National Caramel Apple Day: Green Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Frosting

Although today is officially Halloween, it is also a day to honor both candy and caramel apples. I decided that today, for "National Caramel Apple Day" I would share my Green Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Frosting recipe. It is very important that you have the following ingredients…

 

4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or Whole-Wheat Pastry Flour (you can use Almond Flour)
2 cups Granulated Sugar (you can use Stevia)
3 teaspoons Baking Soda
2 teaspoons Salt
2 cups Silk’s Very Vanilla Soy Milk (if you are allergic, just use Silk’s Vanilla Almond Milk)
1 cup Coconut Oil
2-3 tablespoons Green Food Coloring
3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
 

For the frosting, you want to make sure you have the following ingredients…

2 cups non-dairy, non-hydrogenated butter (I used Earth Balance)

1 cup Silk’s Vanilla Coconut Milk

3 cups Confectioners’ Sugar

1 cup Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract 

 

Let’s Bake!

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your batter by combining flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. As you continue you want to  fold in the remaining ingredients. So you want to add oil, milk, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla, and mix until thoroughly combined. 

 

Once you continue, it is important to get a cupcake pan ready. Whether you want to make mini cupcakes or large cupcakes. Bake for about 15-17 minutes. 

 

Once you have accomplished this, let the cake cook for an additional 5 minutes. 

As you can continue, let the cupcakes set for 5 to 10 minutes before transporting it onto a plate and then, onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Set it aside.

 

Let’s Frost!

 

I used my KitchenAid mixer to make the frosting.  It is important to combine all of the ingredients, except the confectioners’ sugar (or powdered sugar), vanilla, and soy milk into the mixer and mix until it is smooth and begins to fluff. With the mixer on low speed, add confectioners’ sugar and fluff for another few minutes. Add vanilla followed by the milk. 

 

Once all ingredients are well-combined, beat on high until frosting is light and fluffy for about 5 minutes. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons more milk to achieve the consistency are you hoping to achieve. 

 

Take your cupcakes and start to apply the vegan frosting. You an pipe this because of the consistency of it. Decorate the cupcakes however you choose. Keep them simple or add various toppers and/or fondants. 

 

Guess what?! You’re done! Congratulations! You have just made the Green Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Frosting.

ULTA Irresistible Beauty Blockbuster

Can you believe that Fall is here? Before you know it, the holidays will be here. When it comes to palettes and blockbusters, ULTA Beauty truly knows how to do it. One of their latest is the ULTA Irresistible Beauty Blockbuster which offers a 72-piece collection which helps you create the most irresistible holiday looks. 

After using ULTA's makeup products, I have to say that I am modestly impressed with what I have discovered. The eye shadows are quite pigmented and produce a really fantastic color pay-off. Their lip products are relatively universal. Plus, no wonder what your budget is, ULTA Beauty fits right in.

Whether you want to go dashing and daring or simply looking to play it safe, you can create so many looks from this palette. Plus, this amazing ULTA addition comes in a stunning silver train case which is reusable too. What is better than that? 

For only $24.99, this is a real deal for the season and I guarantee whoever receives it will not only love it, but appreciate it that much more. I think I already know one of things that I want for Christmas.

2+1 For Brows by Paula Dorf

When I heard that Brand Backer was offering a special opportunity to try an eye brow product by Paula Dorf, I have to admit I was pretty stoked. In fact, moments after receiving the email, I instantly jumped towards the opportunity. 

For those of you that do not know, the 2+1 For Brows is a special round palette that includes two pigmented shades along with brow wax. Recently, I had the opportunity to try 2+1 For Brows by Paula Dorf. So, what did I think?

PROS

I have tried the brunette and I love how pigmented the color is. A little goes along way. The color pay-off is fantastic.

After wearing this brow product for a few hours, I noticed that it didn't smear nor did it smudge and budge. It is surprisingly long-lasting, especially with a primer and in collaboration with the wax.

This Paula Dorf addition offers an amazing eye brow brush. The Perfect Brow brush itself is slightly angled and is not too thin or thick. It's also very easy to clean and the bristles do not fall out. The handle is not long, but it isn't extremely short. It is still effective when applying the color and the wax. (Use code: BROWBRUSH to receive this brush free with your 2+1 For Brows purchase.)

It is round and very compact, making it great for traveling. It fits right inside of your purse. The brush also fits, as well. If you are into products that you can take anywhere, you will love this one.

Not only is this product fragrance free, it is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types.
No animals were harmed when this product was created, as Paula Dorf cosmetics does NOT test on animals.

CONS

This product contains an array of ingredients. Some of them include: Dimethicone, Mica, Methyparaben, Titanium Dioxide, Boron Nitride, Trimethysiloxysilicate, Panthenol, and more. If you are allergic or suffer from any skin tribulations from these ingredients, you are not going to be interested in this product. 

This product is not paraben-free. If you are one who embraces the natural and organic concept, I do not believe this product will interest you.

In terms of colors, I believe they should be a little more extensive. The brunette is modestly dark, but is not suitable for those with black or ebony colored hair. The brunette worked great for me. I have medium to dark brown hair and medium/tan skin tone.

If you are on a budget and are looking to spend less than $10, you may not find this product appealing. 

You can purchase Paula Dorf's 2+1 for Brows at Paula Dorf for $26. Would I use this product again? Yes. Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes. Especially if they are looking for a great eye brow product. For more information about this eye brow product, click here right now. 

Hot In Music: Girls of SKAM share their Beauty Secrets

SKAM Artist Havana Brown.

Starting out as a DJ agency, SKAM is taking the music world by storm. SKAM (Sujit Kundu Artist Management) is all about the music, the talent, and the family dynamic. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the most talented and beautiful women in the world who are part of SKAM about their beauty secrets.
 
When I asked SKAM Artist Havana Brown her secret to amazing skin, she told me that she doesn't use too much on her skin, but likes to use facial wipes. She also told me that she absolutely loves rosehip oil. "I find that I breakout quite a bit, but I find that rosehip oil works amazing for me" she tells me. "It's all very natural and clean, which I love. It works really well with my skin."
 
As we continued our conversation, I discovered that Havana loves using MAC Cosmetics and went on to tell me how much she loves the Studio Conceal and Correct Palette, as it is great for covering blemishes, under-eye circles, and great for contouring. "I love this palette because you can use it in so many ways."
 
I went on to ask her if there were a product she could not live without, she also told me that she cannot live without her MAC Mineralized Skinfinish, as it is her favorite bronzer. "If I couldn't live without a product, it would definitely be that because I can wear it at any time. I just love it."
 
When we talked about foundation, she told me that she loves Bobbi Brown foundation because it has great coverage yet it isn't too heavy. Havana told me she loves Kiss false eyelashes and went on to tell me how much she loves Max Factor Mascara. "I have been using Max Factor mascara forever. It is my favorite."
 
We started talking about MAC Cosmetics again where she let me know that she loves their brow products including their brow liner. The lipstick vs. lip gloss debate started where Havana told me that she was a fan of lipstick along with the lip liner. She mentioned how much she really enjoys Rimmel London's lip products.
 
After we talked about makeup, I asked her what her favorite fragrance was. She proceeded to tell me "I love Versace's Crystal Noir. I have been wearing it for many many years now. To me, what it smells like is a strong woman. It is definitely my favorite perfume."
 
So, after talking about makeup, skin care, and perfume, we started talking about hair care. What is Havana Brown's secret to amazing hair? "I absolutely love to use Kerastase. It makes my hair look and feel amazing." She went on to tell me "I also love my Silver Bullet Hair Straightener. It is one of those products that I just cannot live without."
 
Havana leads an active lifestyle, but one the most important things she really emphasizes on is healthy eating. In fact, all she eats is organic and non-GMO food. "I find that what we put into our bodies is important. I don't eat much meat, but I am not a vegetarian. Generally, I will not eat anything that is not clean or genetically modified. I love Whole Foods because I can find everything I want there." She went on to tell me "I love to eat well because I have noticed such a huge different in my appearance, as a result." As we continued the conversation, I asked her what motto does she use to get through life. She told me "everything happens for a reason".
 
After hanging up with Havana Brown, who was such a joy to speak with, I received a call from SKAM Artist Samantha Ronson. I proceeded to ask her virtually instantaneously what her skin care secrets were. She went on to tell me that she loved the Chanel serum. "I use the Chanel serum. It's a product that really makes my skin look and feel great."
She said she doesn't use much face products because she is allergic to a variety of things, but did mention she recently quit smoking and that it has changed her life in more ways than one. "I just recently quit smoking almost a month ago and the difference is incredible. You don't realize how much it holds you back until you stop doing it."
 
We started discussing makeup. She told me that she used some things, but wasn't hesitant to let me know that she didn't use others. Samantha told me that she loves Sue Devitt's Eye Intensifier Pencil and Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm. "I love Sue Devitt's liner along with YSL's balm. They are my favorite products."
 
After we discussed makeup, we started talking about perfume. Samantha told me instantly how much she loved the new fragrance by Pharrell Williams. "I absolutely love Pharrell Williams Girl. It's a newer fragrance that recently came out not too long ago. It is such a fresh, nice clean scent. I don't even know how to describe it, it's just dope."
When it comes to hair, Samantha loves to use a variety. "I use Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo and Conditioner. I also use their serum, as well. My hair is bleached, so this keeps my hair looking good. Then, I use Unite Second Day. I really love Unite Second Day because it gives my hair great texture. I also love to use A Perfect Mess Beach Hair by Charlotte Ronson. It gives my hair that look like you are at the ocean. It smells so good and is one of my favorite products." So, what is Samantha Ronson's motto in life? "It could be worse."
 
It was great speaking with Samantha and after we hung up, I had the pleasure of speaking with SKAM Artist Caroline d'Amore. We immediately started talking about skin care. Caroline told me that she doesn't use many products. When I asked her why, she said because they tend to dry her skin out and make her skin react differently. When I asked her about her regime, she told me she likes to keep things simple. "I like to keep things simple. My skin can be easily irritated. I love to use Cetaphil. It's very gentle on my skin. I also love to use Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil." She continued to tell me "There are so many uses for coconut oil, but I have to tell you, this is what I love to use as a moisturizer on my skin. It's all natural and makes my skin look and feel amazing. I love that it is natural, as well."
 
I asked Caroline if there was one beauty tip she would like to share and she said to me - "MAC Strobe Cream is amazing. After a night of DJing and then having to get up early, I love applying this cream to my face. It brightens my skin. It goes on sheer and is light. I will walk into my radio station and people will compliment me. I really love MAC's Strobe Cream. This is literally one of my favorite products."
 
We started talking about makeup shortly after. When I asked her about her favorite, she was not reluctant to mention how much she loved MAC's Strobe Cream, but then proceeded to tell me how much she loved Dior's Lipsticks. "I absolutely love the lipsticks by Christian Dior. I tend to go for the matte finish more than anything else."
I asked Caroline a series of questions about her favorite makeup products. She informed me that she loved the Colossal Mascara by Maybelline, Brow Art 23 Cake, Brow Art Gel, and Blast Flipstick Lip Color by Cover Girl, along with MAC's Strobe Cream and Dior Lipsticks. She did tell me she's in search of a good foundation, so I recommended the Silk Creme Foundation by Laura Mercier.
 
As the conversation progressed, we started to talk about perfume and fragrance. Caroline told me that she loves Kai. Everything about the scent is good. "I love how it smells natural and so clean. Everything about it is amazing."
 
When we started talking about hair, she told me how much she loves Big Sexy Hair's Dry Shampoo. "I really love this product a lot. Right now I have a short style and it just adds so much to it." She then said "I really like the Tancho Stick since I have a shorter hairstyle now." We continued talking about hair a little more where she told me how much loves Mark Hill's Miracoilicious.
 
Does healthy eating play a factor in living an amazing lifestyle? According to Caroline, it definitely does. "I know when I changed my eating, I noticed a huge difference." She went on to say "I really only go to Whole Foods Market now. I only eat natural. I don't eat anything with hormones, GMOs, etc." She then said "don't get me wrong, I still love to eat sweets and my family owns a pizza parlor, but for the most part I am eating healthier things."
 
As the interview concluded, I asked Caroline what her motto in life was and she proceeded to tell me "be true to yourself and don't let others change you" and then she said "stay who you are and never let go of that".
 
After concluding my amazing conversation with Caroline, I had the chance to speak to SKAM Artist Sky Nellor. When I asked what her secret was to amazing skin, the first thing she said was to drink more water. She also mentioned that as an Australian woman, she loved to keep things simple and she didn't follow a specific regime. She did tell me that she loved Karin Herzog's Oxygen Face. "This product is amazing for me because I am playing night clubs and traveling, so it really does a lot for my skin. I have been using this product for years and just love it." She told me that she loves travel sized products because they can fit inside her handbag and she can use them on the go. "I love travel sized products. They are very convenient for me because I am always traveling."
 
We started talking about New York where she mentioned her facialist who introduced her to the Oxygen Face product by Karin Herzog. When I asked Sky who this amazing facialist was, she told me her name was Lena and her spa is the Maksim Spa located in the heart of the big apple on 80 fifth avenue, suite 1208 "I have been going to her for 20 years. She is the only one who touches my face. My clean and clear, healthy skin is basically all of her doing. She is amazing."

As the conversation progressed, I asked her what beauty tip she had that she wanted to share. "It's very important to drink water. I also find it important to remove your makeup before you go to bed." I asked her what her favorite makeup remover was and she told me that she loved Shu Uemura's Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil. "I love everything about this product. It's really something special and even has green tea extract in it, which does amazing things for my skin."

We started talking about makeup. Sky told me that she loved Giorgio Armani Beauty's "Eyes To Kill" Waterproof Eye Pencil and says it is the best eye pencil ever created. "I absolutely love it and what it does for my eyes. It has to be one of the best products ever." She went on to tell me that she loves lip gloss. "I use everything from Chanel to Burt's Bees to Creme de la Mer to Giorgio Armani Beauty and more." She told me that her go-to lip glosses are Jordana's Squeeze n Shine in Berry Cute and Giorgio Armani Beauty's Flash Lacquer in 400.

The conversation then went to mascara where Sky told me that she had a few favorites, however, Revlon's Bold Waterproof Lacquer in Blackest Black is her current favorite. "There is something about this mascara that does amazing things to my lashes. I just love it."
I asked Sky what her other favorite products were. She told me that she loved Dior's Diorskin Sculpt Concealer along with Shiseido's Natural Eyebrow Pencil. When I asked her about foundation, she immediately said she loved Giorgio Armani Beauty's Maestro Fusion makeup the best. "It's like magic in a tube. It makes my skin look and feel absolutely amazing. It feels like silk. It is the best one out there."

After makeup, we moved onto fragrance. What is Sky's favorite perfume? She told me she loves an oil. "I absolutely love Zuzu Petalz oil. It's my favorite. It comes in a cute little vial. All you need is one or two dabs and you are good to go."

When it comes to hair, Sky has quite a few products she loves. She loves a product that gives her hair shine. "I absolutely love Leonor Greyl because it really gives my hair something special. My hair looks amazing because of this." What is Sky Nellor's motto in life? "Go hard or go home."

Keep up with Havana Brown, Samantha Ronson, Caroline d'Amore, and Sky Nellor at SKAMArtist.com. 

Back in Time by Pitbull

From Pitbull's album "Global Warming" this song is amazingly dope, so to speak. Even though this song came out in 2012, I can listen to it now in 2014 and it just never gets old, as I never get tired of hearing it.

If you cannot see the video, just click here right now. To download it, just go here. 

Music Talk: Exclusive Interview with Big Syphe

Big Syphe and Pitbull.

If you heard the song "Back In Time" by Pitbull, then you have heard the excellent work of Big Syphe. As one of the most underrated musical geniuses of our generation, Big Syphe is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. He is one of the most motivated yet ambitious people I know. Recently, I caught up with Big Syphe about music, SKAM, and Pitbull. Here is what he had to say...

(Q) Hello. How are you? It's great to talk to you. Tell me a little more about Big Syphe...

I am from Los Angeles. Born and raised here. I have been DJing since I've been a young teenager. I worked in radio. I have been a part of SKAM since the beginning. I've been friends with Sujit since I was 18 years old. I have toured and produced music for Pitbull. Actually I have a new song coming out soon with him. Not sure if it will be his next single, but it's definitely a song that he's gonna have on his new album. 

(Q) Wow, that is amazing.

I did a record with him a couple of years ago. It was called "Back In Time" and it was also featured on the Men In Black soundtrack. It was like the official song.

(Q) OMG! I love that song! That is one of my favorites.

It had a classic rock sample from a group called Mickey & Sylvia called Love Is Strange. So yeah, I sampled that on there. 

(Q) You are so incredibly talented. I knew there was a reason I was a huge fan of you already. That song is something special. In fact, when I first heard it, I was addicted to it.

Wow, thank you. I actually made that song on the airplane. 

(Q) That is fantastic. 

Thank you. But yeah, I worked in radio for a long time here in LA called Power 106. It's like the second biggest radio stations in the country. Especially when it comes to rhythmic, pop, hip hop, and urban. I was on the radio with my good friend Eric DLux, who is also a part of SKAM too. He is also a very talented and successful DJ. Even DJ Vice, who is another big DJ and a part of SKAM, he came from the radio station, as well. We have all been friends for over 10 years. 

(Q) Now I have to ask you, what inspired you to get into music? Tell me a little more about the inspiration behind it all...

Music has always been around me. Me being Hispanic and growing up in inner city Los Angeles, we always had little small parties. Especially on the weekends. Barbecues and our neighbors would throw parties. So, I have always been around music and that party environment where the music was always playing. When I started becoming a teenager, I would go to house parties. In the early 90s, we use to have party crews. Instead of being part of a gang, you would be a part of a party crew. Some of the friends from the neighborhood would throw parties. It was something special. I kind of came up as a DJ, as well because I was so into the music I would hear and known in that circuit from my part of town. I started DJing in my bedroom and then making mixed tapes. Then, getting feedback from friends and being able to DJ at these house parties and warehouse parties. I guess you could say that I started from A to Z. Then, going to the clubs and from there, everything took off. 

(Q) Now I have to ask Syphe, if you could work with anyone in the industry, who would you work with and why?

That is a good question. I never really thought about this to be honest. I focus a lot when it comes to writing and producing music on someone like Pitbull because he a good friend of mine. He's also probably one of the biggest pop stars. And him being a good friend of mine, it's just really easy for me to send him stuff. Send the music, the material, etc. It's easy to get ahold of him. Besides him, hmmmmm. I really do admire Daft Punk. They are dope musicians and producers. I love how they linked with Niles Rodgers and collaborating with him. So, for me personally, I would like to work with someone like George Clinton. I really love funk music. Funk music was a really big inspiration for me in music. Even though I love music. When I work with musicians, I get inspired by a lot of old funk and disco. Where music is today, I feel like the progression has those old school grooves and elements.

(Q) George Clinton is really awesome. In fact, he epitomizes funk music. I actually have one of his CDs and was listening to it a few nights ago. I enjoy him very much. I wanted to ask, what about Prince?

I would love to work with Prince. But even someone like Prince looked up to George Clinton, Issac Hayes, he looked up to Rick James, etc. He was very influenced by them. They were all able to produce, write, play all of those instruments, etc. Definitely! Prince is definitely someone I would love to work with. I look up to all of these artists because they were not only writing and singing their songs, but they produced them. They were musicians. They were behind the engineering. I remember once when I was in the studio with Will.i.am. I saw him working. Even though I was cool with him, I always seen him around. I actually had the opportunity to sit with him as he was working. Just seeing him kind of being hands on was great. There are a lot of amazing DJs that do produce music. A lot of them aren't really hands on, as they usually have a team. When you see someone that is hands on, on that level you are looking at them creating. That is amazing.

(Q) What if the Trans Siberian Orchestra contacted you and said "we would love to work with you" what would you say?

I would say lets work! I would be very interested. They are very talented. I am someone who loves to work with and collaborate with anyone. Even with them, I would love to hear what their influences are. I feel like music is all about being creative. I really love live instruments, so working with someone like them would be amazing. I would love to get live violins and strings, as well as, a strong percussion. Right now I am into making dance music, but with live instruments. It's all about making incredible big sounding music.  

(Q) There are so many artists around the world. In fact, I know of a ton in Europe that would love to work with you. Your work is incredible. Back In Time is just proof. Pitbull never fails, as everything he puts out there is epic. The song that you did is just so catchy and unique. 

Thank you. It was different. Pitbull has always been known for his big hooks. When we worked on this, we tried something new. Instead of him doing the hook, we used a sample from another song. It was really cool and I'm glad it came out sounding good. Pitbull's new album will bring more of that unique quality. I can't say too much about it, but will say that you will love it. 

(Q) Just so you know, I downloaded Back In Time the first moment I heard it. 

Wow, nice. Thank you.

(Q) For all of those music enthusiasts reading this interview, what would you like them to know? What is next for Big Syphe?

Now days it's not just about you being a DJ, but you, playing your own tracks, and bringing out your own tracks. When I first started, I felt like I was holding back. But now, I am right where I want to be in life where I don't need to do that. I feel very confident in how my stuff sounds. It's always been my goal to make music because I love music. I would say something next for me would be that I definitely want to put out my own projects. That is the dream. 

For more information about Big Syphe, please visit www.bigsyphe.com today!

Victoria's Secret Shopping: Very Sexy Plumeria Pink

 

One thing that I love about Victoria's Secret is the fact that they offer such a diversified selection of bra and panty sets and this one is definitely proof of that. The Plumeria Pink is stunning. It's a bright pink that leans towards hot pink and fuchsia with lilac purple accents. Online it was cute when I first looked at it, however, in person it is absolutely gorgeous. The next time you visit Victoria's Secret, I highly recommend checking out the Very Sexy Push-Up Bra in Plumeria Pink along with the matching panty. You may just decide to pick it up. I know that I did.



TuneCore and Hip Hop, keeps it's Independent Spirit

TuneCore is an independent music distribution business that believes all artists should have affordable yet equal access to every channel of music distribution. They allow you to keep all major royalities without giving up your ownership, making them one of the most successful music distribution establishments in the world right now.

So, how do you get started? Simply sign up. After you sell your music you have so many chances of getting a publishing deal and after that, basically all of the rest follows. Artist services include: Facebook Audio Recognition, TuneCore Track Smarts, Radio Airplay, Professional Mastering, CD Duplication, TuneCore Merch Link, TwitMusic, Band Zoogle, and at Venu.

Digital stores include iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon Music, xbox music, Neurotic Media, Spinlet, Rhapsody, iHeartRadio, KKBox, Anghami, MixRadio, Target Music, rdio, Deezer, emusic, Shazam, Music Unlimited, Guvera, Slacker, beats music, Akazoo, and more.

TuneCore allows you to get a great deal that is fair, allowing you to keep all of your sales revenue. And the best part is, the distribution is easy yet effective and efficient. As you share your music, your fan base will grow. And guess what? Almost 50% of artists performing at the 2014 A3C Hip Hop Festival have distributed their music through TuneCore. Some of these artists include: Chella H, Mike Fresh, Sonny Bonoho, Rich Kidz, Translee, Shome, G4 Boyz, Stranger Day, GoldYard, J. Dash, Signif, Canon, and more.

Whether you are a rock, heavy metal, hip hop, rap, pop, or even country artist, TuneCore needs you. For more information, check out TuneCore right now.

Quest Nutrition Embraces Low Carbohydrates

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars are low in carbohydrates.
They also come in a variety of
different flavors too, making them healthy and delicious.

I know quite a few of my readers have asked me to blog about low carb food. Well, in case you are unaware, I want to introduce you to a brand that embraces the low carb concept in more ways than one, Quest Nutrition.

 

With everything from protein chips (with only 5 grams of carbohydrates per bag) and pasta to an assortment of protein bars and indulgence, this is a brand you are going to want to introduce to your life.

 

I have tried almost everything and I can honestly say that if I were to choose a favorite, I really couldn't. However, right now I am loving the 'White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar' followed by the 'Cookies & Cream Protein Bar' and the 'Apple Pie Protein Bar'. I love cinnamon, so I guess you could say that I love the 'Cinnamon Roll Protein Bar' too. When I get my period, I cannot live without any of the chocolate. So delicious and guess what? Only 3 gram net carbs in each bar.

 

 Read my interview with Matt Cadiz, the creative director of Quest Nutrition about the brand here.

National Vodka Day: How To Make An Amazing Appletini

If you are a fan of Vodka and Apples, you are destined to not only appreciate the "Appletini", but love it, as a result. This amazing, yet fruity and flavorful, apple martini was innovated by Mark Roesler. Although the drink possesses a rarity of ingredients, it remains to be one of the most popular martinis in the world to date.

The Appletini (or Apple Martini) ingredients include: Vodka, Apple Liqueur (or any Apple cordial, such as Apple Pucker or Apple Schnapps), and Apple Juice. Sometimes the famous cordial liqueur Cointreau is added to give this martini it's acquired, yet original flavor. I have developed an amazing, yet delicious spin on the drink.

The Amazing Appletini
3 oz. Vodka (You can use an apple-based vodka such as Absolut's Orient Apple or Smirnoff's Green Apple)1 oz. Apple Schnapps (preferably DeKuyper's Sour Apple Pucker)
1 oz. Apple Juice (Apple Cider is optional)1 splash of Grenadine
1 splash of Sprite

Combine the Vodka, Apple Schnapps, Apple Juice, Grenadine, and Sprite and serve in an martini cocktail glass.

Happy 11th Birthday Murphy

Today is my amazing cat's 11th birthday. I remember when I first got her 11 years ago. She was about a month old. She was already meowing the moment she walked through the front door, unleashed and ready to take over. My dogs wouldn't allow anyone near her, due to their protective yet maternal instincts. It was the cutest thing.

It's hard to believe she is 11 years old. Where has time gone? I hope she lives until I have my first child. One thing is certain, I am honored and blessed to have a wonderful cat like her. She was amazing then and she's amazing now.

 

Happy Birthday Cleopatra Dutchess Thomasina Murphy Marilyn Laura LaShonda Afshar Valo!

Check out the video of her singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".





 

If you can't see the video, simply click here.

 

World Vegetarian Day 2014

Today is World Vegetarian Day 2014. As a vegetarian (Lacto Ovo, occasional vegan) for many years of my life, this is a day that promotes compassion and joy while celebrating the ethical, environmental, health, humanitarian, and practical benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

I absolutely love being a vegetarian and would recommend it to anyone. I think anyone can do it. If you don't believe me, just ask my amazing man, Joe Valo III, as he has been a Lacto Ovo vegetarian for over a year now.

So, what is a vegetarian? It's simply a lifestyle where one does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. In fact, as a vegetarian, does NOT consume any animal flesh at all.

Types of Vegetarians:

Lacto Ovo (or Ovo Lacto) = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume any animal flesh. Does eat dairy, eggs, and honey.
Lacto = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does eat dairy and honey, but does not eat eggs.
Ovo = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does eat eggs and honey, but does not consume dairy.
Vegan = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does NOT eat eggs, dairy, or honey.

Other(s):
Fruitarian = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does NOT eat dairy, eggs, or honey. Only eats fruits, seeds, nuts, etc. that can be garnered without harming the plant.
Raw Vegan = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does NOT eat dairy, eggs, or honey. Everything is fresh and uncooked.
Sattvic = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. May consume dairy, but also excludes eggs and honey. Does NOT eat any vegetables from the allium family such as onions or garlic. Also does not consume bleu cheese, mushrooms, chocolate, nutmeg, or coffee.
Buddhist Vegan = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does NOT eat eggs, dairy, or honey. Does NOT consume any vegetables from allium family. This includes: onions, garlic, leeks, chives, scallions, etc.
Jain = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Also does not consume eggs or honey, but can consume dairy. Also does not consume root vegetables.
Macrobiotic = Does NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish. Does NOT consume animal flesh. Does NOT eat eggs, dairy, or honey. Only consumes whole grains and beans.

If you are just starting, try the Pesce-vegetarian lifestyle (Pescetarianism), which excludes meat and poultry, but does include fish and seafood. It also includes dairy, eggs, and honey. You can also follow the Pollar-vegetarian lifestyle (Pollartarianism), which excludes meat, but still includes poultry and fish, as well as, seafood. Start as a semi-vegetarian and gradually build into the lifestyle.

Vegetarian Articles:
Vegetarian/Vegan Substitutes (I am currently updating this list, but keep in bookmarked for more additions, as well as, changes.)
Happy Burger Day: Veggie Burgers
Food Talk: Exclusive Interview with Gardein
It's Official, I'm Done Drinking Dairy Milk
Food Talk: 10 Luscious Late Night Bites for Vegetarians

Vegetarian Recipes:
Vegan Lamb (Vamb) 
Khoresht Bodemjoon
Ghormeh Sabzi
Violet Velvet Cake
Sarah's Ultimate Hickory Smoked Deli Sandwich
Sarah's Veganog

Vegetarian Reviews:
Smart Dogs, Veggie Protein Links by Lightlife
Gardein's Home Style Beefless Tips, a great twist to healthy eating