White Chocolate Martini

Ho Ho Ho, it must be Christmas time, because the White Chocolate Martini's are flowing.

Every year we put on a Christmas Party and every guest is greeted with a welcome drink.  We tried these a few years ago and they were a massive hit, and have become our staple welcome drink at Christmas.

They are very easy to make, creamy, delicious and very festive.

White Chocolate Martini

1oz Vanilla Vodka or Whipping Cream Vodka
1oz White Creme De Cacao
1oz Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream

Mix all ingredients in a martini shaker until the outside is frosty.
Pour into martini glass.
Garnish with shaved chocolate.


                 
                                                     
                 

                                       

Give them a try and let us know what you think.

Do you have a favorite martini?  We would love to hear about it.

Now that's Creative!

Pomegranate Margarita

On a recent trip to Mexico we discover this great treat that makes the best Pomegranate Margaritas -- Pomegranate Tequila.   And I could not wait to get home to make up a batch or two.

Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients 

• 1 cup tequila (Pomegranate if you are lucky enough to get your hands on some)
• 1 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 4 cups ice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup fresh lime juice

Directions

Pour the tequila and triple sec into a pitcher. Sprinkle in the confectioners' sugar, and stir to dissolve. Add the ice, and pour in the pomegranate juice and lime juice. Stir to mix, then serve. You can add more tequila to taste if you're a professional.

You can sugar coat the rim if you desire and garnish with a lime wedge

This summer I also discovered the best idea ever...........Mason Jar Frozen Margaritas

Pretty much the same, except, no ice or blender needed.

Mason Jar Frozen Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients 

• 1 cup tequila (Pomegranate if you are lucky enough to get your hands on some)
• 1 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup fresh lime juice 

Directions

Put all ingredients in a picture.  

Stril until the sugar is dissolved.

Pour in mason jars and cover with lids.
Put in freezer and wait for them to freeze up.

NOTE:  they will not freeze completely, they will be nice and slushy.

 Best thing ever, is you can make a large batch and have a freezer full, so they are ready whenever you want one to enjoy, or when unexpected company comes over, you have ready made cocktails.

This has unlimited possibilities with various flavours.  Let me know what you think and what flavours you have experimented with.

Cheers!

Now that's Creative!

All Natural Cellulite Treatment

Ugh!! The dreaded cellulite!  You check out your backside and to your dismay you see those unsightly dimples of cellulite.

Your first reaction is to search for a "magical cellulite cream".  These creams tend to be quite expensive and full of chemicals and toxins -- all the things you are trying to avoid and a common cause of cellulite in the first place.

Well, did you know that most of the cellulite creams contain essential oils?  In fact, most beauty products contain a variety of different essential oils.  Beauty companies know the power of essential oils and use them in their products.

Juniper is a excellent essential oil to use for the treatment of cellulite.  Along with eating right and doing targeted exercises you can rid yourself of the unsightly cellulite for good.

Cellulite is a collection of fat, water and waste which are trapped beneath our skin.  Since Juniper oil is a natural detoxifier it helps cleanse toxins from the blood, acts as a diuretic as well as a stimulant, making it a great choice to choice to use in a cellulite treatment.

Other great choices to add to your cellulite treatment are:
Cinnamon leaf oil - strengthens connective tissue, stimulates blood flow
Rosemary oil - increases circulation and unclogs sluggish and under active tissues.
Citrus oil - strengthen capillaries, tightens skin, increases circulation, reduces water retention

Cellulite Massaging Oil Recipe

• 1/2 cup jojoba oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
• 10 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• 10 drops juniper essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops citrus essential oil (orange, lemon or lime) 

Method:
Mix and store in a dark glass bottle with cap in a dark cool place.  Shake thoroughly before each use.  Massage oil onto your skin where your cellulite appears.  Massage until the oil is absorbed into your skin.  For best results, use after a dry brushing and shower.

NOTE:  in order to receive the healing benefits from essential oils, make sure you ONLY buy 100% pure therapeutic grade oils - with no preservatives, dyes or mineral oils.

I love to support local companies, and Escents Aromatherapy is one that I highly recommend.  A local BC company, committed to quality products and the environment, make sure and check them out.

Cellulite Targeted Exercise

In addition to your essential oil massage, you will need to do specific exercises targeting the troubled area.  You need to tighten up the muscles and fiber tissue below the skins surface.  When not toned, your fiber layer become very flabby and add to your cellulite problem.

Do this routine 3 times per week:

Your Diet And Cellulite 

The final step to ensure you rid yourself of cellulite, is to eat a clean and healthy diet, removing processed foods as much as possible.

When we pump our bodies full of processed foods our bodies are unable to get rid of the foreign waste and therefore stores it in our fat cells.  Due to this toxic waste our fat cells become hard creating the "orange peel" dimpled cellulite skin.

Some of the foods our bodies consider as foreign waste are:

• fake cheese
• MSG
• high fructose corn syrup
• gluten
• enriched pasta products
• food coloring
• carcinogens
• partially hydrogenated oils

Keep hydrated.  Drink lots of water.  Water helps flush out toxins from our body.  So if your are going to indulge in processed foods, do your body a favor and drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins.

So, there you have it.  Three steps to naturally rid yourself you cellulite.

1. Essential oil massage
2. Targeted exercises
3. Clean up your eating habits

Now that's Creative!

Cinnamon, Do You Know What You Are Really Getting?

Cinnamon - Ceylon or Cassia?

I love cinnamon.  I mean what can be better than an apple pie baking and the house filling with the wonderful aroma of cinnamon.  However, I had no idea that all these years I was not even using real cinnamon.

I never gave it any thought at all until I started to see so many posts on Pinterest about the health benefits of honey and cinnamon.  Never hearing about this before, I did what I always do on get right on the internet to see what I could find.

Ceylon or Cassia Cinnamon – What’s The Difference

 To my surprise I found that what I have been consuming all these years is not cinnamon at all.  Most of the cinnamon sold in grocery stores is something called Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon, which is cultivated mostly in China, Vietnam and Indonesia and comes from a totally different plant call Cinnamomum cassa.

True or real cinnamon is Ceylon cinnamon.  It is native to Sri Lanka and comes from the Cinnamomum zeylanicum plant which is relatively unknown to most people.    Ceylon cinnamon is typically more expensive than Cassia, and is what is referred to when talking about health benefits such as involving blood sugar regulation. 

Now, even though cinnamons are cultivated from different plants, they both come from the same plant family, Lauraceae – the laurel family, and the same genus, Cinnamonum.  Studies have shown they do share some of the same and health benefits, such as promting healthy blood glucose levels and is considered antimicrobial. 

The biggest and most important difference is the levels of a naturally occurring substance called coumarin.  This is a naturally occurring plant component containing strong anticoagulant properties, in other words it is a natural blood thinner. 

Ceylon contains a negligible amount, however, Cassia contains an outrageous amount of 1200 times higher.  The levels of cormarin in the Ceylon compared to Cassia is so drastic, that the German FDA has warned against consuming excessive amount of Cassia bark due to the amount of cormarin it contains. 

Consuming Cassia in large quantities or over extended period of time, poses health risks and can do damage to your liver and kidneys due to the high levels of coumarins.

Cinnamon - Ceylon and Cassia

How To Tell The Difference

 Not only in the flavor and aroma, there is also a big difference visually between Ceylon and Cassia.

They say "a picture is worth a thousand words" and this one clearly demonstrates the visual difference between the two.  

You can see the colour difference as well as the texture.  See how delicate real cinnamon looks with all the thin flaky layers, whereas Cassia is solid containing one very strong piece.

Type	Ceylon	Cassia
Cost	more expensive, can be up to 10 times pricier then Cassia	fairly cheap and inexpensive, can be bought in bulk
Convince	hard to find, only being carried by specialty stores or some health food stores	easily available, carried by grocery stores
Colour	tan brown in colour	reddish dark brown in  colour
Appearance	the cinnamon sticks are made up of multiple paper thin layers when rolled up	the cinnamon sticks are composed of a thick bark that is only one layer
Texture	fragile, easily broken up or ground into powder	very tough and difficult, if not impossible, to break up or ground even with an electric grinder
Flavor/Aroma	delicate, sweet with subtle notes of clove	pungent full-bodies taste
Coumarin	Contains a negligible amount	Contains high level, up to 1200 times more than Ceylon

Health Benefits

Health benefits of cinnamon include:

• diabetes
• alzheimer's disease
• cancer
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-microbial

Cinnamon And Honey

The healing benefits of mixing cinnamon with honey comes from the high quantity of sulfur it contains.  Cinnamon is 26% and honey is 33%, combining the two creates a very powerful sulfur combination of 59% making it the reason it is so effective.   

Check out some of  the healing properties cinnamon and honey (a sulfur-based combination):

• heart disease
• arthritis
• bladder infection
• cholesterol
• colds
• upset stomach
• gas
• immune system
• indigestion
• influenza
• longevity
• raspy or sore throat
• pimples
• skin infections
• weight loss
• cancer 
• fatigue
• bad breath
• hearing loss
• toothache
• high blood pressure

Conclusion

If you are going to add cinnamon into your regular health routine, make sure you know what you are getting.  Purchase quality Ceylon form a reputable source.  Your health is worth the extras expense.

Now that's Creative!

Easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Flower Center Piece

Fall is such a beautiful time of year.  I just love all the leaves changing colour, they are so colourful and vibrant.  So, here is a great way to bring some of that colour into your home to enjoy.

This centerpiece is so easy and looks great, just follow along.

What You Will Need

• pumpkin
• potted plant
• ribbon
• bowl (approximate size of the flower pot)
• sharpie
• knife
• spoon

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Flower Center Piece

Step One
Position the bowl on the top of the pumpkin.  Make sure it is centered and even, as this is where your potted plant will go in.  When you have it in a good position, trace around it with your sharpie.

Making Pumpkin Center Piece

Step Two
Cut along with line with a sharp knife, making a complete circle and remove the top.

Making Pumpkin Center Piece

Step Three
Scoop out all of the inside of the pumpkin, making sure you get all the seeds and stringy pumpkin guts (oh yes this is my official term) out.  Make a very nice a clean inside.  You might have to scrape the sides a bit in order to get a nice smooth inside.

Feel free to separate out the pumpkin seed and dry them out.  They make a wonderful snack and are very healthy for you.

Making Pumpkin Center Piece

Step Four
Now check to see if the plant fits, you might find you need to trim a little more.  Now depending on the size of your plant pot it will either sit on the bottom of the pumpkin or you will want the top of the pot to fit firmly in the opening.  Just make sure the plant itself is not squished and cramped looking.

Step Five
Once you have the right size hole in the top, here is a little trick for you to keep the pumpkin for getting moldy.

Swish around some bleach inside the pumpkin.  Make sure you cover the entire inside of the pumpkin, the spill out any left over bleach out.

Note:  you might want to air it out for a few hours before putting it all together and placing on table to get ride of the bleach smell.

Step Six
Fold over the wrapping of the plant so it is even with or slightly below the top of the pot.

 I like to keep the wrapping on as it holds in the water for the plant, making sure you do not have a puddle of water growing in the bottom of the pumpkin.

Them fit in the plant, tucking in the wrapping so it is not visible and finish with a ribbon bow.

Making Pumpkin Center Piece

Now that's Creative!

Standing Up Ab Workout

Here is a very creative way to get in your ab workout without having to get out your yoga mat-- now, there are No Excuses for not getting your abs in shape no matter where you are.

Studies have shown that even a 1-minute workout has health benefits.
Now this is not to replace a regular workout schedule, but to be used in conjunction with it.

Taking just 10-15 minutes out of your lunch hour to do a mini workout where you are raising your heart rate will increase your metabolism, and its metabolic effects last long after your workout is over.

You will find it gives you increase energy, clarity and are able to focus more on your afternoon tasks.  No more 3pm slump, and even better no need for that afternoon sugar filled snack.

Companies like Chatelaine recognize the benefits of these mini workout and have incorporated them into their daily work schedule.

I love her workouts.  She had created a series of workouts that are short, but action packed.  When doing her 20 minute workouts you are using your whole body; incorporating abs, legs and arms in one move speeds up the workout process so you can do 20 minutes and get a total workout.

Another thing I like is that most of her workout require little to no equipment, using only your body weight for resistance.  Her fierce formulated workouts add strength and ab moves to dynamic cardio for increased fat loss in a shorter time frame.  Now who wouldn't like that?

Now that's Creative!

Try out this great Standing Up Ab Workout from Jillian Michaels.

Check out some of my favourite workout videos from Jillian Michaels.

Homemade Exfoliating Facial Scrub

I am really into making my own products these days.

The more you read out there about all the chemicals that are in all the products we use on a daily basis makes you rethink what you are putting on your skin, after all your skin is your largest organ - what you put on it is what is absorbed into your body.

So, when we read label on all of our food in order to make healthier choices and all the efforts we make to eat cleaner, it only makes sense to also re-look at our beauty products.

After doing a little bit of research on the Internet, I came up with my own pure homemade exfoliating facial scrub.  Give it a try I think you will really like it as much as I do.

Homemade Exfoliating Facial Scrub

.25 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon water
10 drops of Patchouli oil
10 drops of Geranium oil
10 drops of Frankincense oil


Put all the above together in a glass dish mix very well.  Make sure that the water, oil and essential oils are all distributed evenly throughout the baking soda.

The mixture should be slightly moist and crumbly.

Put is a jar and keep in the shower.


To Use:


Take a small amount in the palm of your hand.  If you are doing this in the shower (recommended) you do not need to add any additional water, as the water on your hands will be enough.


Rub your hands together an GENTLY massage your face, neck and chest.  Rinse.

The Breakdown Of Ingredients

Baking Soda - is cleansing, helps regulate ph and exfoliates very gently (as long as you do not scrub!).  This is safe to use every day and it will make your skin very soft.

Virgin Coconut Oil - is a legitimate superfood and has many health benefits.  It is a medium chain fatty acid and supports the immune system by helping ward off viruses, bacteria and fungal overgrowth.  Also supports the thyroid glad, nervous system and skin.  It is antibacterial anti-fungal, antiviral making it great for your skin and hair.  Can be used both topically and internally.  Aids in weight loss by increasing metabolism, provides long lasting energy, regulates and supports healthy hormone production, are just a few of the benefits of this superfood.

Frankincense - The therapeutic properties include use as an antiseptic, astringent,  digestive, diuretic, sedative, tonic and expectorant. Frankincense is said to help rejuvenate the aging skin, and is effective with bacterial and fungal infections. The anti-inflammatory property of this oil is reputed to be an effective treatment for joint pain and arthritis. Frankincense can also be used as an insect repellent and is also widely used in cosmetics and soap manufacturing. It has a grounding aroma, and often used in meditation. The scent of Frankincense is stimulating, helps in overcoming stress and despair, elevating the mind, and is also believed to encourage a meditative state, bringing balance and peace to individuals

Patchouli -  is recognized by aromatherapists as being effective for combating nervous disorders, helping with dandruff, sores, skin irritations, chapped skin, fatigue, hair care, mature skin and acne.  Uses:  diuretic properties, helpful for water retention, cellulite, constipation and overweight, deodorizing action, helps with when feeling hot and bothered, helps cool down inflammation and assists with wound healing, scars and sores, relief from acne, eczema and scalp disorders, helps with re-growth of skin cells and scar tissue, helps with stress related conditions and anxiety and helps in cases of substance addictions.  The specific properties include use as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic (reducing inflammation or fever), antiseptic, anti toxic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative (expels gas from the stomach or intestines),  digestive,  febrifuge (reduces fever), fungicidal, nerving, prophylactic, stimulating and tonic agent.

Geranium - plant properties are anti-inflammatory, antitumoral (prevents to formation of malignant tumors; anticancer), antibacterial, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, antiseptic, astringent, antidepressant, sedative, homeostatic (stops bleeding), diuretic, liver and pancreas stimulant, detoxification, dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification, insect repellent. Geranium is used for hepatitis and fatty liver, fungal infections (ringworm), circulatory problems, diabetes, skin conditions (acne, cleanses oily skin, revitalizes skin cells, psoriasis, hair, eczema, itchy skin), viral (herpes, shingles), gallbladder, hormone balancing, menstrual problems (PMS, cramps and minimizing heavy flow), digestion, and insomnia.

Now that's Creative!

ZERO Carb Noodles - Can It Really Be True?

OMG!!  These are the best thing on earth!!  

Miracle Noodle - Shirataki Pasta

I came across the Miracle Noodle (Shirataki Noodles) when I was looking for low carb, wheat free noodles.  I was not sure exactly what they were but bought some to try.  These truly are a Miracle Noodle.  

I mean what else has:

• ZERO calories
• ZERO fats
• ZERO net carbohydrates
• ZERO sugars

And is good!

This is a true gem, and I am so glad I found these.  I use them in my stir fry, soups and with my favorite sauces.  Toss in veggies and diced cooked chicken breast - voila, a great tasting healthy low calorie, low fat, low carb meal.

Shirataki Noodles are made from a healthy natural fiber called glucomannan, which is a natural water soluble fiber with not fat sugar or starch.  

These are not new, Shirataki Noodles have been used for over 1000 years in Japan.  They have no real taste, and will take on the taste of whatever you cook them with making them very versatile.  A little chewy and the texture reminds me of a rice noodle or vermicelli noodles.

I highly recommend you try these noodles, I will be posting recipes soon so check back often.

As featured on Rachel Ray:

Miracle Shirataki Noodles. Buy Now and Get 10% Off! Coupon Code: AFF10

Now that's Creative!

Raspberry Almond Bars (Grain-free, Dairy-free)

This is one seriously addictive dessert.  I can not believe how good these are and there is no guilt factor with these, they are actually good for you. 

Wheat free and dairy free, made with almonds and coconut oil - all very healthy alternatives.

So glad I found this on Pinterest, original recipe from The Detoxinista

Raspberry Almond Bars (Grain-free, Dairy-free)

makes on 8"x8" pan

Ingredients:

Crust:

2 cups almond flour or almond meal

2 tablespoons Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon water

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Filling:

10 oz. bag of frozen raspberries

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumb Topping:

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Prepare the raspberry filling by heating the 1/2 cup maple syrup in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring the maple syrup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Add the frozen raspberries and vanilla extract, and bring to a simmer again, allowing the mixture to cook for 15 minutes, until thick.

(Do not cook for longer than 15 minutes, or the pectin will break down and the sauce will not thicken properly.)

For the crust, preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with parchment paper, to prevent sticking. Combine all of the crust ingredients in a food processor, and process until the dough sticks together.

Press the dough into the bottom of the baking sheet, and bake for 12 minutes at 350F. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Prepare the crumbly topping by combining the walnuts, coconut, maple syrup, coconut oil, sea salt and almond extract in a food processor, and process until sticky and crumbly, but still coarse in texture.

Spread the raspberry filling over the crust.  NOTE:  make sure both the raspberry filling and the crust are completely cooled

Then spread the crumbly topping over the raspberry layer.

Return to the oven for 15 minutes at 350F, or until the topping is lightly golden.

Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving. For best shelf life, store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a week

You can gobble them up just as is, or try drizzling some chocolate over the top.

Or how about my famous coconut whip fruit dip for an extra special treat.

Now that's Creative!