Guest Post, Health, In the Kitchen, Photos

Runner Kelly is back!

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Since Kelly stopped blogging, I have missed her dearly. Kelly comments often on my blog and we e-mail each other to catch up, from time to time. Randomly one day I asked Kelly if she was interested in writing a guest post / blog entry here on spiffykerms. She accepted so here she is! SO EXCITING! Miss her face!

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Remember Me? I’m Kelly and I used to blog at Healthy Living With Kelly. (http://www.myhealthypassion.wordpress.com) The link is still active with all my recipes and info if you ever want to go check it out. Last August I had to stop blogging because I had an unfortunate knife accident in the kitchen that required surgery. I chopped my pinky finger 95% off.

I had surgery, was in a cast for about 2 months and spent close to 3 months in physical therapy relearning how to use my left hand again. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever gone through. Ever.  I was severely depressed and spent most every day waking up just to count down the hours until I could go back to sleep. I had gone from a very independent person to someone who couldn’t blow dry her hair, get dressed, make a sandwich, or even put on deodorant without help. It was awful. I was never more ready for a new year as 2010 was not my favorite. After about 3 straight weeks of complete moping around I picked myself up and slowly starting to get my old spunk back. I had ended my blog because I couldn’t type one handed but I never came back to update anyone so when Nancy asked me to write this post I jumped at the chance.

I guess the natural place to start is the hand. My left pinky works about 75%. It doesn’t bend naturally or look 100% normal but I am just thankful that I still have it. Once I “graduated” from physical therapy and no longer had any restrictions placed on me, my fabulous husband (and best support system ever) took me on a 10 day trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon. We hiked our little hearts out!

It was a very refreshing trip that cleared my mind and really let me appreciate everything we had been through together over the last 3 months. 2010 was such a hard year. It was a wonderful trip and I came away even more in love with Keith. Insert awwwww! I mean who wouldn’t love a guy who “tags” rocks with chalk everywhere we went?

When we got home I felt renewed and ready to start something new. So, I opened my own catering business. I started making ready-made meals for people who were too busy to go home and cook and didn’t want to eat fast food. I started offering a limited menu and before I knew it, it took off! The plan in 2011 is to actually open up my own shop versus cooking out of my house. I am currently working on my business plan so I can go to the bank and prove to them that I am a good investment! Ha! I also started a weekly newsletter to keep giving out my healthy tips without the blog. If you want to be added on just send me an email: Kelly0412@hotmail.com and I will get you added on! It is just a weekly listserv with health tips and recipes.

I still am an avid blog reader just not an avid blogger. But thanks to Nancy for sharing her space with me today and letting me pop in with a recap. I have missed it. J But wait, I couldn’t leave without giving you a recipe, could I? Of course not!

While in Arizona, Keith fell in love with this divvy Chinese food place called Kyoto Bowl. He ate it 3 times while we were there and each time he ordered a teriyaki chicken rice bowl. When I got back I knew I could recreate it for him only it would be better and healthier. Did I? I did! ENJOY!

ARIZONA RICE BOWL

  • 8oz. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked (can also use tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian vesion)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 2 small zucchini, chopped
  • 2 tsp. Minced ginger
  • 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 4 Tbsp. low sugar teriyaki sauce
  • 1 egg, scrambled
  • Cayenne pepper, to taste

Heat Sesame oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and ginger into skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.  Add rice and chicken and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and heated throughout. Stir in Teriyaki sauce stir in scrambled egg. Serves 4

260 Calories; 7g Fat (1.5g saturated fat); 86mg Cholesterol; 665mg Sodium; 29g Carbohydrates; 3g Fiber; 4g Sugar; 18g Protein

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Fashion, Guest Post, OOTD, Photos

Guestpost #4: J from Js Everyday Fashion

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Today is J from Js Everyday Fashion bringing you….

What to Wear for Every Holiday Occasion


1. Shopping
What’s one activity you’re likely to do a lot during the holidays? Shopping! You definitely want to be comfortable, but that’s no reason to leave style at home. Thrown on a unique graphic tee or layer on a colorful sweater and get ready to shop till you drop.

LEFT
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Tank top: Forever 21, $3
Belt: Gap, $3
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Purse: NM Last Call/Juicy Couture, $115

RIGHT
Sweater: Gap, $20
Shirt: Forever 21, $12
Jeans: Gap, $44
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Boots: Forever 21, $30

Just like J:
1. American Eagle Skinny Jean, $49.50

2. Forever 21 Eastside Tigers LS Tee, $14.80
3. Forever 21 Cross Stitch Sweater Cardigan, $29.80


2. Traveling
Traveling is another situation where comfort is key. Pick some pants that are comfortable to sit in, boots that are easy to walk in and always dress in layers to adjust to changing climates. An army jacket is comfy but stylish and a poncho sweater is by far the easiest type of layer to slip off!

LEFT
Jacket: Gap, $25
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Belt: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Purse: Juicy Couture, $115

RIGHT
Poncho sweater: Gap
Pants: TJ Maxx, $17
Boots: Aldo, $75

Just like J:
1. Aldo Larner boots, $80
2. Juicy Couture Tassel Shoulder Bag in Chocolate, $230 on Last Call by Neiman Marcus
3. Victoria’s Secret Belted Cargo Jacket, $80


3. Holiday Parties
Dress up a silky skirt with a jeweled belt for an office party, or try a dress with lace insets for a night out with the girls. Layer some thick tights and black booties for added warmth!

LEFT
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $25
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $15
Earrings: Boston boutique
Shoes: Bakers

RIGHT
Dress: The Unique Closet, $46.50
Belt: Express
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Shoes: Carlos Santana/DSW, $33

Just like J:
1. The Limited Crystal Weave Belt, $49.90
2. The Limited Tiered Party Skirt, $59.90
3. Forever 21 Beautiful Satin Skirt, $19.80
4. Unique Closet Lace Dress, $46.50

4. Holiday at home
Spending a holiday with your family involves lots of cooking, cleaning and running around – however, that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. Dress up a comfy sweater with a statement necklace, or belt a sweater vest for a chic but casual look.

LEFT
Sweater: American Eagle, $25
Tank: Old Navy, $3
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22
Necklace: Stella & Dot

RIGHT
Sweater vest: Forever 21, $22
Shirt: Ralph Lauren Outlet, $20
Belt: American Eagle/Filene’s, $5
Jeans: Gap, $30
Watch: Fossil
Boots: Aldo, $75

Just like J:
1. Aldo Larner boots, $80
2. Forever 21 Long Sweater Vest, $22.80
3. Stella & Dot Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace, $198


5. Church service
Chances are your holiday plans include some type of church service. Look stylish and appropriate in a cardigan, dressy pants and some fun extras (like a sparkly necklace, buckled shoes or a metallic belt!).

LEFT
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Earrings: Banana Republic, $25
Sweater: Express
Belt: Express
Black skinny jeans: Gap, $30
Shoes: Filene’s Basement, Calvin Klein $40

RIGHT
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Necklace: J.Crew, $40
Shirt: Express
Belt: The Limited, $20
Pants: Banana Republic, $50
Shoes: Boutique 9, $70

Just like J:
1. Ann Taylor LOFT Grosgrain Cardigan, $54.50
2. Ann Taylor LOFT Julie Sparkle Tweed Pant, $11.86

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Guest Post, In the Kitchen, Photos

Guest Post #3: Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers

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Hello Nancy fans! My name is Julie and I blog about my life, food and fitness over at Peanut Butter Fingers.


I created my blog in September 2009 to share my love of creating delicious but healthy recipes with family and friends. I love to write and experiment in the kitchen, so blogging was a great way to do both!

Sometimes my experiments in the kitchen are complete failures. But sometimes I get it right.

Today I’m going to share perhaps the most delicious cookie recipe I’ve ever created. It came about when my husband said he wanted “a treat” at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night. (Yes, we’re a super-cool couple that stays home and makes cookies on weekend nights.)


I was in the baking mood, as always, and meandered into the kitchen and pulled out key ingredients for any tasty cookie… flour, sugar and butter.


Then I looked through our cabinets and grabbed oats and wheat germ and started to feel inspired.

The result of my random creation was fantastic.

I present to you, oatmeal wheat germ cookies!

Ingredients:

  • ½ c. butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 1 c. powdered sugar
  • ½ c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp. vanilla
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • 1 ¼ c. flour
  • 1 ¼ c. old fashioned oats
  • ½ c. wheat germ

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Mix butter and sugars in a bowl until fully combined
  • Gradually mix egg and vanilla into sugar mixture
  • In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt and baking soda
  • Gradually mix flour mixture into sugar and egg mixture
  • Once the flour and sugar mixture are fully combined, mix in oats and wheat germ
  • Place tablespoons full of dough on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 10 minutes or until edges are slightly browned
  • Let cool and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as we did!

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