Melon Granita with Sweet Cream

Oh, how I LOVE THIS RECIPE and I know you will as well!

This PERFECT blend of deliciousness in a chilled, crispy, creamy, sweet and fresh dessert beverage - with or without alcohol added - is SO FABULOUS both to ring in the coming New Year and also for next summer to welcome in and enjoy those lazy, hot days!

Found in Bon Appetit magazine a few years back, I LOVE the simplicity of this recipe as well as how pretty it is - especially adorned with mint sprigs, a fanned strawberry or even an edible chocolate spoon as a final touch. The best part? Melon is a great low carb fruit, rich in vitamins A, B6 and C as well as potassium and fiber, and with a few healthy tweaks to the original recipe, it is just as delicious with less calories and carbs to hassle with if you are watching those numbers, so create, serve, and ENJOY!!


1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Stevia
{original recipe calls for sugar}
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated orange peel
3 cups chilled cantaloupe/Charentais melon cubes
1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
2 ounces Peach Schnaps {optional}

Place 1 cup Stevia, 1/2 cup water and grated orange peel in a small saucepan. Bring to simmer over high heat, stirring with wire whisk to dissolve Stevia. Reduce heat to medium and simmer one minute more. Pour into an 8"x 8"x 2" metal pan and allow to cool. Puree the melon in processor until smooth but with some texture remaining. Measure 2 cups of melon puree and add to the syrup in the pan. {Add the optional Peach Schnaps if desired at this time.}Whisk well to blend and then cover and place mixture in freezer. Freeze until thoroughly frozen about 4 hours, stirring with a fork every hour. Keep covered and frozen and refrain from devouring the pan of yumminess.

With an electric mixer, beat heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons Stevia in medium bowl until peaks form. Remove granita pan from freezer and using a fork, scrape granita into icy flakes. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the granita into the bottoms of six glasses, topping each with a tablespoon of sweetened whipped cream. Repeat layering with granita and whipped cream, add a pretty garnish and serve immediately. It is best if you serve the granitas to your guests instead of hiding in a corner and eating them all.

Serves 6 ~ Per Serving:
Calories: 190, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1.3g, Sugar: 1.3 g
{Original recipe by Lora Zarubin, Photo by Tiyoshi Togashi}

My diagnosis: Shine, join and be used

60 days ago, I was given a diagnosis that took my breath away. Everything right then seemed to stop at once, yet was whirling at full speed ahead. I envisioned a clock counting down the minutes and my mind jumped ahead to that final time, of what life would be like for me, my family... I imagined my daughter years older and needing a mother's guidance at that sensitive age. But would I even BE there? If I was, would I even be able to help her? And my darling husband... SO much he would have on his shoulders... SO much left undone to do.

THANK YOU to everyone for reading my story below and please forgive me for not sharing it earlier with you. Also to the few who WERE aware, THANK YOU for your amazing prayers, support and assistance... SO incredibly appreciated!

July 8, 2012 UPDATE NOTE!! Nine months later and with 4 skin procedures completed (2 on my legs, 1 on my chest, 1 on my back), I am SO very happy to say that the last two came back CLEAN from pathology! My legs are healing well, my recent back incision a titch tender still, but I am keeping my chin up and my arms raised in praise! As I know so many of you are also having difficult times, my my words that follow give you comfort... The trials we each are experiencing are really PROOF of God's love for us, of truly being His child. We may not have revealed to us what He is teaching us through them, but be assured, they are for our good and for a much bigger purpose than we can imagine. Count them as joy... he suffered for us far greater than we are suffering. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not forsake you, plans to give you a hope and a future." We will be refined and we WILL come out as gold! August 18, 2012 UPDATE NOTE: Ugh - 6 moles removed, all returned precancerous and two need further excision... but I am not worried, my chin is up, hands are raised and I am feeling confident! March, 2013 Update: ALL CLEAR and my oncologist is a bit miffed, as she was expecting to see something by now... BUT in January 2013, I began a regime of topically misting my body with 77 liquid prehistoric plant derived minerals, taking extra selenium and the 90 Essential Nutrients that humans require daily every day. Things are ceasing as I am giving my body what it needs to fight and I am ALL for that! When you give the body what it needs, it will heal itself and it is doing that very thing. Wahoo! Lots of  ♥ to you all!

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011.
My cell phone rang and unknowing of the random number, I cheerfully answered, "Hi, this is Tracy!" The words that followed spoken by my doctor, albeit kind and gentle, were literally breath-taking. "Stage II malignant melanoma cancer - you must call this number and get in ASAP - he is the BEST - Huntsman Cancer Institute..." I was speechless. I felt I was broken. I think to that song by Josh Wilson that I hear on KLOVE 107.5, called "Fall Apart". The line, "I find You when I fall apart," resonates in my mind. Isn't it funny how we run to and plead with God in our deepest difficulties, but kind of coast along with him during the easier times? I was doing nothing at that moment, but holding the phone and trying to remember to breathe.

After having a couple of moles removed from my legs during a check up for Chad and I two weeks prior, the fact that my doctor was personally calling me maybe should have been an obvious indication of something, but we know him well and it just didn't register to me. First of all, the cell phone connection was unusually scratchy, but even so, the words I heard hit me like a ton of bricks. Or TWO. The third ton hit me when I went and Googled the Stage II melanoma diagnosis: Life expectancy 5 YEARS.

Initially, I was trying to be strong to block the bricks. For the last few months, I had felt a bit "off", but couldn't just put my finger on it. I was just thinking I was worn down a bit, as I had been really busy working and things. Now my mind was reeling. I hung up the phone and began to check our policies and burial information files. I was somewhat composed, but then when I had to go and freshen up for a few minutes before picking up Zoe from school, I took one look in the mirror at my face, and saw my mother's face within mine. Then I pretty much lost it. I did NOT want Zoe to be a young motherless daughter as I am. She would be 12 years old in 5 years - that is a HUGE time change in a little girl's life! And then the tears began to flow all over again.

Melanoma is not the most common cause of skin cancer, but it IS the most FATAL. 6 out of 7 deaths from skin cancer are due to melanoma. You can't just "watch and wait", because the waiting could be the fatal straw. Without proper observance of the moles on your skin, they can change very subtly and quickly, and the stages can advance dramatically. The HARDEST part for me is the constant unknowing if somewhere else on me something is changing. Had Chad's insurance not been changing on October 1st, there would have been absolutely no reason for us to go and get our checkups. I would have not found out anything was even wrong until next spring during my routine annual physical. By that time, SO much would have changed even more, so I believe it WAS meant to be that I went in that day and Dr. Vogeler saw what he saw. And why NOT me? I am nobody special. Cancer doesn't pick and choose, it just IS.

I called and made an appointment to meet with Dr. Dirk Noyes, Chief of Oncology at the Huntsman Cancer Institute that Dr. Vogeler had referred me to. I was determined to find out all I needed to know before flooring Chad with the news that night, so I spent the day researching. There is no easy way to tell your sweet best friend of whom you adore and want to grow super old and wrinkly with that you may only have 5 years left. He got off work really late, and I didn't say anything as he was just so drained already. As he lay watching the news in bed, I muffled my sobs into a towel while in a hot shower, allowing the water and my tears to flow for nearly an hour. I waited for him to fall asleep, and then proceeded to try to do the same. I tossed and turned all night... who wouldn't? I was talking/crying/praying to God. And missing my mother.

The next day, I phoned my doctor again to get all the information I needed to really explain it all well to Chad after he came home from work that evening. After he answered, I said, "Okay, Dr. Vogeler, I want to REALLY get clear on this so I can plan my next steps, future-wise. You said that I have Stage II malignant melanoma, and that I needed more invasive surgery and also..." "WAIT!", he said. "Tracy, did you think I said Stage II? Oh NO, I didn't say THAT! I think you misunderstood me - I said, "IN SITU" melanoma. "In situ" is Latin for "on the surface"... You are a Stage 0 - the earliest and very best stage... we want to prevent it as soon as possible from going to a Stage I and onward."

My jaw hit the floor and I released a HUGE sigh... Holy WOW!!! A small smile even formed from my lips after so many tears. "I KNOW you," he said, "and I can only imagine what your entire day and night yesterday must have been like for you to be thinking it was Stage II! I am SO sorry!" Damn scratchy cell phone connection!

I told Chad my diagnosis that night and the "heart-stopping-misunderstood-medical-term-story". He was stunned, sweet and loving. I could tell it REALLY took his mind for a ride. We talked for a long time and he kept touching and comforting me. We decided to just keep it primarily between us until the procedure was completed and we knew the final outcome and details, as I didn't want to upset my family - especially my sweet Dad and step mom, who already had so much going on in their corner of the world - and also my network of friends and colleagues with unknown answers. I only told a few people for prayer, support and assistance with Zoe during my appointments for blood work, testing, x-rays, and surgery.

We were eager to get the appointment to meet with the surgeon, Dr. Dirk Noyes, and relieved to have the day finally come. The first words he spoke after our friendly handshake and greeting were right to the point. "Everything that happened to your skin between birth and age 18, happens to it NOW. ANY sunburns to your skin that you had back THEN, create the situation we see NOW."

I have always LOVED the sunshine and the beach. Love having a tan. Flashes of me in my youth playing in the sprinklers, lakes, pools and at water parks, life guarding, beach fun, baby oil, major tan lines, sunglasses and soaking in the sun, tanning beds for getting the glow for dances and concerts - it was the "in thing" to look like a tanned video vixen for going to the 80's hair-band concerts, right? - and the handful of sunburns - especially a doozie in Laguna when I was 16... it all came back. I don't recall applying much sunscreen at all... we applied bronzers! The goal back then was to GET the tan, to have the all-over glow. It was SO different back then. The commercials were filled with tanned beach babes, not the push of protection. Now, with the thinning ozone and such environmental changes, it has worsened and it is paramount to protect our skin. I was examined from head to toe and EVERYWHERE in between. Nothing is unseen and rightfully so. My incision areas were examined from where the biopsied moles had been taken, and it was explained to me that they needed to remove the outer margin areas to be sure that they get it all surrounding the area as well as going within my legs too. One surgery on each leg would be done, middle left inner thigh, middle right inner calf. It would go from the simple 3 stitch spot to a 3-5 inch inch incision in each area. {sigh} My pretty legs are not as important than my sweet life. Melanoma can be ANYWHERE. You can even get it where the sun doesn't shine. The day of my surgery, November 18th, 2011, I found out that a gentleman had had his entire ear removed. I was even more humbled.

The day before, I was poured upon with incredible sweet words of prayer and love by my dear friend, Christina, of whom I felt so moved to call. It was REALLY hard not to tell but a handful of friends/family, but I just couldn't. Something within me was numb, and unusually so, as I am very social. Maybe THIS is where God wanted me to meet Him more deeply, to grow in my relationship with Him, to let go and let Him lift me. SO many of my friends and colleagues were also going through such life trials, that I suppose I thought that by me lifting them up in prayer, it was better than revealing my own needs.

Christina gave me some amazing scriptures and phrases that I was really able to absorb and focus on. "In our biggest weakness, we can SHINE in it, of Him," and "Prayer isn't so much telling Him what to do, it's JOINING Him as He is doing it," and to ask God to "USE me - right in the middle of it." I whole-heartedly DO hope to "shine, join and be used" and I trust in His reason for having this occur TO me is for something SO much bigger THAN me.

{at home following surgery}

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." To that I say, BRING IT, Jesus! However it will be, I am yours and I trust your path for me is good. If I can pay my experience and your light forward to others, whether it is momentary or life-long, I will accept that. I know that by the hands that sculpted me, I am held, and everything is all good and will be just fine.

Thanksgiving came and I was thankful to be healing, taking it day by day, legs almost constantly up, swollen like big loaves of French bread. Our flight of stairs took over 3 minutes to climb at first and I use a step stool to maneuver into bed still. Every day is a new day, some good and some not, but uphill. My experience at the Huntsman Cancer Institute was AMAZING and I know if there is a return visit, I will be in excellent hands, as I am with my surgeon. His clinic at IMC is also wonderful and every step is taken to ensure comfort. I am doing much better, as we near Christmas, although my right calf continues to build up lymph fluid that must be drained and as the nerves were cut, the lower half of my leg is numb, cold and bothersome. One advantage is I won't feel the pain of a snake bite while camping... haha. Poor joke. AND... the outer margins of those areas came back clear and CANCER FREE following the surgery, of which I am SO very happy! Every 4 months, I will need to be checked, and it will be ongoing for years, so I am wrapping my head around that and keeping my chin up, my heart filled with faith and my hands raised in praise for healing, guidance and above all else, glory to God, as in ALL things, he really is so good.

In writing this, I wanted to share what I have gone through and will continue to go through, in hopes that others do NOT. To show others the importance of protecting their kids and themselves from having a future situation such as mine. Over 60,000 people a year are diagnosed with melanoma and approximately 48,000 deaths occur from melanoma worldwide. It doesn't pick and choose. It can be prevented with education and application of steps NOW. Exposure to the sun, measured by the duration (minutes/hours) and degree of intensity (sunburn) is the single most important cause of melanoma, and the incidence of it has risen dramatically from it worldwide over the last 40 years. When you are in the sun, be smart. Stay OUT of tanning beds/booths (This was something I began at 16 or 17... ugh!) and use self tanners/get spray-on tans - they are so fast and easy and they look great when done right. Experts think the link between childhood exposure and later melanoma diagnosis exists because most people get their total or majority of exposure to the sun between birth and 18. If children regularly used and reapplied sunscreen of SPF 15+ (preferably40+) consistently during their first 18 years of life, they would cut their lifetime risk of getting melanoma by 78%! That is HUGE!

These last 60 days have been filled with a mixture of emotion, anticipation, anguish and answers. Prayers and praise and good pain meds. I am SO hopeful and SO appreciative of the thousands of hearts and lives and smiles that I am blessed to have in my life of family, friends, colleagues and followers of this blog - even of those of whom I have not yet met, but will cross my path.

I am SO humbled and thankful for your support as my walk in life takes this interesting turn. It really is about the journey and not the destination for me, as I already know WHERE I will land after my wings have tired, but it is the experience prior to that in where I will SOAR. It is about what I can bring to this life to mirror the heart, hands and feet of Christ that is my journey.

With love and a grateful heart,

"Fall Apart" by Josh Wilson (hear song and read lyrics) :
http://youtu.be/TKISYTwnn0A

Please read more information about melanoma below :  
http://udohnews.blogspot.com/2012/04/worship-your-skin-not-sun.html?m=1

http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-823-2873,11932.asp

http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/skin/page1

http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma

http://en.m.wikepedia.og/wiki/Melanoma

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/melanoma/DS00439

"Excuse me, do you have any MUFA's?"

What the heck is a MUFA?
MUFA's {Mono unsaturated fatty acids} are GOOD FATS that BURN BELLY FAT! Just a small amount a few times a day goes a LONG way to aid in the reduction of the undesired bulge, but don't OVERDO, as the OPPOSITE effect (no fat loss) may occur.

How do I add a MUFA to my daily regime? Try to add one of the following at each main meal {or 3x per day} :

1/4 an avocado, 1 tsp. of olive, canola, flaxseed, sesame or peanut oil, a few tablespoons per day of nuts {almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, pecans, etc. and/or nut butters} olives and high quality dark chocolate.

One of the best ways to do this is to incorporate a mix up of the ideas to optimize your enjoyment of them. For example, add 1 tsp pf peanut butter to your morning protein smoothie, mix up equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a salad dressing, make a simple pesto! Blend pine nuts, olive oil, basil and Parmesan cheese, then spread over fish or chicken after baking. Super easy and tasty ways to get good MUFA's!

SOME MUFA IDEAS:

• Add avocado in omelets, add to meat and cheese roll-ups, add diced atop thin crust pizza
• Put peanut butter in smoothies, on celery, in whole wheat wraps, in stir fries, on apples
  
• Sprinkle almonds/nuts on top of salads, fold into cream cheese and fill celery, crush cashews or pecans and and coat fish
  
• Mix nuts and ground flaxsee into your yogurt; add flaxseed oil to your smoothies
• Add sunflower seeds, walnuts or pecans to quinoa/brown rice for a cereal or side dish
• Toss sliced avocado, chopped olives, or sliced nuts into your green leaf salad
• Use oil based dressings on salads: Olive oil, canola, sunflower - avoid soybean oil
• Add avocado to a Mexican chicken or black bean soup or chili
• Instead of croutons, add nuts and seeds to your soup or salad
• Add nuts to stir-fry dishes, using olive, canola and peanut oil when stir-frying
• Add olives to top a thin crust pizza
  
• Fold pesto sauce into steamed spaghetti squash with olive oil, garlic and Parmesan
• Add a dollop of pesto to dishes ie: tomato soup or cucumber-tomato mozzarella salad
• Stir minced olives into marinara sauce
• Sprinkle nuts on cream-based soups like tomato-basil, butternut squash, etc.
• Add avocado to shrimp/crab salad with a squeeze of lime and cilantro
• Top chicken, turkey burgers or beef burgers with guacamole and chopped tomatoes
• Add diced avocado to fresh salsa
• Fill celery stalks with Laughing Cow cheese and raw almonds for a crunchy snack
• Baked chicken is yummy with a slice of fresh mozarella and olive tapenade placed atop
• Blend avocado and Laughing Cow cheese with lemon for a veggie/shrimp dip
• Dip celery or apples in peanut or almond butter
• Enjoy a piece of good quality dark chocolate a couple times a week for a mid day treat. Mix dark chocolate chips into ricotta flavored with vanilla extract and Stevia

Tomato, Basil & Mozarella Salad

{tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella balls, olive oil, salt and pepper}

Getting the MOST nutrition from the foods we eat is optimum, so be aware of what is IN what you CONSUME. 90% of what we are is from what we eat, so be proactive in your choices and enjoy the variety of healthful foods that is all around us, including a daily dose of heart healthy MUFA's.

Why getting a D is a good thing!

You WILL want this letter on your "health report card"!
If there is one vitamin supplement you should take, vitamin D is IT, experts say, as research suggests that lack of D raises the risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis and various cancers. In fact, in a huge array of studies at University of California, San Diego, scientists have found that high vitamin D levels cuts ovarian, colon and breast cancer risk by up to 50%!

Sunshine on your skin creates vitamin D in your body. When sun hits you, D is made, and despite the natural, easy to access source, about half of Americans fall short of the amount they need, especially those in rainy/cloudy environments. Also, as people get older, the D factory doesn't work as well, and slathering on the sunscreens BLOCKS the vitamin-producing process. {Ironic isn't it, that to protect from one cancer we are trying to prevent another!} Nevertheless, you should avoid exposing unprotected skin to the sun, and know that food and supplements can provide all the vitamin D that you need. Getting at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day in the summertime and 2,000 IU in the wintertime (when the sun is much weaker) is optimal. Your BEST bet you are getting enough? Take 1,500 IU in supplement form, making sure your supplement contains vitamin D3, the form the skin makes.

It is difficult to get ENOUGH vitamin D from your diet, but adding those from the list below will help! {Another issue to consider: If you have osteoporosis, low bone-mineral density, are premenopausal, have vitamin absorption problems (i.e celiac disease) or a history of breaking bones easily, it is a good idea to have your doctor do a blood test to make sure you are not vitamin D deficient.}

Vitamin D Rich foods	Portion	IUs per serving	Percent DV
Cod liver oil	1 Tbsp	1,360	340%
Body Trim Dietary Supplement (click to learn more!) Salmon cooked	12-14 oz. 3 ounces	500 447	125% 112%
Mackerel cooked	3 ounces	388	97%
Tuna fish (water canned)	3 ounces	154	39%
Skim, reduced fat or whole milk and vitamin D-fortified	1 cup	115-124	29-31%
Orange juice vitamin D-fortified	1 cup	100	25%
Liver (beef) cooked	3.5 ounces	49	12%
Sardines (canned in oil) drained	2 sardines	46	12%
Egg (vitamin D is found in yolk)	1 large egg	41	10%
Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified	0.75-1 cup	40	10%
Cheese (Swiss)	1 ounce	6	2%

Peanut Butter and Toffee Candy Bark

PERFECT for nibbling at Halloween festivities while carving pumpkins or as a colorful sweet treat for movie and game nights, this recipe makes about 2 pounds of chopped up YUMMINESS!

You have learned a lot about me by now {especially if you clicked on "A Bit More About Me" in the right side column} and you know I LOVE GOOD CHOCOLATE. So, although regular good old candy bars are in the ingredient lineup, I am NOT bugged at all as I like the choices the Bon Appetit peeps picked. But I AM particular about the base, the BODY, if you will of this yummy creation. It HAS to be REALLY GOOD... it is the FOUNDATION of it, afterall. So, don't just get a bag of regular cheap chocolate chips for the base and call it good... GET the goods, the Ghiradelli semisweet big baking chips... you will thank me later.

1 pound Ghiradelli bittersweet chocolate baking chips
{3} 2.1 oz Butterfinger candy bars, cut into irregular 1" pieces
{3} 1.4 oz Skor or Heath candy bars, cut into irregular 3/4" pieces
{8} 0.55 oz Reeses peanut butter cups, cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup Reeses pieces
1/2 cup yellow and orange peanut M&M's
1/4 cup honey roasted peanuts
3 oz good white chocolate, such as Lindt or Perugina, chopped

Line a baking sheet with foil. Stir chocolate chips in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted and warm (not hot) to touch. Pour chocolate onto foil and spread to about 1/4" thickness (about a 12" x 10" rectangle). Scatter Butterfinger candy, then toffee, peanut butter cups and nuts onto chocolate, pressing to adhere. Pause and lick chocolate spoon and daydream about a warm beach getaway for a moment. Thailand or Cancun are MY mental getaway choices. Yours?

Okay, next put the white chocolate into a heavy small saucepan and stir constantly over very low heat until chocolate is melted and warm (not hot) to touch. Remove from heat and to drizzle the white chocolate over the bark, dip a spoon into the melted chocolate and wave the spoon from side to side over the bark, creating zigzag lines.

Scatter the Reeses Pieces and M&M's over the bark to add the splash of color, pressing to adhere. Chill bark until fully firm, about half an hour. Enjoy the delicious aroma that has filled your home!

Lifting the foil, pull and slide the bark from the pan onto a work surface. Peel off foil and using a heavy knife, cut the candy bark into irregular shards. Eat a bit to make sure it turned out okay.
If "PMSing", eat another. And maybe one more.
You know, just to make sure and all.

{Recipe compliments of Bon Appetit Magazine}
Per each 2" piece: 169 calories, 12 g fat, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein, 12 g carb

5,016 = THANK YOU!!

A little note for YOU with a BIG MESSAGE!
Please click on it to enlarge and read!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

This incredibly delicious, fabulously versatile and super easy "Cauliflower Pizza Crust" recipe is SUPER AWESOME!! (and it's also included in my IGNITE15 RECIPE COLLECTION!)

Seriously, what BETTER way to have extra healthful fiber and nutrients packed into something that nearly all of us LOVE to indulge in than PIZZA??!! Whether with a rich tomato sauce, a white sauce, or a simple brush of olive oil and herbs, this is a GREAT nest for your favorite toppings to cozy up on, and gluten-free to boot! Also fun baked and sliced into "cauli-sticks", topped with a brushing of olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs and grated Parmesan cheese to accompany autumn soups... or use smaller squares or rounds for party appetizers, topping with olive tapenade and Feta cheese or perhaps with roasted shrimps/scallops tucked upon an avocado/lime spread with cilantro? Okay, I am totally making myself hungry now! ENJOY!

2 cups grated cauliflower

2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

2 eggs (or egg white equivalent)

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon fennel 2 teaspoons garlic powder

olive oil cooking spray

Some Suggested Toppings: Diced green pepper, onion, tomato, fresh spinach, roasted chicken, red onions, artichoke hearts, etc.

Chop desired toppings and set aside. Steam cauliflower. Let it cool and then grate it. Combine cauliflower with 1 cup of the cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Coat a baking stone/metal baking pan with cooking spray and spread the dough evenly, sprinkling herbs and garlic powder on top. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with desired toppings and other cup of cheese. Return to oven. Turn to broil and leave in until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy.

Super Yummy Idea: Brush the crust with olive oil, fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice all over (or use “Yummy Gluten Free Sauce”) and top with chopped rotisserie chicken, mushrooms, fresh spinach, chopped fresh herbs, red onions, crumbled turkey bacon and artichoke hearts.

Serves 6. (Crust only: 258 cals, 6 carb, 18 g pro, 18 g fat, 2 g fiber) Recipe courtesy of The Dr. Oz Show

The Artistry of Autumn & September 2011's WINNER!

CONGRATS TO SEPTEMBER 2011'S WINNER!
AND THE WINNER IS... Jill Collette!
For leaving a comment at the bottom of this post, you win $20 toward your choice of print(s)! Super excited for you and thank you for leaving such a sweet comment! Enjoy picking out something you love!

Take a moment and imagine how it sounds and feels to walk on autumn-crisped leaves... heaps and mounds of them blanketing the sidewalks, being lifted and tossed about in the chilled wind, children jumping into huge raked mini-mountains of them... especially gorgeous when you witness a car driving along a tree hugged street and like a scene from a movie, the bilateral flurry of color captures your gaze.

The branches are barren. Everything turns crisp. The fallen leaves are drenched in the vibrantly rich hues of the changing of the season, released from the heat to be embraced by the cold. The colors are immense and brilliant. A sign of the whitewashed palette to follow.

Mother Nature never, ever, EVER ceases to amaze me. Whether being one-on-one in nature to the worldwide heartbreaking tragedies that connect us all, I am stilled by the immense power displayed, the thrilling discovery of and unbelievable imagination that created nature.

And I take pictures of it. And other stuff.
Just something else I enjoy, for others to enjoy as well.

If you would like to peek at more, I would be really honored! What simply began as a few photos, became a collection, and from that collection, became my online gallery.

And, if you find something you love from the images above or while viewing the entire collection on the site, please let me know and I would be more than happy to accommodate getting it to you, for adding a special touch to a space or for a unique gift!

http://www.tracywagstaffphotography.blogspot.com

Get cozy with a beverage, click the link above, and enjoy perusing!
Simply email me at tracy@vibrantdrinkactlife.com with any questions and for more information and thank you for taking the time to visit!

PS. Leave a comment below for your chance to win a $$$ CREDIT toward a print of your choice for this month's FREE PRIZE giveaway!

Red Bell Pepper Soup

You know how I LOVE to use bell peppers in my veggie saute's, crustless quiches, frittatas, as a crunchy bowl to hold tuna or chicken salad, cut into strips in meat roll ups and of course simply to munch on. Trim extra fat from your diet with heart-healthy ingredients that will still tickle your taste buds from this delicious soup I LOVE from Dr. Oz! Bell peppers help to boost fat burning, are loaded with vitamin C, and this wonderful soup, with its Mediterranean flavor, showcases them with tomatoes, jalapeno pepper and basil. It is a perfect summer/early autumn soup to make while these vegetables are in season. It can be served hot or cold and is also a perfect low-fat way to boost your heart health! I make mine with a dollop of "herbed ricotta cream"on top when served, mixing 1/2 cup skim milk ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup fat free sour cream and fresh chopped parsley, chives and fresh lemon juice... enjoy!

{Serves 4 - Make a double batch as it freezes beautifully!}

16 oz red bell peppers, seeded and chopped up

1 small Vidalia onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

1 1/2 cups strained canned diced tomatoes

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

2 tbsp freshly chopped basil

1 tbsp freshly chopped rosemary or oregano

1 tsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Place the olive oil, red bell peppers, onions, garlic, jalapeno and tomatoes in a saute' pan and saute' over medium heat until aromatic, about 5-8 minutes. Add the vegetable broth, and bring to a boil over medium heat. When the vegetables are tender, puree the mixture in a blender a little at a time. Reheat as needed, place into serving bowl and add the fresh herbs. To make it a creamy version, whisk in 1 cup of fat free sour cream while preparing.

Serving size: 1 cup

Cals: (without sour cream) est. 160, 8g carbs, 3 g fiber, 100% YUM!}

Vibrant Giveaway Winner {Aug. 2011}

"... I have come a long way in life
to be where I am today."

Even though I have personally only lived for around 15,000 days,
it has been such a quick 41+ years! Our walk, our journey in our lives, can feel either like it has been such a long one, or one that it has simply flown by.

The sentence above really touched me as read the comments left on the post, and as I drew from my little cracked antique pitcher the name of August's Vibrant Giveaway winner, the words came back to my mind and heart.

The words ring so true that even in the shortest of life spans, each and every one of our walks in this life is one of purpose, meaning and reason. To us, we feel we have overcome incredible obstacles, have surpassed trials and mountains of challenges to get to where we are now. But to God, the time we have been here is merely the length of a blink. A speck of what is to come. And all the moments in our path were meant for us, placed by Him and intended for His glory. After all, the one who knows our heart best is the one who created it.

Your walk is all your own, and as every hair on your head has been counted, everything you would ever do is also known. He weeps alongside you as your tears fall. He knows the longings of your heart. He is overjoyed by your triumphs, and no matter what you could ever do, nothing can separate you from His love.

{Vintage Button Bracelet by Vintage Butterfly artist, Missy Stevens
c/o: vintagebutterfly.missy@gmail.com}

What does all of this have to do with the prize of this beautiful vintage button bracelet? Serving as a metaphor for one's path, it resembles the marking of milestones as it shows signs of bumps and wear within its beauty. It has strength and endurance within its fragile and delicate structure. It reflects the long path you have walked to reach this place you are today, and whether you are at a point of triumph or trial, you are right where you have always been meant to be!

Congratulations goes to Sheryl May as our
August 2011 Vibrant Giveaway winner!

Wear it, enjoy it, and add charms and special mini memories to it if you like. May it be a continuing reflection of the footprints you are making in this world and the moments you want to remember!

3 Unhealthy Foods to STOP eating!

A GREAT article I found on Facebook mirrors SO much of what I have written in my previous health and nutrition posts and have spoken about on national calls, online webinars and in person for years now. Read on to see this great article that Mike Leary, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist wrote below, and get ready for a shocking statistic...

Mike writes, "Currently, the average adult eating a typical modern western diet in countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, etc. consumes approximately 67% of their total caloric intake from only 3 foods: CORN, SOY and WHEAT (and their derivatives). What would be considered a reasonably healthy amount of corn, soy and wheat in the human diet? Based on tens of thousands of years of human history, and what the natural diet of our ancestors was (indicating what our digestive systems are still programmed to process), this would probably be in the range of about 1% to 5% MAX of our total calories from soy, corn and wheat.

Considering that modern humans are eating 67% of their TOTAL calories from soy, corn and wheat, you can see why we have MASSIVE problems in our health and our weight!

It's not a surprise that we now have SO many intolerances and allergies, specifically to soy and wheat (and gluten intolerance). The human digestive system was simply never meant to consume these substances in such MASSIVE quantities. Keep in mind that these massively high levels of corn, soy and wheat in our modern human diet is a relatively NEW phenomenon that originated from the economics of the multi-billion dollar corn, soy and wheat industries. It really HAS been all about the money and NOT about our health! {Tracy interjection: Unfortunately, much of the most unhealthy foods are the cheapest to buy, continuing the vicious cycle and booming the industries of these as well as the medical industry. I now see many of my current clients in their 40's and 50's with the heart issues, diabetes and hormonal issues that I had primarily seen in my clientele in the 70-80 year old range only 15 years ago.}

By "derivatives" of corn, soy and wheat, this means the food additives such as: High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), corn oil, soybean oil (hydrogenated or plain refined), soy protein, refined wheat flour, hundreds of other food additives such as maltodextrin, corn or wheat starch, soy lecitin, mono and diglycerides, etc. This doesn't surprise me... consider how much soda or other sweetened drinks (with loads of HFCS) that the average person drinks DAILY... this is a LOT of calories from just ONE sole corn derivative. Even marinades, salad dressings, ketchup, breads, and 100's of other foods contain loads of belly-fattening HFCS! {Tracy interjection: If you have not done so already, PLEASE Netfix the documentaries, "Food Matters" and "Food Inc."! Hugely impactful, informative and important for anyone who eats, drinks and breathes.}

ALSO, think about how many processed foods we have that are either fried in soybean or corn oil, and even if the foods are not fried in these oils, these oils are additives to almost every processed food: chips, candies, cakes, salad dressings, tomato sauces, burrito wraps, corn chips, breaded chicken, etc, etc... This is a LOT of calories from these two OTHER corn and soy derivatives... both of them EXTREMELY UNHEALTHY!

On top of that, think about how MUCH breads, cereals, pastas, muffins and other highly processed wheat products that most people consume each day. Again, this is LOADS of unhealthy, blood-sugar spiking, nutrient-poor calories, that more than half the population has some degree of intolerance to anyway.

It gets even WORSE! Not only are we eating 67% of our total calories from corn, soy and wheat, but because of the economics involved (specifically with cheap corn and soy) we are also feeding most of our farm animals corn and soy now TOO, again amplifying the amount of corn and soy that passes through the food chain and (from a biochemical standpoint) ENDS UP IN OUR BODIES!

Probably the two worst examples of this blatant mismanagement of our food supply is how our factory farmed chickens and cows are fed. Cows are fed mostly corn in factory feedlot farms, even though their digestive systems are only meant to eat grass and other forage. This makes the cows sick (hmmm... E-coli anyone?), alters the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of the fats to unhealthy levels, and also diminishes the healthy CLA fats that would occur naturally in grass-fed beef. All of these problems go away if our cows are fed what they were made to eat naturally - GRASS!

Our chickens are also fed a diet of mostly corn and soy and crowded in tight pens in horrendous conditions {Tracy interjection: Do not eat while watching "Food Inc."... you will thank me later for this tidbit of advice.} A chicken was meant to roam around the outdoors eating a mixture of green, insects, worms, seeds, etc. When chickens are kept inside tight quarters and fed only grains, it leads to an unhealthy meat for YOU to eat, and also less healthy eggs compared to free-roaming {free-range} chickens allowed to eat an outdoors diet.

Our food supply has gotten SO screwed up that we're even feeding our salmon and other farmed fish corn and soy, again because of the economics involved. How ludicrious is this, considering that fish are meant to eat a diverse diet of smaller fish, worms, bugs, etc... Again this makes farm raised fish unhealthy in terms of nutrition compared to their wild counterparts. {Tracy interjection: Go WILD and buy wild-caught fish and seafood! Buy organic grass-fed beef and free-range chicken/eggs. If you can, invest in purchasing a farmer-raised grass-fed cow and free range chickens for the consistent freezer access to a healthful supply of meat.}

So, even when you're eating chicken, beef and fish, you are still essentially getting even MORE corn and soy into your body, considering that the cows, chickens and farmed fish eat mostly corn and soy. So, it's actually WORSE than just 67%, isn't it?!"

WOW! Great article, right? We simply MUST have a smart and informed approach to food production, purchase and consumption! How? By reading product labels, making healthful food choices and creating a good meal plan. Focus on the key foods we need, and this statistic CAN be changed! The FIRST step? Look in your own refrigerator, turn the bottles and jars around and read the labels. Toss out the bad and refill with what you need for more healthful eating. Now, if you want to make a FAST jump start in replenishing what you need, while removing what you don't in cleaning out BOTH your body and your fridge, connect with me ASAP at tracy@vibrantdrinkactlife.com and I will assist you in getting your health status and body ignited very quickly to rid excess weight, replenish your system from the inside out and allow you to reclaim your health. You only have one body, so GET IT HEALTHY - I will show you how!

Shrimp Salad Lettuce Cups

{stock photo of recipe}

Yep, these RULE!! They are SOOO easy and SOOO yummy, and PERFECT for mid-morning or mid-afternoon grabs! The Ignite15 eating enjoyment options are endless and I have this great recipe on the seafood recipe list. Also perfect for a hand-held party appetizer and super convenient to take to work in a cooler to assemble at your desk, in your truck cab, in an airplane cockpit, a dancer's dressing room, and so on... Yummy and easy, no matter what your profession!

Ingredients : 1/4 cup olive oil mayonnaise, 2 hard boiled egg whites, 1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, Juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, 3 tbsps fresh dill, 2 pounds medium shrimp, cooked, deveined and chilled, 1/2 cup red onion, finely minced, 1 cup celery, finely minced, 2 heads butter lettuce, lemon slices for garnish

Directions : Prepare dressing. Using a mini food processor or blender, combine mayonnaise, eggs, almond milk, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and dill. Blend until smooth. Add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice to thin dressing, if desired. In a large bowl gently combine chilled shrimp, dressing, onions, and celery. Taste and adjust seasonings.

To serve : Arrange lettuce leaves on a large platter and fill each leaf with 1/3 cup shrimp salad mixture. Garnish with extra dill, a grind of fresh black pepper and arrange lemon slices on the side.

Nutrition Facts : 218 calories, 16g protein, 2g carbohydrate, 2 gm fat & 2 gms fiber

Makes 12 lettuce cups (4 servings)

Beautify With Homemade Face Masks

With some music on, a cup of tea by your side, a fluffy robe wrapped around you and your feet up, you rest... eyes closed behind cool cucumber slices, your mind drifting, your body calm.

There is nothing more precious than finding time, even just a few minutes of quiet, solitary time to unwind and relax... time to renew the senses, regroup the mind and restore the body.

 

Wrapping your skin in renewing nourishment is not only calming, but beautifully replenishing! Here are two fabulous and easy facial mask recipes and info about why they are the perfect addition to your at-home beauty routine. Relax, unwind and enjoy!

MASHED AVOCADO MASK {1/2 a ripe avocado, 1 tsp raw honey, 1 Tbsp natural yogurt,
1/3 of a cucumber}

Mash the avocado with a fork until creamy. Avocados contain a deep penetrating vegetable oil that is perfect for dry skin care. Maybe the most important element of avocado is that it is a good source of potassium, which is known as the youth mineral, so whether you are eating avocados or making a face mask, they can help your skin maintain its beautiful, healthy glow.

Stir in the natural yogurt. Yogurt is a natural and gentle cleanser and is used in many skin care products. Yogurt also contains lactic acid, which soothes and softens the skin while tightening wrinkles and refining pores.

Peel and slice two pieces of cucumber to place over your eyes. With natural and gentle astringent properties, cucumber is the perfect addition to your avocado face mask, as it cleans, nourishes, hydrates and helps reduce circles underneath the eyes.

Wash your face gently with warm water and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the avocado face mask to your face and neck. Place the cucumber slices over your eyes and relax. Allow the mask to set for at least 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water, and again, patting dry.

MASHED BANANA MASK
{1/4 banana, 1/4 cup natural yogurt, 1 tsp raw honey}

Here is another favorite beauty creation from my fav, Dr. Oz! This super simple, sweet scented, cost-effective {and might I add, delicious?} way to smooth out wrinkles will leave your skin replenished, glowing and smelling delicious! Adding semi cooked oatmeal to the combination is also great for a gentle exfoliating and smoothing mask/scrub.

Mash banana and mix with honey and yogurt. Spread over face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and gently pat dry.

A BEAUTIFUL FREE GIVEAWAY!

So, you know when you walk into a place that simply CAPTURES you? An incredible place that within the very first steps inside, your heart begins to pound, your breath is caught and your eyes are in full blown overdrive trying to take in every aspect and every fragment and every detail of OHSOMUCHAMAZINGNESS that you have just encountered?

That was my first reaction {okay, I blushingly admit it is still my every reaction since then...} when I step within the studio of "Vintage Butterfly". It is simply BREATHTAKING and it is no wonder that while being within such a BEAUTIFUL place, beauty simply bursts forth from it, into the most unique and stunningly feminine designs and creations.

And I am SO excited and honored to be GIVING AWAY FOR FREE one of "Vintage Butterfly's" amazing pieces for August 2011's Vibrant Giveaway! Take a looksie! It is a "Vintage Button Bracelet", so take a breath and relish in its' loveliness... and imagine it adorning YOU!!

First, the incredible vintage buttons, faceted stones, beads and glass...

And then the intricate combination of it all...

The super creative extra attention to detail is found in every piece... Here, the simple freshwater pearl is being kissed by a crown of sparkles... And look at the fun chunky clasp! Entwining bold and beautiful PERFECTLY!

Then there is the FEEL of it when you put it on. Ladies, you know exactly what I am talking about, as it feels SO delicately chunky/girly/sexy/vintagey {my new made-up word} and absolutely lovely on! When you add a feminine flair this unique, it is just SO much fun!
I want YOU to win this Vintage Button Bracelet! Be easily entered to do so by completing the three simple steps below!

1} Leave a comment beneath this post describing what you love about the bracelet and why YOU would love to win it for yourself or to give as a gift.
2} Name one thing on your "bucket list" that you wish to do someday.
3} Take a moment to forgive, compliment or pray for someone today.

Thanks for participating and the lucky winner will be announced in early September!

{For more information about Missy's amazing collection, custom designs and oh SO much more!}

Caprese Cups

Self explanatory to make, these easy, delicious, FAST and super cute "Caprese Cups" make a colorful addition to a summer appetizer plate, paired with a meal, added to a picnic basket or simply as a great protein and low carb snack that is simple and yummy... And being that the Mozarella balls are in herbed olive oil boosts 'em heart healthy!

I LOVE to use the little Campari tomatoes and simply snip fresh leaves from my basil plant and it is delish! The yummy salad shown in the bottom right picture is made with slices of baby Mozarella loaves, a yummy basil pesto balsamic dressing atop a bed of lettuces with tomato and shredded Parmesan. Mmmmm! You can see the recipe HERE. Enjoy!