All posts tagged: midlife

healthy eating: salmon tacos

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I must admit, I cannot resist Mexican food, although some of the California gourmet variations are not the true sense of the cuisine.  But either way, I do appreciate all the attempts to spin off from the original Mexican style taco and embrace them in my own home. With that said, I have found this really interesting Salmon taco recipe here which  I have added to my list of healthy meals for the family. Hope you like it. Santa Fe Salsa 1 can(s) (11 ounce) mexi corn, drained 1 cup(s) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered 1/2 cup(s) black beans, rinced, drained 1/2 cup(s) shredded carrots 1/2 cup(s) green chile salsa 1/4 cup(s) diced red onion 2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro Salmon 2  (about 1 1/2 pounds) salmon steaks, 1-inch thick 1 tablespoon(s) jalapeno and lime flavored olive oil, or any favorite flavored or plain olive oil 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt 1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper 8  taco shells Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce for garnish Directions In a medium bowl, combine the salsa ingredients; set aside. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush oil over salmon steaks; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook salmon in skillet 3 to …

inspiration: cafe de flore – paris, france

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After a long week, I needed some inspirational photos to help escape “mentally” at least from the every day norms. My favorite place to hang out – Cafe De Flore in Paris (of course), France. I have a strange appreciation for cafe photos and here are some of my favorites Cafe de Flore to share with you. Have a great weekend and remember think happy thoughts no matter how hard life can be. 🙂 {photos: courtesy google search cafe de flore – various artists}

healthy cooking: filet mignon with roquefort

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Who doesn’t love a great piece of steak, except the non-meat eaters of course. I love steak and if it were up to me, I could eat one every day. But in trying to keep a balance with my healthy eating and cooking goal, I only eat steak once a month and it has to be a filet mignon. I am however, particular about the cut and often times would go to a specialty meat and poultry shop to purchase just the right cut and size. With that said, I have found a great filet mignon recipe (not that I really ever need a  recipe to prepare the steak)  here and have actually served it up by itself – without a side dish on occasion and then with the spinach sautéed with lemon and garlic and a wonderful french Cabernet Sauvignon. I am not going to recommend the wine because to each his/her own on that one. Anyway, enjoy the recipe and let me know how it turned out for you. Ingredients U.S. Metric Conversion …

the do’s of bangs for the woman over 40

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I have always appreciated bangs and have supported one myself for years. Believe me I tried without one and it didn’t work on me. So, I am glad to see them back again for 2011 because now I can actually say I am current on a fashion trend. Since I gear most of my fashion topics to the women over 40, I decided to research the do’s and don’ts of supporting a bang and I found out from here what works and doesn’t. By the way the feature photo of Jill Zarin (top) is my favorite pick of hairstyle  and color I want to see on myself in 2011.

inspirational women over 40: elle mcpherson

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I just realized I haven’t paid homage to an inspirational celebrity in a long while and for that I have decided to add Elle McPherson to my list of celebrity women over 40, who I have grown to admire over the years. In her case, not only because of her ability to maintain an amazing body at 48,  but also because of her drive to become a successful businesswoman, designing lingerie for the woman of any age. Macpherson is a European Ambassador for RED, an initiative set up by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise money and awareness for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and to help eradicate AIDS for women and children in Africa. She is also an ambassador for UNICEF. In her native Australia, she is an ambassador for the Smile Foundation, which helps the families of children with rare diseases and organizes government research grants She has also modelled for charitable causes including fundraising for 2007 British flood victims, wounded veterans, and child welfare group Absolute Return for Kids. (per Wiki) For more on Elle McPherson please click here and …

inspiration: dreamy bedroom decor

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Everyone needs a bit of inspiration, mental therapy I call it,  to keep going,  Being stuck in a rut is sometimes depressing and no matter how much you think you have it under control, life dictates otherwise. So for those challenging moments and agravating days I have decided to include (on a weekly basis) some inspirational  photos which help me feel good when I am having a bad day. Mind you this doens’t replace my daily walks and medidation, it is just a quick pick me up when I feel ****. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photos and no matter what find time for yourself every weekend and do whatever it takes to make you feel good about yourself. Have a great weekend!

healthy eating: chili with lentil

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I found this amazing chili recipe here and wanted to share it with my readers. Most busy women appreciate making food in bulk in order to feed their family and have a little bit left over for lunch the next day.  But even if that isn’t the case in your household, you will appreciate the chili with lentil recipe below. Just in case you are curious about the health benefits of lentil: It is a member of the legume family, which is highly recommended in healthy eating. Not only do lentils lower cholesterol, they  also manage blood-sugar disorders due to its high fiber content. Lentils also contain six important minerals, two B-vitamins, protein with virtually no fat. So, next time you are in the mood for chili, consider my favorite legume, lentil instead of the usual beans chili is made with. Serves 8 This simple vegetarian chili recipe uses lentils instead of beans. Brown lentils work best as they will hold their shape even when tender after cooking. Serve with our Health Starts Here hearth …

valentine’s day romance – suggestion 4 – dinner and a movie

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Now, I saved the best for last, well at least from where I am sitting. Dinner and a movie suggestion for a romantic evening at home is ideal in every sense of the word, if done right. This suggestions would be best if, those with children, are able to find a sitter away from home and if one partner can surprise the other with it. Rent a couple of the movies I have suggested above or others that you think are in line with a love story/romantic theme. Contact your local purveyor of fine foods or a restaurant to order a steak or seafood dinner for two.  I prefer  Dean and DeLuca’s Valentine’s Day Meal  from their menu here . They also carry a large selection of champagne as well as  sparkling wine or wines in general so it makes the planning easier. Organize the living room or family room (wherever the television is) for the setting. Setting up the center coffee table with candles, flowers and fine china is ideal place to eat, while …

valentine’s day romance – suggestion 3 – spa day

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Cliche you might say, but couples over 40 tend to mostly dream or talk about a spa day, more so than actually do something about it. Either because, they are too busy or just, don’t consider to include it in their budget. So don’t laugh when I suggest a couples spa day as a  Valentine’s Day gift for one another. Either the weekend before or on the actual day – again depending on work and kids. For example, just outside of San Francisco, in Napa and Sonoma county we have dozens of spas ranging in price and techniques to consider.  And although we  have them all over the bay area,  for some reason I feel on this special occasion, it is more romantic to go to the wine country and have a spa day then just around the corner from where I live. However, planning for this day takes alot of work. A partner has to be willing to take the time to research and organize it in order to surprise their loved ones properly. …