you feel, this feeling is your gift. They can make you smile, make you cry, make you laugh from your toes or may make you want to break something. Photos and videos are reminders of your life, what has happened so far and helps define who you are right now.  They encourage you to set goals to who you want to be and what future memories you want to make. 

How lucky to have gifts reminding you of the life you have lived so far.

Weekly Conversation

My conversation this week is with Beth Sloan, MS, RD, LDN

Beth Sloan is a registered dietitian I was thrilled to meet upon my adventure to New Orleans. She is a native of New Orleans and we had a great conversation about her journey so far. She has worked in clinical, outpatient diabetes, cardiac rehab, public health and currently a professor at Nicholls College  in Thibodaux, LA, where she is the Director of Dietetics and is an Assistant Professor of Dietetics specialized in teaching, evaluating, and advising future registered dietitians.

She is also the President of the Louisiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is finishing up her Doctorate. She truly is a registered dietitian who gives back to our profession.

She showed me her favorite places, including pralines at Laura's Candies and we conversed over a Pimm's Cup cocktail at the Napoleon House. It was a complete joy spending time with this
inspirational woman!

Click here to enjoy my conversation with Beth

Week in Review

This week has been pretty low key which is good, I embrace a little peace and quiet. I got my house cleaned and organized (which is pretty impressive to be done before the upcoming holiday). Made some dates with friends for cookie making and cocktail club, got a few books out in the mail and sent some cards and notes to my favorite people. It is the perfect time of year to buy a sweet gift or stocking stuffer for your favorite registered dietitian or future registered dietitian for the holiday and you can find it HERE!

I also dined at Gilroy's Kitchen, one of my favorite restaurants in the Des Moines area on the first snow fall of the year. Please be very jealous of this plate, and go get your own! I seriously struggle with what to order every time I go there because there is soooo many delish dishes. Then there is also the brunch menu and choosing between breakfast or lunch times, well that is a whole other struggle.

Workout Playlist of the Week

Good tunes and good vibes this week, jam out, pump some iron and make some muscle.

Listen to the Workout Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music

What I Love Right Now

The winter is harsh on my skin so I do everything I can to stay cozy and hydrated. This is my winter trio of products that I love. I always recommend moisturizing right after a bath or shower to lock in moisture. I like to use Suave Visible Glow for a little color to my skin all year around but during the winter' I apply every 2-3 days instead of everyday (no one expects you to be a bronze goddess in the winter). Then on opposite days, Jergens Shea Butter is my go-to for long lasting hydration and also adds a nice glow to my skin. Every 3 days, I also give my face and neck a little warmth with Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint. It just is applied like a toner and it is very natural. This bottle lasts a long time, so don't be scared by the higher price tag. To finish off my coziness, I am loving my new sweater from F&F Clothing. More on that to come!

~AE