Silly Thirty Cooking: Chicken Salad

Everyone has a few "go to" recipes that they whip out when they cannot think of anything to eat, but want something that will be satisfying and delicious.  For me, one of those recipes is chicken salad.  I love chicken salad because the base - chicken (obviously!) and binding agent - are fairly simple, but you can jazz it up with whatever you decide to add to it.  I like to make a big batch of this and graze on it all week long, for dinners or lunches etc.

As far as the chicken goes, I like to pick up a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket.  Of course, you can always use your leftovers or roast a chicken if that is your preference.

I guess you could say that a "traditional" chicken salad usually calls for mayonnaise, but if you are trying to make healthier choices, why not use plain yogurt?  What I like to do is pick up a plain zero-fat Greek yogurt (make sure you read the labels so you don't accidentally pick up a vanilla flavored yogurt) and add some Dijon mustard to give it a kick. 

As far as the other ingredients, this will be up to you - what other veggies or fruit do you like?

 (So many options!!!!)

A Waldorf-style chicken salad has apples, dried cranberries and walnuts.  If you prefer a salad that is crunchier and with a little tang to it, then use celery, carrots and red onion.  Another option is a Greek-style salad with red and green peppers, red onion, a few sprinkles of feta cheese and chopped black or kalamata olives.  For those of you that like an Asian-style salad, add a splash of soy sauce, some mandarin slices, green onion, carrot, and dried noodles as a garnish.

Just remember that there are some fruits and vegetables that work better with chicken salads that will be freshly served.  Red grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers would fall into this category since they are watery.

Here is a chicken salad I recently made.

 

I used a Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard base and then added an apple, red onion, celery, and red pepper.  I usually season with salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder at the end to finish the salad.

As with any salad, there are no hard and fast rules about quantities - if you like a lot of red onion then add a lot of red onion.  If you like salad with a lot of dressing, then add more mayo or yogurt.  There isn't a wrong way to do this. 


Take care and talk to you soon!

Silly Thirty Reviews: Eyeshadow Sticks from Rimmel, Make Up Forever & Avon

Hi everyone - hope you are having a great week!

Over the past couple of months, I have purchased some eyeshadow sticks in an attempt to look more put together on a day-to-day basis but without having to put in a lot of effort.  Although I would love to be able to blend and contour my eyes to my hearts content everyday, I have an hour long commute to work, and time (and sleep!!) is hard to come by in the morning.  Enter these handy-dandy eyeshadow sticks from Rimmel, Make Up Forever and Avon!

All three brands promise the same thing: a long-wear eyeshadow.   Rimmel and Make Up Forever take it a step further claiming to be waterproof.  While the waterproof promise means nothing to me (nothing I tell you!) because I don't make it a habit of crying hysterically during the day or getting buckets of water thrown at my face, I was intrigued by the long-wear claims.  Here are my thoughts on each brand:

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick - Bad Girl Bronze

As the name would suggest, "Bad Girl Bronze" is a rich brown with golden flecks.  This stick is the easiest of all three to blend.  The consistency is very silky and creamy - you barely have to apply any pressure to deposit the color on your lids.  A little goes a long way - subtle looks were easily achieved and the color can be built up for an intense look.  This shadow has a slight shimmer without being too glittery or chunky, so it would be perfect for daytime or nighttime.

I went to the eye doctor on one of the days that I wore this shadow stick and had to try on some contact lenses.  I am happy to report that this eyeshadow did not budge or smear.  There was hardly any color transfer onto my fingers from when I was putting in my contact lenses.  This shadow lasts all-day looking freshly applied - I typically "put on my face" at about 7:30 am and do not get around to washing my face until bed time at about 9:00 or 10:00 pm. 

Make Up Forever Aqua Shadow Waterproof Eye Shadow Pencil - Number 20E

This is a taupe shade that is on the warmer side of spectrum.  The consistency is a bit thicker when compared to the Rimmel option discussed above.  I have to use just a tad more pressure to apply this shadow.  You cannot wait too long to blend the edges of this eyeshadow stick, because it sets quickly but then it does not move all day (7:30 am to 10:00 pm for me as stated above).

I find that this is the perfect shade of taupe that would be complimentary to all eye colors.  Like the Rimmel stick, it is not too glittery - just a pretty shimmer.  In certain lighting, it gives off an iridescence that is just beautiful.  This eyeshadow stick is in my everyday makeup bag and I use it daily, because it is a perfect neutral that will match anything.

 Avon Extra Lasting Eyeshadow Pencil - Shimmering Sand

Last but not least is this beautiful champagne shade from Avon.  This shadow stick has a softer consistency for easy blending.  This shade is too light for me to use all over the lid - I have a medium toned complexion so I feel this shade looks very washed out on me if I do not contour with something else - but I like to use it to highlight the inner corners of my eyes.  Quick tip: Highlighting the inner corners of your eyes can brighten your face, making you look more awake and well-rested.  This shadow stick is perfect for that because the tip of the stick fits perfectly into the inner corner of your eye.

This shadow stick also stands the tests of time, lasting all day long.  I tend to rub at my eyes a bit towards the end of the day but when I look in the mirror, the Avon shadow stick is alive and kicking.

Here is a swatch of all three on my hand with some overhead lighting:

 
And without overhead lighting:

Since these are long wearing products I am sure some of you might be wondering how I take this eye makeup off at the end of the day.  I use an eye makeup remover and a cotton pad - it comes off easily.

As far as pricing, Make Up Forever is the most expensive option at about $20.00 each.  You can find it in Sephora online and in stores.  www.sephora.com

There is an online only offer at Sephora for these shadow sticks called the "Aqua Shadow Essentials Set" that costs $23.00.  The set consists of two of these shadow sticks and mini version of their eye liner.  If you are interested in this shadow stick, I would highly recommend picking up the Essentials set online for the value alone (Two shadow sticks and an eyeliner from a high end makeup line for $7-8 a piece? It's a no-brainer!).

Here is the link for the Essentials Set:

 http://www.sephora.com/aqua-shadow-essentials-set-P381181?skuId=1559657 

Rimmel's shadow stick can be found in your local drugstore, Ulta or online at retailers like www.drugstore.com.  These are usually priced around $4.00 or $5.00 each and can be purchased for even less with coupons (I still get the Sunday paper just for coupons and there are a lot of drugstore makeup brands that offer coupons - it makes a difference sometimes!). 

The Avon shadow stick is available online at shop.avon.com or by placing your order through your local Avon representative (Avon calling!).  They are usually priced around $8.50 each, but if you order through an Avon rep, you can usually get a better deal with the catalogs.  I have a couple of these and I know I paid less than $8.50 for each one through my Avon representative.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment below!

Take care!


<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11151577/?claim=ptpezhhpjnh">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Silly Thirty Cooking: Quick Seafood for Dinner

Hi everyone - hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed Halloween!

The holiday season has officially arrived - I know this because I heard Christmas carols while shopping this weekend.  The holidays bring many things: carols and shopping - as I just mentioned, beautiful decorations, and an abundance of holiday parties and get togethers.  The race is on to get everything in order for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all of the other events you have committed to for the season.  I'm sure the last thing on your mind during this hectic but fun time is what you are going to eat for dinner.  You probably want something tasty, that is also quick and easy to make.  I find that seafood - mainly filets of white fish or shrimp - will usually fit this bill.

These meals are easy to make (prep time between five to ten minutes) and everything you need is probably already in your kitchen:

1. Olive oil
2. Chopped garlic (shallots are a good substitute if you have an allergy to garlic)
3. Salt
4. Pepper
5. Lemon or lime

If you decide on fish, something like tilapia or mahi mahi, you can oven bake it in an aluminum foil steam packet for about 20 to 25 minutes at about 300 or 325 degrees.  You will need a square of aluminum foil large enough that you will be able to fold it into a packet.  You will need enough foil so that once you prep the fish, when you fold the sides together, your packet will look something like this:

(It doesn't need to look pretty, it just needs to cover the fish and have enough space for the fish to steam.  I'm sure none of us have Emeril or the Barefoot Contessa keeping us company in the kitchen, commenting on technique or appearance.)

To prepare the fish:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 or 325 degrees.  
2. Place the fish on the foil on an oven-safe baking sheet, and then add some salt and pepper to taste; 
3. Add a small drizzle of olive oil; 
4. Chop up some garlic or shallots and sprinkle that on top (I use one or two cloves); and 
5. Add a couple of slices of lemon (two to three slices).  

This is what my version looked like:

Fold up your foil packet and pop this in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes at 300 to 325 degrees.  I'm sure you can find something to do for the next 20 to 25 minutes while this cooks.  I personally like to drink wine and watch Access Hollywood sit quietly and reflect on my day.  This fish is delicious with a salad or some rice and vegetables. 

If shrimp is something you prefer, you can use the ingredients mentioned above, but you can make it spicier by adding some crushed red pepper flakes, or a little richer with a pat of butter.  You can use frozen shrimp or fresh shrimp - the preparation is basically the same.  I use about 15 to 20 shrimp which is about two servings.  I like to cook shrimp like this:

1. If I am using frozen shrimp, I will put it in a large pan that has not been preheated.  Turn your burner to medium-high heat and let the shrimp start to thaw, turning over as needed.  You don't want to fully cook the shrimp, just thaw it out for now.  The shrimp will start to turn pink and there will be water from the thawing.  Drain the water, keeping the shrimp in the pan and go to step two.  For those of you cooking fresh shrimp, your first step is to heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in your pan on medium-high heat and then jump to step three.
2. After draining the water from your (now becoming un-)frozen shrimp, add the olive oil.  If you want spicier shrimp, add some crushed red pepper flakes. 
3. After about a minute once the oil is warmer, add your garlic/shallots and saute for about another minute.
4. Fresh shrimp people: add your shrimp.  Frozen shrimp people, your shrimp is already in the pan so go to step five.
5. If you want a richer taste to the shrimp, add a pat of butter.  Otherwise, salt and pepper to taste, and add some fresh lemon or lime juice.  Finish cooking.
6. The shrimp will be pink and puffy when they are ready.

This is another dish that goes well with salad or rice and veggies - pasta also works too.  If you are feeling wild and crazy, about a minute or two before the shrimp is finished, add some fresh tomato or some asparagus. Just a suggestion.

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you decide to try one of these recipes - bon appetit and good luck!

Silly Thirty Health & Fitness: The 40-30-20-10 Workout

Its Friday, folks!!!  We made it!! Let's give ourselves a round of applause.

I know exercise and fitness can seem very daunting, especially if you aren't an active person but you want to start moving your body around to get into better shape.  In my opinion the motivation, be it health or vanity, should not matter so long as the ultimate goal is to take better care of yourself.  I'm sure there are a lot of studies out there showing that people start to feel good, have more energy, and gain an extra pluck and pep in their step when they start to exercise.  You smarties, who are already Internet research mavens, can look up the research. ;)

I wanted to share with you a simple workout that I found on Pinterest many, many moons ago that can be done anywhere.  You do not need a gym membership or any fancy equipment for this - just some space on the floor.  This is the "40 30 20 10 Workout" and it consists of this:

(Is it just me, or is this really BIG!?!)




I like to do this workout when I do not have time to get into anything too involved, but I want a total-body type of workout.  I find that it is quick and easy, and can be modified based upon your level of strength and fitness.  For example, don't get intimidated if you cannot do a regular push up.  Start with push ups on your knees and then work your way up to the regular ones as you get stronger.  


Finally, remember to use common sense!  When in doubt, check with your physician before you begin any fitness routine.  While exercising, if you begin to feel any pain - stop.  If you start to feel winded or out of breath as if you may pass out or worse - stop.  Keep some water handy so you can hydrate as needed.  

If you are thinking of incorporating some exercise into your lifestyle, then I wish you the best of luck!  If you are already active and decide to try the 40 30 20 10 Workout, please let me know what you think of it!

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!

Silly Thirty Reviews Michael Todd True Organics: Knu Anti Aging Face Lift Cream

Michael Todd True Organics (“MTTO”) is a skin care line that I never heard of until recently.  I first became familiar with this line when a number of beauty gurus on YouTube – like “Miss Glamorazzi” and “Glam Life Guru” to name a few – raved about these products.  I decided to give it a go when I saw a voucher on Living Social for the Knu Anti Aging Face Lift Cream “(“Knu”).  The list price on the MTTO website for this cream is $150.  Living Social was offering it for $25.  How could I resist a deal like that?

First of all – bravo to MTTO for the nifty packaging.  Knu comes in a beautiful purple and lavender box that is devoted to this specific product.  The ingredients are listed on the interior of the packaging.  

According to the MTTO website and as the name of this product would indicate, Knu is an anti-aging cream, but it is not limited to aging or mature skin.  It is suitable for all skin types.  There are no parabens or sulfates in this product.  It is 70% organic.  MTTO does not conduct any animal testing.

This cream has a thicker consistency and there is no obvious or offensive odor to it.  Since it comes in a pot without a dispenser, I like to take a sterile cotton swab, dip it into the product, and dot the cream on my face.  As with a lot of products nowadays, a little goes a long way.   

Knu starts to work instantly: you rub it in the way you normally would with any face cream, and you instantly feel it start to sink into your skin.  The cream starts to feel tacky on your face, and this is the part when it starts to actively sink into your skin.  Then, about a minute later, you have the softest skin that feels moisturized (but not greasy) and stays that way all day or night.  

One very remarkable thing about this product: it is safe for use around the eyes.  The majority of moisturizers out there advise that you should avoid the eye area - most likely due to fragrances in the product.  The fact that Knu can be used as an eye cream is nice because it is one less product to buy, and one less step in your morning or evening routine.   

Usually, it takes a couple of weeks before I notice any difference in my skin when I start to use a new product.  The first week that I started using Knu, two people at my job complimented my skin saying that I was “glowy” and that my skin looked very nice.  After a couple of days, I noticed that a scar from a recent blemish started to fade dramatically.  I’ve noticed that this product has brightened my skin, evened out my skin tone, and that the overall quality and texture of my skin has improved.  Even though it seems to work quickly on problem areas, I have not experienced any adverse reactions to this product.

What else is there to say about Knu?  Really, it is that amazing – period.  If you have the opportunity to do so, do not hesitate to purchase this product.  It will improve your skin to the point that you won’t have to try so hard with your make-up to achieve a flawless face.  

You can find Knu at:  

http://www.michaeltoddtrueorganics.com/index.php/product-type/knu.html

I have also heard that you can find this product on Amazon.com for an affordable price as well.  Continue to look out for vouchers for this product on Living Social.

If you happen to try Knu, please let me know what you think in the comments below!

Take care of yourself!!!

Silly Thirty Cooking: Butternut Squash Soup

While everyone and their mother is all about pumpkin spice for the fall, I usually get geared up to be all about another gourd-like vegetable - butternut squash.  Specifically, butternut squash soup.  It is my version of autumnal bliss.

My love for butternut squash soup originated at Au Bon Pain - I tried a butternut squash apple soup while eating lunch there years ago and I loved it.  My love for butternut squash soup multiplied times infinity thanks to Hale & Hearty.

Hale & Hearty is a chain of soup/salad/sandwich stores in the New York area - I believe they are primarily based in New York City.  They have an extensive soup menu that changes daily, and their sandwiches and salads are pretty delicious as well.  Everyday, at about 9:30 am I check their website for the soups of the day and based upon what I see being offered for lunch, I will decide if I need to refrigerate what I brought for lunch to eat tomorrow.  H&H's butternut squash soup is mainly offered during the fall and winter, so this is the time of year where I sometimes debate whether I should even bother making lunch to bring into work or take some time off from doing that until the new year.

Given that buying lunch everyday can get really expensive what with the holidays right around the corner, I began to consider making my own soup.  And that is how we got here, folks.

I thought I would share this butternut squash recipe that I made recently which turned out to be pretty decent.  Here is the link for the recipe - I found it on the Calorie Count about.com page:

http://caloriecount.about.com/low-fat-calorie-creamy-butternut-recipe-r460334

This recipe is low-fat and low-calorie, which was the main reason for why I decided to make it.  This recipe was fairly easy to make - the most time consuming things had to be the peeling and chopping up of the squash (which my husband did for me because he is awesome), onions, carrots and apple, and then waiting for the soup to cool so that I could blend everything together.  Apart from using a blender to mix everything together smoothly, this is basically a one pot meal.

I tweaked it a bit by adding one chopped apple - a honey crisp apple because this is what I had on hand at the time - to give it some sweetness.  I would also recommend adding either a bit more salt or maybe swapping out one cup of low-sodium chicken broth for one-cup of regular sodium (??) chicken broth to get more flavor in there.  I found that this recipe needed a bit more salt than what it originally called for, but for those of you who are watching your sodium intake - just follow the recipe.

This soup was very filling.  I had it for lunch with some honey wheat pretzel rods on the side and I did not even get a 4:00 p.m. snack craving.   Based upon that alone, this soup was a winner for me!

Here are some photos of the cooking process, and let me know what you think about this soup if you decide to try it too.

Enjoy!

(Ignore the Twizzlers!! Ha ha ha!!)

Hello Internets!!!

Hello everybody and welcome to Silly Thirty!

I decided to start a blog for a couple of reasons: 1) total and utter boredom and 2) my overwhelming desire to share, because sharing is caring.  So here I am now on the Internet prepared to bring you opinions and recommendations on anything and everything.  Actually and realistically, the posts will likely be devoted to food, health & beauty, and entertainment.  The point of this site is to entertain - we aren't going to get too deep or metaphysical here.

So I hope you stay a while - feel free to comment or ask questions in the Comments section below.  Tell me what you are interested in!!!  Tell me what you would like to see and read about on Silly Thirty.

Take care and talk to you soon!
J