Take me away...

I found a great company with some amazing products! Calgon is something that I have only heard about, now I've tried it :D

This company has a time line! I have never been to a website that actually broke it down for you. Here's the stats:

For over 50 years, Calgon has been dedicated to creating uniquely exhilarating bath and body experiences that stimulate the senses, restore the spirit and take you on a special, fragrant journey to the place you want to be.
Calgon has always been about taking you away on your journey. But, along the way, it has taken quite a journey itself. To find out more about it, check out the timeline and trivia below.
Our History
Let the following timeline and trivia quiz take you away on a little journey through our history—in both business and pop culture.


1933
Calgon, Inc. puts Calgon water softener on the market in 1933. The water softener combines with calcium to reduce unwanted salts in water. It's name comes from Calcium Gone. Hence, Calgon.
1946
Calgon launches its first fragrant bath product.
1960s
Calgon begins advertising its bath oil beads as an essential indulgent, luxurious experience. Here are some classic commercials from that period:
“Limousine”
“Love the Skin You’re In”
“If he doesn’t feel the difference”
1970-1980s
“Calgon Take Me Away” iconic TV and print advertising begins. Here are two of these iconic and beloved commercials:
“Lose Yourself in luxury”
“Let Calgon Take you away”
1989
Reckitt Benckiser acquires Calgon and changes the “Calgon, take me away” tagline. (To find out what it was changed to, check out the trivia section.)
1995
Calgon is acquired by Coty Inc. “Take Me Away” advertising resumes.
1995
Calgon launches body wash—the first significant expansion from bath products into bath and body products.
1997
Calgon becomes the #1 brand in the specialty bath category and launches bubble baths, shower gels and body lotions.
1998
Brand launches takemeaway.com website.
2000-2002
New advertising focuses on skin benefits. Calgon launches Silky Skin Shave Mousses and a new line of products targeting girls age 7-13 (For the name of this tween line of products, check out the trivia section.)
2003
Calgon adds new collections including Blossoms, Brazilian Beauty, Mmmmm and Get Juic’d.
2007
Ascendia Brands buys Calgon.
2009
Ilex acquires Calgon.
2010
The fresh new Calgon and the all-new takemeaway.com website are launched!

I was asked which product I wanted to try and I said that I would love the body cream or body mist. I recieved the body mist, I should have asked for the body cream. Fall will be here before you know it and I am going to need some body cream to keep my skin hydrated! The body mist however was light, refreshing and the perfect scent for after a shower. I absolutely LOVED the way it smelled. The actual name of the scent that I picked was: Perfect Bliss. "A clean crisp world. A fresh new inspiration." How could I not with this description?!?

This fruity floral fusion highlights top notes of pineapple, red apple and juicy mandarin. Plum and magnolia add distinction while the aroma of lily and rose and undertones of warm musk fuse the diverse elements into blissful perfection. For $4.69 (no kidding) you can feel like you went to the spa!!!!

They carry a ton of different scents and I have to say...the one that I got to try lived up to it's name!!! Smooth, creamy and the most delightful scent ever! You must try these!!! Go to:

www.takemeaway.com

see for yourself! I bet you wont be able to look at the site without wanting something. They have fragrance sprays, body creams, bath salts, bubble bath, shower gel, you name it! A world of beloved fragrances in vibrant new packages and exciting new forms. A world of wonderfully enhanced formulas and inspiring new products. A world which combines the joy of the familiar with the thrill of the new. Let Calgon take you away!

Let me know if you have ever tried Calgon, I was told about the company from a friend and once I went to the site I knew I had to try something. Thanks so much to the great folks at Calgon it was made possible!

See you tomorrow!!!

-Heather

SUNPOWER CAFE

Just the other day I was thinking...Why cant I just have fresh raw veggies anytime without the worries of it wilting or going bad?

Well, I found a company that has made Kale Munchies!!! I was super excited to hear back from the snazzy cafe based out of Los Angeles.

Not only were they going to be sending me a box of Kale Munchies....some raw cookies were on their way as well! I was jumping for joy that some healthy goodies were coming all the way from California, my favorite place on earth! Sunpower Cafe just made my day! It doesn't get better than raw foods from California...You know that by now! I have always boasted about The Living Tree Community in S.F. (still my favorite) and now I found a Cafe in Los Angeles that makes raw goodies too! If you are in the L.A. area (and if I am ever in the area too, I will be sure to stop in) you should go to Sunpower Cafe. If your not in the LA area currently, that's ok...


Go to SunPower Cafe at: http://www.sunpowernatural.com/


I got ahead of myself, let me explain about the fab company first!

SunPower Natural Cafe organic restaurant introduces a fresh, new outlook on food to the culinary landscape of Los Angeles. They always provide their customers with the healthiest and tastiest organic, all vegan cuisine. (Dude, you should see their menu....drool). Joseph Waller has an impressive chefing pedigree. He worked at the famed Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon, as well as serving as lead chef at gourmet vegetarian restaurant Fattys in Eagle Rock. With his classical gourmet training at Johnson & Wales University, we look forward to many exciting dishes from his hands.

SUNPOWER CAFE restaurant doesn't fry it, kill it, or overcook it, they just give you really tasty food that's really healthy for you!

Wanna see the two products I got?


Raw Cacao Chocolate Cookies.
$6.95
If you're looking for a chewy, yummy raw chocolate chip cookies you've found them. SunPower Cafe has made organic chocolate cookies (gluten free) use a cashew base with cacao powder and vanilla for a very rich flavor then sweetened with raw agave nectar, which is low-glycemic. AMAZING!!! This totally hit the spot. A girl needs her chocolate.
What I really liked about these cookies were that they were small but packed with flavor. I only needed one and I completely got my chocolate fix. I actually kept my package in the fridge and they were a cool sweet treat after lunch. I am going to miss them when they are gone for sure!

The other item I received was:

Kale Munchies!

$10.95
Looking for a delicious, truly healthy snack? You've found it with SunPower Cafe's Kale Munchies!

Seasoned with a mouthwatering blend of garlic, onion, tamari and spices, these crunchy morsels have a slightly sweet taste derived from agave nectar, a low-glycemic sweetener made from cactus.

Curly Kale, a member of the cabbage family, is one of the most nutrient-rich, foods available. The vitamins in kale help prevent free radical damage, which can lead to diseased cells.
A one ounce serving of these delicious Kale Munchies provides 199% of the daily requirements for Vitamin A. which helps to prevent cancer, promotes lung health and prevents cell damage. In addition, Kale also is an excellent source of fiber, Vitamins C, E and K, Manganese, and Calcium.
Ingredients: Organic kale, organic agave nectar, organic tamari, organic olive oil, organic onions, organic garlic, organic cayenne pepper, organic spices. These rocked my world!

Jeez, yet again another company that has totally blown me away! I didn't want either one of these boxes to go empty :( I also kept this box after opening in the fridge. Goodbye potato chips, hello Kale munchies! I am in awe of how good these really were. Crunchy, salty (but not in a bad way) and packed with vitamins and nutrients, just the way I like it!

I LOVED both products and the customer service was outstanding! Thank you SunPower Cafe for being the greatest and sending me some amazing raw nutritious food! My body is thanking me!

Hope you go and check them out! I think that the price is totally worth what you get and you can tell that this is food they care about. Well packaged, quick shipping and great tasting healthy food you can feel the difference. You can bet ya that I will be stopping by SunPower Cafe if I am ever in the LA area.

Go get your raw on!

-Heather

Why most people (and myself included) LOVE Fridays.

It's Friday!!!

If you are like the "typical" American worker you get up everyday at 7:30 in the morning, stumble your way through the laundry pile, over the kid's toys and around the pile of bills on the table to get to the coffee pot. After you stand there in a sleepy haze while waiting for the coffee to percolate, you then proceed to consume your usual two cups of coffee, which you need just to stay awake and make it through your day. This is the morning routine of the average person working the Monday through Friday nine to five shift. While everyone needs a job, this type of toiling away is extremely monotonous and leads to the FRIDAY ITCH. The Friday itch is when you spend the entire work week wishing it was Friday so that you would have the entire weekend without having to go to work. Those two days are the highlight of your week. Besides the obvious have you ever wondered why everyone loves Fridays so much? Here are some of the little known reasons as to why people love Fridays.

Even if you absolutely love your job, you probably still look forward to the weekend. It is not because you cannot wait to leave your job but because everyone needs a break every now and then. It is nice not to have to get up early sometimes. The weekend gives you a chance to relax and rejuvenate for the workweek to come. It also gives you time to spend with your family or do those errands you were unable to do because you are too busy during the week. Now if you really do hate your job, then the weekend is a chance to get away from what you hate. You then spend the entire weekend wishing it was not going away so quickly.

Another reason people love Fridays is because it is a closing day. Friday signals the end of the typical workweek so everything that happened in that week stays in that week. Say you had a customer that was just really rude to you and made you hate your job and feel bad about yourself. After that week is over you get to forget about it and start clean. This is in direct relation to another reason people love Fridays: Mondays. I know people generally hate Mondays because it is the beginning of the workweek and it means that you have five days until the next weekend but when you think about it Mondays are the beginning of a new week. It is a chance to wipe the slate clean and to set new goals for you to accomplish and new things to learn. Mondays are a brand new chance to do things you did not do the previous week.

Fridays are just a day that allows people to unwind after a long week at work. You do not have to get up early the next day, you do not have to deal with difficult work situations, and at the end of the day you do not have to come back to work for two whole days.

This is why I like Fridays (other than the reasons above)! Fridays allow for more casual dress while at work. This is very interesting to me that most dress down on Fridays naturally. I however usually dress up on Fridays. I noticed this about a year ago when I would get comments "Heather, why are you so dressed up, you should be wearing loafers and slacks with a sleeveless top or something." I didn't realize then that it was a trend that I had started. I became aware that Friday's I always dressed up more! I then asked myself "Why is this?" Well, my answer is this. I feel my best on Friday's (as far as work goes). I think that subconsciously I know that it is the end of the week and so happy that it shows through my clothes. When I feel good, I look good. I have been doing this unintentionally now for years. This goes without saying that I always try to look my best (some may disagree but you can stick it!) but Friday's are usually my best of the best shall we say. I like it and take this opportunity to do so also because I think that it is a great strategic way to stand out and be noticed! Yes, you heard right. I realize now that this was thought about and now understand that I may just have been doing this for a reason... Hmmmmm, interesting right? I say, if you work in a place that allows you to "dress down" (I work at a bank so dressing down is still very conservative) dress it up! You will bring attention to yourself and make people take notice. Friday's are usually meeting days here and so I take the opportunity to really show my efforts through my clothing, hair and make-up. There is nothing better than on a casual Friday to walk into a meeting with important people and stand out. Clients will take notice of you and will steer towards you, co-workers will strike up conversations which can allow you to build a stringer relationship and managers will take note. I say, when everyone is doing something, do the opposite. I know that this is a little thought out but this is the business minded person I am.

Next time you have the opportunity to dress down....maybe you should dress up! Here's the "up" version of my Friday!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I will see you with more news and reviews on Monday!

-Heather

Greenware for Baby.

Hello babe's! I am excited to share some really cool Ecofriendly tableware!

I recieved a box just the other day and it had baby tableware! (No, I am not pregnant nor do I have a child BUT there is nothing wrong with supporting or reviewing a company that has great green products!) This isnt just any table ware....It is made of CORN!

I contacted the company after going to a baby shower and the topic of conversation was "is there a company out there that makes green ware for babies?" I didn't know but the question of course was directed towards me. All my friends know that I am a food blogger/product reviewer and so I get questions all the time. I did a web search and found:

http://www.buygreenware.com/

Here is a description of one of the cutest companies I have seen for baby!

Mother’s Corn: Eco-friendly Corn Tableware for Babies and Kids
The corn plastic tableware of Mother’s Corn is made from the PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) which is a biodegradable, thermoplastic, aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch. Kid’s friendly and quality designed Mother’s corn products draw the attention from young moms who are conscious about environmental issues. Mother’s corn was born in S. Korea and is already popular in S. Korea, Japan, and China.

Mother’s corn tableware products are safe for kids and environment. It is Non-Toxic, Anti-Bacterial, No Environmental Hormone and most of all it is Biodegradable.

Another notable fact is, unlike other corn plastic containers which are disposable, Mother’s corn has excellent durability.

Look at the cuteness I received!
Eco-friendly, non-toxic, anti-bacteria, biodegradable CORN PLASTIC products for babies and kids. 8oz corn cup.

Eco-friendly, Non-Toxic, Anti-Bacteria, Biodegradable plate for babies and kids. 9"x10.75"x1"

and last nut not least I got:

Eco-friendly, non-toxic, anti-bacteria, biodegradable CORN PLASTIC products for babies and kids. 7 oz cup w/ holder

How adorable are these products? I just LOVE them! I dont have a child but I am using them anyway and feel good about doing so because they are made from corn! What a great idea! Here are some Q& A's about Mother Corn:

1. Are the environmental hormones found in the containers of Mother’s Corn?
No, since the plastic of Mother’s Corn is made from the natural resource of corn starch, the environmental hormones, carcinogens, and heavy metals are not found in our products. It is totally safe when babies chew the container or when it contains hot foods.

2. Can we eat the Mother’s Corn since it is made from corn starch?
No, although the main material of Mother’s Corn is corn starch, you can not eat the Mother’s Corn because it takes several processes to make the final products.

3. Does Mother’s Corn decompose when they are being used?
No, It will not disappear while you use it. Mother’s Corn begins decomposing after you buried in soil.

4. Is Mother’s Corn microwave and dishwasher safe?
Tricky but we should say No, you can use a home microwave up to 3 minutes and a dishwasher for cleaning. However, we do not recommend using either microwave or dishwasher and it will shorten the life of Mother’s corn.
Good news is that all Mother’s corn has self anti-bacterial treated; therefore it is not necessary to use either dishwasher or boiling water for cleaning. Hand washing is good enough.

Mother Corn has been kind enough to issue a discount coupon for my readers!!!

Everyone that orders will get a 20% discount coupon if they use the code : sccblog02 and it will expire on Aug. 31, 2010. So get your orders in now!

All in all this is the place to go if you really want a great gift for an expecting mom, or if you already have little ones. OR if you are like me and just like that there is corn ware out there! I love it really. Please go to there site and let me know what you think!

I hope you enjoyed my review and see you tomorrow for more!

-Heather

Icelandic yogurt.

In case you haven't noticed I have been eating a lot of greek yogurt lately. Recently I recieved a TON of greek yogurt from Greek Gods and then Chobani sent me over a 12 pack to review as well. I LOVE greek yogurt and could possibly live off of it in the warmer months with fresh fruit.

I contacted Skyr.com to see if I could try out some of their yogurt since I have been eyeing the pretty package at EarthFare for weeks now. Since I have been trying different varieties of grek yogurt, I thought...what is one more?

I am so glad that I found Siggi's. Simply put, it is by far my favorite!



What is skyr?
Skyr is the traditional yogurt of Iceland. It is made by incubating skim milk with live active cultures. The whey, the water naturally found in milk, is then strained away to make for a much thicker, creamier, concentrated yogurt. So to make just one cup of skyr, with all that water going out, you need 3 - 4 times the amount of milk required to make a regular cup of yogurt. As a result of this process skyr comes out with 2-3 times the protein count of standard yogurt.

The history of skyr:
According to the Sagas, the original stories of the Norse Vikings, Icelanders have made skyr since settlers from Norway first arrived on the island in the 9th century. The word skyr is probably derived from the Icelandic word skera, which means to cut or slice–– a reference to the ideal thickness perhaps? The modern word for regular yogurt, jógúrt, didn’t exist in Icelandic until the 20th Century. Before then, regular yogurt was sometimes referred to as Búlgarst skyr, or ‘Bulgarian skyr,’ because of its popularity in Bulgaria.
Skyr was always, and is still, made from skim milk after the cream had been floated off to make butter. The skim was incubated with cultures and the resulting yogurt strained to take out the whey. Traditionally, the whey that subsequently came off the skyr was then used to pickle various foods in the summer to help last out Iceland’s long, arduous winters. Thus, skyr was part of a process that historically was centered on maximizing the yield and storage time of milk.
Skyr is a big part of the modern diet in Iceland. It has enjoyed a resurgence of kind in the past decades, in particular among athletes and the nation’s prominent musclemen as a highly coveted and convenient source of protein for them muscles!
Today, all Icelandic skyr is made from cow’s milk. Up until the 19th century, however, skyr was made from both sheep and cow’s milk. Siggi’s skyr is made solely from cow’s milk. Look at these ingredients! I decided to pick blueberry and the plain variety.

I LOVED both and in fact want to try out some other flavors, the orange ginger looks amazing! I should have went for a flavor that I have never had before but blueberry has yet to fail me.

If you want yogurt like none other with flavors that will burst on your taste buds try Siggi's. Go to their site! Just look at all they have to offer! They have a very fine selection of Greek yogurts. Out of all the yogurts that I have tried (and this is saying a lot) they win. So sorry to the others that I have tried recently but this company stands alone. I was out to find the best of the best and found it. I will continue to try others out but I must say....YOU had me at first bite.

With only 120 cals and more protein than carbohydrates I was sold. Just by the label. There are so many yogurts out there that is are filled with sugar. Even Greek Yogurt that is known to be higher in protein and lower in the sugar department I have found brands that were not so healthy. It was a hard to swallow when I looked at the back of one of the companies creamy yogurt to find that it had a whopping 310 cals and over 40 carbs for a cup. "I mean...I could eat pasta instead".

When I looked at the packaging, I was pleased. When I looked at the label, I was pleased. When I contacted them and within four days I had coupons in my hand, I was pleased. Most of all, when I took my first bite, I was pleased.

10 out of a 10 is my rating! Go to the site, if you don't believe me!

www.skyr.com

Thanks so very much to Virgina for being the sweetest and sending me in yogurt heaven! I am so in love with this stuff and shouting it from the roof tops! I work in a huge place and I have been telling everyone about this yogurt! You have to taste it to believe it! If you want food that you can feel good about....the perfect macro nutrients even....Go to Skyr!

Hope you all have a great day and thanks so much for the up lifting words to last weeks post! I dont know what I would do without my readers.

See you tomorrow for another review. This one will be sure to make you smile!

-Heather

Fruit of the Angels

Are you ready for Papaya heaven??? Are you thinking, "I don't think that I have ever really had papaya before?"

Well my friends, if you haven't I am about to open the door to a new fruit that is going to blow you away. If you have, you are going to be delightfully surprised by how creative I have been with my love, papaya.

Of course, this wouldn't be a Heather post if I didn't tell you a little bit about the benefits of papaya. If you go to the store and say "I am not going to pay almost 6 dollars for this!"

You will after reading this.

Fruit of the Angels: Papaya and Benefits
Papaya contains 'papain' which helps to digest food.
The papaya, is the fruit of the Carica papaya tree. Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter.
Originally from southern Mexico and neighbouring countries, the papaya plant is now cultivated in most tropical countries. Christopher Columbus reportedly called it "the fruit of the angels" and not without reason! Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients, minerals and fibre.
The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme, which is used to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies, is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums.

Health Benefits of Papaya
Heart disease: Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.
Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin E and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants.
These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Only when cholesterol becomes oxidised is it able to stick to and build up in blood vessel walls, forming dangerous plaques that can eventually cause heart attacks or strokes.
High cholesterol: Papayas are also a very good source of fibre, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels.
The folic acid found in papayas is needed for the conversion of a substance called homo cysteine into benign amino acids. If unconverted, homo cysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls and is considered a significant risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.
Cancer: Papaya's fibre is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells.
In addition, papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA.
Increasing your intake of these nutrients by enjoying papaya is an especially good idea for individuals at risk of colon cancer.
Inflammation: The enzymes contained in papaya have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns.
In addition, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya are also very good at reducing inflammation. This may explain why people with diseases that are worsened by inflammation, such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, find that the severity of their condition is reduced when they get more of these nutrients.

A July 2004 study indicates that vitamin C-rich foods, such as papaya, provide humans with protection against inflammatory poly arthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. The findings, presented in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases were drawn from a study of more than 20,000 subjects who kept diet diaries and were arthritis-free when the study began. Subjects who consumed the lowest amounts of vitamin C-rich foods were more than three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who consumed the highest amounts. Other benefits: The fibre found in papayas may also help with the symptoms of those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition, vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.

The Ayurveda experts have regarded papain as a remedy for abdominal disorders. It is a good medicine for dysentery, hyper acidity, dyspepsia and constipation.
Pimples are removed by rubbing the white pulp of raw papaya on the face. It brings lustre to the face and removes wrinkles.

With this being said my first Papaya recipe is not to eat....It is for your skin!!! I made a amazing papaya face mask and you have got to try this to believe it! Papaya is used as many skin care products today and provides a "natural" face lift and rejuvenation brings a wonderful and natural glow to the skin. It is commonly seen in soaps, lotions, toners, moisturizers, facial peels, and many more.I will share to you this skin care in which we apply real pulp of a papaya, a facial mask for all skin types and for all ages. This mask is good for dull, wrinkled, and darker complexion.

Step1
Wash the ripe papaya. Peel, remove seeds, and dice.
Step 2
Simply mash the papaya in a bowl with a fork so it doesn't become too runny and easy to mash. Mix with a tablespoon of a natural honey.
Step 3
Apply the mask into cleansed face in 15 minutes away from the eyes.
Step 4
After 15 minutes use a clean-wet towel then wipe gently to exfoliate the skin then wash with warm water. Pat dry and see the wonder result.

On to actually EATING papaya!

Next on the list :D

PAPAYA SALSA:

This is fantastic!

Ingredients:

3 cups diced fresh papaya
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced into rounds
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 to 2 limes, juiced
dash extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Toss all ingredients together in a bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. Serve over mixed greens, beans and rice, or grilled fish.

Are you ready for the best one yet? Simple but divine!!!

Caramelized Papaya with Flan Ice Cream

this aint good for you...but as a special treat, what the heck!

INGREDIENTS:
1 can of coconut lite milk1 can (from coconut milk) of whole organic milk1 can sweetened condensed milk3 large organic eggs1 tsp Tahitian vanilla extract1 large papaya cut in rounds and de-seeded sprinkling of sugar juice of 1 lime dusting of cinnamon fresh mint leaves for garnish

METHOD:Peel papaya and cut the papaya into rounds, take the seeds of of the middles, sprinkle rounds with sugar and pop them under the broiler for a few minutes. Once they get caramelized, take them out, squeeze a fresh lime over top and sprinkle the papaya liberally with cinnamon.
While the papaya is cooling, make the ice cream. In a large bowl blend 3 milks, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Pour into ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the ice cream is blended and getting frozen, yet still soft and creamy scoop a big dollop of ice cream and place it in the hole of each papaya slice. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and serve.

WOW! I know.

I don't want to over load you too terribly much with papaya madness. There are so many other recipes to make and show you! Don't worry there will be more to come! See you tomorrow for more great things!

-Heather

Heya!

Hello all! Today is going to be a regular post! No reviews, just me! I cant believe that we are already in the middle of July! I feel as though this summer is passing me by. I have been trying my very best to take advantage of every summer activity possible. Swimming should become a part of every one's daily routine (I wish!). When it is 90+ degrees out you just don't feel like eating much. I am glad that I have been able to review some kick butt products because honestly, my food is pretty basic. I have been living off of fresh fruit, salads, raw nuts and yogurt. I know that is not a bad thing but when your a food blogger you kinda feel bad for food that lacks in the "wow" department. Non the less, I am pleased with my eats and I do want to share a few with you! Best breakfast in a LONG time!
Fresh Papaya, mango, lime and pom seeds with a drizzle of agave. DROOL!!! I am in love with Papaya and tomorrow's post will be devoted to the lovely berry. Did you know that Papaya is a berry? Well, I didn't either! Anyway, you are going to be amazed at the recipes that tomorrow's post will bring, trust me on this one!


I am loving fresh fruit in the mornings and honestly I am just listening to my body and giving it exactly what it wants, when it wants. A few hours later this beauty was consumed:

Avocado Soup!


Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups chicken stock or Veggie stock (I used vegitable stock)
6 ripe medium avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced (reserve pits)
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus more if needed
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, plus extra for the garnish



To make soup: Heat oil in a large, heavy nonreactive pot set over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Add stock, 2 cups water, avocados, lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco; bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Purée the soup in batches in a food processor, blender, or food mill, and return soup to the pot. (Or use an immersion blender to purée the soup in the pot.) Don’t worry if the soup is quite thick at this point. Add reserved avocado pits to soup, then cool, cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. After soup has chilled, you can thin it with cold water, using up to 1 cup (or more if needed), if soup is too thick. Taste soup and season with more salt and additional lime juice, as needed. (Chilled soups often need extra seasoning to intensify their flavor.)When ready to serve, remove and discard pits from soup. Drain the excess liquid from the salsa and stir in cilantro; season salsa with additional salt, if desired. To serve, ladle chilled soup into 6 bowls. Garnish center of each serving with some salsa and a dash of Tabasco. Serves 6Cooking Tips: The avocado pits come in handy in this recipe. When they are added to the puréed soup, they prevent it from turning a drab green.


It was amazing and I made a ton! I love chilled soups in the summer. I had to add something else to my diet besides nuts, berries and yogurt, I was starting to think that I would never eat anything else! I munched on some amazing un-pictured cherries throughout the day and decided that I needed some more veggies today. I needed a monster salad, pronto.



Of course my salad was packed with fruit. I don't know what is up with the massive craving for fruit lately but I am going for it. I added some tofu for protein and balsamic vinegar (the best dressing to go with fruit in my opinion). This was perfect. Cool eats in the summer heat makes me happy. I decided to end the day with something even more delightful. Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger and a organic beer that I have never tried before.
I am telling you folks, things are getting weird. I don't drink beer. I mean seriously, I don't. I prefer wine, sake or a light mixed drink. I LOVE beer more than all three combined but it doesn't usually agree with me. I can just look at beer and gain 5 pounds. I was at EarthFare the other day thought that this brand looked interesting. This beer was light but still had a bold taste. I loved every sip. Just one was enough. I am like a coffee drinker when it comes to beer. I love the taste and the smell of it. I don't drink for the buzz at all. This beer was like a fine cup of coffee. Smooth, bold and the perfect amount of spices. Loved it!

There you have it, my day in eating form anyway. Tomorrow's post will be chalk full of papaya recipes, get ready it is going to be GOOOOOOD! Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine went WAY too fast!
-Heather