Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Cheap Celeb Secret For Glowing Skin:


Dear Margaret,

I don't know about you, but in these dry winter months my skin has been suffering. My hair stylist has gorgeous hair and skin (and she's 10 years older than me), so I always like to ask her advice and what she uses. She recommended using Jojoba oil after washing my face at night, and it's made a world of difference.. plus it's cheap and you can pick it up nearly everywhere (drugstores, grocery, online, etc). I was so intrigued by this cheap trick that I wanted to research if celebs knew about it too.. and sure enough..they are already onto it:)
In an interview with Kate Walsh, titled "Celebrity Skin: Kate Walsh", she claims:

"My favorite, favorite thing, that’s not Kate Somerville is Emu oil. And that is sort of the best thing. It’s from the Emu bird. If you’re a vegan, I’d say jojoba oil is great. Emu oil has healing properties. It’s incredible. My makeup artist introduced me to it. It’s helpful if you have a scar or a scab or if you’ve picked at your face or if you have a burn. It heals scars and burns really well. A friend of mine burned herself badly with a curling iron and put Emu oil on it and it really heals. My boyfriend uses it for a moisturizer. I put it on in the morning before I go to work. After I get out of the shower, I put that on all over my face and neck. It doesn’t make you break out. And then as I’m in the hair and makeup trailer (on set), I let that set in. Your face just drinks it up. You can also put it on at night before you go to bed. Incredible!"

Needless to say, her skin is gorgeous and I will be trying her Emu oil trick too..although the two are interchangeable! Definitely try this though.. your skin will have that celebrity glow!

xoxo,
Kara







Kate Walsh's Glowing Skin

Pure Emu Oil

Pure Jojoba Oil

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

How to Get a Guy to Eat Quinoa: Most Delicious Chicken Quinoa Recipe-


Dear Margaret,
It's been cold here even in Phoenix, which means warm, comforting meals for dinner:) A while back Ryan did a cleanse from eastwestessentials.com where they provide you with their own complete meal replacement protein powders and recommend recipes and meal plans for the other meals/snacks in between. Celebs like JLo, Sean William Scott, and Edyta Sliwinska (pro from Dancing with the Stars) do the cleanse several times a year...It's a great way to de-bloat and refresh after holiday gluttony, vacation, or before events (in their case). Anyways, when Ryan did the cleanse I had to make all of the meals:) To our surprise, the chicken quinoa recipe was outrageously good.. he even requests it now that he's back to normal dude eating. I'm just thrilled I can get him to eat a whole grain:) Girls: make this for your guy.. he will love it and so will you. 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic quinoa (prepared with chicken stock)
  • 2 cups organic chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
  • 4 tbs. olive oil
  • 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (seeded and thinly sliced)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (seeded and thinly sliced)
  • 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
  • 20 leaves fresh sweet basil (julienne)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Cut chicken into one-inch pieces
  2. Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat and add the oil
  3. Add chicken and sauté for 5 minutes or until golden brown
  4. Add onions, bell peppers; sauté for one or two more minutes
  5. Add garlic and sauté until peppers become slightly limp, but still bright for about one to two minutes
  6. Season with salt and pepper
  7. Remove the pan from heat
  8. Add basil and quinoa
  9. Toss until basil wilts

XOXO,

Kara



Saturday, December 29, 2012

New Year's Day "Good Luck" Black Eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup:

Dear Margaret,

I loovvve your NYE party look picks.. especially Kate the Great in her black cut out dress! I have a dress very similar but with leather detailing that I may wear if we go out.. otherwise I will be in my cashmere sweater and Uggs like you:)

The only tradition I follow associated with New Years is eating black eyed peas for good luck..even if you don't like them you better take a bite:) Here is my favorite healthy recipe I found at Whole Foods to make for New Years Day that is a crowd pleaser due to the savory ham and comfort of a warm soup.. not to mention chock full of nutrition. It's so easy and delicious and full of good luck:)


Ingredients: 
  • 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 pound cooked Black Forest ham or smoked turkey breast, cut into small cubes (optional)
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bunch collard greens, tough stems and ribs removed, leaves thinly sliced
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • Cayenne pepper to taste
Method: 
Carefully pick through peas to remove any debris or small stones and rinse well. Transfer to a large bowl, cover by 3 inches with water, cover and set aside at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight; drain and rinse well.

Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, ham and celery and cook until onion is translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Add peas and broth, bring to a boil and skim off and discard any foam on the surface. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until peas are tender, about 45 minutes. Add collard greens and carrots and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne and serve.
*Serve with toasted crusty bread and even a dollop of Greek yogurt if you like for creaminess and added protein.
Enjoy!
xoxo,
Kara


recipe/picture courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Friday, December 28, 2012

My Favorite NYE Looks

Dear Kara,

Thanks for the cleansing recommendations. This time of the year is the pits when it comes to eating- everywhere you look there is food; so much temptation. What are your NYE plans? I am going to take it easy by hanging out with Michael and friends in the Hamptons. I love being out there this time of year; it is very calming. We will cook, build indoor and outdoor fires and long walks on the beach with the dogs. My NYE ensemble will include comfy cashmere instead of the usual party dress.

BUT I can't help live vicariously through my friends that are staying in the city and partying the night away. NYE is such a fun night to dress up for because anything goes. If you are going out then more than likely your night includes dancing so I recommend keeping it to shorter dresses or my favorite- jumpsuits so you aren't restricted.

Since there are few times that over-the-top encrusted sequin dresses don't look ridiculous, that tends to be my go to dress. I have a favorite neon pink sequin dress and a 1920's silver sequin dress I have worn in past NYE. Fergie, Blake and Rihanna have sported some in the past that I love!


Another option is the jumpsuit or pant look. Of course black is my favorite but I can't help but adore Stella's gold look. These looks keep stand out amongst the crowd because they aren't dresses! These looks are fun because you can really dress them up with statement shoes &/or accessories.



Lastly BUT not least, one of my favorite trends of the season- Peak-A-Boo dresses. Whether they lace up, have cutouts or sheer insets, these peak-a-boo dresses are all seductress. If your MO on NYE is to catch the eyes of that special someone, these dresses ooze sex appeal and won't dissapoint. What I also love about these looks, while sexy, they are very flattering because the lines of the dresses create an illusion and really flatter your figure. I love how Kate's makes her waist look extra tiny.



HAPPY NEW YEARS!
xoxoxoxo
Margaret

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Quick Holiday De-bloat Plan + Detox Recipes: Just in Time For NYE-

Dear Margaret,

I hope you had a Merry Christmas! Your homemade apple cider post got me in the Christmas spirit too:) 

I don't know about you but I feel like a bloated little piglet after these past few days of celebration.. which means time to cut back a little and add some natural diuretics into my diet before trying to squeeze into a little New Years Eve dress:) I don't believe in extremes or deprivation, which always end up backfiring. I've found (through much trial, error, and struggles) that the best way is incorporating balance into your lifestyle for optimal well being and overall enjoyment. Therefore, here are some of my suggestions to quickly detox/de-bloat before NYE without any major lifestyle changes (I will never give up my morning coffee):
*Bumping up exercise and eliminating added sodium also help speed up the process...

Add these foods to your diet for a couple of days:

-peppermint tea, green tea, and ginger tea (drink your preference all throughout the day)
-Greek yogurt and fruits (I prefer Fage 2% Greek yogurt)
-asparagus
-cucumber
-watercress
-artichokes
-parsley
-fresh lemon (add to water, teas, and on salads)
-fresh ginger

..and here are a couple detox/de-bloat recipes for lunches and dinners:

Detox Salad:

-chop up watercress, cucumber, asparagus, and artichokes.. drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon. Can add organic chicken, tuna, hard boiled egg, or eat with yogurt for protein!

Ginger Carrot Detox Soup: (recipe courtesy of fitsugar.com)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped sweet onion
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced peeled ginger
2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium russet potato, peeled and chopped
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 1/3 cups plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Freshly ground pepper

Directions
  1. Combine the olive oil and onion in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, 10 minutes, until just starting to caramelize.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes, being careful not to burn the mixture. Stir in the carrots, potato, and the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots and potato are very tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep warm.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan over high heat, lightly toast the pine nuts. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, honey, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  5. Puree the soup with an immersion blender until very smooth (or puree in a regular blender in batches). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and serve with a dollop of the yogurt mixture and some pine nuts.
xoxo,
Kara







picture courtesy of www.fitsugar.com


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Getting In the Mood: Apple Cider

Dear Kara,

Love your last minute gift ideas! We gave the North Face Teddy Bear Fleece awhile back...to see a baby in that is too cute. My last minute gift stop today was Barnes and Noble; there is something there for everyone. I also had to get my hair and nails done. Then we made the apartment smell of Christmas by making apple cider. I love hot totties, they remind me of the holidays and they make the entire place smell of Christmas.

I kept missing the farmers' market apple cider stand so tonight we made our own. It couldn't be any easier and tastes yummy. I love that we will have it around for the festivities. It takes no time to make and about 30 minutes on the stove.

This recipe makes 8 cups....

Spiced Apple Cider

- 2 Quarts Apple Juice (Fresh Squeezed preferably)
-1 Teaspoon of all spice
-1 Teaspoon of cloves
-1/2 Teaspoon of nutmeg
-1/2 Teaspoon of ground cinnamon
-1/4 Teaspoon of ground ginger (if you like a kick a little more is fine)

Bring the apple juice to boil. Mix the spices in a cheese cloth and tie the ball up with string (If you don't have cheese cloth you can just strain the spices out when finished). With the cloves, the spice blend looks more like a fun potion...It makes me feel like I am making a witch's brew. After the apple juice is boiling bring to low and add the spices. Leave steeping for a half and hour (or more) with the top on the pan.

Serve with Rum, cinnamon stick &/or an apple slice.

Yum Yummmmy. (I am drinking a glass as I post)

XOXOXOXOOXOX
Merry Christmas!
-Margaret
Gangs all here! Cinnamon- sticks and ground, cloves, ginger, all spice and nutmeg.
The spices, then tied up ready for the cider.
The special ingredient, Rum. 
The finished product.