Wisdom Wednesday

There is no other joy in the world than when someone does something nice for you, just because. It can be as simple. There is no other joy in the world than doing something nice for someone else. It too, can be simple. You never know when you make someones heart smile. Never hesitate to perform an act of kindness. It can be as simple as slicing an apple. 

Week in Review

When I was in Boston, my 4th godchild turned 1! I am sad I was unable to attend Lucy's day of celebration but I am very excited for the many more birthdays to come. Let's face it, she will never remember that I wasn't there and if necessary, photo shop could always place me there. 

While I was gone and walking The Freedom Trail (in cute shoes, I might add), I was thinking about what I would get her for her birthday. Not only would she not remember me being there, but she would probably easily forget about any gift I could bestow upon her. Then it hit me. I love to write, why not share one of my favorite things with her?  So, each year on her birthday, I am going to write her a letter.  Who knows what I will include in each letter (which could get interesting as time goes on) but it will be my way of giving her a gift of history, memories, stories and a sincere piece of my heart. Each letter will be left un-opened and tucked away until her 18th birthday. Hopefully, this will be a gift she will never forget and it will be something I can give her, just-in-case I miss another day of celebrating Lucy. 

Holiday season is quickly approaching with the kick-off with Halloween. Since I do not fancy a lot of decor when it comes to the holidays, I usually bypass the seasonal items available for purchase. This past Saturday, I just couldn't walk by this adorable white pumpkin. In pure Anne style, I spruced this tiny creature up with some polka dots and a sad attempt at a fancy bow. It comfortably sits on my mantle and I enjoy it's small but adorable presence in my home. Thanks to my friend Barb for hooking me up with the pretty ribbon and paint for my dots. 

The rest of the week will be filled with calls and preparation for the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting in Ames, IA this year. I am excited to spend time with Iowa Registered Dietitians next week in our pretty kick-ass conference we have each year. This year is about passion!  I am all about passion friends! There is nothing better than hanging out with Registered Dietitians (this is a fact) and even better when we are focusing on our passion and purpose.  I am sure I will have many inspiring and fun things to share from the conference in the next couple weeks. 

Workout Playlist of the Week

Since being back from traveling, I am GETTING AFTER IT this week and let me tell you, I need all the motivation I can get!  You can't see from the picture what the last song is, but it is my favorite in the playlist this week. Are you ready?

Listen to my Workout Playlist of the Week by on Apple Music.

What I Love Right Now

While I was meandering through the grocery store, I could stop craving something sweet. My mouth was watering for a candy bar, kettle corn, ice cream, chocolate chips, pretty much anything with sugar in it. I came across these pouches in the applesauce aisle and instantly was curious. Big Slice kettle cooked apples are not your average pouches of apples. There were numerous flavors and the one that jumped out at me was cherry vanilla. Ingredients are simple (cherries, apples, Madagascar Vanilla, yum, yum and yum) and the taste is awesome. I had this grand idea of warming it up in the microwave and tossing Quaker Oat confetti on the top. It was the exact curbing I needed for my sweet tooth. Almost like warm cherry pie and satisfying. It would be even better with a little vanilla ice cream, but next time, I am going to freeze some vanilla Siggi's yogurt and top it off. These are going to be a great treat for the winter months, without the guilt. There is also 12 different flavors from chai (whattttt?) to banana mango & hemp seed. Another really great thing I love about this product is for every pouch purchased, a donation is made to Sparkle, to provide hope and help to women in need. Love it!

It is that time my friends, slumber is calling my name. May your Wednesday be full of greatness and joy!  

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

One of my worst defense mechanisms is getting a bit scary when I am scared. Actually, I get really scary. My fears get manifested into everything but what they actually are. I take out my fears on those I care about by lashing out, not making sense with my words and actions and just being off my rocker. The key to being scared is just admitting it. Those who know you and care about you will understand and do everything they can to ease your fears. What they do not need or deserve is to deal with your scary, scared self. You need to deal with it and let them help you along the way. 

Week in Review

This past weekend I took a little trip with my friends to New Orleans for the first time. I had no expectations and was excited to experience the city, try some new food and experience the culture. The area we stayed in was busy and bustling with tons of people, music, cocktails and entertainment. We ventured around French Quarter and wandered through the streets and shops. The architecture is beautiful and there is so much history around every corner. 

I experienced my first and beignets. Holy deliciousness!  I had them 2 different ways in 2 different places. The first was beignet fries with a caramel bourbon sauce and sliced bananas, similar to a version of Bananas Foster at Pere Antonine Restaurant. I got these first before my breakfast sandwich and I am glad I did because they were a lot tastier than my sandwich and paired perfectly with my coffee. 

The day I left, I got my steps in by wandering to the infamous Cafe Du Monde. I saved the best for last, hands down. 3 lovely fluffy fried rectangles of dough and sprinkled powdered sugar, perfectly paired with a Cafe Au Lait = Priceless. I am glad I had to walk a bit to get there so I could take the long way back to my hotel to burn off some of those calories. I would be in trouble if I lived there. The Cafe Au Lait would be just as troublesome. 

The other food I had to experience when I was in NOLA was a good shrimp poboy and my friend Kevin took us to Killer Poboys. A little bit different from a traditional poboy, but really good. They have a collection of different menu options like smoked salmon, sweet potato and pork belly poboys. The shrimp was amazing, along with the tangy smothered greens. I also indulged in their aged cheddar grilled cheese on crunchy, whole grain bread with a 7th Street Wheat Lemon Basil Beer from NOLA Brewing Company. 

Workout Playlist of the Week
Here are the tunes I jammed out to while doing a couple workouts in NOLA and much needed workouts when I got back.

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

What I Love Right Now

When it comes to snacks, I always strive to make sure I am balancing my protein and carbohydrates each time. When I am busy working or traveling, I have been taking apples with me and pouches of nut butter. My favorite is still peanut based butters. 

My favorite apple this fall is Jonagold. This beauty is from Michigan and has a delicious crisp sweet and sour taste. This is the perfect time of year to experience a vast variety of apples and they will keep in your refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The Jonagold travels nicely and holds up to a few bumps along the way.

To pair with my Jonagold, I am really liking Buddy's Small Batch Nut Butter portable peanut butter packages, especially the Cinnamon Raisin flavor. These packets are perfect to have with you at all times when you may need some healthy protein and fats. Sometimes, I might even eat it alone!  Very satisfying and healthy.  These will be an addition to my carry on while packing for my next trip to FNCE, my National Registered Dietitian Convention in Boston this weekend. 

~AE

Week in Review

I just had to start this week in review with this picture. Goodness, doesn't it make you want to jump into the picture and just start eating?  I am a sucker for caramel apples and Chef Stacey makes some delicious ones!  I got to help this time, well a little bit, by helping wrap them up. And of course I couldn't resist purchasing one of my own. The turtle apple was worth every calorie. The apple part balances it out right?

This past week, the Midwest Heritage Bank in our store started this awesome fundraiser for the kids of the Variety Club. Each department in the store was to create a Snowperson that represents them, so of course the creation of the Chef/Dietitian snowlady was a must. I think she is a great combination of us. I also appreciate her impeccable juggling of fruit capabilities. Maybe it is a metaphor for all the things Stacey and I juggle each day being our own department. I hope everyone comes and casts their "votes" through January. All the donations go to an amazing cause! 

I ended the week with my monthly TV segment on KCCI on Saturday morning featuring the dietitian pick of the month: cranberries. Cranberries are in season and full of powerful and healthy antioxidants that we all could use over these cold months to keep us healthy. I like to buy a couple extra bags when they are in season and freeze them for use later. The frozen cranberries also make festive ice cubes for holiday parties. Try the recipe I made on air for a colorful and zingy holiday appetizer.

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Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Serves 16. Source: | Hy-Vee dietitians. 

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All you need:
1 (12 oz) bag Ocean Spray fresh cranberries
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, stemmed and seeded
1/2 c. Hy-Vee sugar
1/4 c. Walden Farms calorie-free cranberry sauce
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
1/4 c. chopped green onion
1/8 – 1/4 tsp ground cumin
pinch salt
2 (8 oz each) packages Hy-Vee light cream cheese, softened
Whole-grain crackers, for serving

All you do:
In a food processor, chop cranberries and jalapeno pepper to a fine dice. Add sugar, Walden Farm cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, onion, cumin and salt. Pulse to combine. Pour mixture in bowl, cover and place in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight.
Spread softened cream cheese into a large rimmed dish or 9-inch pie plate. Top cream cheese with cranberry-jalapeno mixture. Cover and place in refrigerator 2 hours. Serve with crackers.