Pho-tastic

As I continue on my journey towards optimum health for me, I have found a new passion for eating Vegan. This choice is something I do about 90% of the time allowing myself the occasional indulgence.  I have to say that it becomes more and more apparent that the longer I go without any animal products, my body notices.  I am not in any form or fashion promoting anything other than great food on my blog and website so with all due respect, eat what you like.

That said, I adore pho’ and made a great meal for my family the other night.  The image got some decent traction on instagram so if this resonates with you, please do enjoy this lovely vegan version of one of my favorite foods. Cheers and live Exquisitely!

Vegan Pho’

Ingredients

3-4 cups vegetable broth

Asian Rice Noodles-to personal taste, I used fine noodles 1 section of a four section packet

4 oz sliced button mushrooms-canned or fresh

2 medium Portobello mushroom caps-sliced

1/2 onion diced

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons Worcestershire-Annie’s brand is vegan

4 tablespoons Mushroom Sauce-Lee brand is vegan

2 tablespoons Fish Sauce-Au Lac brand is vegan

2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce-Orchids brand is vegan

2 tablespoons Braggs Amino Acids

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Chili Powder

1 tsp Crystallized Lime

2 tsp ground Ginger

Cilantro

Bean Sprouts

In a cast iron skillet sauté onion in olive oil on medium heat until begin to caramelize. Add Portobello mushroom and cook until begin to wilt. Turn off heat and set aside.

In a medium to large sauce pan warm broth. Add amino acids, mushroom sauce, fish sauce, Worcestershire and lime juice. Heat until begin to boil. Turn off heat and place noodles into broth. Cover and allow noodles to soften.

Once noodles are softened add onion powder, chili powder, crystallized lime and ginger to mixture. Return heat to low and warm through. Add mushrooms and onions. Place Pho in bowl and top with Oyster Sauce, Bean Sprouts and Cilantro. Enjoy!

Is a to do list a DO or DON’T

One of my favorite productivity and relationship experts, Henry Cloud recently added a great write up about the ominous “to do” list. I was so excited to see that one of my favorite tools to use with clients and in my own world is actually explained just as I use it and teach others to do as well.  I decided it deserved a feature here on our blog.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Everything You Know About Getting Things Done Is Wrong by Henry Cloud

View at Medium.com

View at Medium.com

 

 

Monochromatic with a side of bling

2016 brings much fun back to fashion.  Gone are the Yeezy tonals and back are the embellishments and patterns.  For those of us that love color, print and bling-we are jumping for joy.  See more on these Refinery 29 contributor blogs.

http://www.refinery29.com/2016/01/100821/fashion-sandwich-trick#slide

http://www.refinery29.com/maximalism-2016-fashion-trend#slide

Dressing the Part

On our social media we have been using the hashtag #What’sHeatherWearing in an effort to highlight some of the fashion styling of our “chick in charge”, Miss Heather.  The goal is to encourage Exquisite fashion in our everyday lives.

Here is some of Heather’s thoughts on women’s fashion.

facebook.com/theexquisitehouse #What’sHeatherWearing Cardigan #Catherines Cami #Avenue Bootcut Jeans #KutfromtheKloth Shoes #Born

For me, looking good is an external expression of the heart.  I have “done the work” as Iyanla Vanzant states in her Fix My Life series on OWN.  The work I speak of is the process of accepting and respecting the unique being of my body, mind and spirit.  I have come to embrace my person, regardless of my flaws and shortcomings.  I acknowledge the work in progress and celebrate the who of who I am.

This work enables me to express in my fashion the best of me.  I have learned my body type, how to put my best foot forward and be content with my shape. I have learned to work with my size-which changes-putting the body type guides into place helps to bring great fashion whatever the size tag states on my clothes.

Here are some of the tips and guides I draw from to help me. I hope it helps you present Exquisite fashion.

This quiz is helpful in determining which body type we have blessed with.

Knowing our body type is the beginning of the process of dressing our best.  This guide helps us sort out where to start.

There are many body type charts. This one is a thorough representation of what is really out there. I am a rectangle body type.

Getting a visual image of our shape helps us to begin selecting clothing to flatter our features and detract from our less flattering bits. Start determining what works on your body.

The next step to great fashion is understanding your personal style. We have all read the fashion rag that labels pieces boho, preppy, western, military, modern, etc. These words describe a particular theme. For a personal style we look to words like romantic, classic, modern, retro to begin to define our fashion image. Personally, I tend to mix  styles but my roots remain classic. This means I maintain key timeless pieces in my wardrobe with bold statement or trend items.  My fashion icons are Iris Apfel, Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Lady Gaga, Kelly Osborne. All of these women have been style trailblazers with their “dialed back” fashion being age defying and eternally stylish.

The last step in great fashion is owning ourselves. This is that deep inner work of knowing who we are and confidently embracing YOU! I tell my clients sexy is in the head and heart. If we doubt this, just think about a woman that can “work” a t-shirt and looks amazing. This is about attitude!

To set up an appointment for a fashion consultation(in person or video) with Heather contact us at:

theexquisitehouse.com

Our social media:

facebook.com/theexquisitehouse

twitter@exquisitehouse

inst@the_exquisite_house

pinterest/exquisitehouse

For more on the body type topic:

http://beautyoholic.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-to-dress-for-your-body-shape.html

https://wordpress.com/read/post/id/96004878/66

https://wordpress.com/read/post/id/99074352/126

Thank You to my fellow bloggers!

facebook.com/theexquisitehouse Tunic #Amanti Colored Skinnies #KutfromtheKloth Flats #EricMichael Necklace #torrid Statement Rind #lanebryant

Rosemary Apricot Chicken Salad

One of my favorite stores on the planet, Trader Joe’s, had a pre-made version of this on their shelf.  I determined to improve on a great product.  Using their ingredients, I made a uber fresh version of this delicious salad.  Enjoy!

6 Frozen Chicken Tenderloin pieces, cooked and shredded

21 Seasoning Salute

Olive Oil Spray

2 Tblsp Mayonnaise

1 tsp Whole Grain Dijon Mustard

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

6 Dried Apricots, quartered

4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary, tips cut off edges of herb

1/8 cup Sweet n Salty Pecans, chopped

3 Green Onions, chopped

1 Romaine Heart, shredded

On a baking dish or cookie sheet, spray the bottom with Olive Oil cooking spray.  Sprinkle 21 Seasoning Salute on the botttom of the dish.  Place Chicken Tenderloin pieces in dish.  Sprinkle the top of Chicken Tenderloin pieces with 21 Seasoning Salute. Bake in350′ pre-heated oven for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool. Shred when cooled.

In a bowl combine, mayonnaise, mustards, apricots, pecans, onion and shredded chicken.

Take Rosemary Sprigs and fan out spears of herb.  With kitchen shears, cut tips of herb spears into small pieces and allow to drop into Chicken Salad mixture.  Once added to salad, stir all ingredients until well mixed.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to mellow.

Serve Chicken Salad over shredded lettuce and enjoy!

Vegetarian alternative:  Substitute Chicken-less strips, chopped for Chicken.  Substitute Vegenaise for Mayonnaise and 2 tsp of Lemon Juice. Follow recipe as written.

 

 

Getting your “Glow” on-Great Skincare the Exquiste House method

For most of my life, I have struggled with the condition of my skin.  My face is sensitive, oily and acne prone.  It was quite an ordeal when I was in the midst of adolescence.  As an adult, I have been diligent in finding the best things that work for my skin whether cleansers, lotions, potions or makeup. I can proudly say that I look 10 years younger than my age-people are never guessing just how old I really am-most place me in my 30s…I am closer to 50 than not.  A friend of mine recently asked me to share my secrets. I thought I might do so with my blog as well.

Disclaimer-I am not a professional. These items listed are from my own research and consumer experience.  If you have a different skin type, consult a dermatologist or aesthetician.

What I have done that is fairly unique is look at items that are pricey and those that are bargains.  We all want great skin and while some items may be out of our budget, there is usually an alternative.  I do have a theme with brands; the ones I like work! I do hope this list helps you as it has helped me, be Exquisite!

Note-Products mentioned are linked to Amazon source page for purchase.

My cleansing products:

Morning: Bioelements Decongestant Cleanser or Skin Obsession Spa Facial Milk Cleanser used with a Clarisonic Brush

Evening: Sal 3 cleansing bar with Microdermabrasion Crystals

My toning product:

Apple Cider Vinegar-no joke! It does the same job as a glycolic or salicylic acid toner.

My day serum/cream:

Perricone High Potency Anime Face Lift or Vitamin C Serum (I like C serum 22 but have used others) and Bioelements Calmitude or Bioelements Beyond Hydration.

My night cream:

Perricone High Potency Evening Repair or Perricone Concentrated Restorative Night Treament-these are the one treatment I do not compromise on as a good night cream will do wonders

For the eyes:

Coconut oil and cotton for makeup removal. A dab of coconut oil for eye cream.

In lieu of Botox:

Frownies-These take some art but work great!  I try to sleep in them at least 2x a week.

Extra care:

I like to use a peel 1x a month. I like skin obsession alpha/beta peel and their glycolic peels.  If you know how to use these, try it. If not, see a professional first. Note-the link here is for the amazon skin obsession peels page, there are other peels available.

I also use a mask at least once a week. I like Bioelements Restorative Clay mask as it is mild enough to use often.

Tea Tree Oil-I use this as a blemish buster and also as a night treatment once a week. Be careful! It burns the eyes and mouth.

Supplements, Water and VooDoo:

For great skin I take Omega 3, Zinc, Vitamin C, B complex, Magnesium. I drink a gallon of water with Burdock root, Hibiscus and Apple Cider Vinegar daily. Additionally, I use bio-identical hormones and eat vegan-ish (mostly plant based with meat on occasion) limiting dairy, grain, starch and sugar. I try to work out 2-4 times a week(Pilates) plus cardio up to 10,000+steps per day and sleep 5-7 hours a night. I do not consume alcohol or drugs (it does make a difference).

For my makeup I like Palladio as it is clean and cheap. I also use elf, mainly their setting spray and Youngique Fiber Mascara. I will probably have to do a makeup video for my makeup tips but these products are my faves.

Muffaletta Meatloaf

One of my favorite things about New Orleans and my family hailing from this great city is the Muffaletta sandwich. The sandwich itself is not the big deal, its the Olive Salad or Muffaletta sauce that brings “laissez les bon temps rouler” to the mouth. With my love of Muffaletta, I determined to find new ways to highlight these special flavors.  What I came up with, years ago, was a meatloaf.  I do hope you find this to be as popular as it is with my family and friends.

The Exquisite Muffaletta Meatloaf

Preheat oven to 350′

2 lbs ground beef-I like grass fed organic

1/3 cup ground almond meal

1 package sun dried tomatoes-about 4 oz without oil or 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil. Either sliced finely. I like sourcing these at Trader Joe’s

3/4 cup artichoke hearts-chopped

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup each green and black olives-chopped

4 tbsp. capers

1 tsp crushed garlic

2 tbsp. each Ketchup, brown mustard and Worcestershire

2 oz crumbled feta with Mediterranean herbs

1 tbsp. each Oregano, Basil, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

1 tsp lemon pepper

2 eggs

In a large bowl combine all ingredients well. Empty into a square baking dish. Bake for 45 mins to 1 hour. Remove from oven. Drain liquid and allow to cool for 30 mins.

Sunday Pork Chop Dinner

My cousin’s step mom has a recipe for pork chops that calls for butter, heavy cream, salt and pepper and low heat.  It is the most decadent pork chop I have ever eaten.  This is a variation on that recipe along with an easy companion rice and my take on Creamed Spinach.  Disclaimer: The pork chop image is a stock photo as I was too hungry to stop and take a picture for the blog…it’s THAT good!

I have to give a big non-compensated plug to my friends at Navidi’s in Camas, Washington. The vinegar in this recipe is from their shop in Old Town Camas.  I discovered these amazing products during our year in the Pacific Northwest. I also have to mention their Meyer Lemon Olive Oil-it is the single most amazing flavor ever in my opinion. Perfect on salads, a delightfully Exquisite finishing oil. To order Navidi’s, visit them online at: http://navidioils.com/

Balsamic and Mushroom Pork Chops

4 thick cut boneless pork chops

1 stick of salted butter

1/2 cup Chicken Broth

1/4 cup Navidi’s Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar

1 Can Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup

1 teaspoon Onion Powder

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

3 teaspoons Stevia

In a large covered skillet or stock pot melt butter at low temperature.  Allow butter to brown minimally then add chops. Make sure to turn chops so they are cooked on the outside.  Note: The initial par searing of the chops should be done at a low temperature to keep the meat tender.

Add soup, chicken base, vinegar, spices and whisk until combined.  Cover and cook until chops are poached through, approximately 10-15 minutes.  Remove chops, cover and let rest. Bring the heat up on the poaching liquid and reduce until comes to sauce consistency.  Remove pan from heat, return chops to sauce and cover until ready to serve.

Savory Jasmine Rice

1 cup Jasmine Rice

2 cups water

1 teaspoon Better than Bullion Chicken base

2 teaspoons capers

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute-or Mrs. Dash

2 tablespoons salted butter

1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

In a covered saucepan bring water and rice to boil.  Reduce heat and add almonds, capers, spices, chicken base. Stir to combine and cover. Simmer until cooked; between 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat. Cube butter and stir into rice. Fold in Parmesan cheese and serve.

Creamed Spinach

4 cups Frozen Spinach

2-3 tablespoons Mayonnaise

1 pat of butter

1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

Place the spinach in a microwave safe, covered dish. Cook for 6 minutes on high heat. Stir in mayonnaise. Start with 2 tablespoons. If the spinach does not have enough of a “cream” to it add a bit more mayonnaise. Add lemon juice and stir. This can be reheated up to 2 minutes in order to be served warm.

Kondo-ing Life-What does it really mean?

Marie Kondo, author of the best selling book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” has made organizing fashionable again.  For those of us that have been helping people with the idea of tidying up long before Ms. Kondo’s popularity both in Japan where she has her own television series and abroad where her book has gained tremendous momentum, she can only reinforce the concepts that drive order, simplicity and ultimately the freedom that comes from removing chaos from one’s world.

I adore Kondo’s ideas, I have used many of them, even though they are not new concepts to the professional, her humorous, cutthroat approach is refreshing and makes the idea of purging the clutter more palatable. The deeper concepts that are in her message are the thing that resonates with me more than the fun approach.  Kondo asks her followers to “thank” their difficult to let go items for their service.  The paradigm shift is not for the clothes but for the participant.  The emotional release that is enacted in the brain when we have a ritual of saying goodbye opens the door to our being able to shift the conscience to a place of acceptance. This is the ground breaking part of what Kondo suggests in her work.

The shift in psyche is what most organizers miss.  My own conviction has long been that what is underneath the need for stuff is the thing that has to be changed in order to make a permanent transition.  It is why I sought Life Coach certification to enhance my work with my clients.

It is my hope that the popularity of Kondo’s methods will help many people and work towards the shift from affluenza (the need for stuff) in our society to a place of living with less and enjoying the world around us more.  Here’s to the Exquisite Marie Kondo!

Labor Day Broccoli Salad

My mom showed up with a giant bag of fresh broccoli from Costco the other day.  She was thrilled with her purchase.  The size of the bag kicked up my gourmand fever and the result was figuring out I can whip up one of my favorite salads in a flash.  Ergo Labor Day Broccoli Salad.

My raisins, vinegar and pecans and red onion are all sourced from Trader Joe’s. I used Best Foods Mayonnaise, Kirkland Pre Cooked Bacon, Stevia and a giant bag of cut Broccoli. All from Costco.  For vegan options, I have linked a great recipe for mushroom bacon and I always choose Follow Your Heart Vegannaise.

Ingredients

2 Heads worth of Fresh Broccoli cut into small bite size pieces. This worked out to 1/2 bag of broccoli from Costco.

1/4 Red Onion, finely chopped

1 cup raisins or dried cranberries

1/2 pound of bacon, cooked, drained and cut into small pieces (for vegan option use mushroom bacon)

3/4 cup of candied pecans, chopped

1 cup of mayonnaise, regular or vegan

1/2 cup granulated Stevia

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or white vinegar

To prepare, place onion, raisins, nuts and bacon in large bowl and stir well.  Add broccoli.  In a separate bowl combine mayonnaise, vinegar and stevia. Stir until well combined.  Add dressing to other ingredients and fold until thoroughly combined.  Enjoy!

Note: Almonds or cashews can be substituted for pecans. Granulated sugar can be substituted for Stevia.