Category Archives: Health & Wellness

Think Pink (WellChick)!

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Hi Dolls!

As you are more than aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us are raising money and participating in “Race for the Cure” events in support of our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, and even ourselves. There are numerous ways to help raise awareness and funds in support of finding a cure for this insidious disease.

Image Source: MPress

Many businesses are donating proceeds raised from the sale of their products to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and others. Here are a few of my favorite products that support research and funding for breast cancer eradication, and to show you’re aware and that you care.

What better way to show you care than by penning a note to a family member or friend battling breast cancer or celebrating survival. These fab “Fight Like a Girl” note cards from Effie’s Paper are sure to put a smile on any Doll’s face. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of each set of notecards will go to Girls Love Mail to support their MILE OF MAIL campaign.

 

Essie Nail Polish has been my “go to” nail polish for years. I became more of a fan when they introduced their “31 Days of Pink” Collection. When you purchase a bottle of polish from the collection, a charitable contribution will be made to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. My favorite ~ “I am Strong.”

I fell in love with the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign several years ago. Beginning in September of each year, for each Yoplait Yogurt lid received and each code redeemed online by June 30, 2013, General Mills will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. What an awesome and tasty idea!

You should know however, that today’s post is more than just an arbitrary post recognizing another “theme month” on the calendar. It’s about saving lives. It’s also about honoring one of my favorite Dolls, Barbra (Barb).

“My Name is PinkWellChick … And I AM the CURE!”

Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2011; and to put it simply she has been the picture of strength, grace, honesty and fabulousness through it all. Barb launch her blog, inkwellchicks, after being diagnosed to chronicle the story of her journey, and that of her über supportive best friend, as she confronted this disease. (They coined the names PinkInk and RedInk for themselves.) I’ve read every word of every post and always walk away inspired, and even more importantly educated. Some posts have been harder to read than others, and some had me LMBO! Barb has since launched another blog PinkwellChick, a broader advocacy site.

After I launched Pretty Domestic I knew right away that one of my posts would be about Barb. So here we are ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I reached out to Barb and asked her could I mention her on my blog and reference her PinkWellChick blog. Her response, “Of course!”

Suprisingly, I only had one question for her ~ “What does Breast Cancer Awareness Month mean to you?” Why that question? “Theme months,” as I call them tend to become commercialized, but for the person walking through breast cancer, domestic violence, or child abuse, these are more than days on the calendar that roll around to be recognized once every 12 months.

Barb’s answer:

“Breast Cancer Awareness is no longer just a month for me! It’s a lifestyle! I just celebrated 1 year of Survival! So now October is 31 days of concentrated effort to talking to others about the recipe for breast cancer health: 12 self exams, mammograms (if over 40), and clinical exams! Whatever I can do to continue the dialogue. I’m there!”

I told you she was FABULOUS!

Thank you Barb for allowing me to tell just a small portion of your story and for giving me an opportunity, through you, to educate women about the importance of conducting monthly self exams, not skipping our annual mammograms (WE ARE NOT THAT BUSY!), and encouraging family and friends to do the same. You are a “DOLL!”

For more tips on breast cancer awareness and advocacy, follow Barb on Twitter at @pinkwellchick.

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Pretty Healthy Pt. Deux …

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In my quest to adopt a more healthy lifestyle, I continue to try different smoothies. I am quickly learning what tastes and textures appeal to my palette. Last week, I came across another smoothie recipe that sounded really tasty, and had all of the requisite nutrients to jump-start my day.

I purchased the ingredients and tried the recipe with a special young lady in my life, Miss Jordan. The smoothie turned out wonderfully; and with football season just around the corner, and the purple tint of the drink, we named it “Jordan & Miss Lynn’s Ravens Super Smoothie.”

Jordan & Miss Lynn’s Ravens Super Smoothie!

Ingredients

2 handfuls of spinach

1 handful of kale

1/2 – 3/4 cup of orange juice

10 to 12 baby carrots

1/2 cup of plain non-fat greek yogurt

1 cup mixed berries

Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes. Method: In a reliable blender, puree spinach, kale and orange juice until only flecks of green remain. Add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes and serve.

Recipe: A Sweet Simple Life

NOTE: It’s hard to see the purple tint of the drink, but trust us, Ravens purple!

I’ve also added a healthy snack to my daily diet ~ almonds. They taste good and the benefits are endless. For example, almonds reduce the risk of heart disease; regulate blood pressure; are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer; and contain Iron and vitamins which are helpful in treating anemia.

There are also several “beauty benefits” of almonds.

Benefits of Almonds-Beauty

  • Almonds are rich in Vitamin E which is good for beautiful skin and hair.
  • Almond oil is the best massage oil which rejuvenates the body. It is also good for skin.
  • Almond oil can be applied as moisturizer for skin.
  • Almond oil can used to treat all types of hair problems.

Leave me a comment about your favorite healthy lifestyle tip and/or recipe.

Until Then,

~ The Pretty Domestic & Miss Jordan (BTW, she typed the recipe in this post!)

Pretty Healthy!

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“I’m so busy! I don’t have time!” These are the excuses I use for my less than stellar eating habits. But we all know what excuses are; and as my Mother would say, “You make time for what’s important to you.” And she’s correct. With this in mind, about a month ago I committed to three healthy lifestyle/diet changes.

  1. Drink more water. The benefits are endless; and I’ve done a good job with my daily intake. What I found is that I prefer my water room temperature, and consequently, I drink more.
  2. Stop skipping breakfast. It’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I never made the time. So, I incorporated a daily bowl of oatmeal and brown sugar into my schedule. Oatmeal is a quick fix, tastes good and helps lower bad cholesterol.
  3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Now, this was going to be my challenge. I’m not the type to eat fruit and veggies all day. I’m allergic to peaches and don’t like bananas; and that’s putting it delicately. What to do?

Last week, while scanning my favorite daily blogs and websites, I came across a recipe for a Greensicle Smoothie; and there was my answer. I’d try drinking my fruits and vegetables in a once or twice daily smoothie.

In my excitement, I headed out and purchased a new blender ~ yes, I really did need a new one ~ and all of the ingredients for my Greensicle Smoothie.

This morning was my first attempt at making the smoothie. Again, I don’t like bananas, but decided to try the recipe and see if the taste was overwheliming. I even poured my Greensicle in to one of my prettiest crystal goblets, as if it would somehow mask the banana taste.

What I learned ~ nothing beats a failure but a try. While the smoothie tasted pretty good overall and I finished the entire glass, still too much banana taste for me. Again, what to do? I called my “go~to” Doll on all things health and fitness, my cousin Susan, to find out what I can substitute for a banana. She suggested Greek Yogurt.

Once again, I headed to my local Whole Foods store for my substitute ingredients. I even consulted with “Eric” the Whole Foods employee, who according to the young lady passing out avocado and black bean salad tastings, “knows everything about juicing and smoothies.” Eric agreed with Susan, and Greek Yogurt it is.

Tomorrow morning brings day two of my quest for a healthier diet. I will try my Greensicle Smoothie sans bananas, but with Greek Yogurt. Here’s the recipe if you are interested in joining me in adopting a more healthy lifestyle/diet. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite smoothie recipe. Even if it includes bananas! (This is not all about me.)

Greensicle Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

½ cup chopped kale

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup chopped orange segments (from about 3 oranges)

1 cup chopped frozen banana (about 1½ bananas) OR 1/2 c Greek Yogurt

1 cup coconut water

1 teaspoon coconut nectar (optional)

DIRECTIONS. In a blender, combine the kale, lemon juice, orange, banana, coconut water and coconut nectar (if using). Purée until smooth, pour into a glass and serve immediately. Yields: 2 drinks/Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Recipe adapted from Steve Mekoski, Purée Juice Bar, Bethesda, MD

I’ll check back in tomorrow to let you know how I feel about the new recipe.

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Summer Salads & Sweet Tea

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Being “pretty domestic” means being pretty practical; and with the sweltering weather, the kitchen is the last place a doll wants to spend her time, slaving over a hot stove. Yet, we still have to eat. That said, this is the perfect time for a wonderful salad. I’m not talking about throwing some iceberg lettuce in a bowl, with a few tomatoes and a slice or two of cucumber; but savory, healthy salads that leave you wanting more!

BERRY DELICIOUS SUMMER SALAD

Ingredients

  • 8 cups mixed salad greens
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped and toasted walnuts or pecans
  • Bottled vinaigrette

Toss together first 4 ingredients; drizzle with desired amount of vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat.

LEMON~BASIL SHRIMP SALAD

Prep: 20 min., Chill: 8 hrs. Don’t skip the fresh lemon rind and juice in the marinade–it’s what makes this recipe special. These shrimp also make a terrific appetizer. The shrimp and dressing, as well as the Parmesan Baskets, can all be made a day ahead.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. unpeeled, cooked shrimp
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 16 cups salad greens
  • 8 Parmesan Baskets (optional)
  • Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette ~ Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 large garlic clove, pressed; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ cup vegetable oil

Preparation: Whisk together first 5 ingredients. Gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until blended. Note: To prepare ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature, and whisk before serving.

  • Lemon-Basil Marinade ~ Ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons grated lemon rind; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, pressed; ½ teaspoon salt

Preparation: Whisk together oil and remaining ingredients in a bowl.

Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired. Place shrimp and next 4 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Seal and chill 8 hours or up to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally. Stir in basil 1 hour before serving. Drain and discard marinade just before serving.

Divide greens evenly between Parmesan Baskets or serving bowls; arrange drained shrimp mixture evenly over lettuce. Serve with Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette.

SUN SWEET TEA

Tie 14 tea bags together. Place in the bottom of a 4-quart clear container. Slice a lemon and squeeze in the juice from both halves. Put both lemon halves in your container. Fill the container with cold water, put the cover on and add three hours of strong sun.

Bring inside and take out tea bags. Add a cup of sugar, more or less depending on your taste. Chill for a couple of hours or pour over ice & enjoy!

If you want to make this your “Champagne Sunday” cocktail of choice, and for an extra kick, add 1 cup Bacardi 151 or other high-proof golden rum.

IMAGES & RECIPES: Linda Wagner Blogspot & Southern Living

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

All Hail the Sun!

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I’m a product of the slather on the baby oil and lay out in the sun for hour’s era. I shudder to think of it. But in the words of Ms. Angelou, “When you know better, you do better.” May is Melanoma Month, so what better time to remind ourselves of the importance of protecting our skin against the sun as we approach the summer months. The options for practicing “safe sun” are endless. Here is a list of skin care products to ensure you are well-protected during the summer months, but more importantly, healthy afterwards.

Peter Thomas Roth Sunscreen in a Brush. This super cool, mineral-based powder protects you from the sun, while also fighting against the aging process. Small in size, it will fit perfectly into your summer tote or beach bag.

Sunscreen in a Brush

Tocca Stella SPF 30+ Sunscreen Towelette. I love these! Not only do they protect you from harmful UV Rays, not only are they so compact that you can carry them in the smallest clutch, but they are also scented in Tocca’s classic scent ~ Italian Blood Orange! Bella!

tocca stella

Soleil Organique. This 100% natural sunscreen is made for you more eco-friendly dolls, and is available in both face and body formulas.

EcoFriendly Sunscreen_Instyle

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads. If you’re not in to tanning at all, this exfoliator also gives you a little color ~ “glow” ~ upon application. I recommend trying one of the pads on your inner wrist first, which tends to be the same color as your face. You want to make sure you are comfortable with the results.

Beautiful, well-protected skin gives the option of forgoing makeup or playing with beachy, bronzy summer color palettes. Love this Beach Lover Set by NARS with gold, copper and peach hues. NARS Beach Lover_Sephora Two of my FAVORITE all-time “go-to” products for the summer are NARS Body Glow and Michael Kors Leg Shine. A little of each on your legs, arms, and chest and you’ll radiate sun goddess!

nars body glow leg shine Finally, summer wouldn’t be summer without the appropriate sunglasses. I tend to favor the classic Ray-Ban Aviator. No one rocks them better than my Daddy and Brother; but I love them too with my hair slicked back in to a neat ponytail.dj and daddy

And for a more dramatic look, I always reach for a classic Jackie O. inspired larger frame.

Jackie-O-glasses-

Image: Femme Fatale

What’s on your summer beauty checklist?

Until Then,

L.

~ The Pretty Domestic