Catch of the Day

Cioppino is a fish stew typically made from the catch of the day.

This recipe came from a cook book my mother-in-law gave me from her trip to Alaska.  I'll post the ISBN number at the end so you can order it if you want.

I love this dish. It is so simple and easy. I usually make it around special days....like Christmas. 

The leftovers in my fridge are going to be amazing for lunch.

1 - 1/2 lbs halibut (I used a cheaper cod), but into large bite size pieces
20 shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Dungeness Crab, Disjointed. (I just got 2 crab leg clusters)
10 clams or mussels in shells
3 bay bay leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 bunches green onions, diced
1 green pepper, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans stewed tomatoes
2 cans Mexican style tomatoes
1 can tomato, puree (I used sauce)
1 cup dry white wine or chicken stock to make it cleaner.
3 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
salt and pepper to taste.

Look for Wild Caught fish. Organic canned tomatoes (tomatoes are on the dirty list). Organic Pepper.

Heat oil in a large soup or stock pot. Add onions, green onions, peppers and bay leaves. Saute until onions are transparent. Add garlic and saute for 2 or 3 minutes more. Add tomatoes, tomato puree and white wine/chicken stock. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add a little water if necessary. Add salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves. Add clams or mussels and crab. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add shrimp and fish and simmer until fish is just cooked through. Stir in chopped basil. Serve immediately. Yield 6 servings.

I added some quinoa on the side.

The cookbook is called Alaskan Cooking ISBN 1-56944-108-1

A Better Way to Holiday!

 

Good NEWS!!! 

You don't have to miss out on ANYTHING while eating clean over the holidays. 

There is just A Better Way to Holiday!

I am going to try this yummy looking treat at our Thanksgiving table.

Flourless Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies with Sea Salt
{vegan, gluten-free & healthy}

Other than the chocolate chips, they are 100% "legal" for the 28 Day Clean Eating Challenge.  

However my friends.......MODERATION!!!

I will use Almond Butter from Costco, Brown Rice Syrup and Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips.

Get the recipe HERE.  

Soup Season

It's cold!  So I want to eat something hot!

Winter is Soup Season for me.  Now that Clean Eating is part of my life, soup is an easy way to get lots of veggies into my family all while warming them up.

I am excited to try this recipe out soon!

Creamy Spiced Cauliflower Soup

BEAT the Holiday Bulge!

Don’t be a statistic this year, BEAT the Bulge!

Lets be honest. Candy corn is like a gateway drug. Can I get an amen? What starts as a harmless handful of goodness often triggers an 'AHHHH, who cares!' mentality towards 'holiday eating' (Self-preach)...and the rest...well, its HISTORY!!

But WHY would I offset in 2 months what I disciplined my body 10 months for? And yet, we DO!! Did you know the average person gains 8-10 lbs over the holidays? Ewww! That's 1-2 pant sizes between now and the New Year! 

I don't know about you, but weight gain isn't just about the scale...its about how FLAT OUT AWFUL that crap food makes me feel! You too? Tired. Headaches. Belly aches. Raging skin. And RAGING moods. Um, no thanks! 

This crazy holiday schedule says I need MORE energy than EVER and you know what, I actually want some PEACE and JOY this holiday season! But we all love to celebrate right? And we love 'tradition'. 

If you wanna keep what you LOVE and shed what you DON'T this season, we've got the PERFECT program for YOU! 

Our 15-day "BEAT the BULGE" challenge is REAL. SIMPLE and GUILT-FREE. We're not cutting out any beloved foods...just helping ya make a couple of easy exchanges so that your FESTIVE days can be FREE of guilt! We're gonna help ya make some GOOD steps towards health!

If you've EVER considered our 28-day Challenge and thought "That's too hard, too long or too pricey", then THIS challenge is for YOU, YOU, YOU! 

Group starts Mon, Dec 1. Registration closes Nov 24th! I know this group will fill SUPER quick and I'm only coaching TEN, so inbox me ASAP for more info or to claim YOUR spot as we 'beat the bulge' TOGETHER!!!!!!!

Good Things Take Time

My business is like a crockpot, the longer you let things 

simmer and cook, the better it is.  

I tried a new one on my family last night.  In honor of our late cousin, Bijan Bouzari, who lost his life to brain cancer, I made Persian food.  I started with some amazing ingredients. Organic, free range, natural. It took a little mixing and prep.  Then some time in the crock pot.  Slow and steady.  I stirred it. I checked to make sure the pot was not too hot or too cold. Made some adjustments.

It reminds me of my business and mission to help others adopt a healthier lifestyle with Arbonne.  I just have to consistently put the great ingredients together, put them in the pot.  Check the pot every once-in-awhile.  Make sure it's not too hot or cold.  Then most of the people in there will come out Health, Wealthy and Wise. So Delish!

Persian Slow Cooked Chicken

In the olive oil browning.

I used Almond Flour instead of wheat flour and added a little salt. Served with Lundberg's Organic Short Grain Brown Rice and Quinoa and Organic Frozen Green Beans both from Costco.  Costco even sells organic boneless skinless chicken thighs.  I shortened the crockpot time and it turned out great. 

My husbands plate. He went for seconds!

You Had Me At Non-GMO!

I found this yummy temptation at my local grocery store, HEB, last week.  

 I don't think the labels show clearly, but it is healthy, other than the 4g of sugar. Moderation.

Put into my oatmeal and the pumpkin one makes me feel like I am eating pie!

Up in my Kitchen!!!!

It just got REAL Christmas & 

Thin Mint up in my kitchen!

Thanks to this peppermint oil and Arbonne's chocolate protein powder!



I have been drinking this Chocolate goodness daily for the past 16 months.  

Now, I know I did not discover some great new flavor combination. 

I am just slow at putting mint together with my 20 grams of vegan chocolate protein shake mix. Do you like chocolate? 

OH so delicious!

10 ounces of unsweetned non dairy milk
2 Scoops Arbonne Chocolate protein powder
1/4 ts organic peppermint oil
1C crushed ice
Blend

*optional Digestion Plus (probiotic, prebiotic, digestive enzymes)
*optional fiber powder 12g orderless, colorless, tasteless fiber.

It's fall...break out the pumpkin bites!

Pumpkin Bites (AMAZINGLY GOOD)

Makes 4 -6

-4 T of dry ingredients (with Arbonne protein powder, oats, coconut, almond meal or any combo of those.)
-2 T nut butter
-2 T pumpkin puree (store-bought or homemade)
-1/4 t cinnamon
-1/8 t nutmeg
-1/8 t cloves
-pinch of dried ginger
-pinch of sea salt
-splash of vanilla extract

-Sweetener of choice (I rolled with Stevia, but if you like to use liquid sweetener, you may have to add to the dry ingredients).

1. Pulse the dry ingredients in the food processor until you have a powder.

2. Add in the remaining ingredients and pulse to combine.

3. Taste a little bit for spice and sweetness- adjust as needed. (If you use honey as your sweetener, you may have to add more dry ingredients)

4. The mixture will be very wet. Do not be afraid- just roll into balls using your hands or melon scooper and store in the fridge to harden slightly. In the fridge overnight allows the flavors to mingle and they taste even better.

Clean Eating on a Stick

I think some people think I drink shakes

all day and don't eat real food.  

Beware of any quick fix weight loss/health scheme.  

Just eat REAL food.
I love food.

I love meat.
I love meat free of hormones and that was not fed GMO grains and corn.

Here is an EASY healthy dinner.

1 pound of grass fed beef sirloin
1-2 Organic Bell Peppers*
1-2 Zucchini* or Yellow Squash*
1 - Medium Onion
1 package whole mushrooms
1T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1T Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper
Mix and let it be all happy together in the bowl for 1-2 hours.
*These need to be organic because they are on the Dirty Dozen list 

 Kids like it because it is on a stick. 

Grill it and serve it up with some Lundberg non GMO Short Grain Brown Rice. 

28 Day Clean Eating Challenges usually start the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 

Curious, ask for more info. 

It's not a FAD, It's a MOVEMENT!

I was introduced in clean eating in May of 2013. At that time, I knew a few people who read labels and others that veered away from gluten.  That May I was asked to do the Arbonne 28 Day Clean Eating Challenge and my world has never been the same. It not only revolutionized my kitchen.....It created an income stream by serving others up the same nutritious education.

This Clean Eating thing, is not a FAD.  Parachute Pants, that was a fad.  Humans caring to know what is in the food they are eating is a MOVEMENT.  Last March, my local grocery store chain (HEB) came out with an entire line of organic foods.  It is a global movement according to Robyn O'Brien's recent article.

Along with the changes at the store, more and more people are joining my Arbonne team to share and educate and learn about wellness.  I met with three people this week who are interested in joining this business because they believe in wellness and wealth!

What we put IN our bodies and ON our bodies really do matter.

Arbonne has been around for 35 years and has ALWAYS been mindful of their ingredients. The Clean Eating Challenge's I lead teaches people how to eat REAL food and most importantly, WHY.

There is not one drink or pill that will restore your health.  It starts with FOOD.

If you are looking to get healthy and don't know where to start.  Or if you are looking for an additional income stream to add to your finances.  NOW is the time.  Arbonne is the place. We are a global business that HAS what people are looking for.  There is a storm of success brewing, the tides are shifting.  Get on board and ride!

If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it! 

Crow's Feet are for the BIRDS!

You CAN reverse and slow down the signs of aging.

These Arbonne products support your collagen and elastin and protects against future damage.

Cost: $150.00 plus tax and shipping. TOTAL: $156.76. SAVE over $50 with this package.

email to order: katiekatiearbonne@gmail.com 

WHAT DO YOU GET?

RE9 Advanced Corrective Eye Crème

Exclusive blend supports collagen, helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and helps diminish the look of dark circles. ( 0.5 fl.oz. )

Genius Arbonne Intelligence Genius

Nightly Resurfacing Pads and Resurfacing Solution

What It Is
Outsmart your skin in just 2 weeks. Genius is clinically proven to improve skin moisture, elasticity and firmness. The resurfacing pads work with our proprietary solution to reduce the look of dark spots and fine lines for skin that feels smooth, even-toned and beautiful. 60-day supply of Nightly Resurfacing Pads, 2 fl. oz. Resurfacing Solution.

What It Does
The proprietary solution and resurfacing pads work together to reduce the look of dark spots and fine lines for smooth, even-toned, beautiful skin. It’s the perfect addition to your nightly skincare regimen.

The Arbonne Promise
In just 2 weeks, 100% of study participants showed Genius improved the appearance of skin moisture, firmness and elasticity.* Be one of the first to experience the incredible results! Some shipping restrictions may apply. Please contact customer service if you have any questions.
*Based on a clinical instrumental study of 50 subjects

- See more at: https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=4317&menuId=&withLinks=1#sthash.tXfosXST.dpuf

For the LADIES

RE9 Advanced Restorative Day Créme Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen

High concentrations of advanced moisture-enhancing ingredients support collagen, and protect and restore skin's youthful appearance. (1.3 fl.oz.) ( 1.3 fl. oz. )

For MEN

RE9 Advanced for Men Facial Moisturizer SPF 20

Daily moisturizer protects skin from sunburn while helping to reduce visible signs of fatigue, stress and aging. ( 2 fl.oz. )

Be the FIRST, Join my Pre-SALE

Are you one of those who likes to be the 

first to get a new product? 

Ever wished the texture and appearance of your skin looked better?  

Don't want to put a lot of nasty chemicals in your body to get it?  

Let me introduce the latest from Arbonne. 

It doesn't go on the market until Sept. 1, but I have earned the ability to get it NOW!  

So, my clients get to be the FIRST to try it.    

Let me know if you want to try it.  $55 retail, $44 preferred, $35.75 consultant.  

As always, Arbonne has a 45 Day Money back guarantee.

You Mean I Have to be Consistent

The message of consistent effort has been flowing through me the past few weeks.

Why is it the most challenging parenting moments come at my weakest times. On the night before leaving for two weeks of camp and a vacation for my husband and I: checking lists, packing, house sitter set up, pets watered, mail held. My child decides it's time to complete a deadline, at the LAST POSSIBLE minute. Her tear filled cry explaining now this was something she has dreamed of since she was two, caused me to hide in my bathroom. Drop a brick on my head please. It would hurt less than my OCD exhausted self. 

Ealier in the week I escaped the kids and tried to reclaim my compromised fitness routine and go for a short 4 mile run in the neighborhood. I was hit with Texas July heat and 98% humidity, defeated....walking. This is a one of my vision board for fitness. 

I know weight is not the only measure of healthy, but I use it to keep me inside some boundaries.  At one point in my life I didn't have any boundaries and ended up in a place I didn't want to be. So I tap the scale awake and step on it. It tells me it's time to change what I am putting into my pie hole, uh, mouth. 

A shiny piece of tensel drew my attention away July 1st when my company announced that I could earn a 7 night cruise to the Carribean. It was like a squirrel jumped into my office and I started to chase it. 

I willed myself out of the bathroom to talk to my daughter. My words were of love, encouragement and highlighting all her success and talents. Then what flowed thru me have replayed in my heart and mind. 

We can not achieve our goals and succes with last minute Hail Mary efforts. What we desire is a result of small daily efforts repeated. Not one great movement. Small. Daily. Consistent. We can increase our strength lifting a 10 pound weight a few times daily, but will not gain strengh heaving a 50 pound weight once a week. Small. Daily. Consistent. 

The hundreds I have lead thru the Arbonne 28 Day Clean Eating Challenge learn this principal. With a plan and daily effort they reclaim their health and healthy eating habits. What I learned from them is that you can mess up and get back on track with small daily consistent effort. You can start anywhere, wherever you are in your healthy journey, and start moving towards your goal.

Don't be fooled that you can cheat and get lazy in your effort and still reach your dreams and goals. Lysa Terkeurst wrote in Made to Crave, that "compromise built on compromise leads to failure." 

Wherever you are in your journey towards a goal or dream, keep going. Daily. "And let us not grow weary of going good, for in due season, we will reap, if we DO NOT GIVE UP." Galatians 6:9. 

One stretch, jog, meal, phone call, book, nap, hug, prayer at a time (repeated) and I will achieve my goals and dreams. 

I pray she doesn't give up on her dream as much as I pray she learns the lesson of consistent effort.

Vegan Zucchini Soup

This was so yummy I had to share.  I would NEVER make anything called Zucchini Soup, but it was served to me at the Arbonne Business Launch of Debbie Mauzerall. You can't be rude and NOT eat what is served to you, right?  Her husband Peter made it and it was WON-DER-FUL!

I didn't get the exact recipe, but I think it went something like this.

4 Medium Zucchini
Olive oil
1 medium Onion
5-8 Garlic Cloves
4C Veggie Broth
Salt and Pepper

Saute a medium onion (diced) and 5-8 minced garlic cloves in a teaspoon of olive oil until it is all translucent and smells good. Add zucchini and the broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer on low for about 45 minutes. 

Let it cool a bit and blend with an immersion blender or put into a blender.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Serve hot or cold.

Debbie did a great job at her business launch.  Her sponsor Liz is a wonderful leader. Debbie shared how her health improved in just 2 weeks of doing the 28 Day Clean Eating Challenge.  She even had the lab work to prove it!  Got to love a numbers person.  The proof is in the numbers.  So much so she decided this business was for her!  

Debbie, if you read this, please tell Peter thank you for the soup!

Freedom and Independence

Happy Independence Day. The day that 56 "outside the box" thinkers risked being different to move towards their vision for our country.  They were true entrepreneurs that gave the opportunity to all Americans to be independent and free.  

Their leadership of putting others needs before their own left a generational legacy. 

Are YOU are truly Independent and Free?  

Money does not buy happiness, but it provides choices and freedoms (which make me happy). Are you a slave to your employer? Are you trapped because you live beyond your means? If so, you are not honoring the sacrifices those 56 men made for you. Where is the freedom of living in fear to pay your bills?   

 The signers of the Declaration of Independence did something that most of us could never do.  They lived like most people would not. They put their lives and families lives at risk.  Many were killed and jailed.  Their homes were destroyed. However, they put their faith above their fears so that we can live in abundance. They were servants as read in Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." 

Starting and continuing my business with Arbonne is not always easy. But it something that benefits others health and wealth and will continue to bless my family and provide opportunities that we would not have without it. 


 There is great happiness in time and financial freedom that is ours for the taking thanks to the Declaration of Independence. Make the most of that gift. There will be hard work, risk, haters and doubters.  Use or reclaim your freedoms and use it to bless and serve one another.





It's not for the weak to stand up against the social norms and make a change.  Change in your life to follow your passions.  Change to live below your means so you can bless others.  Change to do work that is important. Change to get up and move your body daily. Change to stop putting unhealthy things in your body.   I believe in you and believe you can change.  If you change your life to honor God, you will succeed. "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy  31:6


To read a wonderful account of the "first" Fourth of July and the stories of the lives of the signers, read this short historical story.
Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor

Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa Casserole

Some Like It Hot

Clean Eating is easier than ever. It just takes reprograming of what is "normal".  One tip to make your busy life easier.  When cooking quinoa and brown rice, make more than you need.  Make enough that you can eat off of it for a week.  You can always freeze it as well.

If you like shrimp and spicy, you will love this easy dish.  Now I have 3 daughters who do NOT like it hot.  So I simply skipped the jalapenos and cut down on the cajun seasoning.

Ingredients:
¾ lb large wild caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 medium organic tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 organic jalapeno, seeded and chopped
½ C chopped sweet onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp olive oil
2½ tsp cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2½ C cooked quinoa
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:
- Toss the shrimp and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning together, set aside.
- Toss the tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet.
- Cook the shrimp until opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan along with the onion, jalapeno and garlic.
- Cook until the onion and jalapeno are tender, stirring often.
- Mix in the quinoa, tomato paste, ½ tsp Cajun seasoning and tomato chunks.
- * If eating dairy - Top with the shrimp and then sprinkle with the fontina cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
-- Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Vanilla Mint Arbonne Protein Shake

I wanted to try something different light and refreshing.

8-10 ounces of Original unsweetened Almond Milk
2 Scoops Vanilla Arbonne Protein Powder
1 handful of spinach leaves
10 mint leaves (could use more)
1/2-1C chopped ice
1 Scoop Arbonne Fiber Powder
1 Packet of Arbonne Digestion Plus

Mix in a good blender.

I ended up adding 1/2 of a peeled lime and reblending. So glad I did.

Do you know that green is my favorite color?

Commitment Day is June 29th for the July 7th Challenge

It's I want to Win, It's up to Him!

I was got a call from a good friend yesterday.  We have known each other at least 25 years.  Our conversations are always full and deep about doing life.  She shared something with me her therapist shared with her.  He said "you can either humble yourself before God, or her will humble you."  YIKES.  

What does it mean to be humble?  Humble is defined as having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.  not proud or arrogant; modest

I am a classic Type A personality and more often than not, think I am in charge and can do all things on my own will and sheer determination (some say stubbornness). If it's to be, it's up to me. So hearing those words were a sharp reminder that I must turn over all and humble myself before HIM.  

The good news is, that when we do put God in the driver seat, we benefit more than if we try to command our lives by ourselves.  James 4:10 reads "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."  By letting go, we are lifted up.  Peter said it this way in chapter 5, verse 6, "Humble yourselves therefore beneath the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time He may set you on high".  If it's to be, it's up to him.  But that doesn't rhyme.  How about "If I want to WIN, It's up to HIM!".  

Quinoa "May Save Your Life" Salad

Try this delish quinoa dish at your next potluck, or just make a big batch of it to munch on during the week. I first had this at a friends house who was having a birthday tea party.  It was so yummy, I have been eating it ever since.

Quinoa, pronounced (Keen Wah), is a seed from a grain with many nutritional benefits.

Researchers have looked at certain antioxidant phytonutrients in quinoa, and two flavonoid - quercetin and kaempferol - are now know to be provided by quinoa in concentrated amounts. Some find their concentration can be greater than in other superfoods like berries.

I have been looking into what quercetin is since it is an ingredient in a new product, Thermobooster, I started taking. According to WebMD, Quercetin is used for treating conditions of the heart and blood vessels including, "hardening of the arteries", high cholesterol, heart disease and circulation problems.  It is also used for diabetes, cataracts, hay fever, peptic ulcer, schizophreina, inflammation, asthma, gout, viral infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, preventing CANCER, and for treating chronic infections of the prostate.  Quercetin is also used to increase endurance and improve athletic performance.

Who knew a simple salad could save your life.

Ingredients:2 Cups of Cooked Quinoa, cooled 2 Cups Raw Kale chopped1T oil (coconut, olive, avocado, etc)1 C Grape Tomatoes cut in half1 Avocado diced1/4 C Sliced Red Onion1 LemonSalt and PepperSaute kale in oilToss kale with quinoa, tomatoes, avocado, red onion. Squeeze lemon juice on topSalt and Pepper to tasteMix - eat.