tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60112116258039827462024-03-13T04:14:10.741-07:00ChelseaGilsonSelf discovery, epiphanies, rants and raves - one post at a time.chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-50728670731545436942015-05-26T13:52:00.001-07:002015-11-02T01:00:39.577-08:00Moving on up...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-24734808597949891912015-04-20T22:26:00.000-07:002015-04-20T22:26:56.761-07:00Comparing Plant Based All-in-One Nutritional Protein Powders!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know I want a <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">plant based all in one nutritional powder</strong>. I know I want it be packed with<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">protein and vitamins</strong> and I know I want it to<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"> taste good</strong>. Yet every time I go into whole foods, I stand in their protein aisle with my eyes glazed as I study the back of the nutritional labels. After a few minutes of not retaining any information, I jut my hand out for Vega one, throw it into the cart, and book it back to the comfort of the garlicky kale and ginger beets. I’ve attempted to rectify the situation from the sanctity of my desk… but all of my online searches were veggieless (see what I did there. Like fruit-less). The market is too saturated… there’s just too many choices, it’s impossible to compare! So I went on a mission to help the common consumer discern between the good the bad and the ‘tastes like fish food’. I bought individual packets of 8 of what I thought looked like the most promising brands and scrutinized them across the board. And this is the results.. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>But first!<br />
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An explanation of my judging criteria:</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cal: Calories. </b>The calorie count bears no weight in my judgement of the value of a nutritional protein powder. These are meant to be supplements or even meal replacements and are dense with protein and often with minerals and vitamins as well. That being said, I’m most comfortable with under 200 cal/serving.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Prot: Protein.</b> The more the better, but with such low calorie counts, having two scoops or more a day won’t break the bank. I wouldn’t bother with any nutritional shake that had less than 15 grams of protein/serving.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">V: Vitamins. </b>The vitamin and mineral makeup of these powders is an essential element for me. You’ll find that some plant based proteins don’t have any included vitamins while others deliver 50% of your daily value in everything from folic acid to b12. Personally, I’ll take all the vitamins I can get!</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fat. </b>Similar to the caloric content, fat does not bother me. These fats are MUFAS – the heart healthy great kind we need more of, not trans fats!</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Carbs: Carbohydrates. </b>None of these powders are packed with empty carbs, but rather nutritionally beneficial carb makeup that is under 10% of the recommended daily value for an average adult. That’s something I can live with. …however I’m still a chick trying to fit into skinny jeans. Anything over 20 carbs might raise a red flag for me.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fib: Fiber. </b>The more the merrier! Fiber helps regulate the bloods sugar and can make you feel full and satiated longer. It also assists in regulating digestion. When choosing a powder, I like to find one with 5 grams or more of fiber, which is about 20% of the daily recommended value.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sug: Sugar. </b> Sugar is an inflammatory that causes countless problems in the body. Unfortunately most Americans are sugar-addicts who flood their systems with copious amounts of the white stuff everyday. I’m not trying to be one of them. The lower the sugar content the better. That being said, I try never put anything with artificial sweeteners in my body (<a href="http://www.rodalenews.com/dangers-artificial-sweeteners" style="-webkit-transition: none; border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bb0000; text-decoration: none; transition: none;">and here’s why</a>!), so I will take a few grams of naturally occurring sugar over the fake stuff any day. For a powder, I’d like the sugar to be under 3 grams/serving.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">BCAAS: Branched-Chain Amino Acids:</b> When you choose plant based proteins, it’s fairly common to lose out on the benefits of the BCAAs found in casein and whey. BCAAs are the most crucial amino acids for muscle building and help maintain proper nitrogen levels in your body. I most definitely prefer that my powder has added BCAAs so I can maximize the benefits of the protein on muscle building and recovery post workouts.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Prob: Probiotics. </b> This is a big one for me, as I suffer from really poor digestion. I currently take a daily probiotic supplement, drink my kombucha and eat my kefir and sauerkraut… but there are quite a few recommended probiotic strains and not all of them are together in one source. So I’m on the ‘more the merrier’ boat with building my good gut bacteria too! Added probiotics are essential for me!</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">D.E: Digestive Enzymes.</b> Another top priority, digestive enzymes help your body break down and absorb the most nutrients from the foods you eat. You can also take digestive enzymes in supplement form with each meal, but I’m trying to cut back on the number of pills I ingest each day. I much rather reap the benefits from my protein shakes!</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Omeg: Omegas</b>. These good fats improve vitamin absorption, maintain a healthy immune system and promote cell development. It is definitely beneficial to have these in your protein powder. I should note: it is recommended to get an even ratio of omega 3, 6 and 9, yet the typical western diet is heavily skewed with high levels of omega 6 and low levels of omega 3. Since I am nut obsessed and eat quite a bit of chicken, I am sure that I typically get enough omega 6. It’s the omega 3s I’m mostly looking for in my powders. However, if they are adding 3-6-9, well that’s definitely a welcomed bonus. (<a href="http://chriskresser.com/how-too-much-omega-6-and-not-enough-omega-3-is-making-us-sick/" style="-webkit-transition: none; border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bb0000; text-decoration: none; transition: none;">Read here for the dangers </a>of not having enough omega 6!)</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Taste.</b> Taste might not be a big factor for you if you’re adding your powder to a spinach and berries smoothie every morning. I get a bit creative with my protein powders and often add them to plain yogurt or oatmeal and occasionally bake them into meals and treats. For all of these protein powders I tried them plain so I could provide honest feedback. My basis for taste is that I don’t like when the flavor tastes artificial. I’m also impartial to a stevia overkill. I’ve found that all in all, chocolate usually tastes the richest and best… since the raw cocoa powder is flavorful on it’s own. The vanilla flavors really range, I find the berry or banana usually unappealing, and the cookies and cream downright dreadful. You just can’t make natural flavors and no added sugar taste like cookies and cream. There, I said it.</div>
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As new brands come out, I’ll keep adding to the chart (or if someone wants to leave a comment with a suggestion!)… but as for right now, here are the nutritional plant based proteins that I have tried:</div>
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">BRAND</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cal</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Prot</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">V</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fat</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Carb</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fib</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sug</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">BCAAS</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Prob</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">D.E</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Omeg</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Taste</b></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Garden of Life</b></span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">100</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">15</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">2</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">6</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">2</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">5</b></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Orgain</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">220</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">20</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">5</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">24</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">8</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Phood</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">200</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">18</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">7</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">17</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">6</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">3-6-9</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">4</b></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Plant Fusion</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">120</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">21</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">2</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">4</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">4</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">4</b></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">PureGreen</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">120</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">20</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">1.5</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">7</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">2</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vega 1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">160</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">20</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">6</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">10</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">6</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">5</b></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vegan1</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">160</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">20</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">5</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">14</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">5</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">6</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</b></td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Whole Foods</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">15</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">5</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;">N</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Y</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</b></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0.6rem 1rem 0.6rem 0px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">4</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 2.3rem;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #339966;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">WINNER: GARDEN OF LIFE!! </strong></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #339966;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">RUNNER UP: PHOOD!!</strong></span></div>
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Before I get into a more in depth breakdown of each powder… you really can’t go wrong with any of the above, it’s just a matter of preference and your particular dietary needs. I suggest bringing the chart to you doctor or dietician and asking them which one is best suited for you!</div>
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I think <span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #339966;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Garden of Life</b></span> vanilla and chocolate flavor tastes great, and with added BCAAS, probiotics, digestive enzymes and a plethora of vitamins, it is definitely one of my favorites. Garden of life is the same brand that makes the RAW plant based protein powders and supplements, but this nutritional all-in-one protein shake has nearly everything that I am looking for. The fiber is low and there aren’t any added omegas, but that’s a small price to pay for the nutrient dense powder. And with only 100 calories, why not have two scoops and boost your protein intake to 30 grams after a great workout?! ($20 for 10 servings)</div>
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What confuses me about <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Orgain</b> is that it contains 5 grams of sugar alcohols. It doesn’t have any probiotics, digestive enzymes or amino acids and I’m not particularly fond of the 24 grams of carbs. The positives is that Orgain is high in fiber and protein and has the added vitamins and minerals. While the brand does not particularly advertise that it delivers omega 3s, I have taken the liberty to assume that the added chia and hemp seeds on the ingredient list have contributed to these levels. I have only tasted Orgain plant based protein powder and thought it was tasty (3), I have not tried the meal replacement protein shake yet. ($40 for 16 servings)</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Phood</b> is actually a sister brand to Plant Fusion. It is considered a meal replacement and is more in line with what I am looking for in my powder. Phood covers all of the essential vitamins and minerals, has a great energy matrix made from oats, amaranth, quinoa and chia, contains digestive enzymes and probiotics. And best of all, is the only powder on the list that boasts omega 3, 6 and 9! Really the only drawback for me is the lack of BCAAS. I’m okay with the increased calories and carbohydrates because of the great nutritional profile of the powder. ($44 for 20 servings)</div>
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I included <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Plant Fusion </b>even though it’s not necessarily considered a nutritional shake because it is primarily used at Earthbar… and it just so happens I get a shake or juice there most mornings. Plant fusion chocolate tastes great, but the vanilla isn’t necessarily my favorite. I love the BCAAs and the digestive enzymes, but the lack of vitamins and probiotics takes this protein powder off my fav list. I’m also a little perplexed why there is no fiber information listed on the container. ($32 for 30 servings)</div>
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I hate to talk badly about it, because it has everything I want besides the omegas, but <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Puregreen</b>kinnnnnnd of tastes like fish food and stevia, or at least the vanilla did. It was great in a shake with spinach and berries, but I do not suggest this powder if you plan on just shaking it with almond milk and calling it a day. I also would have liked to see a bit more fiber. Taste aside, I would purchase it again just based on the fact that it has the probiotics, BCAAs, 20 grams of protein, vitamins and digestive enzymes. ($32 for 15 servings)</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vega One</b> is by far the most popular and the most expensive, and for good reason. It is arguably the most nutrient dense – with 50% of your daily vitamin and mineral intake AND 6 servings of greens in just one scoop. It also comes in 6 flavors and counting. My favorites are coconut almond and french vanilla, but the chocolate and vanilla chai also taste great. Besides the astronomical price tag, the drawback for Vega is the lack of BCAAS and digestive enzymes. ($55 for 20 servings)</div>
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Considering Vega One has monopolized the search engine with it’s popularity… you’ll have a hard time ordering <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vegan 1</b> online unless you type in the manufacturer, Nutrition 53. Vegan 1 has the vitamins, probiotics, digestive enzymes, high fiber and 20 grams of protein… but it’s missing the omegas and the BCAAS. I’m also not too fond of the 6 grams of sugar per serving. ($32 for 15 servings)<br />
I tossed the packet of <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Whole Foods Market</strong> brand, after enjoying the delightful vanilla flavor… only to come to find out that they illusively don’t list the majority of the information online. Since I go to whole foods once (sometimes twice) a day… I’ll just update the post tomorrow. But I’m rather put off that they couldn’t include at least the calorie/sugar/carb/fat content on the page dedicated to it. My HUGE drawback with the whole foods powder is that contains SOY, something that I personally try to avoid in all circumstances. This is perhaps why it does also does not tote the USDA seal for organic yet. (Whole Foods is really striking out with me lately – they’re still using canola oil in many of their salad bar and window foods! <a href="http://empoweredsustenance.com/canola-oil-excuses/" style="-webkit-transition: none; border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #bb0000; text-decoration: none; transition: none;">Canola oil=devil</a>) The vanilla caramel flavor is delicious and I’m happy with the added nutrients, but I will not purchase this product again until it is certified organic and soy free.</div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-61870571529582526432015-03-22T22:51:00.003-07:002015-03-22T23:01:17.082-07:00A Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After every trip, no matter the magnitude, my custom is to feverishly scribble down the details of my adventure on the flight home. I desperately try to recount the sights, the sounds, the tastes of whatever wonderful corner of the earth I have just left. But with Cambodia? Well, it has just been different. </div>
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I am having difficulty digesting and articulating my time in Cambodia. On the one hand there is Angkor Wat, which is absolutely mesmerizing in every sense of the word. There are the floating villages, the coconut soups, the vast jungle and the pristine beaches. On the other hand there is a dark and dirty side of corruption that leaves me squeamish and uncomfortable. Yet at the end of the day, Cambodia is a place I feel truly grateful for having visited... and one I strongly recommend you move up on your bucket list. The history of Cambodia is peculiar, the people resilient and the landscape breathtaking... put it all together and you've got a destination worth shaking the piggy bank for.</div>
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For most, Cambodia is a stop on a southeast Asia tour for one reason, and one reason alone: Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. So let's start there, shall we?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Can you even believe I took this photo on an iphone 5? </td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Siem Reap: An Overview </b></div>
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Angkor Wat was virtually undiscovered for centuries, so as you can imagine, when one unearths the LARGEST RELIGIOUS MONUMENT IN THE WORLD, it turns into quite the spectacle. <b>Siem Reap </b>is a tourist city, built for the tourists by the tourists. If you are looking to experience Khmer culture, you are going to be sorely disappointed. But, if you go into the experience knowing that the hotels and food are painfully Americanized, the souvenir pushing is overwhelming and the hoards of tourists are downright obnoxious, well then you'll be in the right frame of mind ....to have your MIND BLOWN by Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. No really, that's why the city is so devoid of culture, it only exists to accommodate the never-ending busloads of heathens (uh, tourists) that get dropped off daily. </div>
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But worry not. I'm going to share with you how to do Siem Reap right... and how to sneak in a bit of real cambodian culture along the way too. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus who wouldn't want to a visit a place crawling with monkeys? </td></tr>
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<b>Where to Stay:</b></div>
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Coming from the airport, you will run into hotel row, with a dozen or so of similar priced accommodations. We stayed at the <b><a href="http://www.angkormiracle.com/">Angkor Miracle</a></b>. It was clean and spacious with a gorgeous lobby and pool. My only complaint is that we were there for Christmas and they forced every guest to purchase a $100 ticket to the <i>mandatory</i> Christmas Gala Dinner and Show. The spread of food was the most impressive I have ever seen, but I loathe the idea of being obliged to attend. And I am exceptionally sore that I consciously missed Christmas by going to Asia... only for it to be shoved down my throat at this hotel. Unfortunately, all of the surrounding hotels had enormous Christmas displays as well, so I imagine they practice similar exploitative holiday cheer. </div>
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<b>What to Do:</b></div>
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First things first, hire a tour guide for two days with a car. You will need help navigating between temples and you really want to maximize your time here. We went with <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297390-d1807045-Reviews-David_Angkor_Guide_Private_Tours-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html">David </a>because he was recommended... and he has his own trip advisor page with excellent reviews. Take his suggestion for buying the 3 day park-hopper (ok it's not really called that) pass (even though nearly all of the proceeds from the sale are stolen by the Chinese government). </div>
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Start with the crown jewel and head straight for <b>Angkor Wat</b>! At one point during your stay, you have to come here for <b>sunrise</b>, it's a must! You will also want to spend ample time exploring <b>Ta Prohm Temple </b>(the one from Tomb Raider), <b>Bayon </b>and <b>Angkor Thom</b>. There are dozens of other notable temples sprinkled throughout the area, but these three left the biggest impression on me. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta Phrom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bayan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angkor Thom</td></tr>
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Make sure to reserve a day to venture to a<b> floating village</b>. We went to <b>Chong Kneas,</b> which was an hour and change drive through the scenic countryside. The drive was wonderful in it's own right. It provided a real glimpse of Cambodian life outside of the tourist industry. Now, when we visited Chong Kneas it was Christmas Day... and there were very few other tourists. Everything I had read warned me that we would be over-run by the busloads, but we were fortunate to have found a sweet spot in the calendar. If I return, I will visit the (supposedly) more authentic and less touristy <b>Kompong Khleang</b> floating village, but I was overjoyed with my experience at <b>Chong Kneas</b>. I'll never forget puttering by children dancing inside of a floating school house. The locals were friendly but kept to their own. For them, it was just another day of preparing fresh fish for their family or tidying up their floating home. </div>
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Take a tuktuk into downtown... and admire the backpacker's paradise that is <b>pub street.</b> Sip an ice cold Angkor beer while you abandon all sanitation and let fish bite the dead skin from your tired feet. Graze the street food and stock up on cheap souvenirs.. and perhaps even score a pair of elephant pants for yourself. In the <b>Old Market, </b>head to street 9 for relief from the tourists. Here you can find a few locals to share a more culturally appealing cuisine with. </div>
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We didn't have time, but there's a company called <a href="http://www.beyonduniqueescapes.com/">Beyond Unique Escapes </a>that offers 'a day in the life' tours where you can experience a full day with a Cambodian family, helping them weave baskets, tend the garden, prepare meals and perhaps even drive an ox cart. </div>
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<b>Food</b></div>
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Alright, now I know that I previously said all of the food is Americanized... but with a bit of hunting you can find a great traditional dish. I recommend coaxing your tour guide to take you to where he eats lunch... not where he gets a kickback to bring you. I was exhausted, sweltering and cramped... but I had one of the best meals of my life in Cambodia from a little place David took us to. The dish was called <b>amok</b>, and it was heaven served inside a coconut. It is basically flaky white fish, coconut milk and curry spices. I also thoroughly enjoyed the<b> khmer red curry</b>, which is nearly overpowering with fresh and delicious lemongrass. Don't forget to wash down every meal (and then some) with a <b>fresh coconut.</b> Cambodia is also home to some of the world's most delectable fruits. Every time that you see <b>jackfruit</b>, buy it. I can't even comprehend how a fruit tastes this euphoric. Also make sure to get your dare-devil fill of street food. Specialities include, but are not limited to: spiders, snakes, scorpions and squids. :)</div>
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<b>What you'll need to know:</b></div>
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-The dollar isn't just king here, it has absolute power. No need to change over any money. </div>
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-The air is hot and sticky.. just about all of the time, but especially October through March. The good news is that hotel prices and volume of tourists drops during these months if you don't mind feeling like you are living out a nightmare that you are trapped in a sauna. </div>
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-You will need to have your shoulders and legs covered while visiting the temples. </div>
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-Stay hydrated... but not with tap water. </div>
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-Be mindful of corrupt police, especially outside of Siem Reap's main tourist attractions.</div>
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-Do not wander off the path/road ANYWHERE. You will notice many handicapped people on your trip... they are victims to the still active landmines that liter the country. </div>
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<b>In conclusion.</b></div>
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Don't forget to put your camera down, gather your thoughts and take it all in. The sheer vastness and complexity of these temples can be overwhelming when you consider the context of how and when they were built. It is humbling, to say the least. And as for all the tourists... sure they can be pushy and rude and you might toy with the idea of popping their bus tires... but at the end of the day, they are here for the same reason as you. Don't be afraid to extend an Angkor beer on pub street or share a tuktuk ride home with a new friend.<br />
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I still haven't completely grasped my journey across the world, but I know that I am a better.. and more complete, person as a result of it. It's moments like hearing the stories of corruption in a long car ride to a village floating in poverty that can make us feel a little more grateful for our origins. Don't lose sight of your new found humbleness when you return home with your souvenirs. Tourism can do ugly things to a sacred place... but it also has the ability to inspire lasting change if you're willing to look past the postcards. </div>
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"We travel not to escape life, but for life to not escape us."</div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-63600533473561931892015-03-17T16:57:00.000-07:002015-03-22T23:30:04.910-07:00Maximize the benefits of your 3 day Juice Cleanse!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I<i> am not a dietician. Anyone who is considering a juice cleanse should consult with their doctor. </i></div>
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What started as a fad diet for celebrities has turned into a nationwide phenomenon, with juice bars sprouting up like wildflowers and home juicers flying off the shelves. And while juicing can promise wonderful health benefits and can jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, it is not for everyone and can even be <b><i>dangerous </i></b>if executed incorrectly. </div>
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So before you purge your house of solid foods and start choking down green juice, let's discern between who would benefit from a cleanse and who wouldn't. </div>
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<b>You should refrain from a juice cleanse if: </b></div>
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-you are diabetic</div>
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-you have kidney disease</div>
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-you are extremely active</div>
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-you are on any heavy medications</div>
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-you are under 18</div>
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-you are underweight</div>
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-you're not willing to give up caffeine and/or alcohol for the 3-5 days of the cleanse</div>
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Even if you make my 'do not juice' list, don't fret. I am simply discouraging you from doing a 3-5 day only juice diet. I strongly believe that adding juices into your diet is a wonderful way to receive an abundance of essential vitamins for optimal health. No need to tear up your punch card to Pressed Juicery, I promise! </div>
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For everyone else, let's break down the pros and cons of juicing to see if it is a right fit for you. (and so we're clear about what we're getting ourselves into):<br />
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<b>Juicing Benefits:</b></div>
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-Gain a fresh perspective on your eating habits</div>
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-Cleanses body of toxins and excess sodium</div>
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-Helps jumpstart a healthy eating regimen </div>
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-Can reduce bloating</div>
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-Lose water weight to look instantly slimmer</div>
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-Delivers an abundance of vegetables and nutrients </div>
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-Sense of power and accomplishment</div>
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<b>Juicing Cons:</b></div>
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-muscle loss</div>
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-slows metabolism</div>
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-expensive</div>
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-low fiber intake</div>
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-juicers are a pain to clean</div>
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-possible side effects while juicing can include fogginess, constipation, irritability, fatigue and headaches </div>
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Juicing is not the only way to lose weight fast, nor is it the only detox program that works.. but if you're still intrigued, keep reading! I'll help set you up with a proper plan of execution that will help ensure your cleanse is painless<b><i> and </i></b>effective. You see, the 3-5 days of juicing is only a fraction of the detox. To reap the most benefits, you will need to properly prepare a week in advance. Following the cleanse, it's essential to ease yourself back into solid foods and to implement the new healthy strategies you learned from your cleanse!</div>
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<b>Planning your Juice Cleanse</b></div>
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1. Chose a weekend that you can dedicate to resting and juicing. If you are doing a 5 day cleanse, you should be energized and ready to resume normal activities by day 4. </div>
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2. Invest in a high quality juicer (I use Breville) or chose a cold-pressed organic juicery near your home. Start incorporating 1-2 juices into your diet everyday for a week leading up to your cleanse. </div>
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3. Five days before your cleanse, cut out all processed foods, begin to limit alcohol and caffeine to no more than 1 cup or glass per day. Start taking a daily fiber pill and a daily probiotic pill.</div>
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4. Two days before your cleanse, eliminate dairy, gluten, alcohol and coffee from your diet. You may still have a cup of green tea. Up your intake of healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, coconut and olive oil. (Try this <a href="http://chelseagilson.blogspot.com/2015/02/avocado-egg-bake.html">avocado egg bake</a> or <a href="http://chelseagilson.blogspot.com/2014/01/sweet-potato-crunch-healthy-casserole.html">sweet potato crunch</a> recipe!)</div>
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5. One day before your cleanse, have a breakfast of yogurt and fruit or egg whites and vegetables. For lunch eat a salad with chicken or salmon, avocado and olive oil for dressing. Have a juice for your snack. For dinner, eat a homemade low sodium soup. (try my cleansing <a href="http://chelseagilson.blogspot.com/2014/11/get-skinny-cleansing-crockpot-soup.html">skinny soup</a> for an extra slim down or my recipe for <a href="http://chelseagilson.blogspot.com/2013/11/healthy-pumpkin-soup.html">healthy pumpkin soup</a>)</div>
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<b>The Cleanse</b></div>
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Drink 5-6 juices per day, intermittent with cups of lemon water. Make sure to switch up your juices for maximum benefits. (My favorite website for juicing recipes and tips is <a href="http://juicerecipes.com/">JuiceRecipes.com</a>!) *Tip: properly clean your juicer after each use. To save time, I like to make a few mason jars worth of juice at once. </div>
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If you are experiencing unbearable side effects, you may add 1/2 avocado and 1/2 baked sweet potato each day. If you still feel terrible, try replacing one juice with almond milk. </div>
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I personally think 3 days of juice cleansing is wonderful for first timers. If you are more experienced with juicing and already maintain a minimally processed diet, than 5-7 days might be preferable. I do not recommend exceeding 7 days on any cleanse. </div>
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<b>The Aftermath</b></div>
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1. Hooray!! How amazing do you feel?! Great! Now let's keep this going! The day after your cleanse you are going to have yogurt and fruit for breakfast or egg whites and cooked vegetables. Have a juice for a snack and low sodium soup for lunch. Dinner should be 4 ounces of protein and 2 cups of cooked vegetables. </div>
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2. Days 2-5 after the cleanse: Eat clean and ease foods back into your diet with caution. One day try dairy and see how it effects you, then gluten, then caffeine.</div>
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3. Day 5+... never add back in processed foods! You don't need them! Day 5 is one of reflection. Congratulate yourself on your mini journey and assess what you learned. Consciously make a pact with yourself to watch excess sodium and sugars, to incorporate more whole foods and vegetables into your diet and to monitor your relationship with food.</div>
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<b>Bloopers:</b> Check out my trials and tribulations from Day 1 of my first juice cleanse ever: <a href="http://chelseagilson.blogspot.com/2012/06/juice-diet-detox-day-one.html">Juicing Tips: Day 1!</a></div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-38776032961481531102015-03-11T00:09:00.004-07:002015-03-11T17:48:41.455-07:00A Bachelorette Party Weekend in Cabo - The Itinerary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; font-size: large; text-align: left;">A play by play of the perfect* bachelorette party Weekend in Cabo San Lucas!</span></div>
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<b><i>*Disclaimer: My definition of perfect might be slightly different than yours. Please take itinerary with a grain (or two) of salt... and a lime wedge. (see what I did there).</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 1</span></b><br />
<b>12:00 PM.</b> Hooray! you've hit <a href="http://theofficeonthebeach.com/">The Office </a>at the right time and it's two for one margaritas! Slurp them down with guacamole and arguably the world's best shrimp tacos.<br />
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<b>12:15 PM. </b>Holy F-ing Shit. It's 2 for one margs at The Office and now you've lost all control over your limbs. Keep sunglasses on until further notice.<br />
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<b>1:00 PM. </b>While you're demobilized in your chair, expect a visit from the <i>Mexican Rambo</i>. Don't try to resist his tequila shots. DO pull away if he tries to steal a kiss. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note to self. Refrain from making kissy face when Mexican Rambo does steal kiss.</td></tr>
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<b>3:00 PM. </b>Fight your way past the frat kids to a courtside table at <a href="http://www.mangodeckcabo.com/">Mango Deck</a>. Resume the mass consumption of tequila. <br />
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<b>3:30 PM. </b> Convince bride to go on stage for a competition. Acknowledge that there's no prize besides public humiliation. Remove bathing suit top at lightening speed to help her win arbitrary, prize-less contest. Video tape everything for future blackmail purposes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>*All discriminating photos can be procured for the right price, please private message me for details</i></td></tr>
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<b>4:30 PM.</b> Convince your bravest friend that it's a great idea to enter the <b>wet tshirt contest </b>despite that the announcer's sister is inappropriately fondling her jugs (yes I said jugs, but god damn it that's what they looked like... just ask @pepelicious1 on instagram if you don't believe me) on stage next to said friend. Console friend with tequila shots when she comes in 2nd place. Video tape everything for future blackmail purposes.<br />
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<b>6:30 PM. </b>Find way home to hotel. Consider showering. Spray oneself with perfume instead.<br />
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<b>9:00 PM.</b> Dinner at <a href="http://www.haciendacaboresort.com/cabo-san-lucas-restaurants.aspx">Hacienda</a>. Order the churros. Experience bliss.<br />
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<b>11:00 PM. </b>The time has come to sell one's soul to <b>Squid Row</b>. Pimp out bridal party to the bachelor party that has the best table location at <b>Mandala</b>. Force bride to complete an impossible checklist of embarrassing dares. Be absolutely shocked when she actually makes her way through the list. Celebrate appropriately. Do notice that the strobe lights are controlled by middle aged men dressed in black and holding laser pointers. Don't question the music playlist.<br />
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<b>4:00 AM-ish</b>. Dance out of club and into a cab. Post inappropriate things on social media. Order room service, but fall asleep before it gets there.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 2</span></b><br />
<b>1:00 PM.</b> Delete inappropriate things on social media. Apologize for previous night's actions and vow never to step foot into the sin-laden Mandala ever again. Call for same exact room service order as night before. Confuse management at checkout with duplicate order to get previous night's removed from bill.<br />
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<b>2:00 PM.</b> Take cab to the<b> Marina</b>. Curse friends as they endorse animal cruelty and pay for photos with heavily sedated and badly abused baby lion cub. Hide jealousy that they got to cuddle with said baby cub. Join "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-Lion-Tiger-Cub-Exploitation-in-Mexico/375092319184299">Stop Lion & Tiger abuse in Mexico</a>" facebook group while waiting for exploitative friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> THE OWNER OF THE BLOG DOES NOT ENDORSE THIS PHOTO. </td></tr>
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<b>2:30 PM. </b>Buy 10 margaritas for 10 dollars because you can. Disperse amongst friends and take on boat cruise to <b>Lovers Beach.</b> Take selfies in lifejackets with arch behind you. Mimic sea lion noises to get a rise out of the 2 dozen lazy lumps lounging on jutting rocks. Finish margaritas. Put on sunglasses until further notice.<br />
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<b>4:00 PM. </b>Go back to <b>The Office </b>because you have never been one to learn your lesson. Repeat same mistake as day one.<br />
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<b>6:00 PM. </b>Wander down beach screaming over one another about last night's debauchery. Draw unwanted attention from bachelor party. Encourage attention once you find out they have cases of Moet and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Abandon all common sense and follow bachelors into their lair. Pop champagne.<br />
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<b>9:00 PM.</b> Convince said bachelors they need to treat you to dinner at <a href="http://www.edithscabo.com/">Ediths</a>. Gorge yourself on some of the best food you have ever eaten. Do participate in the group tequila shot with the entire restaurant. Don't question how many times your gallon margarita glass has been replenished.<br />
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<b>11:00 PM</b>. Dance into club and situate oneself comfortably at new friends' table. Choke on champs as you come to the horrific realization that you broke your vow... you've found yourself back at Mandala. Make the noble decision to just embrace it. Accept that your friend has just fallen asleep against your legs. Reduce dance moves to only upper body as to not disrupt slumbering friend. Cheer on bride as she makes the most pitiful attempt you've ever seen at a champagne shower. <br />
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<b>4:00 AM. </b> Repeat previous nights room service and social media mistakes.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 3</span></b><br />
<b>12:00 PM. </b> Decide what's done is done and leave social media scandals. Put on bathing suit and crawl to pool.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because you didn't really go on vacation unless you post a picture of your legs and the pool</td></tr>
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<b>3:00 PM.</b> Come to. Thank friends for loving you despite your deplorable actions over the weekend. Accept their faults as well. Fly home in silent reflection (dead asleep and drooling).<br />
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<b>11:00 PM ...in Los Angeles. </b> Get this weird urge to dance. Was it? No.. it couldn't have been... but it is. For a fleeting moment, you almost.. kind of.. miss Mandala. Shake off feeling. Call bride to curse her for not choosing a spa getaway in Palm Springs instead of Cabo. <br />
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<b>12:00 PM. </b> Can't sleep. <br />
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<b>12:01 PM.</b> ....start planning your own bachelorette party to Cabo.<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-12241744706499054032015-02-28T14:22:00.002-08:002015-02-28T14:37:05.079-08:00Visiting Halong Bay, Vietnam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you're in the business of bucketlist check offs then a trip to Vietnam would be insufficient without a junk boat cruise through Halong Bay. Sanctioned by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the over 1600 limestone islands jutting up from crystal waters are a preserved homage to mother nature. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Booking</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.indochina-junk.com/">Indochina junk boats</a> will have all you need to know and more. Book a private charter boat (4-10 people) or the 24 suite luxury Dragon Legend (more info below). I know it seems like a whole lot of travel time just for one night at Halong Bay, but believe me, one night is plenty. Make sure you prebook your boat in advance, as they can fill up quickly.<br />
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<b>Getting There.</b></div>
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Before we get ahead of ourselves. Halong Bay is most easily accessed from Hanoi. BUT, that does not mean Hanoi is just a transit city. (Read my post on why it is imperative for your traveller's soul to spend ample time exploring Hanoi <a href="http://chelseagilson.blogspot.com/2015/02/visiting-hanoi-vietnam.html">HERE.</a>)<br />
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Moving on. You will have booked your junk boat stay ahead of time, which will include roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Hanoi and/or the airport. The 2.5 hour car ride affords you a gritty glimpse into the reality of Vietnamese life. Keep your cameras ready as you roll through the rice paddies and villages, where you'll see locals gathering rice or herding livestock. If you're anything like me, you will marvel at the skinny houses built on stilts, the simplicity of life, and the sheer beauty of the countryside. The van transporting you will stop twice at two Vietnamese tourist hells. Shop at your own risk, as prices are heavily marked up, even in American standards. I do suggest trying one of the bizarre pringles flavors like salty seaweed or fried chicken. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">Arriving</span></b><br />
The welcome center: you will be herded like the countryside cattle you just saw into the appropriate holding room associated with your junk boat. You may need to pay the remainder of your balance, at which point you'll find out that they charge an additional 5% for credit card use and the nearest ATM is a 20 minute cab ride in the direction you just came from. While you curse the credit transaction and your significant other bugs you for money so she can buy an "I slept on a junk boat" tshirt, you will second guess your decision to go on this overpriced tourist spectacle. I hear ya. </div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #20124d;">The Boat. </span></b></div>
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These junk boats are not all created equal. At all. Not even close. The only two viable options if you want to be comfortable and/or not sink into the abyss:</div>
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1. book a <b>private small junk boat</b> for you and your group (4-10 people max for most of these boats). With this option you can bypass the popular tourist stops. You will also have the delight of the captain cooking you traditional mouth-watering Vietnamese dishes, as opposed to the poorly executed 'American' dishes you will eat on the larger and more commercialized boats (think: cold 'french fries' with fish sauce). This more intimate option is only good for groups who really enjoy one another's company, as these boats are quite compact. </div>
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2. If you're looking for more of a structured trip - then the only other option is the Indochina Junk Boat called <b>"Dragon Legend"</b>. If the name doesn't say it all then keep reading. Dragon Legend is the most expensive boat, and for good reason. This mahogany majesty has enormous guest rooms with gorgeous crown molding, intricate detailing and a soaking tub along a giant window. The boat feels clean and new, yet holds onto an old world charm. Picture the state room in the Titanic. It's nothing like that, but if you replaced Kate Winslet with a tour guide named Huang and you swapped all the victorian decorations with carvings of dragons and oriental bedspreads, well you'd be pretty damn close. Speaking of the host, he really loves to call his guests 'vip persons', which for some reason I found slightly amusing. The Dragon Legend is like a small cruise ship. Breakfast buffet, 10 course sit down lunch and dinner included (alcohol is separate). After dinner the host will sing to you. I'm not going to elaborate, but I encourage you to leave me a comment after you experience it. There are scheduled activities, like morning tai chi on the roof, kayaking at 2 and swim time at 4. You'll get a walking tour of an island cave, free kayak use and a tour guide who loves taking photos for you. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #20124d;">In Closing</span></b></div>
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Did I like the experience?<br />
- It was cold out, and therefore we couldn't swim or enjoy the sun deck and pool.<br />
-Single file lines, life vests and group photos make me cringe. <br />
-I discourage anyone from ever booking a massage aboard the Dragon Legend. <br />
-The food was great the first lunch and got progressively worse… and there was just so much of it …and so much wasted (or, gulp, reused). </div>
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Yet, I am really glad that I went. The bay is stunning.. and a once in a life time, can't open your eyes wide enough to take it all in, kind of experience. The boat was similarly spectacular, and I'll forever remember that delightful bubble bathe. I made some new friends, laughed heartily at dinner, enjoyed a glass of wine at sunset, and kayaked around a UNESCO world heritage site. Yes, it was most definitely worth it. </div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-86671279778652519432015-02-23T23:37:00.000-08:002015-02-24T10:58:13.694-08:00Why you need to spend a weekend in Hanoi, Vietnam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm lucky to be able to say that I am well traveled. I've navigated the narrow alleyways in Marrakech and floated through the islands of Greece. I've been paragliding in Colombia and scuba diving in Hawaii. And while I haven't seen it all, I feel relatively unfazed by culture shock. Yet here I found myself on the other side of the world, covering my head, saying a prayer, and screaming bloody murder while I made a run for it across the bustling streets and I was... well, <i><b>shocked.</b></i><br />
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Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, yet it is far more traditional than the larger, and more cosmopolitan, southern city of Ho Chi Minh. The run down and relaxed Hanoi is often overlooked by tourists as simply a transit to the rice paddies of Sapa or the gorgeous waters of Halong Bay. And while I'm sure Sapa is great and Halong Bay is stunning, Hanoi's got it's own splendor if you give it a chance.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Hanoi, Vietnam </b></span></div>
Hanoi is magical in a way that only a true nomad can appreciate. The sights, the smells, the food, the absolute chaos, the tranquility... it's all at once miserably overwhelming and perfectly beautiful. I fell in love with the people and their quickness to laughter. I was enthralled by the history and religion. And the food? Nothing will ever compare. Hanoi was a city I wanted to return to before I had even left.<br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;">Where to Stay</span></i></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I recommend staying at the <a href="http://www.hanoielegancehotel.com/">Hanoi Elegance</a> in the old quarter. It is a chain of boutique hotels that offer impeccable service and accommodations for an affordable rate. Great locations, wonderful staff and an impressive complimentary breakfast spread had me hooked. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">For a five star hotel experience I recommend the </span><a href="http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1555-sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi/index.shtml">Sofitel</a> in the French quarter<span style="background-color: white;">. You will not feel any Vietnamese culture here, but you will find this hotel to be a French colonial sanctuary. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">What to Do</span></i></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I recommend setting up a<b> local tour guide </b>(cost will be around $35/day) with the front desk when you arrive. Without one, you will not be able to cross the street and therefore stuck exploring only the block that your hotel is located on. No really, you need to be taught how to cross the street here. It's pandemonium. Picture 1 vespa with a family of five clutching on zipping through hundreds of other vespas carrying an equal load of people/random objects (saw someone on the freeway with a 8 foot rug on the back of her bike). </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Start at the <b>Ngoc Son Temple </b>to pay your respects to Confucius and lost loved ones. From here walk along the tranquil <b>Hoan Kiem Lake,</b> keeping your eyes peeled for rare turtle sitings. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Head to the <b>Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum</b> to descend into the frozen cellar where Ho Chi Minh's corpse spends 7 months out of the year (for 3 months he takes a vaca to Switzerland for preservation). This area is heavily patrolled with guards who enforce the no photography, no talking and no bare shoulders policies. From here you can stroll through his humble home and surrounding gardens. Having a local guide here is invaluable - you will get a much more raw story than what the pamphlet provides.</span><br />
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Off to the <b>Temple of Literature</b> to visit the nations first University and pay homage to, you guessed it, Confucius. Make sure to rub the turtle and bird statues for good luck.<br />
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Moving on to the <b>Military Museum. </b>For me, I wanted to be in and out of here as quickly as possible. My father and uncle were both in the Vietnam war... and I am all to aware of the lasting aftermath of agent orange and land mines on the current population. The place shows the dark reality of extreme torture in some areas and in others glorifies how well the U.S. were treated at the nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton". One room houses John McCain's uniform, which was kept after his plane was shot down and his imprisonment began.<br />
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Museums and temples, check. Now on to the pulse of Hanoi.<br />
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Spend your afternoon exploring the streets of the <b>Old Town</b>. In years passed, each street name denoted the artisans or handicrafts occupying that address. Now, the street signs don't exactly still line up, but you will start to notice some kind of organization amongst the chaos. You might be covering your face from the sparks of metal fabrication before taking a right down a street overflowing with every imaginable paper mache replica meant as offerings for the deceased. Another street might be home to electronics and another will be selling dogs, cats, and turtles. If you're not on the brink of an anxiety attack, then make your way into the <b>Dong Xuan Market </b>- where $20 could buy you enough food for a month, 3 pairs of shoes, and a knock off watch.<br />
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To decompress, head to the <b>French Quarter </b>for old warm charm and - thank Buddah - wider streets that are easily navigated. The French Quarter is home to elegant hotels, 5 star restaurants and the grand <b>Opera House.</b><br />
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Still riddled with shock from Old Town? I can't promise a <b>Thai Massage </b>will necessarily relax you, but it will clear your mind. You will see massage parlors sprinkled throughout the city. Take your shoes off and indulge in a mini spa day for less than your typical starbucks order costs.<br />
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Once you've regained some sense of self, you're ready for the pubs in Old Town. Grab an ice cold beer and park on a minuscule plastic bench with the locals.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">What to Eat!!!</span></i></b><br />
You're going to need to keep your tour guide around or employ a new one to help you navigate the <b>street food utopia </b>you've found yourself in<b>.</b> But basically, you should fast for at least a month before your trip to Vietnam so you can absolutely gorge yourself when you arrive. <br />
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There are a few rules. The best places are the ones with the lines. These narrow garage door storefronts will generally serve 1 or 2 dishes, and that's it. But that's all they need. Some of the soups have been using the same broth for years (one even for 100 years!). The chefs just keep adding to it each day. Also noteworthy to mention that the chef is often an elderly woman, working tirelessly, 7 days a week.<br />
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1. First things first. You'll have to try one of Hanoi's many coffee variations. <b>Cafe sua da</b> is made with condensed milk, and is the most popular version, but I prefer the coffee mixed with frozen yogurt. Yum. Picture below was take from the upstairs lounge of Cafe Giang.<br />
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2. Roll your own <b>spring rolls of heaven </b>(that can't be the Vietnamese pronunciation). You have never tried herbs before going to Vietnam. They are so incredibly fragrant and fresh - and just bursting with flavor. For these rolls, you place a piece of deep fried rice paper stuffed with fish or meat atop a large flat piece of fresh rice paper. Go crazy with the herbs, choosing a few - or all - of your favorites. Top with tangy fish sauce. Roll. Bite. Transcend to heaven. Wash it down with a hanoi beer, and do it all over again.<br />
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3. Rice noodles, or<b> bun,</b> is a staple here and you will find plenty of varieties from crab to deep fried spring roll bun<b>. </b> For me? I'll take those same fresh herbs from the spring rolls, simmered in aged broth with pork belly, ginger, garlic and spices. The one pictured below is mind blowing delicious. It's called Bun Bo Nam Bo (Address: 67 Hang Dieu)<br />
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4. <b>Pho.</b> Needs no explanation. Just be prepared to indulge with abandon.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sjYTWEV_bIc/VOwbuR_GbtI/AAAAAAAAJAU/CQX-FUU-sow/s640/blogger-image-1005742448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sjYTWEV_bIc/VOwbuR_GbtI/AAAAAAAAJAU/CQX-FUU-sow/s1600/blogger-image-1005742448.jpg" /></a>As so on and so forth. Truth is the food coma and language barrier kept me from getting a good grasp on the names and ingredients of everything I tried. What I do remember with vivid clarity is my taste buds exploding in pure bliss.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b><i>In Closing </i></b></span><br />
Hanoi isn't for everyone. It's easy to be caught off guard by the dirty and impoverished streets and the crumbling facades. Not to mention the misuse of police power can be downright frightening. But I don't know.. something about it.. it just did it for me. I left a bit of my heart in Hanoi with the easy to smile, beautiful people who inhabit it's whimsical streets.<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-57844393891139042262015-02-12T20:08:00.000-08:002015-02-22T23:16:08.914-08:00Pumpkin Peanut and Almond Butter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Today we are making: PUMPKIN NUT BUTTER</b><br />
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Why mixed nut butter? Because for me it's more satiating than peanut butter... and thus it lasts 3-4 days in my pantry, instead of 1. Also, each nut delivers it's own particular makeup of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.<br />
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Why pumpkin? Because it's delicious. Plus a can of low calorie, high fiber, NO fat pumpkin can help break up the calorie dense nut butter. (= less guilt about scraping the jar clean). <br />
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<i><b>What you will need:</b></i><br />
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<b>-1/2 cup of unsalted peanuts</b><br />
-<b>1 cup mixed nuts, roasted in sea salt </b><br />
<b> (</b>rich in fiber, magnesium and zinc!)<br />
<b>-1 can of pumpkin puree </b><br />
(low in calories, high in fiber, great for skin and eye sight)<br />
<b>-1tsp coconut oil</b><br />
(helps you burn more fat, medicinal properties)<br />
<b>-1 tsp chia seeds</b><br />
(loaded with antioxidants, fiber and protein. High in omega 3s!)<br />
<b>-1 tsp flax seeds</b><br />
<b> (</b>high in fiber, b vitamins and omega 3s)<br />
<b>-1 tsp cinnamon </b><br />
(can lower the negative impact of ingestion a high fat meal)<br />
<b>-1/2 tsp nutmeg</b><br />
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<b>-5 drops of stevia, 1 stevia packet</b><br />
<b>-1 tsp of agave or honey (more to taste)</b><br />
<b>- sea salt to taste</b><br />
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<b><i>Now What:</i></b><br />
Put all ingredients in a high power food processor and puree for 5 minutes, stopping to scrape sides. Move contents to mason jar and enjoy!<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-55403190754681221502015-02-09T00:54:00.002-08:002015-02-09T23:29:44.764-08:00Avocado Egg Bake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Cut an avocado in half and remove the pit. Deepen the hole with a spoon and crack an egg into the middle. Optional: top with cotija cheese. </div>
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Bake in the oven for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with pepper and garlic. Serve with a side of salsa. Boom. </div>
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carb free, easy yet elegant and delicious. These avocado egg bakes deliver a healthy dose of protein, MUFAS, minerals and vitamins - making them the perfect diet friendly way to start your day!</div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-65520130346540792142015-02-09T00:11:00.003-08:002015-02-09T19:34:30.191-08:00A Weekend in Tokyo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="background-color: white;">WELCOME TO TOKYO!</b></div>
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Let's come to terms with one thing before we plan our Tokyo vacation, shall we? <b>Tokyo is not one of those cities that will ever feel conquerable.</b> In much the same way that you can't 'do NYC', Tokyo is just too expansive and too innovative to ever feel like you can really cross it off your bucket list just from a short trip. Bummer, I know, but at least now you can enjoy the land of sushi sans outrageous expectations. Moving on. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">WHERE TO STAY:</b></div>
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Where you stay will depend entirely on what type of traveler you are. Since traffic is absurd, cabs cost a fortune… and you could suffocate to death on the subway during rush hour… I suggest choosing a region of the city you prefer first and planning your lodging from there. <br />
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Playing it safe and opting for a gorgeous view and a short walk to the "Beverly Hills of Tokyo" I stayed at the <a href="http://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/eng/ginza-premier/"><b>Mitsui Garden Premier Hotel </b></a>in the <b>Ginza district.</b> It is affordable, the rooms are spacious for Asian standards, and the futuristic toilets heat your toosh (among other options that I'm too shy to delve into). The hotel begins on floor 16, affording every guest a spectacular view of the <br />
skyline from their room. The staff speaks a passable amount of English and they were patient and helpful throughout the stay. <br />
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My one major <b>complaint </b>is that the pillows are absolutely dreadful. Two are paper thin. The other two rocks hidden in a pillow case. I was devastated. But in hindsight, maybe it's just part of the cultural emersion. Perhaps the japanese prefer this sleep method of torture. And who am I to complain? It got me out of bed bright and early to explore the city. Nonetheless, sans the pillow incident, the Mitsui Garden Premier Hotel was the definition of affordable luxury and a place I would happily return to. </div>
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If you are able to drop the 'affordable' from affordable luxury then I'd opt for the <a href="http://tokyo.park.hyatt.com/hotel/home.html">Park Hyatt </a>or the <a href="http://www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo/?kw=mandarin-oriental-tokyo_e&htl=MOTYO&eng=Google_EN&src=PPC&gclid=Cj0KEQiA6dGmBRC_3Mi-x_XywKsBEiQA1lcFP1yOj6FyDHkja-rZ92lq0gMmmmXaFkAQ5MwwQNSO6G0aAiEJ8P8HAQ">Mandarin Oriental</a> - both are lavish with impeccable service. You'll recognize the Park Hyatt from the classic film "Lost in Translation". Even if you don't spend the $500/night to stay here it's worth stopping by their famed NY Bar for a drink with quite the impressive view. </div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">TOURIST MAP WITH METRO LINES</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">GETTING THERE:</b></div>
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The airport is at least an hour drive from the city center. The ride is an unpleasant stop and go through pretty heavy traffic. It will cost you $200+ if you take a taxi, a bit less (perhaps $150) if you book ahead through the hotel, and substantially less if you muster the courage to schlep your suitcase onto the painfully overcrowded metro. Sorry for the negativity, but I rather burst your bubble now than have you pout the whole drive into the city. I should also mention that cab drivers rarely speak English, so have your Tokyo map ready. </div>
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....ALRIGHT YAY! You survived the flight and the shuttle into the city! You've checked in and had your first butt warming on the toilet …and you have no idea how miserably uncomfortable the pillows are yet… you're in freaking Tokyo and going to have the best two days EVER! </div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>ITINERARY:</b> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><b>Day One: </b></i></span></div>
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<b>1. </b>Start your day off at the <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Sensoji Temple</b>, which is quite a bit north-east of the city. I cabbed to save time, but the metro is efficient and inexpensive. Explore the street food and shops outside of the temple doors. Make sure to stop at every single street cart serving sweet potatoes. There's no sweet potatoes actually being sold. It's a front. It must be some kind of drug cake, because it actually tastes like heaven. If you see anyone with an apple stuffed with whipped sweet potat interrogate them on the exact whereabouts of this shop. Nosh liberally on street food, but remember the Japanese don't eat and walk, and you shouldn't either. Enjoy your colorfully dipped chocolate banana in front of the place you purchased it. Choke down that last skewer and stroll through the temple grounds, making sure to take off your shoes before entering places of prayer.<br />
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Now, I know you are going to see <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the Skytree</b> in the distance and feel drawn to it like a bug to a light. Stuff another sweet potato in your mouth and keep moving. The Skytree is not worth the 30 dollars a person. It is a tourist trap and you can see the same view without the lines and headache from other areas in the city. </div>
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Leaving the Sensoji Temple will be your most ambitious migration across the city - as we're going to the second most famous temple from here. For that reason I suggest taking the metro to save the cab money.</div>
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<b>2.</b> Tour the peaceful<b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Meiji Shrine</span></b>, write out your prayers, buy some trinkets and head out.<br />
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<b>3.</b> On to <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Shibuya Crossing</b> to see the hectic moshpit of teenie bopper fashion strut the street. Go down to the trenches if you've got a go pro or take my route and head to the second story Starbucks to watch the world's busiest crosswalk from above.<br />
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<b>4</b>. From the Shibuya Station, hop the metro to <b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Roppongi</span> </b>for a picture with the L<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">ouise Bourgeois' </span>giant spider sculpture and a free city view from the 45th floor of the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office</b> <b>Building</b></span>. </div>
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<b>5</b>. Head back to your hotel to freshen up before dinner. My restaurant suggestion is go for authentic. The city feels like NY and you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by dining options. We ate on the 42nd floor of the <b>Shodome City Center </b>amongst Japanese businessmen sitting with their legs dangling below the sunken tables and shoes left at the door. The raw fish impeccable, the sauces divine, the experience riveting. Abide by the customs during dinner. Finish everything, never pass food with chopsticks or leave them sticking up from your bowl, don't pour soy sauce directly atop food, and don't tip! <br />
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<b>6. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Nightlife</span>: </b>Tokyo comes alive at night in the most mesmerizing of ways. I felt like I was walking through a video game of neon lights and overwhelming sounds and smells. For a ritzy night out with city views stick to Ginza or Roppongi. For dancing amongst the trendy youth, head to the Shibuya or Shinjuku district. You'll also find dozens of bars in these areas offering sake and a large variety of beers. <br />
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<i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>Day Two: </b></i><br />
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<b>1. </b>Shouldn't be hard getting out of bed since you just slept on rocks (or had a real Tokyo night out and haven't slept yet)! First things first - and this is NOT to be skipped - head to the<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> <b>Tsukiji Fish Market</b></span><b style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"> </b>via cab. If you're ambitious (and they are in a season that allows tourists) get there at 5 AM to purchase a ticket to see the massive tuna auction. If your stomach is week from too many sake-tinis and hite beers, just get there before 8:30 AM and you can still get an essence of the bustle. Wander the alleyways of street food and crafts after adequate gawking (and probably gagging) at the fish plopped all over the floor or hanging from motorbikes. Your breakfast will be one for the books - something to relish and enjoy thoroughly - a true sushi breakfast with the best cuts of fish for the most reasonable price you can imagine. The most renowned places are <b>Sushi Dai</b> and <b>Daiwa Sushi</b> but expect an hour + wait in line. If the fish stench is getting to you and you can't fathom wasting your morning waiting -- you'll find a number of on par sushi breakfast restaurants sprinkled in the halls surrounding the market. </div>
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<b>2. </b>Now, if it's warm weather you're going to head to see the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Cherry Blossoms</b></span> in <b style="background-color: white;">Ueno or Shinjuku Park</b>. . Not cherry blossom season? No problem, swing towards Ginza to explore the luxury shopping district. Marvel at the 10 story department stores or post up with a japanese green tea at one of the chic cafes. </div>
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<b>3. </b>For lunch, head to <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Tokyo Station</b> and make your way underground to<b style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Ramen Road</b>. Duck into one of the busier stalls, order from the kiosk, and enjoy some of the world's best ramen for an incredibly affordable price. The bowls of soft noodles, meats and exotic vegetables are going to be life-changing-scrumptious just to give you a heads up. After lunch, spend some time sifting through shops inside Tokyo Station and taking in your surroundings. This is the real deal tourist-free version of Tokyo and the perfect place to do wallet friendly shopping and eating while you soak up the urban culture of this bustling city. </div>
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<b>4.</b> Back to the hotel to refresh before heading to dinner. Again, you can't go wrong with a good locals recommendation in Tokyo - the food here is absolutely incredible. After dinner head to the Shinjuku district and take in the neon fantasy world you find yourself in. If you can handle it, purchase tickets to <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Robot Restaurant </b>for the most bizarre show of your entire life. The experience will definitely devastate your senses, so when you find yourself at your breaking point take a cab to <b>Park Hyatt </b>to grab a cocktail in their famed NY Bar. The drinks are great, the history rich and the music live… but you come for the view. Decompress with their signature bubbly while you try to make sense of the crazy upside world you just inhabited for the past two days. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Social Norms</b></div>
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It's important to note that Tokyokians are particular in their customs. This is a city where English is a rarity, but even more so is western tradition. Never point at someone, leave your chopsticks sticking up from the bowl, don't eat and walk, no cell phone calls on the sub way, no displays of public affection, don't speak loudly or aggressively. What you can do is disregard all personal space bubbles with leisure. <i><a href="http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/10-japanese-customs-you-must-know-before-a-trip-to-japan/">More on Japanese etiquette</a></i><br />
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<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Closing Remarks</b><br />
Tokyo is a whirlwind, an absolutely mind blowing experience straight out of a sci-fi movie in one neighborhood and a zen paradise in another. It is a place rich with history but eager with technology. Where American ideals are king but Japanese customs reign. It's a beautiful, wonderful, hectic city that can't be understood in just two days, or maybe ever. A place that changed me forever... that I yearned to return to before I had even left. Culture shock is an understatement, but call it what you will, Tokyo awakened a curiosity and wonderment in me that I have never felt before and never will forget.<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-33700198238268544522015-02-05T11:52:00.000-08:002015-02-06T19:01:23.686-08:00Lessons Learned from 1 Month Sober<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The day before my 27th birthday I suggested to my budweiser-before-noon, bottle-o'-wine-for-dinner, Vietnam vet dad that we try a month sober. Never imagining he would actually agree, I found myself near panic when we ended the call. Could I really survive 30 long, lonely wine-less nights? And even if I do make it, what's the point in torturing myself in such a horrific manner? <br />
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Now, it is not like I am some kind of beer slugger at a regulars' bar or a fiend who hides her vodka addiction. Simply put, I just itch for a glass of wine after a stressful day... and it just so happen <i>all </i>of my days are stressful. It is not an addiction, I just identify with the European notion that <b>life is not worth living without vino</b>.<i> or du vin. </i><br />
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Before you pass judgement, I feel obliged to tell you that I am generally regarded as collectively sober. My drinking is consistent, not heavy. I max out after two drinks. And not because I am drunk, or I have set sanctions on my habits... but just because I never care for more than two drinks. I don't like being drunk or feeling out of control. Now, that's not to say I don't overdose on eggnog every Christmas or get carried away with bottomless mimosas most Sundays... But even then, never to the point where I would be incoherent, or as my former college-self called it <b>'blackout'</b>. This might not seem like an accomplishment to you - but I am from Boston and now reside in West Hollywood. Two places where the vast majority of the population drinks until their eyes are blurred and their speech inaudible. With the company I keep, my drinking is far from deplorable... it is admirable! </div>
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Why then a month sober?<br />
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Because my <b>defensiveness is a tell-tale sign of a problem</b>. Because I <i>really</i> crave a glass of wine most days. Because I come from a long line of alcoholism. I haven't been sober for this long since high school, and I am ready to give my liver a much deserved break. I want to test myself... to make sure that my 2 glasses of wine every night is a choice, and not an addiction. But mostly, I want to go sober because I am curious. Who knows what kind of insight I'll learn from a month free of brain fog. Maybe I'll finish my second screenplay, clear up my skin and lose those hate handles. Plus, if all else fails, at least my bank account won't dwindle so fast for a month.<br />
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<i><b>Flashforward.</b></i><br />
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It was a long and cold November, but I did it. And it wasn't easy. <br />
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I was bored and awkward when I went out and annoyed and antsy at home. But I learned a few things. Some about myself.. and others about the world I inhabit. And since this blog is a compilation of the lessons I've learned from the trial and errors of life, I can't think of a more appropriate place to share my discoveries. <br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #0b5394; color: white; font-size: large;">Lessons Learned from 1 Month Sober </span></b></div>
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1. <b>Some of my friends... I only like when they're drunk</b>. There are some friends that are just going-out friends, and this month I realized that their label has validity. It's not that I don't enjoy their company... it's just that they might not be my cup of tea, over tea. I've found that there are quite a number of fringe 'friends I see at the bar' that I don't necessarily have anything in common with besides that we a.) inhabit the same drinking locale, b.) sing the lyrics to 90s rap and c.) we're on our second glass of Pinot Grigio. Bummer, but it makes wedding invite decisions to my non-existent wedding easier.<br />
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2. <b>The rest I only like sober.</b> Alright, this isn't exactly true. There's a dozen (handful) of friends I just love all the time. Absolutely adore, would do anything for - can't live without - type of friends. But jesus I never realized how aggressive/whiney/sad/loud/annoying/(you get it) everyone can get when they drink 5 too many. Odd how a bit of alcohol can really alter someone's personality, isn't it?</div>
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3. I can't get up as easily after a sober slumber. God this one was a shock. I thought I'd be rising with the roosters. Instead, all this REM sleep has me fast asleep past my alarm clock and feeling <b>groggy and sluggish when I roll out of bed</b>. I don't get it. I'm either getting TOO good of night's sleep or the wine was knocking me out so I could sleep through my boyfriend's grizzly bear snores. </div>
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4. <b>My skin is clear.</b> Let me type this one again - My skin! I keep getting complimented! It's clear...and almost radiant! But definitely more oily. Must be all the water and tea I'm hydrating myself with instead of the moisture-sucking vodka sodas.</div>
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5. I make<b> better food choices</b>. I've never been a drunk-muncher... but hangovers could leave me ravenous for buffalo chicken nachos. Now when I wake up, I crave a green juice. It's miraculous. And if I want to indulge - I can without guilt, considering everytime I decline a marg I save 1000 calories and 30 grams of sugar. It's like monopoly calories! </div>
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6. While we're talking calories, it's not really as fun to go out and get fat on rigatoni and cheesecake when you aren't drinking. And... well it's just not as fun in general to go to dinner sober. It's like a balloon is being deflated slowly when the waiter asks if I'd like to try their champagne sangria and I have to decline. The conversations don't seem to get as intense, the night doesn't feel as lively, my flirting is more forced, there's no reason to linger after dessert... <b>Dinners are faster</b>... and ...ugh, sorry to say it, <b>less enjoyable sober.</b><br />
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7. Sporting games? Why bother. Apparently it is unAmerican - and maybe even a bad omen against your team - to go to any sporting game and not drink alcohol. Which leads me to my next point. </div>
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8. <b>Even if you are comfortable with your sobriety...no one else is</b>. Other's push their drinks on you like alcohol is the anecdote to a flesh eating disease taking over the bar. Why aren't you drinking? Where's your drink? It's more than a pick up line, some people are honestly shocked that you have decided to go out - and not consume alcohol. I mean shocked. And the people who don't comment probably think you are just pathetically waiting around for some dude to offer you a drink. The worst. Or your friend that is actually offended you're not drinking on her birthday? I'm here aren't I??</div>
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9. Less excuses. Can't blame my lack of gym motivation on a hangover - or that I didn't wash my makeup off the night before on account of a champagne buzz. Or - more relevantly - that I procrastinated finishing an article because I drank too much Pinot. Just so turns out... <b>I'm just as lazy now as I was drinking.</b>.. now I just don't have a good excuse. </div>
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10. Speaking of relaxing. What is the f-ing point of getting blow outs and massages without champs? </div>
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11. Speaking of <b>bubbly</b> - should that even count for sobriety? I mean. Really. A life without champagne, why that seems like no life at all. </div>
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12. And why is the <b>music so loud</b>? And how come no one seems to mind? </div>
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13. why are girls such <b>dramatic bitches</b>?</div>
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14. did someone just pass gas? Did <i>everyone </i>just pass gas?<br />
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15. I get so mentally drained from social situations. <b>It is over stimulating to go out </b>to an event without drinking. Far from relaxed and lose, I feel more alert and on edge sober. The musics too loud, people are too sloppy, I can't keep a convo going, the clock ticks by slower, it's too hot, it's too cold, I'm too underdressed... the surroundings just feel amplified.<br />
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16. Try falling asleep on a plane without a glass of wine. Never been done before.</div>
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17. Some of my acquaintances actually <u>blackout</u> every single time they drink... and<b> their personalities really change.. for the worst</b>. Now I'm not pointing any fingers, I know that tequila gets me rowdy and red wine basically tranquillizes me... I'm simply stating an observation I made while I sipped on soda water pretending there is vodka in it so my friends stop screaming that I'm so lame for being sober. Sigh.<br />
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.....and the best lesson of all<br />
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18. After a month, I have sunk into sobriety... it doesn't feel so uncomfortable on my skin. I have broken a vicious cycle of wine-dependency, and learned to channel my stress relief in other directions. <b> I no longer crave a drink</b>... and I am proud of that. I have become infinitely closer to my dad, but also closer to myself. It's easy to drink away feelings or a problem - but <b>sobriety? It forces you to stand face to face with reality.</b> Which is frightening and invigorating all at the same time. I'll drink again, but I'm in no rush - and for that I am beyond grateful for my sober experiment. <br />
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<i>Try it out... and let me know what you learned. I dare you.</i></div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-29754005710972586582015-02-04T15:20:00.001-08:002015-02-09T23:31:15.178-08:00Coconut Peanut Butter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On the North shore of Oahu there are a few little shops that sell a big piece of heaven: North Shore Goodies coconut peanut butter. </div>
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Now, I will never be able to recreate their magic. Even if I could - it wouldn't taste the same to enjoy it on toast in West Hollywood. The North Shore Goodie's coconut peanut butter is an experience to enjoy with a spoon with your soulmate while you watch the sun set from Turtle Bay. </div>
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This peanut butter recipe won't give you that. But it comes as close as my food processor will take me. </div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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-a bag of unsalted peanuts </div>
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-1/2 cup coconut butter (or 3 cups shredded unsweetened coconut flakes)</div>
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-1 tsp coconut oil</div>
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-1 tsp honey</div>
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-1 tsp sea salt </div>
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-1/2 tsp cinnamon </div>
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(optional) -drop of liquid stevia or 1/2 packet stevia or 1 tsp agave </div>
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<b>Directions:</b></div>
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put in the food processor and pulse until you can't pulse anymore. Really, you'll be pulsing forEVER. But eventually the nuts will turn to a smooth creamy consistency.</div>
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If you don't have coconut butter then start with just the coconut flakes until they become a whipped butter. (you'll have to pulse for 5 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides)</div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-59821903981331757132015-02-03T23:34:00.001-08:002015-02-09T23:33:03.973-08:00Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UpY18jRIXd4/VNHKppaQUrI/AAAAAAAAI3w/ANdQXRiiQ3U/s640/blogger-image-1739007186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UpY18jRIXd4/VNHKppaQUrI/AAAAAAAAI3w/ANdQXRiiQ3U/s640/blogger-image-1739007186.jpg" /></a>An apple a day keeps your waist whittling away ...if you ask me. But for some reason you can't replace the crunch of your cape cod salt and vinegar chips with the crunch of a jazz apple. I get it. And I'm here to help.<br />
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<b>BAKED CINNAMON APPLE CHIPS</b></div>
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1. preheat oven to 250 degrees.</div>
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2. cut off the top and bottom of a red apple and discard. Slice apple into thin pieces using a knife or a mandoline. </div>
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3. Mix 2 tsp cinnamon with 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Dip both sides of the apple slices into the spice mix and lay evenly on greased cookie tray or parchment paper. Optional toppings: sugar, coconut oil, cranberries.</div>
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4. Bake for 1 hour or when the apple slices have begun to curl up on the sides. Use spatula to transfer chips to a cooling wrack. Let cool for 20 minutes or until crispy.<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-51273289077108242932015-01-26T22:25:00.003-08:002015-01-27T00:12:20.700-08:00 Detox Diet Bootcamp!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">TOTAL BODY TWO WEEK DETOX BOOTCAMP - Join me as I clean out my organs while rejuvenating my skin, hair and overall well being! </span></div>
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February, the month everyone officially cancels their shakeology plan and deflates (or rather inflates) with defeat.</div>
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But not for us my little tulips. This year, I have revolted against ye ol resolution and decided to adopt a one-day-at-a-time lifestyle of self improvement. Noble, perhaps, but it actually feels a bit more attainable than my normal 'lose my love handles by Jan 31 or become a nun' mantra.</div>
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So here it goes! This is your two week jumpstart diet! Read the chart, shed a tear for the lack of wine and chocolate, then scroll below for words of encouragement. </div>
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Feels daunting? It's two stinkin' weeks.. you can do it. And this is not a starvation plan - it's quite the opposite. These two weeks will be quick and painless and you'll be showering me with love letters once the weight starts sliding off. This plan is built to be affordable, easy and effective. If you are looking for a more gourmet approach to weight loss, please visit the food section of my blog for truffle infused recipes and splurge worthy tips! But remember, this plan is meant to be mostly monotonous ... in weeks three and four I will add nuts, yogurt more fruits, meats and grains (and yes chocolate and wine)... but these two weeks are a <b>bootcamp</b>. Clearly, we have all learned by now that no trail mix is safe in the house, and whoever denoted 1/4 cup as the serving size should be ostracized from society . I mean, I've been 'dieting' for years and I have never had just one serving of nuts.. lets get real. My two week plan will shrink your stomach, and keep you full of good heart-healthy nutrients that will detox your system, rev your metabolism and get you on the right track for healthy life-long maintenance of your ideal weight. Another founding component of this two week jumpstart is to nix our addiction to sugar and salt. For good.</div>
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<i>Disclaimer: Please check your caloric needs with a dietician or primary care doctor before starting any diet plan. It is also important to have your blood work checked for any vitamin deficiencies that may be holding you back from letting go of stubborn weight.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>PREPARATION: </u></span></b></div>
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1. buy all of the food you will need the day before you start the plan. Also please rid your cabinets of the foods you cannot resist when you're binge watching Orange is the New Black (ie: box of cheese itz, peanut butter m&ms, etc). You do not need to throw any of these foods away, I am 100% against wasting food. Just freeze if possible... or put them out of sight, out of mind. If you are on a budget, I suggest shopping at Trader Joe's to find the best prices for decent quality.</div>
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2. MAKE THE DETOX SOUP ONE AHEAD OF TIME: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C1bjIJ3u-k">Cleansing Soup How To Video</a> - scroll down to see full recipe and video. </div>
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<b>GROCERY LIST (WEEK 1)</b></div>
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<i>Fresh Produce</i></div>
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-4 bags of spinach</div>
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-4 apples</div>
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-4 oranges</div>
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-I bulb of fennel</div>
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-3 large sweet potato</div>
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-1 bag of lemons</div>
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-1 avocado</div>
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-2 bags of baby carrots</div>
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- 1 bag of celery</div>
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-2 bag of broccoli & cauliflower mix</div>
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-2 zucchini & summer squash</div>
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-1 garlic bulb </div>
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-1 bulb of ginger</div>
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-1 onion</div>
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<i>Dairy</i></div>
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-unsweetened almond milk </div>
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-carton of egg whites</div>
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<i>Frozen</i></div>
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-1 package of 2 frozen chicken breast</div>
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-4 bags frozen berries</div>
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<i>Other</i></div>
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-Vega protein (or another all natural, plant based protein in whichever flavor you prefer. No added sugar or artificial sweeteners, NO SOY) Other approved brands: Raw, Orgain, Plant Fusion, Trader Joe's Hemp protein</div>
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-Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar</div>
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-Organic Coconut Oil</div>
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-Teas (I like Yogi blueberry slim life or berry detox)</div>
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-2 cans low sodium tuna fish</div>
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-low sodium chicken or vegetable broth </div>
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-quinoa</div>
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<i>Optional:</i></div>
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<i>-cinnamon or nutmeg for smoothies, onion and mushrooms for scramble and/or soup, frozen butternut squash for soup... basically any stinkin veggie or herb you love, buy it</i></div>
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<b>RULES</b></div>
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1. <b>No alcohol for two weeks</b>. WHAT? I know, it sucks. As a wine-aholic who also is a sucker for a cucumber margarita... giving up alcohol for the past month has been brutal. But I'm still social! I just go out and order a soda water --- and you know what, sometimes I don't even realize I'm not drinking! If you absolutely have to have a drink on the weekend, make it a wine spritzer and add an extra day to the plan. Just remember, this is for you - don't make this plan into a sentence, you should feel energized by the courage you have to take control of your health. But truthfully the easiest way for this to work is to completely rid your body of toxins. Next week, we are switching to a red detox juice to cleanse your liver... and it's not going to be nearly as useful at doing so if you've got a sea of vodka sodas floating in there. </div>
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2. Take a <b>multivitamin</b> with zinc and iron and a fish oil supplement everyday. During this plan, I am also going to take milk thistle because I really want to give my liver a good cleanse. I will also take a digestive enzyme to ensure my body is extracting all the nutrients I need from the food. Please talk to your doctor about the appropriate supplements for your body. </div>
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3. <b>No coffee</b>. I know, another yikes. But unlimited tea! An over abundance of tea even! </div>
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4. Record your weight and your mood first thing in the morning and right before bed every day of the plan. </div>
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5. No exercise! I still want you to maintain your normal routine if it includes yoga, pilates, or other low impact aerobics. But this week, since the calories are restricted - let's take a break from the weights and spin classes. This doesn't mean melt onto your couch. Still walk your dog please.</div>
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6. Take your time and enjoy each bite of food.</div>
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7. Drink 6 water bottles a day. </div>
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8. Track your progress and share your excitement! It's not just about fitting into some damn skinny jeans that aren't even in style anymore anyways.. it's about being healthy and happy in your skin.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!</span></b>Wake up with a cup of hot water and slice of lemon to detox your body. Take this tea somewhere quiet in your house sit and think of your intentions for the day. Take 5 deep breaths and thank yourself for starting your morning on a positive note and relieve yourself from any guilt or stress. </div>
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Every morning for breakfast you are going to have the same smoothie, because it is satiating, nutrient packed and has low sugar. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">My recommended smoothie is the <b>GREEN DETOX SMOOTHIE:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">-2 heaps of spinach</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">-1 scoop vega (or other organic plant based protein powder. I use chocolate flavor)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">-1/2 cup frozen berries</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">-1/3 almond milk</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">-3 ice cubes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">-Optional add ins: chia seeds, stevia, 1/4 avocado, flax seeds, greek yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg</span></div>
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This smoothie will keep you full... but if you are like me, feeling full isn't the problem, you're just a bored eater who loves to continually munch. When you get that urge to chew - reach for your apple or orange to hold you over to lunch time. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">LUNCH TIME! </span></b></div>
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<b>Sunday/Monday:</b> Preheat oven to 350. Squeeze lemon juice, 1/2 tsp of coconut oil and fresh herbs (I like garlic, pepper, rosemary and thyme) onto 2 de-thawed chicken breasts. Cut 1 large sweet potato in half and wrap both pieces in tin foil. Place chicken and sweet potato in oven on a cooking sheet. Take chicken out after 15 minutes (there should be no pink in the middle when cut). Keep the sweet potato in for another 30 minutes, or until soft. Enjoy one chicken breast with half of a sweet potato for lunch on Sunday. The second breast and other half of the sweet potato should be placed in a glass tupperware to bring to work with you on Monday. If re-heating, put in the microwave for 3 minutes. </div>
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<b>Tuesday/Wednesday: </b>Easy as it sounds. Cook up 1 cup of quinoa and grill up whatever veggies you fancy with whichever spices you like in coconut oil. Divide between two glass Tupperware containers and you've got two more satiating lunches. </div>
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<b>Thursday/Friday: </b>Drain two cans of tuna and mix with one avocado, a squeeze of lemon, pepper, paprika, maybe a little mustard, a bit of chopped onion and chopped celery if you're feeling crazy... and if you are really feeling wild maybe shred some of those baby carrots. The possibilities are endless. Divide the salad into two glass tupperware containers and fill with spinach. </div>
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<b>Saturday: </b>1/2 tsp of coconut oil, whatever vegetables and herbs you like and half a container of egg whites and you've got yourself a pretty filling lunch!</div>
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Snacks Snacks Snacks. Carry around a bag of baby carrots, cut up cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, jicama, etc. Munch on these freely. I don't mind if you overdose on baby carrots - I really don't! But try to ask yourself why you're so inclined to eat them. You shouldn't be hungry after the smoothie, apple and lunch... is it just a habit? Is it stress? This is the real root to the problem and something that deserves attention. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">HONEY I'M HOME! WHAT'S FOR DINNER?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">There are a few great things about this soup. The first is that is is just so incredibly healthy and good for you it's a shame not to eat it. The second is that you make it in a crockpot and just add to it over the week -- but never really have to do any real work. The best thing is that you can have as much of this soup as you please.. and at any old hour of the day or night. The not so good news is that no one would ever mistake it for an entree at a Michelin star restaurant. I promise, if you get through this with me - next weeks soup is much tastier. </span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #0c343d;">FOR THE DETOX SOUP:</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-fennel (1/4 bulb) </b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Great for alleviating indigestion, flatulence, menstrual discomfort and anemia</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *High in fiber, increased iron absorption, mood enhancement</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-cayenne pepper (3/4 tsp)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Anti cold/flue/allergen, reduces joint pain, revs metabolism</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-lemon (1-2 squeezed)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Alkalize the body, high in vitamin C, relieves indigestion</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-ginger (1 tbsp)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Anti-inflamatory, reduces nausea and indigestion, enhances fat absorption</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-garlic (2 cloves, minced)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Boosts immune system, reduces inflammation,</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (1 1/2 cups)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Boosts immunity, great source of minerals (calcium, magnesium), aid digestion</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-white wine (1/3 cup)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Delivers antioxidants</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-sweet potatoes (2 cubed)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *High in vitamin B6 and B12, contain iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-celery (3 stocks, chopped)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Aids digestion</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-carrots (3 chopped)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Anti aging benefits, great for skin</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-spinach (3 cup)</b><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> *Loaded with vitamins: A, K, D and E, good source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><b style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">-water to top (2-3 cups depending on slow cooker size)</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">ALL of these ingredients are optional! Add or replace any spice or vegetable at will! Zucchini, squash, peas, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, leeks, beets, potatoes, basil oregeno, basil -- you name it, it can go in! And the beautiful thing is - you can keep adding to this soup as the week goes on!</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Let all ingredients simmer on low for 6+ hours. </span></span></div>
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<b>BUT WHAT ABOUT WHEN I WATCH ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK? </b></div>
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Okay. I get it. Tea is no substitute for wine and celery sure as hell doesn't come close to red velvet cupcakes. But these are your options. At anytime throughout the day if you feel an urge to snack you can grab raw vegetables, or eat a bowl of the detox soup. I also encourage you to have as much tea as your little heart desires. Try all different kinds - but stick to caffeine free after 4pm. Another great appetite suppressant that packs serious health benefits is 10 oz of water with a tsp of apple cider vinegar and some cinnamon sprinkled in. Chug that down and you won't be hungry --- plus your body will be doing double time to detoxify and metabolize. </div>
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Good luck! Just message me with any comments or questions - everything can be tweaked depending on dietary or lifestyle needs. </div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-71990233256252539012015-01-09T02:45:00.002-08:002015-02-09T22:09:33.943-08:00Life Lessons I learned from Improv Class<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I groggily drove home from the final Improv 3 class at Second City, I tried to justify the now $1100 I have spent at the school. Sure the classes are absolutely hysterical and so much fun. And I can say without a doubt that I have not only stepped out my shell but I perhaps even shed the damn thing all together (picturing a shell-less turtle is not exactly the model image of courage I was trying to conjure with that metaphor - but you get the idea). But confidence boost and mastery of 101 theater games can't really be worth the grand I should have put towards a new car...<br />
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or can it?<br />
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<b>WHAT I LEARNED FROM IMPROV CLASS </b><br />
1. The golden improv rule: <b>Never say no.</b> To say no to your scene partner in an improv sketch is the highest offensive, punishable by banishment from subsequent participation. Really. No matter how odd or vulgar the suggestion is - if your scene partner blurts out 'like a bag of dicks', you damn well follow up with, 'oh right, that's a great idea Billy - maybe we should gift him two bags of dicks just to show our gratitude!'. Albeit a horrible example, this rule is painstakingly applicable in life. Stop automating with no and negativity. Saying YES as often as you can in life will leave you<b> wide eyed and ready for all of life's greatest pleasures</b>.<br />
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2. I guess the golden rule is really not just 'always say yes' it is always say '<b>yes - and'</b>. It is not enough to just be a minion who blindly agrees. In improv you add on by saying yes, then building upon the idea or situation in order to propel the scene forward with life and vitality. Are we finding a pattern with how this applies to life? <b>YES AND</b> it is that in improv and in the real world it is always <b>a rewarding experience to be a contributor</b>. <br />
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3. <b>Everything is open to interpretation</b>. Today an audience member suggested 'curling' and one improviser started curling his hair, and the other started curling weights. They recognized the miscommunication... and made it work - turning the story into a school too cheap to build separate male and female locker rooms in the gym. My perspective is so drastically different from yours.. and that's where the<b> magic of collaboration</b> comes into play. Tis important in life to be completely open to interpretation. Let yourself see things from another point of view...and never assume anyone will see things from your eyes.<br />
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4. <b>Play a pattern And then break it. </b>God I love this one. It is the funniest part of an improv scene when a character surprises the audience. Know yourself, know your particular patterns... but be ready to break these patterns and change course without hesitation.<br />
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<b>5. LISTEN. </b>When you are on stage, the worst thing you can do is stay stuck in your head trying to think of your next clever line. Instead, you should be listening intently to your scene partners.. and eventually a miraculous thing will happen. This natural and unplanned reaction will seamlessly emerge from you, and perhaps it won't be the most hysterical moment on stage... but it will be real, and therefore fun to watch. I'd drone on and on about the importance of listening... but I know you... and the attention span our media driven world has allotted us. It's not pretty. The world would be a far more civil, understanding and beautiful place if we could all learn to spend less time yapping and more time listening.<br />
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6. <b>Pick up on social cues.</b> before a scene begins you'll see this magic where the scene partners are staring at each other mimicking one another's body language. If you can master this in your day to day affairs, you will excel. Try it traveling --- try shedding your americanisms for a moment and mimicking the customs of the place you inhabit. <b> See what that does for your perspective. </b> Try it in business. If you mirror the mannerisms of someone you are trying to seal a deal with, or connect with, or whatever it may be... watch how sharing a similar physicality can bridge a better relationship.<br />
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7. <b>forget political correctness</b> - but only in lieu of mastering the ability to laugh at yourself... and the stereotypes you manifest. We can't walk on egg shells forever people. Let's ease up on our obsession with being politically correct and embrace our<b> common humanity</b>. Babies around the world are born with the innate ability to laugh, smile and love. What a pure phenomenon. Maybe if we focused more on what makes us all human and less on the minute differences between races, religion and sex.... well then we wouldn't need to call the Christmas tree a holiday bush, now would we?<br />
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8. B<b>e brave and make bold choices. </b>Should be a bumper sticker. On stage you have to get off of that wall, step out and into the scene, make a choice and commit to it. Wouldn't life be a bit easier if we had this all or nothing mantra... <b>but the only choice was all?</b><br />
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9. <b>Don't go for the big laughs - go for authenticity.</b> You're not going to be Will Ferrel on stage. You might be able to play some of his jokes pretty well and get some chuckles from the audience... but you will never achieve his success by playing his cards. You have to play your own hand. Don't try to emulate in life, you will always fall short of your ideal. Just try to be the best version of yourself, and I promise you will be surprised with how successful and worthy of adoration that person is.<br />
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10. <b>Establish the who, what and where from the beginning</b>. This does not mean that you are bound to these for the entirety of the scene, but having strong choices about who you are in relationship to the person on stage with you, where you are and what you want starts you on solid footing. Now, by no means do I think you should label everything in life. The important lesson here is that it wouldn't hurt to have a <b>common understanding and clear intentions</b> from the start of every relationship. <br />
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11. <b>it will come to you.</b> Get out of your head and into your body. Stop panicking and stressing over what to say or what to do next. Just live in the moment, take in your surroundings and trust that your intuition will know what to do next.<br />
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12.<b> Enthusiasm is infectious.</b> Every class has that one person who is bubbling over with enthusiasm. And you know what happens? That energy rubs off. Pretty soon the whole stage is abuzz... and soon after the entire audience. <b>Emotions are contagious</b> - remember that when you chose which one to wear each day ...<i>and</i> when you chose which types of people you surround yourself with.<br />
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13. Okay, you've made it to improv 3 and found out that... <b>once in awhile it is ok to break a rule... but only with good reason!</b> If you need to say no instead of yes when someone says something as obscene as 'bag of dicks', well then you grab your things associated with that bag of things, stand up and <b>voice that no with dictation</b>. And you best follow it up with a valid explanation. It is never okay to follow the crowd if your gut doesn't agree. Don't conform just to conform. Be proud of yourself, proud enough to stand up and say no when you feel compelled.<br />
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So what do I gather from my breakdown of improv classes? I think that if you are willing to open yourself up to everything the Second City school has to offer then the money isn't a waste at all. In fact it seems more like an investment in your acting skills, and perhaps even an investment in your well being. <br />
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Another night, another namaste.<br />
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C<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-68617597270502776982014-12-31T20:13:00.000-08:002014-12-31T20:17:53.601-08:002015 Resolution <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Woke up to the sounds of swaying palm trees and the trickling of the pool in a villa on Phuket Island, Thailand for my first day of 2015. I felt the sun beaming in from the sliding doors, stretched my arms straight overhead and let out a loud exaggerated sigh. Ahhh, another new year.... <br />
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In some ways the idea of beginning a new year tugs at my anxiety. Am I really in my late 20s? And what the hell am I doing with my life? On the flip side, the notion of a clean slate energizes me and helps me refocus on who I am and what I really want out of this upside down crazy life I'm living.<br />
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So I washed my face, stumbled into the kitchen for some coffee and fruit. I took a few peculiar euphoria longana fruits and peeled them to their lychee-like soft fruit and enjoyed them by the pool. I really wanted to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure: spooning the skippy peanut butter straight of the jar... but I restrained myself. It's 2015 and I'm going to be in a bathing suit all day for Buddha's sake. Not to mention I've already gained 6 pounds this trip on ramen, pad thai, curries, and every other heavenly food I've inhaled on my three week southeast asia adventure. I gathered my self constraint and took my towel to the grass for some quick yoga flow. 2015 I'm so going to own you.<br />
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Minutes later I was back in the kitchen to refill my coffee cup ...or at least pretend to. My coffee wasn't even finished, and I really didn't want any more. I was there for one thing, and one thing only. The peanut butter. My kryptonite.<br />
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So I did it. I sat there with my spoon in the jar, standing in the kitchen and for each new bite I took I was riddled with guilt. After eating well over two servings I slinked out of the kitchen and into the bedroom to verbally denounce my lack of self control to Matt. Who in turn let out the same sigh I had from this morning... he's heard it all before.<br />
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Pouting, I plopped myself in a lounge chair and vowed that even though I royally ruined 2015 with the Skippy incident, my resolution would be to only eat organic and practice rigid self control when it comes to what I put in my body. No more alcohol, or sugar, and of course no carbs. Nothing processed. Actually just nothing besides water and some fruit, vegetables and occasional fish or chicken sounds about right. <br />
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With my resolution set I strove with purpose back to the kitchen, opened the fridge, went right past the peanut butter and grabbed an even more peculiar fruit, a mangosteen. As I ate it by the pool, feeling proud of my new goal and choices, I watched Matt gingerly grab a cookie to dip in his coffee and I started to chuckle. What was I doing? Peanut butter won't kill me... but what will is losing my sanity to guilt.<br />
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Food guilt is only one of my many shaming vices. I am riddled with self-condemnation over not accomplishing enough, not pushing myself hard enough and this constant dread that I am wasting precious time. You can imagine what kind of life this creates for me - one where I can never just relax because I always feel like I should be doing something more -- something to better myself, to advance my career, to carve abs - whatever the damn worry is at the time. And so, I've thrown my food resolution out the window with the empty skippy jar. And here is my new New <strike>Years</strike> Life resolution:<br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">EVERYTHING IN MODERATION</b><br />
This doesn't just mean food. This year I am going to indulge when I see fit without shame. I want to find myself this year. Discover who I truly am and what kind of life I want to live. I don't have time to dwell on minute hiccups or stressors. My energy will be focused on the big picture, the things that truly make this life worth living. I don't want to restrict myself anymore. Actually quite the opposite. I want to push myself to be my best self. <b>This is the year of more</b>. Yes, more writing, more acting gigs, more real estate ventures, more gym, more saying yes... but also more forgiveness, more fun, more indulgence, more namaste and relaxing. <b>But it's also the year of less</b>. Less worrying, less squandering of time and energy, less negativity and less guilt. It's not about setting a resolution for me anymore... it's about letting go of these unrealistic constraints and expectations I put on myself. It's not that I am going to eat peanut butter out of the jar with abandon every morning, it's that I'm not going to waste any time even thinking about it. Instead of worrying about restriction, my 2015 resolution is to concern myself with <b>nourishing my mind, body, and soul. </b><br />
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And with that, I wish you a Happy New Year of clarity, self acceptance and guilt free peanut butter indulgence.<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-91791695709556207332014-11-20T15:38:00.003-08:002014-11-20T22:19:25.063-08:00This Thanksgiving I am thankful for...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With the dropping of temperatures to a frigid 67 degrees, we have entered the polar vortex of autumn in Los Angeles. Tis the season of tree lightings that start November 1st, getting in verbal arguments over the last pillar candle at Home Goods, and obsessing over all things pumpkin flavor. <br />
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And with my crockpot out, my faux fur vest on and the DVR filled with Hallmark and Lifetime Xmas movies... I have no doubt that this will be another holiday season of epic proportions. Yet, it is those moments of a pounding eggnog hangover, the euphoria of eating a dozen sugar cookies in one sitting, and maxing out not one, but three, credit cards (and that was just on stocking stuffers) - that bring me to reflection. Just a momentary pause from the gluttony and indulgence to remember the lessons of Christmas' poorly overshadowed cousin: Thanksgiving. </div>
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Asking myself to dial back on the eggnog is simply a set up for failure - so I won't even bore you with a claim so pretentious. This season, I just want to be more thankful. For family, friends, a wonderful boyfriend, a dog who only behaves when she's asleep... health, opportunity, travel, a higher IQ than the majority of the population... you know, the simple things. So here it is. My thanksgiving thank-ful list. Hopefully I remember to glance back to this throughout the season so I can stay emotionally grounded while I abandon all guilt and inhale stuffing. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This Thanksgiving I am thankful for:</span></b></div>
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1. The end of the crop top trend. I can feel it coming. </div>
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2. George Clooney. And each and every single one of your silver fox grey hairs. </div>
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3. Attending Coachella, EDC and Stagecoach in one year.. and still retaining a smidge of dignity. </div>
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4. A dog who lets me dress her up in costumes for impromptu photo shoots. </div>
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5. Leggings. I know you might be out of style.. but I still love you. So much. I couldn't do Mondays without you.</div>
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6. A boyfriend who doesn't break up with me when I come out of the bathroom in a volcanic mud face and hair mask with crest white strips on. </div>
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7. A cherry tomato plant that f'ing killed it this year. </div>
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8. No Diggity by Blackstreet. Without you, I might never get drunken calls from my friends from home. </div>
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9. Pinterest. Without you, I may never have a craft closet and an expense account at Michaels. And I sure as hell wouldn't have found 101 decorative uses for mason jars. </div>
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10. That you can hide boards on Pinterest. Like the all encompassing wedding board I have despite not being engaged. </div>
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11. That none of my embarrassing audition tapes have gone viral. Especially that one where I try to sing Happy Birthday Mr President like Marilyn Monroe. </div>
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12. Gel manicures. Thank you for being less trashy looking than acrylic nails and for helping create the illusion that I'm 'put together'. I owe you one.</div>
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13. You too bleach. I know you already know this... but you're everything to me. Without your magical ability to strip my hair of all color, nutrients and life I'd be lost. </div>
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14. Victoria Secret sizes. It is so sweet of you to run so small that my A boobs fit comfortably in one of your size C bras.</div>
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15. Christmas music on the radio. To break up the onslaught of whining Taylor Swift that plays nonstop throughout the rest of the year. </div>
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16. The Skimm.. for holding me afloat in current event conversations and making me chuckle every morning. </div>
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17. Not having children... who I probably wouldn't have gotten vaccinated and now probably would be sick. And not able to eat chicken soup. Because they would probably be vegan.<br />
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18. Amanda Bynes.<br />
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19. 4 seasons with Honey Boo Boo. I'll always cherish our time together.</div>
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20. Living in a country where I feel safe and secure; where my biggest worry might be over cooking a turkey. </div>
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Happy Week until Turkey, football and beating your cousins in Monopoly. This year I am going to take my time to enjoy a holiday that is overlooked because of it's sheer simplicity... to give thanks. </div>
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p.s. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_WlLlNdy6A/VG7TWymEy6I/AAAAAAAAIWE/J5ZYvjUQfxk/s1600/amanda%2Bbynes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_WlLlNdy6A/VG7TWymEy6I/AAAAAAAAIWE/J5ZYvjUQfxk/s1600/amanda%2Bbynes.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-19418520259718049512014-11-18T10:10:00.001-08:002014-11-23T00:51:58.994-08:00Turning Twenty Seven <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to admit that my previous post was a bit more dramatic then it probably needed to be. I might not truthfully even know what depression is... but I sure as hell was frustrated with life and couldn't muster enough energy to write. Maybe depression manifests itself differently for everyone - but there still has never been a day in my life where I haven't truly smiled over something. And for that I am grateful. <br />
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I wanted to write about despair for a number of reasons - but mostly because it's real. It is something that all struggling actors grapple with at one point or another in their careers. Maybe something that everyone experiences once or twice as they settle into their late twenties - and thus is important to shed light on. But I also wanted to dial back for a moment and take a breath. My blog is one giant neatly packaged story of adventure, travel and triumph -- but, as I pointed out yesterday -- I am just human too... and with that comes a less glamorous side of my me that I felt compelled to share.</div>
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That, and I just wanted to write again. I wanted to finally digest the idea of turning another year older. So here it goes. Here's me at Twenty Seven. </div>
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<b>--</b></div>
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Birthdays afford me the ability to reflect on the past year - and what a hell of a year it has been. Maybe the best year of my entire life. Actually I'll scratch that - definitely the best year of my life. Lets hit on the highlights shall we?</div>
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<b>TWENTY SIX</b></div>
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<b>October </b>- I move into a new little house with Matt and Shelly - <b>My FIRST home</b>! to decorate however I fancy! And my own orange tree.. and soon my own garden with fresh strawberries and herbs and tomatoes. And a perfect little yard for Shelly. </div>
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<b>November </b>- I spend the fall auditioning like crazy and feeling so energized by it. Mom and I take an online screenwriting class... and I churn out my very first screenplay! I also spend every Wednesday night performing in my first ever play at some dark and jenky Hollywood theater that I absolutely fall in love with. Shelly and I spend Thanksgiving on the beach in Newport.<br />
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<b>December </b>- Home for the holidays :) I cry tears of joy secretly when Papa and I go to get our Christmas tree -this is what Christmas magic really is all about. </div>
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<b>January </b>- SCAMBUSHED airs on Travel Channel! I ring in the New Year in Vegas then return to work CES for a week.... where I find out I booked BACKPACKER NATION!</div>
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<b>February </b>- Adios America! Off to Colombia to explore everything this beautiful and breathtaking nation has to offer. I couldn't open my eyes wide enough while I was here to take it all in. </div>
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<b>March</b> - I'm back and feeling changed by all that I experienced! I start auditioning and filming like crazy. My resume is expanding before my eyes! Oh and no big deal... but I get my Real Estate License! And I film my first lead in a feature film, DESPERATE MORONS.</div>
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<b>April - May - June</b> : Back on the road! Traveling with Undercover Boss all across America. Spending a night here in Dallas, a few in Florida, another couple in Chicago, New York, Denver. I also manage to squeeze in a trip to New Orleans with Matt and another couple and I absolutely fall head over heels in love with the city. From the food to the architecture to a fan boat ride through the Bayou - Nola has a real personality unlike any other place I have traveled. <br />
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<b>July </b>- A trip back to Vegas for EDC, some more filming -- this time my first lead in a suspense movie! The fourth of July in Bass lake then visiting my cousin in Yosemite for some much needed good conversation and a bit of hiking. I rounded out the month with a week in San Diego working for Comic Con. </div>
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<b>August</b> - Home to Boston for two weeks - where I spend a week camping with my family in Provincetown and a weekend in Newport for Kelly's bachelorette! Riding a bicycle through the dunes of the cape with my parents was some kind of wonderful that I will never forget. </div>
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<b>September </b>- an impromptu trip to Hawaii with my love! Followed closely by a trip to Iowa for Jenny's wedding. Hawaii was a dream. Matt and I never giggled so much as we rode around the island in a jeep looking for new adventures from scuba diving to mai tais in Waikiki. But Iowa - that was lovely too. Watching my childhood pen pal exchange vows in a mansion overlooking the foliage of Des Moines made my heart melt. </div>
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<b>October</b> - Back home to stand next to Kelly as she says her I do's. Tissues were no match for my happy tears on this fairytale day. I spent a few relaxing days in Boston with Matt visiting friends and family before heading to Florida for the week, where mayhem ensued in typical Miami fashion. </div>
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<b>and then I turned 27. </b></div>
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<b>And these are just the highlights. </b>I'm forgetting many of the things that make me truly happy but seem rather mundane to an outside eye. The lazy dinners in my backyard with Matt, spending a night laughing with friends over gingerbread houses, a bike ride to the ocean and a dive into the water just because it's february and I can. A strenuous hike, a good book, a perfect day of filming, an epiphany, a long conversation with my mom, a snuggle with my dog. In year 26 I got all this in addition all of my highlights. How could someone so lucky and happy write a post about depression?</div>
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I think a big reason why I felt so down leading up to 27 is that I feel like I have peaked. I'm worried life can't possibly get any better than this - that maybe I am on the top of my game and there is nowhere further up I can go. I get really frustrated with the constant rejection from auditions... but it's often more than that. I get fed up with myself for not doing more. I want to finish my second screenplay and write a book... I want to make a professional reel and get it seen, I want to go to casting director workshops and land a regular role, I want my pilates certification, want Shelly to be better trained, want to be a more patient and loving girlfriend. I want to accomplish more, see more, do more, be more... but when I have already done and achieved so much it feels defeating... like how can I possibly have a better 27 year of life than 26??? </div>
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Well, maybe I can't... in terms of travel or success. But that's not really what a life is measured by anyways is it? I love to travel because of how it expands my mind and broadens my horizons... a real trip can break down walls for me and leave me feeling more whole and grounded. But I don't have to trek through the jungle of Colombia to experience this do I? Sometimes I get this feeling from a riveting documentary... or a great philosophical conversation. Or a trip to a traditional restaurant in Koreatown. </div>
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And for success.... maybe I won't book another Travel Channel or CBS show this year... but something will happen. Maybe I'll sell a house or two, or land another writing gig I can feel proud about. Or maybe I will land a role on a series television show! Or maybe I wont... and I'll have to refocus my goals. But whatever happens, it's okay. I am armed with passion and an ambition that wont back down... and I know I'll be just fine. </div>
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Twenty six you were one hell of a crazy ride that I could barely hold on. Thank you for the journey, it was truly a year to remember, but I'm ready for a clean slate.</div>
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Twenty seven, lets do this. </div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-1713711924694720322014-11-17T23:07:00.000-08:002014-11-17T23:18:12.313-08:00The Acting Saga: Depressed.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It was during my second intensive acting session at Margie Haber Studio. I had just watched a playback of my audition tape and I was shocked by how disgustingly unattractive I looked. Physically yes... but it was even more than that. My eyes were completely void of emotion... they were just... blank. The instructor dismissed the tape as '<b>lifeless</b>' and moved on to the next student.<br />
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<b>Lifeless</b>. That night on my walk home from class I cried. Hard. I called my mom and said I wanted to get a nose job, called my dad and said I was ready to hang up this dream. By the time I got to the front door, I was too exhausted to think of anything besides drowning the day in food and wine.<br />
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I am no stranger to an occasional meltdown... especially since I started on this acting journey. But normally the morning sun shining through the bedroom curtains and my dog snuggling her soft cold nose against my cheek usually refreshes me enough to shed the prior night's despair. <br />
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The next morning was different though. The misery had sunk in and my body felt too heavy to pull <br />
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Over the next few weeks, while the classes rolled on, it only got worse. I couldn't muster the energy to go out, didn't feel worthy enough to attend auditions, and... for the first time in my life... I couldn't find the words to write. And that scared me.<br />
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Writing, socializing, exercising... those are my prescriptions for bouts of mental anguish, yet I had no interest in doing a damn thing besides laying around sobbing. I was full on depressed and I didn't know what the fuck I was going to do about it.<br />
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And then finally, FINALLY, the acting classes ended. No longer did I have to squirm as I watched playbacks of my pathetic attempt at<b><i> their</i></b> craft. But it made no difference. I had sunk so far into the lagoon that I couldn't even see the light of the surface anymore. So I accepted that this was the new me and stopped trying to sit at my computer and force my fingers to type, it was useless. I was a failure with nothing to show for herself at 26 besides debt and pathetic dreams.<br />
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And so life went. for awhile. And then one night I was walking Shelly on the quiet dark streets behind my house and I stopped to listen to the trickle of a neighbor's fountain while I glazed up at the mellow moon. And in this seemingly ordinary moment I knew that the surface wasn't too far if I was willing to swim.<br />
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So I swam and swam, until I finally did emerge from the lagoon, not feeling refreshed, but feeling grateful to be alive.<br />
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Why would I share this uneventful story? Because I needed to write again. Because I need to share something in order to feel a connection to the world. Because I learned a lesson worth sharing.<br />
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We are all human. <b> I am just human</b>. No matter how hard I try to make everyone believe I am always bubbling with happiness and optimism, the stark reality is that I cry too. and hard. But I think there is <b>something beautiful about that</b>. We all cry. Because we are all human. Life gets difficult for all of us, regardless of what coordinates we are taking up on this crazy world. And that is ok. It is ok to experience the darkness, so you can appreciate the light... even if it is just a glimmer of wonderment as you glance up at the moon. <br />
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xo<br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-49731126432150546492014-11-16T18:20:00.001-08:002014-12-15T00:06:06.586-08:00Healthy Apple Crunch!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qosOtVF4-aY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>Healthy Apple Crunch Recipe! </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>An alternative to Apple Crisp - great as a dessert or as a granola!</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>This healthy recipe will keep you more than satisfied without de-railing your diet.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>4 red apples, cut in small pieces </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 green apple, cut </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 banana (frozen or fresh) cut finely </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 tbsp coconut oil</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 tsp Grade B maple syrup </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 tbsp peanut butter (any kind)</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1/4 cup nuts or trail mix </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1/4 cup cranberries</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>3 tsp cinnamon</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>sprinkle of nutmeg</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 squeeze of clementine and/or lemon</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>Basically combine everything and put it in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes. Remove and stir. Return to oven for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before enjoying!</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>great paired with greek yogurt for breakfast, or frozen kefir or frozen yogurt for dessert! Also good as an on the go snack.</b></span></div>
chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-56506757355712665922014-11-14T21:04:00.002-08:002014-11-18T20:30:35.839-08:00GET SKINNY! Cleansing Crockpot Soup Recipe! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am not a dietician - just a girl who continually strives to maintain optimal health and a slim waistline. Before starting any diet or cleanse, you should discuss it with your doctor. That being said, this soup could easily be named "Get Healthy" as well. The ingredients are superfood powerhouses with some incredible healing and slimming qualities!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Get Skinny & HEALTHY Cleansing Crockpot Recipe </span></b><br />
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<b>-fennel (1/4 bulb) </b><br />
*Great for alleviating indigestion, flatulence, menstrual discomfort and anemia<br />
<b>-apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup)</b><br />
*High in fiber, increased iron absorption, mood enhancement<br />
<b>-cayenne pepper (3/4 tsp)</b><br />
*Anti cold/flue/allergen, reduces joint pain, revs metabolism<br />
<b>-lemon (1-2 squeezed)</b><br />
*Alkalize the body, high in vitamin C, relieves indigestion<br />
<b>-ginger (1 tbsp)</b><br />
*Anti-inflamatory, reduces nausea and indigestion, enhances fat absorption<br />
<b>-garlic (2 cloves, minced)</b><br />
*Boosts immune system, reduces inflammation,<br />
<b>-low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (1 1/2 cups)</b><br />
*Boosts immunity, great source of minerals (calcium, magnesium), aid digestion<br />
<b>-white wine (1/3 cup)</b><br />
*Delivers antioxidants<br />
<b>-sweet potatoes (2 cubed)</b><br />
*High in vitamin B6 and B12, contain iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C<br />
<b>-celery (3 stocks, chopped)</b><br />
*Aids digestion<br />
<b>-carrots (3 chopped)</b><br />
*Anti aging benefits, great for skin<br />
<b>-spinach (1 cup)</b><br />
*Loaded with vitamins: A, K, D and E, good source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids<br />
<b>-water to top (2-3 cups depending on slow cooker size)</b><br />
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ALL of these ingredients are optional! Add or replace any spice or vegetable at will! Zucchini, squash, peas, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, leeks, beets, potatoes, basil oregeno, basil -- you name it, it can go in! <br />
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Let all ingredients simmer on low for 6+ hours.<br />
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Eat this and drink only water and tea for three days and let me know how good you feel! For me, I feel completely rejuvenated and my body lets go of all of my stubborn puffiness. That AND I drop unnecessary fat around my middle. This is a great cleanse to help jumpstart a whole new healthy you! <br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-53022488053403734132014-11-14T19:05:00.002-08:002014-11-14T19:05:12.372-08:00Skinny Sweet Potato Mash -- Healthy Thanksgiving side dish!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This Thanksgiving, I'm saving my calories for the stuffing and a slice of Mom's pie -- I refuse to let my waist expand for the same ol' pile of butter and cream mashed potatoes or worse the sugar bomb sweet potato casserole that my aunt attempts to pass off as a vegetable dish!<br />
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No no, not this year. This year on Thanksgiving I'm wearing my skinny jeans and I refuse to unbutton them after dinner God damn it!<br />
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And here's how --- healthy thanksgiving hacks from my skinny kitchen!<br />
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<b>Today's dish: Skinny Sweet Potato Mash</b><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Sweet Potatoes (1 large/person)</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Plain Greek Yogurt (1 ounce/person)</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Cinnamon Pecans (1/2 cup)</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Garlic (1 clove, minced)</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Cinnamon (1 tsp)</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Nutmeg (pinch)</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Salt & Pepper to taste</span><br style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Olive Oil (1 tbsp)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">1. Cook the sweet potatoes in the oven (400 degrees) until soft to the touch (about 50 minutes for medium sized).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; line-height: 17px;">2. While still hot, remove the skin and mash the sweet potatoes with all of the other ingredients in a mixing bowl.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; line-height: 17px;">3. Top with crumbled cinnamon pecans and serve warm! </span></span><br />
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-35605133024096258002014-10-25T08:57:00.001-07:002014-11-02T13:20:22.500-08:00The Monster Mash Menu - Festive Halloween food! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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From spiked hot apple cider to fake fingers in the candy bowl - Halloween parties are an open canvas for creative hosts. <br />
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I've got my second annual Ghoulish Gathering planned for this week, but while I review my favorites from last year, I thought I would share some of my best party food hits.<br />
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1. <b>Pumpkin Dorito Cheese Ball:</b> cream cheese based dip of your choice, rolled into a ball then covered in crushed red doritos. Top with the stem of a green pepper and serve with crackers.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUyfuN15jOQ/VEvBMzyiNXI/AAAAAAAAIR0/NjNeC4-TpPc/s1600/dorrito%2Bpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUyfuN15jOQ/VEvBMzyiNXI/AAAAAAAAIR0/NjNeC4-TpPc/s1600/dorrito%2Bpumpkin.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Deviled Spider Eggs: </b> prepare deviled eggs per usual, make spider topping by cutting black pitted olives (I just purchased two cans) in half lengthwise for the body. Use the other half to cut 6 legs! Serve 'blood' dipping sauce (Tabasco) with a finger sticking out!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGfNcpvHlX0/VEvB_6ObvwI/AAAAAAAAIR8/zALt-e2j4_s/s1600/deviled%2Bspider%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGfNcpvHlX0/VEvB_6ObvwI/AAAAAAAAIR8/zALt-e2j4_s/s1600/deviled%2Bspider%2Beggs.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">3. Spider Web Cold Taco Dip: </b><span style="text-align: left;">Mix 3/4 container of sour cream with a taco seasoning packet for bottom layer. Top with shredded mexican cheese and chopped onion. The final layer is salsa. Put the remaining 1/4 sour cream into a plastic zip log bag and cut one corner. Pipe the sour cream into a spider web design on top of the salsa. Glue or tape fake spiders on the side of the bowl and serve with chips.</span></div>
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4. <b>Trick or Treat Candy Popcorn:</b> Take 4 cups lightly salted popcorn and drizzle melted (from 30 seconds on high in microwave) chocolate chips evenly throughout the popcorn, stirring frequently. Repeat for melted white chocolate chips. Add a handful of honey roasted peanuts and craisins, heath bar crunchies or reeces crumbles. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-jL6XZGJAA/VEvFtMQeKrI/AAAAAAAAISQ/fBpcEe1nP68/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-jL6XZGJAA/VEvFtMQeKrI/AAAAAAAAISQ/fBpcEe1nP68/s1600/popcorn.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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5<b>. Worms and Dirt:</b> So Easy, and so festive. Buy a cheap small chocolate cake from the grocery store. Slice in half and mash it up on the bottom layer of a clear trifle bowl (regular bowl will do if you haven't invested in a must have trifle dish yet!). Top with two packs of chocolate pudding. Next add 1/2 cup crushed oreos. On top of this we get the remainder of the cake, mashed up, 2 more packs of chocolate pudding, and the remaining 1/2 cup of crushed oreos. Take 1 bag of gummy worms and stick the worms through the top layer of the trifle - so it looks like they are sticking up from the dirt! Optional: Sprinkle heath bar crunch on top! Serve with cool whip. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not my photo ! </td></tr>
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<br />6. <b>White Chocolate Dipped Ghosts!</b> Cut off strawberry tops and dip strawberries in melted white chocolate (melt white chocolate pieces in microwave on high for 20-30 seconds and stir). Make faces with black icing!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-77709093729746718392014-09-07T15:45:00.000-07:002014-09-08T13:13:12.570-07:00O'ahu Hawaii - Your full Itinerary!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ahy_eImQDUs/VApAPIYh4JI/AAAAAAAAIJE/7o05oVkCnhs/s640/blogger-image-1787073385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ahy_eImQDUs/VApAPIYh4JI/AAAAAAAAIJE/7o05oVkCnhs/s400/blogger-image-1787073385.jpg" width="400" /></a>Close your eyes and envision the landscape of heaven for a moment. Got it? Good. Welcome to Hawaii.<br />
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As I have yet to visit the other Hawaiian islands I can't comment on O'ahu being the best - But I can say that my trip to Honolulu surpassed any trip to the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Aruba.. or any other tropical paradise. We chose O'ahu because, while still offering the remote lazy beach life, the island is vibrant with nightlife and restaurants in Waikiki and Honolulu. Okay, well and it was the least expensive flight from LA. </div>
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<b><i>Where to stay:</i></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.turtlebayresort.com/hawaii_packages/island_values?gclid=Cj0KEQjwvqWgBRChnMjQ7u7UzOUBEiQAooXvYUR7kJ_zZi_vHJwBBraMsR0Fww9bRgQD3lA3CdmMGa0aAjdg8P8HAQ">Turtle Bay </a></b>on the North Shore. Newly renovated, Turtle Bay resort offers unbelievable beach views from every room, championship<br />
<a name='more'></a>golf courses, horse stables, helicopter rides, fine dining, beach sand bars, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, a luxurious spa and fitness center, and the list goes on and on. Picture this. You wake up to a soft orange glow streaming in through the open balcony. You hear the waves from the bay gently lapping against the white sand beaches. The palm trees sway effortlessly in the breeze, which carries this sweet scent that you can't put a name - maybe pineapple? An impressive breakfast buffet of local fruits and hawaiian bread pudding with mango compote awaits you downstairs. And after your organic ocean scrub massage and your boyfriend's tee time, you're ready for your complimentary snorkel rental. You glide over the reefs, taking in the bright yellow and pink fish while you let the warm waves sway you back and forth under the bright sun. Perhaps you'll hit the beach bar for a lava flow drink, or take off for a helicopter ride - but the day is yours. Did I mention the price is incredibly reasonable? ($250/night and up) <br />
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If you feel so inclined to stay in the action of Waikiki -- which I think it a God awful idea - then the only hotel options are Royal Hawaiian, Halekulani and the Moana Surfrider. <a href="http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/">Royal Hawaiian</a> was established in 1927 and maintains a Beverly Hills esque charm that I find fabulous ($200/night and up). <a href="http://www.halekulani.com/">Halekulani</a> will cost you - but it is pure 5 star decadence. <a href="http://www.moana-surfrider.com/">Surfrider</a>, for me, is similar to Royal Hawaiian but missing just a bit of the charm. </div>
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<b><i>What to do:</i></b></div>
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You need to rent a car. And it should be a convertible. Preferably a jeep. Step one. Drive the east coast. Keep your cameras ready. </div>
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1<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">. The Beaches.</b> Remember that picture of heaven I told you to envision? You'll find it at <b>Kailula</b>...<b> </b>If you go to one beach the entire trip, this should be it. For the sunset, well of course - <b>Sunset Beach</b>, but you can catch a pretty epic view right from <b>Turtle Bay</b>. <b> Sharks Cove</b> for scuba diving and <br />
<b>Hanauma Bay</b> for snorkling. For the best SEA TURTLE sitings, look no further than <b>Laniake Beach</b>. If you're looking for a full beach day with cabanas, cocktails, great snorkling and ukelele music - look no further than your hotel. <b>Turtle Bay</b> rents cabanas for $25/4 hours to guests and beach chairs are free. </div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;">2.</span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"> Snorkling.</span> </b> A must. Plan on checking out your snorkling gear from the hotel and visiting <b>Hanauma Bay </b>and <b>Shark's Cove</b> for snorkling. Hanauma Bay is a bit more.. serious. There is a small entrance fee and you are required to watch a brief video about preserving the bay. The video is decently educational and not nearly as bad as you would imagine. Although they did rip off the "Under the Sea" song and I'm sure they didn't get the copywriting approved. Sharks Cove is no frills. Just dive in and cue the "under the sea" melody. Underwater cameras are strongly encouraged. </div>
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3. <b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Scuba Diving</b>. Okay. So, I doubt that any company you go with will be a bad experience. The water is crystal clear all around the island - and there are miraculous fish darting in and out of coral ever few feet along the coast. I suggest that if you are staying at Turtle Bay, you chose an outfitter located in the North Shore. We went with <a href="http://www.hawaiiecodivers.com/">Hawaii EcoDivers</a> and couldn't have been happier. for $100 each, we privately dived with one instructor at Shark's Cove. He pointed out eels and specific fishes, and took photos and video of us underwater throughout the dive. The tour was from 9-1 with two full tank dives. The company also offers night dives for a bit more money. The other scuba company that was recommended to me by a friend who lives on the North Shore (and is an underwater photographer by profession) was <a href="http://surfnsea.com/">Surf and Sea</a>. Things to know. You have to be a certified diver, or take a course with the companies for an additional charge. If you prefer a boat dive instead of a walk in you will have to call quite a bit in advance to reserve the boat. Truthfully, I wish that we had taken this route, called ahead, and did a dive to one of the dozen wrecks (like Cosair plane) off of the shore. Next time. </div>
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4. <b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Day/Night in Waikiki</b>. Explore the beaches and<b> luxury shops</b> during the day. Don't forget to stop at the <b>Royal Hawaiian</b> for a lava blended drink. Also during the day make sure to visit <b>Pearl Harbor</b> and the <b>US Arizona</b>. On Friday night you can catch fireworks from Hilton village with an accompanying luau dance team by the pool. For dinner, you can't go wrong with <b>Alan Wongs</b> or <b>Orchids</b>. Or skip dinner and bar hop the tiki light lined streets to find the perfect mai tai, fish tacos and pork skewers. </div>
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5.<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b> Hiking<a href="http://manoafalls.com/"> Manoa Falls</a>.</b></span> The 1.5 mile RT hike is slippery and narrow at parts so wear sneakers - but it is totally appropriate for children or less physically inclined adults. I wish I could describe how breathtaking this hike is better -- but all I can reference is that it looked like Jurassic Park. Honestly, I wouldn't have been been surprised if a pterodactyl flew overhead. The lush jungle trees and exotic flowers lead way to a 100 foot waterfall with a refreshing small pool at its base. (*I just looked up the website to add to this post and saw that some scenes of Jurassic Park and Lost actually were filmed here.. hahah go figure). Other hikes we considered but didn't have time for: <b>Oahu Rock Bridge, Ka'au Crater Hike, and the Lighthouse Hike. </b></div>
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6. <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>Dole Plantation</b>.</span> Drive through the center of Hawaii and be amazed by the acres upon acres of agriculture. Stop at the Dole plantation for an informative train ride tour or a walk through one of the biggest field mazes in the world. And of course get a dole-whip with fresh pineapple. SO good. If you have time swing through one of the <b>Macadamia nut farms</b> and buy 2-3 dozen canisters of maui onion and garlic flavor. You'll thank me later.</div>
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7.<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"> </span><b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">North Shore Village.</span> </b>Swing into the village for lunch and some boutique shopping.</div>
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<i><b>And if we had a month, or eternity, other activities we would do:</b></i></div>
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<b>-Dinner in Chinatown (Honolulu)</b></div>
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<b>-Iolani Palace</b></div>
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<b>-Helicopter tour of Volcanoes</b></div>
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<b>-Horesback riding </b></div>
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<b>-Kayaking </b></div>
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<b>-Polynesian Cultural Center</b> (Located close to Turtle Bay - this is the place to go for a Luau and dinner show. Personally, I think these Luaus are commercialized and not necessarily something on my to-do list. Yet, out of all the companies that host the luaus this one has my recommendations. It is run by the local college kids and gives you a true glimpse into the polynesian culture. Great for kids!)</div>
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<b>-Stand up Paddle-boarding </b></div>
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<b>-Surfing</b></div>
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<b><i>Food:</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Alan Wongs:</span> </b>Not just one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, one of the best I have ever visited. Off the beaten Waikiki tourists path, the restaurant is not necessarily aesthetically pleasing. The food and the presentation though... holy hell is it spectacular. Order the ginger crusted onaga fish and get the coconut sherbet in the chocolate shell for dessert. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Haleiwa Acai: </b> Have you seen that commercial about visiting Oahu on tv? Remember that little thatched roof beach shack that served acai bowls? Go there. Get the acai bowl with banana, granola, coconut and honey. Add strawberries and mango if you're feeling adventurous. </div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Pupukea Grill Food Truck:</span> </b> Where the surfers on the north shore eat. Don't expect to find your typical fish taco fare here - it is healthy, organic and sustainable. Order the poke quinoa bowl and you will be extremely satisfied. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Kailua Joes:</b> </span>Exceptional seafood. This is where the locals go to enjoy the freshest catch of the day. Sit on the patio and get the ceviche. </div>
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<b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></b><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Olas </b></span>at Turtle Bay: Eating dinner, staring out at the waves illuminated by tiki torches.. with your feet in the sand. Swoon. Order the pork and goat cheese nachos as an appetizer and a glass of white sangria to wash it down. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Tropics Bar & Grill</b> in Hilton Village: Go for happy hour and get the mahi mahi fish tacos with edamame hummus and mango salsa. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Giovanni Shrimp:</b><b style="background-color: white;"> </b>If food trucks are king in Hawaii, than Giovannis is the Emperor. So popular that there is an entire little village of shops surrounding the truck. Get an order of shrimp scampi. Plan your visit accordingly, the lines and wait can be atrocious during lunchtime. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Pa'aki</b> </span>at Turtle Bay: Interesting concept, with dishes you can cook right on a giant salt block brought tableside. We got the poke and a $74 full kampachi fish, followed by a sherbet trio. If I returned, I would chose different menu items. The poke and fish were rather lackluster. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Surf Lanai </b>at the Royal Hawaiian: I wasn't necessarily impressed with the food. But the atmosphere is perfect and the drink menu exquisite. Oh, and our waitress, Dorothy, was in her 80s and nowhere close to retiring. </div>
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<i><b>Places that were on my radar but I didn't get a chance to try:</b></i></div>
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Orchids at Halekulani </div>
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Chef Mavro Restaurant </div>
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Lei Lei at Turtle Bay</div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011211625803982746.post-7746156314779464232014-09-05T16:23:00.002-07:002014-09-05T16:24:12.381-07:00Eggplant and Zuchhini Rollatinis - Healthy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There's nothing better than returning home to Halifax, MA in August - when the garden is over plentiful and everyone has exasperated their imagination with how to eat the baskets and baskets of fresh vegetables. This recipe I am especially proud of - a healthy and flavorful twist on an old favorite - stuffed shells. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Eggplant and Zucchini Rollatinis </i></span></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients: </b></div>
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2 zucchini</div>
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1 eggplant</div>
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1 container reduced fat ricotta cheese</div>
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1 onion</div>
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2 garlic cloves</div>
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1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce</div>
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olive oil</div>
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salt </div>
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pepper</div>
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fresh basil leaves and parmesan to garnish (optional)</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat olive oil in a stovetop skillet on medium heat.</div>
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2. Cut (either with a food processor setting, peeler or sharp knife) zucchini and eggplant into thin lengthwise strips. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper and salt. Lay flat on greased cookie sheet. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping once. </div>
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3. Add chopped onion and chopped garlic to skillet, stir occasionally and cook until browned. Remove heat and immediately add ricotta cheese and mix with onions and garlic. </div>
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4. Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees. Grease a rectangle oven dish with olive oil and line the bottom with 1/2 jar of tomato sauce. </div>
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5. Lay the eggplant and zucchini trips next to eachother (overlapping slightly). Scoop 2 teaspoons of the ricotta mixture onto the strips and roll loosely. Carefully place the rollatini in the baking dish. Repeat until all of the mixture and strips are used. </div>
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6. Top rollatinis with remaining sauce, and sprinkly with parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes. </div>
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7. Remove from oven and top with a fresh basil leaf. </div>
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chelseagilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15111417116508648869noreply@blogger.com0