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Posts Tagged ‘tasty’

Fitness & Foodie Friday: Health or Treat? Nooky Quickie

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Fitness Friday, Foodie Friday, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/30/2015 at 09:00

While trick-or-treaters may be house-hopping and candy-popping this weekend, I’ll continue consuming my healthy supplements on the ☼daily!

Ginkgo Biloba: to promote mental focus

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Centrum VitaMints®: to aquire essential nutrients in a tasty way

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  • I’ve come a long way since my childhood Flinstones chewables ~ which I doubt are the best bet for my teeth with the acidity
  • I’m still not a fan of swallowing tablets without having water and food in handy
  • Therefore, I’m all about double-duty of fulfilling my ☼daily☼ needs while freshening my breath!

Of course, I don’t skimp on the actual food that I need to fuel my brain and body ~ which I’m actually including in an analogy between my marathon and my main statistical method (multiple regression) for my doc research!

Pumpkin Trail Mix

Study Mode Trail Mix: Since almonds helped my bod during my 26.2-mi. course and my mind through my dissertation process, they were the main feature of this snack combo for the crunch + the Pumpkin Spice flavor along with the pumpkin cookies & candy, as well as more chocolate to cover these Brookside blueberries that also benefit the memory!

Study Mode Trail Mix: Since almonds helped my bod during my 26.2-mi. course and my mind through my dissertation process, they were the main feature of this snack combo for the crunch + the Pumpkin Spice flavor along with the pumpkin cookies & candy, as well as more chocolate to cover these Brookside blueberries that also benefit the memory!

Speaking of my race, although I haven’t run as many long distances in awhile, I’ve fit in mini drills to keep my energy levels high while I’ve been drained from my dissertation, a.k.a., my doc docs …

During my dedicated eating time (yes, I must make a meal break away from my computer, according to my Bestie Evie‘s birthday advice), I actually HIIT before I sit!

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Olive Garden Leftovers from Ladies’ Night with the Holy Spiri† (counter-clockwise from bottom right): Chicken Cacciatorie & Cheese Manicotti (2 of my fave entrées rolled into 1) • Pasta e Fagioli w/ breadstick • MinestroneBestie Evie‘s Better-Than-Sex BrowniePumpkin Cheesecake (which took me 4 days to finish!) • Andes Mints ~ gotta ♥love♥ these after-dinner chocolate mints to cap off a classic OG meal!

While I wait for my chow to cook ~ simmering in the crock pot, boiling on the stove, or nooking in the oven/microwave/toaster ~ I do the following quick set(s), to induce more calorie-burning even after I’m done exercising:

Standing ♥Cardio♥

Floor/Mat/Carpet Core

More ♥Cardio♥

  • Dance ’til your ♥heart’s ♪content♫ ~ or your grub is ready

Stretch

Relieve those muscles after sitting at the computer desk and before sitting down to eat

Happy Early Halloween, All †Saints’ Day y el Día de los Muertos! ✌

Feline Foodie Friday: Cat Mama Chronicles ~ Wilderness Wellness 

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Feline Friday, Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 08/14/2015 at 09:40

Have you seen 🎬commercials📺 in which moms choose food for their kids because it’s healthy, and their children end  up liking it because it’s tasty? 

Enter Blue Wilderness! Fitting name for my Double As: Blue for my blue-eyed AsiaWilderness for my wild cat Annie!


This cat food boasts that it’s 🍞Grain Free, which would agree with 👑Queen 🐯Asia‘s tummy!

And it turns out that 👑Princess 🐱Annie🐈 actually prefers it too! Maybe it’s because these morsels look like Cocoa Puffs? J/s

I weened them off their previous 😺cat😸 🍛chow🍲 prior to switching permanently, and over the past couple of weeks before they ran out of their old food, they ate around it while begging for their brand new preference!

😹Meow😽 😼Now😾 😿Bow🙀 🐾Wow!

#DISPObustAFlow 

Ear Mite Remedy

 Despite preventative care, I’ve noticed Big *ASIA* scratching her ears lately & have provided relief!

Cat in the Basket

  What’s the point of a laundromat? When you have 👘Laundry👖 😻Cat😸!

Caught Pink Pawed

 🐱Annie🐈 can fit, but she can’t 🙈hide!

Annie-mal

 😺Annie-mal😸 has owl eyes * 🐮cow spots🐄 * bushy🐺 squirrel tail * 🐵monkey🙊 🙉cry🐒

 

  Talk about chillaxASIAn!

RIP✌🏽️ 😇Cecil👼 the 🐆Lion🐅

Foodie Friday: Fazing over Fazoli’s

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 07/24/2015 at 16:00

My latest dessert obsession:

*Nutella* Cheesecake from Fazoli’s

Nutella Cheesecake

Don’t let the solid chocolate look fool ya … This bad boy’s full of flavor!

Combines 2 of my faves:

  • Chocolate hazelnut
  • My favorite fast food joint

    Nutella Cheesecake

    The darker the chocolate :: The sweeter the flavor!

There’s never been anything that I didn’t like from Fazoli’s ~ Italian, I’m in Heaven ~ including from this most recent visit.

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Giving Grape Italian Lemon Ice ~ a drink with a contributory cause!

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Penne Romano ~ steaming HOT!!!

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Yummy Post-Church Meal complete with blessings!

I’ve lucked out with this eatery (which opened in my hometown, thanks to my h.s. buddy’s dad ~ a contractor who liked it when he visited his son in college and decided to build it by their family home) because it’s always been quick, inexpensive and most of all: delicious!

NYE

Flashback *Foodie* Friday: I’ve rung in the New Year with Fazoli’s!

My former workout partner (who now lives overseas for the military) and I used to grab Italian Lemon Ice at Fazoli’s after we’d have a fun run at the park around the corner ~ we’d burn calories then reward ourselves with something sweet, refreshing and healthy!

Classic Strawberry Italian Ice

Classic Strawberry Italian Ice ~ nothing classic about it! #BoldAndFresh

Tour of Italy

Alfredo & Marinara + Meatballs = YOLO Italiano!

Fast & Fazoli's

F is for … Flashback *Foodie* Friday: I’ve even feasted on Fazoli’s while watching Fast & Furious movies at the drive-in!

Plus, now that I typically fly solo, I’ve done my work or homework there after hitting the track myself and have tried almost ALL of the seasonal desserts (except for the Red Velvet Cheesecake around ♥Valentine’s♥ Day ~ because it was out when I visited)!

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Watching my ☼truck☼ while sipping on this Strawberry Italian Ice Float!

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My fave Fazoli’s dessert before the Nutella Cheesecake came along … This Ghirardelli Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake!

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How do you eat an elephant? Savoring every single bite!

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Flashback *Foodie* Friday: I took 3 hours to work on this meal while writing my dissertation concept proposal!

Foodie Friday: Long Life

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 05/22/2015 at 12:30

Happy 🎆Belated🎇 🎊Birthday🎊 to Mami Aya

My Nanay has always cooked unbroken noodles for 🎈birthdays🎁 to signify long life. Usually, these celebratory main courses are spaghetti🍝 or Pancit🍜 (Filipino dish).

Some of us loyal children out there tend to be biased to our parents’ cooking if we grew up mostly exposed to their food. I’m definitely no different; as a matter of fact, I was so spoiled to the point that I as a preschooler once sobbed at my parents’ friends’ 🏠house🏡 when they dropped me off there for date night, and I was stuck with foreign spaghetti.

While many kids cooked for their moms on 💐Mother’s Day, my Mami Aya insisted on cooking her own special meal. Papa Jun and I didn’t mind. Not only have her masterpieces been delicious, but also nutritious!

 
I never can pass up what I call Nanay’s Bomb Diggety Spaghetti (she used to put hotdogs to keep up with Pinoy tradition ~ she even made my sis’ separately because she only liked the hotdogs)

Here’s a new side dish that she whipped up: Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

I now prefer these over the fried green tomatoes🍅 or fried pickles ~ or any other fried greens, for that matter

Who needs mozzarella sticks with these bad boys?  The Birthday Girl also cooked her special meal!   Pancit Canton goes well with Lumpia (eggrolls)!    And let’s not forget the 🎂cake🍰 ~ bring on Tres 🍶Leches🍼 con 🍉frutas: fresas🍓 y 🍍piñas!

Friendly reminder: Pray🙏 just to make it today!

Mixer Monday: Massage Mojito

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Mixer Monday, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 02/09/2015 at 17:00

After the spectacular massage from Lisa

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… she whipped me up this refreshing beverage!

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With the fresh ♣mint♣, it’s like a virgin mojito!

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+ the Ruby Red grapefruit provides calorieburning properties!

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CHEERS to the perfect spa drink that gave this past Thirsty Thursday a whole new meaning!

Foodie Friday: SDJ

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Foodie Friday, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 01/16/2015 at 12:55

TGIF!

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Red & Purple: Color-coordinating with the Paris-inspired wall!

Last Friday night, my Church💒 Bestie, Evie, and I were in for a treat …

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Sweets du Jour🗼, my favorite 🍩bakery🍮 in town, offered dinner, so we’re were honored to be their first evening guests!

Sweets du Jour

Appetizer: Tomato Basil Mozzarella Tart

We indulged in a five-course meal.

Sweets du Jour

Soup: Italian Sausage Tortellini

All of the flavors were mighty tasty …

Sweets du Jour

Salad: Pear Walnut with Dijon

From savory to sweet, it couldn’t be beat, as we needed the heat from the cold, even if it was bold!

Sweets du Jour

Main Course: Asparagus Lasagna

Meanwhile, we enjoyed having it to ourselves!

Sweets du Jour

Sweeten the Deal: Caramel Apple Cheesecake for Dessert

Hopefully, this eatery will open its doors again for more dinner parties!

Sweets du Jour

Complete with Coffee!

Bon apetit! 👌

Foodie Friday: Strawberry Month in May

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Weekly Wonders, Yours Truly on 05/09/2014 at 23:17

Strawberry Wine … Seventeen … Hot July moon … Saw everything…

How about this?

Strawberry Month … Thirty-two … Warm May sunshine … Tasted sweet!

Happy National Strawberry Month!

Now that strawberries are in season, they’re the perfect sweet treat that’s low in calories, fat free, good with other food …

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or drinks …

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or flying solo …

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and a great palette cleanser.

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Flashback Friday: the Strawberry Parade in Baguio City, Philippines [2010]

Enjoy your Mother’s Day weekend!!!

Foodie Friday: Battle of the Butters ~ What Does Your Favorite Spread Say About You?

In ♥ & Soul, Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 04/11/2014 at 02:20

Chocolate + Nuts = Buttered Bliss!

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Don’t Mess with these Butters!

I’ve been a Nutella nut for several years (including since Kobe Bryant endorsed it before his infamous scandal that led Ferrero ~ yes, the same brand of the famous hazelnut truffle candy ~ to drop him), but do the other cocoa-based spreads out there also live up to the hype? I’ve taste-tested some of them to compare…

Stars of the Show

Ferrero Nutella Hazelnut Spread® with Skim Milk & Cocoa

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Nutella: The Original Hazelnut Spread ®

Jif Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Hazelnut Spread

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Jif Mocha Cappuccino Hazelnut Spread

Barefoot & Chocolate ♡ Almond Coconut

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Barefoot & Chocolate™ Almond Coconut Chocolate Spread

Honorable Mentions

Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter

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As my trainer has said about food, “It’s like Christmas!”

Organic Almond Butter *featured on my Pretty Fit WIMK segment*

Almond Butter

Uh-oh, the Original Hazelnut Spread® strikes again!

Any of these spreadable edibles work to top off toast, and the sky’s the limit on how to add them to main courses, desserts or snacks, such as Crepes, brownies and croissants.

Superlatives
Nutella: thickest consistency
Jif Mocha Cappuccino: sweetest flavor
B&C Almond Coconut: thinnest consistency

Other Butters
Cookie Butter: gritty nut alternative
Almond Butter: bland, crunchy

What do these super spreads say about your personality?

If your pick is…
Nutella: You’re conservative and conventional. You tend to stick with traditions and resist change.

Jif MC: You’re over-the-top and prefer to go all out, from the way you dress to how you plan.

B&C AC: You’re chill and mellow, meaning you go with the flow and play if by ear.

Cookie Butter: You’re unique and one-of-a-kind, as Jamie Foxx has sung “Unpredictable.”

Almond Butter: You’re nutty and quirky, but that’s all in the beauty and charm!

Food for thought, for your information:

Nutrition Facts

Spread (2tbs) Total Calories Total Fat (g) Total Carbs (g) Total Protein (g) Pros or Cons
Nutella 200 12 21 2 Con: 15mg Sodium; Pros: 4% Calcium, Iron
Jif MC HS 230 14 21 2 Cons: <5g Cholesterol, 40g Sodium; Pro: 6% Calcium, Iron
B&C AC HS 200 13 16 3 Con: 10mg Sodium; Pros: 6% Calcium, 15% Iron
TJ’s Spec CB 180 12 16 <1 The recommended serving size is 1tbs, so I doubled the units, and they’re still less than the rest!
Almond Butter 180 16 7 5 Pros: 8% Calcium, 6% Iron, 4% Folate

I’ve concluded that I can’t compare apples to oranges. While each of these have similarities since they’re all spreads, tastes and textures vary.

Enjoy your weekend, and please comment with links to your photos or recipes of chocolicious or cookielicious or nutritious concoctions!

Happy Eating … But what’s better is adding more company to the mix!

Happy Eating + Meeting & Greeting!

🙂

Foodie Friday: Cuckoo for Cookies!

In Foodie Friday, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot on 04/04/2014 at 22:30

These cookies are coo-worthy for being both healthy and tasty! Let these nutritious and delicious photos speak to you, just as the cookies that appear in them called my name…

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Macaroons in Caramel Sea Salt by Hail Merry
* Gluten-Free, vegan
{I tried the Chocolate-flavored in my Welcome to My Kitchen on Pretty Fit}

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Grace’s Best Petite Sunflower Seed Cookies
* Bite-sized, light and crispy

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Flourless Chocolate Cookie from La Boulange of Starbucks
* Melt-in-your-mouth meringue

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What’s better than these cookies flying solo?

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Savoring a little bit together!

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Added Bonus: Top them on the Tiramisu Gelato that I featured last Foodie Friday!

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Nothing beats Cookies & Milk! Try this Almond Breeze Blend of Almond & Coconut Milk for a new nutty twist!

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CHEERS!!! Let’s clink our frosty mug of milk or fist cookie bump!

Grub Glory! Eat Happy!

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 02/26/2014 at 21:33

Happy Hump Day the Healthy Pretty Fit Way!

Today, I’ll feature food, as a perk to my freelance writing.

When I visited AM Donuts, I was pleased to photograph around the storefront and bakery, as well as to try the main menu items that I intended:

AM Donuts serves Bubble Tea!

AM DonutsBubble Tea & Maple Bacon Bar

The added bonus was that the owner packed his personal favorites for me to take home!

AM Donuts & Croissants

AM Donuts & Croissants Care Package, including *exclusive* Cherry Chocolate Fritter & Red Velvet Cake Donut

Then, when I covered the Claudie C. Royals Banquet on Claudie C. Royals Day, I chowed down even more!

Claudie C. Royals Banquet 2014

Claudie C. Royals Banquet Main Course & Sides + Beverage: Lasagna, Fried Chicken, Corn, Salad, Sweet Tea

Claudie C. Royals Banquet Dessert

Claudie C. Royals Banquet Desserts: Special Strawberry Shortcake Banana Nut Pudding, Lemon & Chocolate Nut Cupcakes, Chocolate Sugar-Dusted Brownies

Today, I wrote about how I ate healthy a week ago then rewarded myself the next day in What I Ate Wednesday and Thursday

Moral of this story:

A good day can lead into another one!

And because I love y’all so much, here’s  how I packed my sweets for the sweet from the sweet on VDay ♥

VDay Sweet Treats

Valentine’s Day 2014 ♥ Banana LOVE Berry Much Abunch

Now that I’ve gone bananas with good grub and am armed with study food, I’ll get back to working on my dissertation

3:33 ~ make a wish!!!