Oh, Christmas Tree(s)

by Jenni in


This last weekend we went to a holiday party extravaganza. The woman who puts this party on is one of the funniest people I know and is completely enthralled by Christmas and the decor. How enthralled, you say. She had over 300 Christmas trees inside her house! If you need any help getting in the holiday spirit or an ideas for your Christmas tree, take some from these incredible trees.

The outside up-side-down tree.

The swan on the top of this tree was cut to look identical to the two others next to it. Usually, those two re the legs for the dining room table. You may have already picked this up, but the tree toppers are are the pride and joy of these trees :)

White Chrsitmas

I just love the colors of this all white tree... It is not too easy to see, but there are icicles hanging from the ceiling as well.

This little tree has one of the neatest themes yet. The tree sits on the master bath vanity and is decorated with rings. These rings have a pretty incredible story since she made them by hand to sell  when her children were young and she was a single parent.

Happy Holidays!!!


Gifts for the at Home Gymmer

by Jenni in


I do love working out in the comfort of my own home. No peeping eyes to see my treadmill speed, driving to the gym, or having any concern for how I look- and with all those reasons, you may love your at home gym too! Here are my top picks for at home gymmers... Add it to your Christmas list or get for that other person you never see at the gym.

Yes, this is one of the pricier things on the gift lists so far, but it is worth it. If you want to kick your at home gym experience and results to the next level, get this. The DVD collection comes with a 90 day nutrition plan, exercise guide that shows how to the exercises and helps you determine what P90x-er you are (yes, there are different levels), and more workout DVD's than you will know what to do with. This workout plan will get your muscles in gear for bikini season a bit early and will add a whole new level of fun to your at home gym experience. I still go back to these DVD's when my workout is a bit boring, even after finishing the series. The Cardio X workout is my absolute favorite! 

If you have ever been interested in resistance training or would like some great new options for bands, these are for you. They are easy to keep together and have clips on the ends so you can use them for different workout out. Mmmm, I love them. These bands range in resistance from 5-202 pounds. No, that is not a typo. So, even if you are some crazy strong Hulk-like at home gymmer, you can still get a good workout with these!

Don't let the title fool you. This kit is not just for beginners. The mat is pretty thick and sticks to the ground better than your feet, and the belt that comes with it is wonderful. Whether you love yoga or have never tried before, this kit will suite you well. Plus, it can all be easily stored in some small and unsean shelf!


Meat Free Monday: Pumpkin Pie Minis

by Jenni in


Mini Pies 1.jpg

I happened upon this pumpkin pie recipe over at skinnytaste.com a few months back and have been tinkering with it since Thanksgiving. What I have found is this pumpkin pie is, pretty much, the best pumpkin pie ever! It is supper easy to make and has less than 100 calories per serving. I am still searching and tinkering with healthy and tasty pie crusts, so this one just used the store bought version from fresh market. From what i have gathered, the secret to this being so tasty is mainly due to the fresh pumpkin used. I use two average/small pie pumpkins for this recipe and the results are fantastic!

Cooking pumpkin is quite simple and is the same method I used to make pumpkin soup... Cut the pumpkin in half, lay on baking sheet cut side down, cook at 450 for 45 minutes or until slightly mushy. To get a more detailed approach, click here.

Servings: 35 mini pumpkin pies or 1 whole pie     Prep time: 45 minutes    Cook time: 45 minute- 1 hour for whole pie

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces pumpkin (about 2 small pie pumpkins)
  • 2 tablespoon vegan or regular butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 pie crusts (1 if making whole pie)

Set oven to 350 degrees. Lightly flour area to roll pie dough. Roll dough so it is 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch thick. You want it really thin for the smaller pies. Use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the pie tins or muffin pan you are making the pies in. Cut out the rounds and lightly place in pie tins that have been sprayed with cooking spray. The goal is to form the pie crust into the shape of the tin without tearing the dough or making it paper thin. You may have some remainder, just cut that away and reuse later. 

Quick Method: Use a muffin tin and place dough inside casually so the dough ripples and does not stick to the side... Much quicker and waay easier.

Once the pumpkin has cooled and the flesh is off, place in food processor to puree. Measure out 15 ounces of pumpkin and save the rest for later. Add in the butter and mix again until the pumpkin is even. Mix in the rest of the ingredients and puree again. The pumpkin mixture should be very smooth and liquid-like by this point... It should also smell delicious! Add the mixture into the pie pans so it comes up about 90% of the way. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean. IF you are making one pie, it will need to bake for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes.

Tip: Mix in some nutmeg and cinnamon to your cool whip and serve on the side. Pie is best out of the oven after cooling 15 minutes. Cool whip not included in calorie count.