The Magic City had a very fashionable weekend in Wynwood at the Mana Convention Center! Friday night, I was invited to the VIP opening of the POP-UP! The evening began with pics on the red carpet, upon entering. Next, I was handed a goody bag filled with sustainable & eco-friendly products, as well as discount codes/coupons to shop the over 120 ethical brands that Mana Fashion Services brought together for the pop-up shopping event. My friend, Karen Huggins ( and ... Read More about Mana Fashion Pop-Up
Blog
Clean Miso-Ginger Fusion sauce
I created This sauce to add flavor to steamed veggies and healthy bowls. I have been incorporating more fresh vegetables and less animal fat, into my daily food intake. It's great to eat clean and healthy, but sometimes you need a little kick! This is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and savory, to help add a little flavor to veggies, grains, etc. It is simple, clean, and vegan, filled with vitamins and nutrients to help fuel your body. I've found that adding this sauce to your vegetables and ... Read More about Clean Miso-Ginger Fusion sauce
Health Awareness : Why you need to trust your gut if you think something ‘s wrong with you. It just might save your life. I wouldn’t be here, if I hadn’t!
I'm here to share my experience with you, in hopes of creating awareness and to help inspire you to look into your family genetics and health history. It may just save your life! I had just been in the hospital, had a stress test, ekg, chest x rays and an echo a few weeks prior. I was still having symptoms of a heart attack, yet, numerous Doctors told me I was fine. Let's rewind a bit.. I went to Cincinnati to help my mother who had been in the hospital for Atrial Fibrillation. I planned ... Read More about Health Awareness : Why you need to trust your gut if you think something ‘s wrong with you. It just might save your life. I wouldn’t be here, if I hadn’t!
Best Chicken Piccata Recipe!
If you love the flavor of lemon, you're in for a real treat with this version of Chicken piccata! This dish is full of flavor. I guarantee your plates will be empty and you'll be adding this recipe to your favorite dishes. So, let's get cooking! You'll need : 2 organic boneless/skinless Chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut them in half (this will serve 4) *All purpose flour ( I used almond flour) * 2 lemons ( 1 to slice and 1 for juice) *Pink Himalayan Salt & Fresh Ground Black ... Read More about Best Chicken Piccata Recipe!
Easy Fish Recipe, Lemon butter sauce
I cooked this quick and easy fish dinner the other night and shared it on my Instagram stories. I was overwhelmed by how many people dm'd me, asking for the recipe and cooking instructions. So, Ive decided to write it here for you, as well. Fish can be intimidating to cook, but I promise this is quick, simple and delicious. I get my fish from Whole Foods market. This was locally caught red snapper. I would highly recommend asking them to remove the skin and bones. ( I forgot this time and ... Read More about Easy Fish Recipe, Lemon butter sauce
How to wash your fruits and vegetables
Hi! If you're new here, welcome to my wellness journey! Most of you who follow my daily stories on instagram @purejoy_lifetyle know that I'm on a Wellness Journey and learning and enjoy sharing with you, as I go. One thing I've learned recently ,is how important it is to always rinse your fruits and veggies before consuming them. According to the Food and Drug Administration, an average of 48 million people got sick from contaminated food in 2019. You do not want to join these statistics! It's ... Read More about How to wash your fruits and vegetables
Holiday Gift Guide
I've rounded up a few of my favorite things that I think will make great gift ideas for you, this Holiday season. 2020 has been a 'trying" year, but if we can't give the gift of good health, we may as well spread good cheer! *NEST Candles are 1 of my favorite brands. Their Bamboo candle & Diffusers help to keep our home smelling clean & fresh all year. This Holiday Season we've upgraded some of our decorations and added this beautiful Holiday Candle and Nest's Birchwood Pine Reed ... Read More about Holiday Gift Guide
Refreshing White Beans & Greens ( A Mediterranean Inspired Dish )
I just made this delicious recipe for lunch, tweaked a few ingredients to satisfy my taste buds, and really enjoyed the flavors in this vegan & dairy free dish. I first saw a version of this recipe on a wellness blogger's stories ( @wellnessbykelly). I made it this summer for my husband and I, but it didn't seem to be much of a hit. I've kept it in the back of my mind, though, because I really liked the freshness and simplicity of this dish and I had never cooked with or enjoyed white beans ... Read More about Refreshing White Beans & Greens ( A Mediterranean Inspired Dish )
Clean Beauty Product Recommendations
I've been doing a lot of research, during this year of quarantine, and have tested out a lot of clean beauty products and skincare. Surprisingly, I have found quite a few different companies and clean products for your face, body and hair. Today, I'm going to share with you my favorite non toxic, cruelty free, clean beauty products for your face. Most of these products are from Handmade Beauty Cosmetics. I met the creator, Diana Burillo ,here in Miami and was intrigued by her passion for ... Read More about Clean Beauty Product Recommendations
Shrimp Pasta with white wine sauce
This is a recipe I make quite often, because you can add or subtract different vegetables according to what you have on hand. I usually make my Shrimp Linguine recipe ( click here for that recipe ) with spinach and minus the wine, but tonight I was craving something a little more flavorful. ( Plus I wanted an excuse to open our bottle of JordanWinery 's new Chardonnay release, their 2018 Chardonnay.) I didn't have spinach on hand, so I decided to add some tomatoes ( which are growing quite ... Read More about Shrimp Pasta with white wine sauce
Parmesan/Panko Crusted Halibut
My husband and I have decided to start eating a little healthier, so we are trying to incorporate more fish and veggies into our routine. Cooking fish may sound a bit scary and complicated ,for those of us who didn't grow up by the ocean. I've chosen this recipe to share with you because it is quick, easy, accessible to you wherever you may live, and packs enough flavor for even non- fish lovers to enjoy! This recipe is delicious, healthy, gluten free and simple. First, let me begin by ... Read More about Parmesan/Panko Crusted Halibut
Zucchini Salad (Zoodles)
This zucchini salad recipe is light, quick, refreshing and easy to make. I've found this perfect for me, as a light lunch or served as a side dish for dinner. It's very versatile. I've developed this recipe to serve 2 , but normally make this just for myself for lunch, so, I use half of these measurements. You can obviously double it, to serve as a family side dish, too. To make this light and refreshing dish, you will need: 2 small zucchinis, 1/2 of a lemon to juice, 2 tsp olive oil, ... Read More about Zucchini Salad (Zoodles)
How to cook a Soft Boiled Egg
There's nothing better than a warm, perfectly cooked soft boiled egg, when you or the person you love, needs this comfort food. I don't really even like eggs, but when I was a child and didn't feel well, this was what my mom would fix to make me feel better, and it always did! Let's boil the perfect soft boiled egg together! Bring a saucepan of water to boil, cooking over medium to high heat ( about a 7 if using an electric stove). Be sure to choose a sauce pan that is large enough to ... Read More about How to cook a Soft Boiled Egg
Star Jewelry
I've been seeing STARS , lately! I want to share with you this whimsical, fun , flirty jewelry line I just discovered ,called Nicki Roxx. Their pieces are fab! I'm really into stars & star symbols ( and my hubby is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan , lol) so these 2 necklaces were a no brainer for me. I love the single star ( Zoe star necklace ) for everyday wear & I like to wear the Sasha Floating Stars necklace ... Read More about Star Jewelry
Hot spinach & Artichoke Dip
Today I felt like having something warm and comforting, but still a little healthy. I chose to make my yummy Spinach & Artichoke Dip recipe that I've been tweaking for years! It's a great dip to share and it's on the healthier side, so you won't feel guilty after indulging. I served mine with organic blue corn chips, but it's delicious with pita chips, warm bread or crudités if you're going for a healthier snack. You'll want to start by preheating your oven to 350 * and lightly grease ... Read More about Hot spinach & Artichoke Dip
Summer Matzo Pizza
This recipe is a great, fresh and healthy appetizer to share at parties, summer bbq's, to enjoy during Passover or any time you're wanting to create something tasty & healthy with a bit of a crunch ! It's simple, fresh ingredients pair well together and it's very quick and easy to make. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll need a box of Matzo. This simple recipe calls for: 4 Matzos, 1 Pear, sliced very thin, Arugula, Goat Cheese, Grape Tomatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ... Read More about Summer Matzo Pizza
Easy Avocado Toast
Avocado Toast is healthy, delicious and nutritious and there are many ways you can enjoy it. I'll share today's version with you, as it is so easy to make and with just a few ingredients. You will need an avocado, 1/2 of a lemon, a slice or 2 of bread ( I prefer whole grain ), Trader Joe's Everything but the bagel seasoning, and an egg. I like a little more kick to my food so I also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes, but that's optional :) To slice the avocado perfectly, you'll want ... Read More about Easy Avocado Toast
Shrimp Linguine
What's for dinner tonight? I have a quick, easy and delicious recipe for you , Shrimp Linguine. If you have fresh shrimp, simply peel, rinse and set it aside. If you're using frozen shrimp, be sure to have it thawed by the time you are ready to cook dinner. You will need to chop 4 cloves of garlic and set aside. Start by boiling a pan of water. I recommend adding a little bit of olive oil in it, so the pasta won't stick. Once you're water is boiling, turn down the heat a notch and add 8 oz. of ... Read More about Shrimp Linguine
Beach waves without the beach! My Makeup & Hair tips and picks for this look.
There is more than one secret to getting that beach hair look without actually going to the beach. First step, is to use dry shampoo, even if your hair is freshly washed or a day or 2 old. Dry shampoo will give you the added volume that the humidity from the ocean air would. Next, I highly recommend T3Micro curling irons. I have the convertible trio and love it. It has 1 wand and 3 interchangeable irons to create different looks. I used the middle barrel. It's called "undone waves" and its a 1 ... Read More about Beach waves without the beach! My Makeup & Hair tips and picks for this look.
Yummy Brussel Sprouts Recipe
I know what you're thinking , "How can anyone describe brussel sprouts as yummy?" ! I completely understand. You couldn't have paid me to eat them when I was growing up! The smell of them heating up in the microwave was enough to convince me that they could never be a part of my cooking adventures. Well, I was wrong. This recipe makes eating your veggies fun. The cherries give this dish a delicious sweetness and the pancetta adds a savory, unexpected flavor. Saute'ing the shallots and pancetta ... Read More about Yummy Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Healthy Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite Italian dishes. Like most of you , I've been craving a little comfort food during this uncertain time of mandatory isolation. I've decided to create a "skinny " version of this classic dish to share with you. A few altercations, such as using low-fat cottage cheese (instead of ricotta),choosing part skim mozzarella cheese, an egg white and no breading, are a few ways to make this dish healthier. This is a great way to get the full flavor of Eggplant ... Read More about Healthy Eggplant Parmesan
Beef Florentine: My easy, delicious recipe for a quick & healthier take on Lasagna!
Read my Beef Florentine blog, for a healthier take on this classic Lasagna dish! If you're looking for a delicious, easy and healthy-ish meal to serve your family, here is my take on this classic lasagna dish. Let's call it BEEF FLORENTINE. If you can, I always recommend using the freshest , organic ingredients such as parsley & basil, ( I grow mine in my kitchen) chop your own garlic for maximum health benefits and taste and use parmigiano- reggiano. Parmigiano-reggiano is the purest ... Read More about Beef Florentine: My easy, delicious recipe for a quick & healthier take on Lasagna!
Winter Skincare essentials to give you a glow
Have you ever noticed your skin feeling drier in the winter months ? You're not imagining it. Winter air is drier and the humidity level is lower. The weather change and the use of heaters takes an extra toll on your skin. It's time to switch up your daily routine a bit and make sure you get enough moisture inside and out. The first thing I would suggest is using a heavier moisturizer to help keep your skin moisturized and glowing. I love Dr. Perricone's Hyaluronic intensive moisturizer. It ... Read More about Winter Skincare essentials to give you a glow
Best Restaurants in Miami
Joe's Stonecrab in South Beach is a must! This classic restaurant has been drawing crowds to Miami for years. If you've never had a stone crab, you will be pleasantly surprised. Joe's Stonecrab is the only place to get them at their best! They come in a few different sizes, are sweet & meaty and best tasted cold with Joe's special mustard sauce. I suggest going before you're hungry and be prepared to wait, since it's still, arguably, the most popular restaurant to visit in Miami! I also ... Read More about Best Restaurants in Miami
Best Restaurants for Valentine’s Day dinner in Miami ( My top 5 Restaurants for Valentine’s date)
Miami is filled with beautiful scenery and amazing restaurants. My husband and I are big "foodie's " and we especially love fine dining. Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to share a lovely dinner, in a romantic setting, experiencing amazing tastes together. I've narrowed down a few of our favorite's to make it easier for you. Here are my top 5 pics for this annual romantic date night: Le Sirenuse This beautiful Restaurant is set in the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. It is inspired ... Read More about Best Restaurants for Valentine’s Day dinner in Miami ( My top 5 Restaurants for Valentine’s date)
Essentials for flying
If you're planning on traveling this Holiday Season, here is a list of "In Flight Essentials " that I recommend having with you. I've already been traveling so much lately , flying to New York for Fashion Week , visiting my hubby on the road at the MLB Playoffs in Tampa/St. Petersburg & New York City and then again, for The World Series Games in Washington D.C. I also just had an impromptu trip back to Cincinnati, so I've got the " in flight essentials" down to a science! The ... Read More about Essentials for flying
Miami Fashion Week
Miami Fashion Week 2019 began on Wednesday ,May 29th , with a press conference at the Kimpton Epic Miami Hotel and then celebrated with a fabulous "Kick Off" party at Saks Fifth Ave in Brickell. Influencers, Fashion Bloggers, and Fashion lovers were invited to celebrate MIAFW. Models strolled past the fashionista crowd, providing a "sneak peek" of the beautiful designs we were about to see walk down the runway at Ice Palace Film Studios. It was quite a party with music, dancing, cocktails and a ... Read More about Miami Fashion Week
Spring/Summer Fashion Trends
Spring's mood is always one of new beginnings & with new beginnings we tend to think of flowers starting to bloom & romance in the air. This is right on point this year! I had the privilege of attending New York Fashion Week , as well as The FGI ( Fashion Group International of South Florida ) Trend Presentation featuring Ken Downing, Senior VP Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus and he poetically spoke of all that we have to look forward to this season in Fashion! We saw a lot ... Read More about Spring/Summer Fashion Trends
Oodles of Zoodles
Oodles of zoodles for din din tonight ! – 🍋🍤 SHRIMP & ROASTED TOMATO ZOODLES 🍤🍋 My RECIPE : I start with organic zucchini . You can use a simple hand held zoodle maker or for bigger portions, use the Kitchen Aid Spiralizer. Zoodle your zucchini then set it aside. Next, in a large skillet, pour a splash of olive oil & 2 tablespoons of butter . Chop 2 cloves of fresh garlic and sautee' until fragrant .( do NOT let the garlic get brown , it will emit a bitter flavor instead, ... Read More about Oodles of Zoodles
Crunchy Tuna salad
Ingredients for my Tuna Salad Recipe There are so many ways to enjoy tuna salad! I alternate 2 key ingredients, depending on whether I'm in the mood for a little sweetness or tuna with a bite! I choose to use the brand Safe Catch tuna because every single tuna is tested for mercury. It's important to me because we eat a lot of seafood and sushi and don't want to have too much mercury in our blood for obvious health reasons! drain the tuna and place it in a bowl. I add about a tablespoon ... Read More about Crunchy Tuna salad