Quote of the Day:

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day."

~Dalai Lama

YUM for the TUM

Another great recipe for ya!

Eggplant Caponata with Portabello Mushrooms

2 Eggplants cut into large cubes
1 Red Onion
1 Handful Small Portabello Mushrooms
2 Tomatoes chopped roughly
2 cloves of Garlic
2 Tablespoons Capers
1/4 cup diced and pitted olives
1 dash oregano
1 dash parsley
Olive Oil
Herb Vinegar
salt

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the eggplant, oregano and salt. You may have to add more olive oil if it gets too dry and cook eggplant in batches. I like to add water so that the eggplant cooks and it's a bit more healthy than all that oil!

Once eggplant is done add the onion, garlic and saute for a bit. Add the capers, olives and a few splashes of the herb vinegar. When vinegar has cooked off add mushrooms, tomatoes and parsley. Saute and simmer for a few minutes.

Throw it over pasta and you have yourself an amazing meal! Don't forget to add some parmigiana cheese!

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BEAUTY SECRETS

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of those acne scars? Or have you experienced hyper pigmentation due to over exposure in the sun?
Check out this product by Civant Skin Care, Meladerm. Civant has come up with a natural alternative for fading those annoying marks, instead of using all those product that have many side effects like: hyrdoquinone.

This product may not work for everyone, but it's worth a try! Find out more information by using the link above or clicking on the picture!

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BOOKWORM MASTERPIECES

For all you Historical Fiction fanatics, like me! I recently read the Boleyn Inheritance by
Philippa Gregory and decided to check out some more info about the author!

Here are some of the interesting tid bits I found out by reading her website.

Born: Kenya in 1954

Residing: North of England

First Novel: Wideacre - was an instant success and world wide bestseller. It was written as she completed her PhD in 18-Century Literature.

Coming Soon to Theaters: The Other Boleyn Girl - which won her the Parker Pen Novel of the Year award 2002 and the Romantic Times fictional bbiography award. It's currently in production starring Scarlett Johansson as Mary Boleyn, Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn and Eric Bana as Henry VIII. The Boleyn Inheritance is also in production and the Constant Princess is to be a four-part drama.

Books Recently Published: The Other Queen - about Mary of Scots published in 2008

Books in the works: A trilogy about the War of the Roses

Favorite Book: As quoted on her site "my favourite book is normally the most recent book, as I have lived and breathed the characters for so long. As I have just finished writing The Other Queen about Mary, Queen of Scots, it is my most precious. But, I have begun research for a trilogy of books about the war of the roses which I am finding fascinating. "

Other Interests: a contributor to magazines and newspapers featuring short stories and reviews Phillipa keeps herself busy. She also is a frequent broadcaster and a regular contestant on Round Britain Quiz for BBC Radio 4 and the Tudor expert for Channel 4's Time Team. She also runs a charity building well in school gardens in The Gambia!

Here are some of my Faves!

Pilates and a bit of salsa style!

"The road to success is always under construction"
~Unknown

PILATES

If you like pilates you should check out CARDIOLATES® developed by Katherine & Kimberly Corp, owners of Pilates on Fifth.

"CARDIOLATES® combines the cardiovascular and cellular benefits of rebounding with the core strengthening and postural benefits of Pilates. Pilates effectively strengthens and flattens the abs, lengthens and tones muscles and improves posture, but it fails to provide one important health benefit: cardiovascular activity. Rebounding strengthens the body's musculoskeletal system by providing an increased gravitational load without the impact to the joints that running, jogging or aerobics generates."

Why try it?

• Improves body composition
• Increases bone density
• Improves blood, lymph and oxygen circulation in the body
• Protects joints fro impact normally delivered by typical cardiovascular exercises
  
• It's Fun!

Click here CARDIOLATES® to find out more info and see a video!

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DECORATING IDEAS

Spanish Style...compliments of HGTV!

I love distressed wood; it makes a space cozy, inviting and almost speaks as if it carries a secret history.

I found this picture on the HGTV.com and was immediately taken by the room.

The distressed wood, rustic decor, wrought iron accessories and hexagonal floor all add flare to the room. I especially like the mirror, it has an old world charm and is an artistic focal point in the room!

For those who love clean lines, but want to attain that extra warmth take a look at the picture to the left. The bronze and pewter paired with the gold walls creates an old world ambiance. While the stone fireplace makes us all want to cozy up on the couch with our favorite book. The chest is an absolute favorite of mine, and I would have never thought to paint the walls gold... ahh...deliciously cozy!

Thanks HGTV we luv ya!

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FASHION FINDS

Introducing our new designer at La Vie En Rose Boutique, Maya of Maya Designs!
Affordable, fun, and earthy jewelry! Check out our first two pieces!

Traveling Rome and Fantastic Finds

Quote of the Day

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."

~Dalai Lama


TRAVEL

ROME

Mysterious, enchanting, intriguing, ghostly, delicious, and of course utterly breathtaking and romantic.

Where else can you wander the streets at dusk, one minute on a cobblestone street in absolute serene solitude and the very next turn of the corner, engulfed in the middle of a bustling piazza filled with music, chatter and people strolling the streets laughing while munching on their fresh gelato?

Only in Rome I imagine can one tap into all their emotions in a single day... the beauty, the people, the food, the wine, the desserts, the lifestyle, and of course the intoxicating history.

One of the simple pleasures I found in Rome happened to be but of course, the Gelato! What I learned quickly was there is a way to order Gelato. You are observed as if you have 4 heads if you order one flavor. I am not sure if it is a complement to the gelateria to get a taste of 2 or 3 flavors all towering and tittering over the homemade ice cream cones? Or is it the just a way of enjoying the art of the Gelato? All I do know is I didn't question, I simply ordered two different flavors each and every time I went to that counter!

My fave.... Amaretto ....


There are so many places to go in Rome: The Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Circus Maximus, the many theaters, museums, Appian Way, Catacombs and of course the Vatican. Wherever you go, your bound to be stunned and swept away imagining you were standign in that very spot thousands of years ago!

While in Rome we booked some tours through Context Tours, which turned out to be the best move ever!

* I highly recommend checking into the tours they offer if you are going to Italy. They even tours all over the world!

One of my favorite things to watch were all
the people buzzing around on their scooters. Here is a picture right near the La Bocca della Verità (The mouth of Truth).

When in Rome......


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BEAUTY SECRET

Derma e Bodycare Products
Microdermabrasion Scrub, A Salon Skin Treatment Alternative

Why pay the big bucks for microdermabrasion when you can buy this alternative. This scrub uses crystal blend system to remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oils. Minimize and smooth fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and retexturize your skin!

Check their website out for more information. I located this exact beauty product at my local Whole Foods Store in the Beauty section.


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FASHION FIND

Kimberly Baker once again has a knack for some of the most creative and fun jewelry!

Bring out the bad girl in you with these Brittany earrings, featuring mini guns, grenades, crosses, brass knuckles and horns!

An absolute favorite of mine - which I happen to pair with many of my sweet girly dresses to add that bad girl flare.

You can buy these at La Vie En Rose Boutique so check them and add them to your collection!


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YUM for the TUM

Curry Chicken Salad

This is a recipe I pulled off of the food network.com but changed a bunch, because I didn't have all the ingredients and wanted to make it easier!

1 Whole Roasted Chicken
1 Cup of yogurt (I prefer the Fage Greek Yogurt 0% Fat)
1/2 Cup Mayo
1 Tablespoon of Curry
1 Tablespoon of Ginger - grated
1 Teaspoon of Honey
1 Teaspoon of Salt
1 Teaspoon of Pepper
1 Teaspoon of Tumeric (optional)
2 Stalks of Celery - chopped
1/2 Cup of Sliced Almonds or any nut you prefer
Large Handful of grapes - chopped in half

Tore chicken from the bone and place in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine yogurt, mayo, curry, ginger, honey, salt, pepper, tumeric and whip.
Throw chopped celery, grapes and almonds in the bowl with the chicken and mix.
Add the mayo mixture to the chicken bowl and fold together

Voila! You have a yummy curry chicken salad! Delicious on a wrap, bread or even over a salad!

Enjoy!

Health...Beauty...Decor

Quote of the Day
"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." ~Plato


PILATES

I am getting my Pilates Certification at Pilates on Fifth... check out their website by clicking on their logo!

The other day I was asked the difference between Yoga and Pilates and after some further research here is what I found? ...

Yoga vs. Pilates

Both pilates and yoga are mind-body systems of exercise that focus on coordinating movement with breath to create a more focused workout.

Yoga is done on a mat without equipment and the weight of your body is the resistance. It aims to unite the mind, body and spirit. Therefore creating a harmony within oneself, which is why it is considered therapeutic.

Pilates is a total body form of exercise which emphasizes strengthening and lengthening of the body to increase one's range of motion. Focusing on the core "powerhouse" abs, lower back and buttocks pilates allows the rest of the body to move freely. Pilates tends to be low impact and ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

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BEAUTY SECRET

Mama Mio
Skin Care for Supermamas
Goodbye Stretch Marks

Do you spend hours in the store reading the labels of many beauty creams promising to get rid of those nasty, annoying stretch marks? You obviously haven't checked out Mama Mio's products! From boobie lifters to cellulite busters their products are sure to make any lady smile...


Written up in:
New York Magazine's Best Bets and OK Magazine

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DECORATING IDEAS

Considering I love exposed beams in a house and especially in the kitchen...check out this pic of a country french kitchen...

Love the beams and chandelier!

A Happy 2009

Quote of the Day
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. "
~Plato

So 2009 has officially kicked off and with the new year as usual many things in life seem repetitive... especially the infamous attempt of one's New Year's resolutions, which seem to last a few weeks then get tossed away and forgotten with the melting of the winter snow on that first spring day.

To me, I toss that old calendar aside; actually more like throw it with a simple AHHH and sigh of relief. 2009 will be different and bring with it even more adventures .... hmm perhaps new recipes, new books, new travels maybe even new home decor

...thoughts flood my head, filling me with excitement, wonder, anxiety and curiosity...

Should old acquaintances be forgotten
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten
And days of long ago !

hmmmm...mmmmm...mmmmm...mmmm

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My fellow bookworms - my library of
masterpieces for 2009 ...

"Agatha Christe is captivating as ever,

suspenseful until the very last page"

"Philippa Gregory once again outdoes

herself with this mesmerizing account

of two of the many wives and conspiracies

of Henry VIII"

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TUNE IN..... GOSSIP GIRL

What will happen on the next Gossip Girl? Did Blaire sleep with Chuck's Uncle? Will Serena and Dan continue to date, even though they both have a stepbrother out there in the world? Is Jenny's fashion career really over? Where did Nate and Vanessa go? I know where I will be next Monday at 8pm!

My Faves...
Aside from the clothing on these gals (Serena is wearing Heidi earrings from Kimberly Baker...which can be purchased at La Vie En Rose Boutique)

Check out some of the show's music too - always dishing out the newest up-in-coming bands!

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YUM for the TUM...

Putzing around the kitchen on this cold winter day I was craving something hearty and yummy.. So, I whipped out my Jamie Oliver cookbook and turned to my absolute favorite soup!

Minestrone d'inizio autunno

7 0z cannellini or borlotti beans
1/2 head of fennel, chopped
1 bay leaf
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 tomato, squashed
A small bunch basil leaves and stems
1 small potato, peeled
2 14-oz cans plum tomatoes
sea salt and ground pepper
2 small zuchini quatered and sliced
olive oil
a glass of red wine
4 slices pancetta or bacon, chopped
1/2 lb chard or spinach, washed/sliced
2 small red onions, chopped
2 cups of chicken stock, or veggie stock
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 oz dried pasta
2 celery sticks, trimmed & chopped
extra virgin olive oil
parmesean cheese

Add your beans to a pan of water with the bay leaf, squashed tomato and potato. Cook until tender - check by tasting. Drain reserving half the cooking water. Discard the bay leaf, tomato and potato (I usually keep them) Season with salt & pepper

While the beans are cooking make a soffrito. Heat a splash of olive oil in a pot, and add chopped pancetta/bacon, onions, carrots, celery, fennel, garlic, sliced basil stems. Sweat slowly for about 15-20 min. on low heat, until soft not brown. Add the tomatoes, zucchini and red wine and simmer for another 15 min.

Add the chard/spinach, stock and beans. Put the dried pasta in a bag, gently break the past in pieces by using a rolling pin or squeezing it. (Be sure to let the air out or the bag will pop and you will have a huge mess). Stir and simmer until pasta is cooked.

If soup is too thick add the reserved cooking water or more stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Served with torn basil leaves and some extra virgin olive oil drizzled over the top! Don't forget the parmesean cheese for the table!

Enjoy and Thank you Jamie Oliver!

I recommend all of his cookbooks!